What if your phone’s camera was much, much bigger?
1 min read
Summary
Chinese phone companies Xiaomi and Realme have produced two concept phones designed to combine the functions of a smartphone with a digital SLR (DSLR) camera, in a trend that sees phones’ built-in cameras continually grow larger.
Xiaomi’s concept is based on its existing Xiaomi 15 phone, with a magnetic ring on the back to which different detachable camera lenses can be attached, including a separate lens with a built-in 100-megapixel 4/3-type sensor.
Realme’s concept attaches a DSLR lens to the phone via a mount, and incorporates a one-inch Sony sensor, again detachable.
Both designs mean the weight and bulk of a DSLR camera can be combined with the connectivity and versatility of a smartphone.
However, both also pose challenges: Realme’s design makes the phone awkward to hold and is far from compact, while Xiaomi’s concept, though more balanced, has a detachable lens that is not interoperable with other lenses.
Both companies were showcasing their concepts at this year’s Mobile World Conference.