As the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, MWC showcases both conceptual advancements and market-ready devices, giving us a glimpse into the future of smartphones. This year, we some some interesting reimaginations of familiar concepts for smartphone photography. From modular optical systems to AI-powered enhancements, here are the most exciting smartphone camera innovations unveiled at MWC 2025.

Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System

Xiaomi introduced a revolutionary Modular Optical System, a concept designed to bring DSLR-like capabilities to smartphones. Similar to the SONY QX lenses launched in 2013 as well as more recent systems like SwitchLens, Xiaomi improves on this tech with the use of magnets.

The system features a detachable 35mm f/1.4 prime lens and a Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) image sensor, which attaches magnetically to the phone via Xiaomi’s LaserLink Communication technology. This setup allows users to swap out lenses, much like professional cameras, while maintaining the computational photography benefits of smartphones.

While this concept is not yet slated for mass production, Xiaomi’s innovation highlights a future where mobile cameras could rival dedicated mirrorless cameras in both flexibility and quality.

Realme’s Interchangeable-Lens Concept and AI Features

realme is also treading down the same path as Xiaomi with its prototype interchangeable-lens smartphone. 

Similar to the Modular Optical System, realme’s concept phone enables users to attach DSLR-grade lenses directly to their device. The prototype uses a customized 1-inch Sony sensor paired with a proprietary lens mount system.

During the event, realme demonstrated the system with 73mm portrait and 234mm telephoto lenses, showcasing the potential for professional-grade mobile photography. In addition, Realme unveiled a suite of AI-powered imaging tools, including voice-based photo editing and a video eraser tool that can remove unwanted objects from footage.

While the interchangeable-lens system remains a concept, Realme’s AI advancements will likely make their way into upcoming smartphones.

nubia Focus 2 Ultra

ZTE’s nubia Focus 2 Ultra’s innovation is something a little more realistic.

Also a photography-focused smartphone, the nubia Focus 2 Ultra introduces a rotatable lens ring, allowing users to shift between different focal lengths seamlessly instead of tapping on focal lengths on the UI.

Paired with the NEOVISION AI Photography System, this unique feature enhances both portrait and landscape shooting by optimizing image clarity and focus. The device is also compatible with a dedicated camera grip, mimicking the ergonomics of a traditional camera. Unlike some of the other concepts at MWC, the nubia Focus 2 Ultra is confirmed to launch in select markets, priced at €299, making high-end mobile photography more accessible.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Leica-Powered Imaging Excellence

Something mobile photography enthusiasts can definitely look forward to is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

Launched and already rolling out to global markets, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra showcases an impressive Leica-engineered quad-camera system.

The four cameras available cover 14mm to 100mm focal lengths and include a 50MP primary sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and dual telephoto lenses. What sets the 15 Ultra apart from other current smartphones is its attachable lenses and shutter buttons, providing an old-school camera experience while integrating Xiaomi’s cutting-edge computational photography.

Other camera tech at MWC

Samsung’s AI-Enhanced Camera Innovations

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series introduced AI-powered camera enhancements, including multi-frame processing that differentiates between moving and static subjects for sharper images. Additionally, the 50MP ultra-wide sensor and AI remosaic technology improve image clarity and color reproduction.

Google’s Accolades for Pixel 9 Pro and Gemini AI

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro won “Smartphone of the Year” at MWC 2025, recognized for its industry-leading camera software and computational photography. Meanwhile, Gemini AI, Google’s latest AI assistant, earned the “Breakthrough Innovation in Devices” award for its advanced image recognition and editing capabilities.

Nothing’s Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro

Nothing unveiled the Phone (3a) and (3a) Pro, which feature AI-assisted photography and information space that dynamically adjusts settings based on lighting conditions. These devices offer high-quality imaging at a mid-range price point, catering to budget-conscious users.

Final thoughts

Mobile photography is only getting more sophisticated and advanced as each day passes. It’s nice to see companies exploring and refining older concepts, like interchangeable lenses, adopting them for today’s technology. While the most interesting concept phones, like Xiaomi’s Modular Optical System and realme’s interchangeable lenses, probably won’t be making it to market any time soon, it’s still very promising to see what the future has in store.

We can, at least, enjoy devices like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra which still give a very premium mobile photography experience compared to others.