Realme caused a stir at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 with an innovative concept smartphone. What makes this device so special is that it is the first smartphone from Realme to be equipped with an interchangeable camera lens, thereby taking a completely new approach to mobile photography. By using a 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor and a Leica M-mount connection, professional camera lenses can be used directly on the smartphone. This concept could be particularly interesting for photographers and creatives who want to combine the image quality of DSLR cameras with the flexibility of a smartphone.
The most important features at a glance
- 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor: Offers improved image quality with more detail and better light sensitivity.
- Leica M-mount connection: Allows the use of professional camera lenses, enabling greater creative freedom.
- Two specialized lenses: A 73mm portrait lens (~3x zoom) and a 234mm telephoto lens (~10x zoom) were presented.
- Additional cameras: In addition to the main sensor, there are two additional rear cameras (main and ultra-wide angle) for more versatility.
A new approach to mobile photography
With this concept smartphone, Realme aims to close the gap between smartphone photography and professional cameras. While current smartphones are equipped with ever more powerful camera sensors, the optics often remain the limiting factor due to the compact design. The ability to use high-quality lenses could open up a whole new dimension in smartphone photography.
At the heart of the concept is the 1-inch Sony CMOS sensor, which offers improved light capture and significantly higher image quality than conventional smartphone cameras. The sensor should be able to show off its strengths particularly in situations with poor lighting conditions or when taking pictures with a shallow depth of field.
One of the biggest innovations is the Leica M-mount connection, which allows the use of professional camera lenses. This gives users access to a wide range of high-quality lenses that can be used for various photographic scenarios. Realme presented two special lenses at the MWC:
- 73mm portrait lens – Enables shots with a natural bokeh effect, ideal for portrait photography.
- 234 mm telephoto lens – Offers approx. 10x magnification and is particularly suitable for detailed shots from a great distance.
In addition to these special lenses, the smartphone has two other conventional rear cameras, including an ultra-wide-angle camera. This means that the device can still be used like a normal smartphone even without the lens attached.
Practical challenges and first impressions
As innovative as the concept is, it does come with some challenges. The use of DSLR lenses significantly increases the weight of the smartphone, which has an impact on handling. Users report that one-handed shooting is hardly possible and the balance of the device changes.
Another disadvantage is the lack of an integrated telephoto camera. Without an attached lens, the only alternative is the digital zoom, which means lower image quality compared to native telephoto lenses.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
During the presentation at the MWC, Realme showed some sample images that demonstrate the potential of the new system. The concept smartphone produced impressive results, particularly in detail shots and portrait photos. However, the question remains as to how practicable the approach is in everyday life and whether users are prepared to carry additional accessories for better photos.
Conclusion: Revolution or niche product?
Realme’s concept smartphone is a bold innovation and could permanently change the way smartphone photography is perceived. The ability to use professional lenses is particularly interesting for photographers and content creators who want maximum control over their shots.
However, the concept also poses practical challenges, particularly in terms of size, weight and ease of use. Whether and when Realme will turn this concept into a market-ready product remains to be seen. If the company finds a workable solution to these challenges, it could herald a new trend in the smartphone industry – otherwise it will probably remain a fascinating experiment for a very specific target group.
