At the 2025 Mobile World Congress (MWC), Realme introduced a fascinating concept smartphone featuring an interchangeable lens system designed for advanced mobile photography. This innovative device is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, providing strong processing power. The standout feature of the phone is its Leica M lens mount, allowing users to attach Leica M lenses to the device’s camera. This system opens up new possibilities for mobile photographers, enabling them to use high-quality lenses typically reserved for professional cameras.
The rear of the smartphone includes two main cameras: a wide and an ultrawide, both paired with a custom 1-inch Sony sensor, which enhances image quality and low-light performance. Realme showcased the potential of this interchangeable lens setup by demonstrating the use of 73mm and 230mm equivalent lenses. However, users must consider a crop factor when attaching their own lenses, as the phone’s sensor size is smaller compared to traditional cameras.
While the concept is an exciting development for photography enthusiasts, it is important to note that this device is not intended for mass production. Rather, it serves as a demonstration of Realme’s engineering capabilities and ambition to push the boundaries of mobile photography. The concept is similar to a device launched by Xiaomi in 2022, which also supported Leica lenses, but Realme’s iteration brings its own approach to the table with its combination of sensor and lens technology.
Although the Realme interchangeable lens concept is not yet available as a commercial product, it highlights the company’s ongoing innovation in the mobile photography space. By showcasing this concept at MWC 2025, Realme demonstrates its commitment to offering more flexibility and creative possibilities for mobile photographers, signaling a potential future for smartphones with professional-grade camera systems.
