Key to its success is Xiaomi’s LaserLink technology. This is a proprietary optical communication module, apparent as a small dot on the back of the phone and the lens where data is transferred as light (near-infrared laser) at speeds of up to 10 Gbps. It’s fast enough to work in concert with Xiaomi’s AI and computational photography on the phone in a way that traditional external lenses cannot.
The lens has two pins that connect on the back to draw power from the phone, and Xiaomi says the power draw of the lens is comparable to a built-in camera system. It’s portable enough to slip in a bag or pocket and the simple plug-and-play nature makes it easy to use. This system could allow for a whole range of specialist lenses for photographers, though you’ll have to remember to take them with you, which negates one of the big advantages of regular phone cameras.
Photograph: Simon Hill
Considering the LaserLink technology and power transfer, it seems like this system could allow for a whole range of other magnetic accessories beyond photography. I’m thinking about chargers, power banks, and mobile game controllers (the low latency is perfect for gaming). It may also one day enable you to connect seamlessly to other devices in Xiaomi’s broader ecosystem, which includes speakers, all sorts of smart home gadgets, and even cars. There’s no Qi2 support in the Xiaomi 15 range, but this new proprietary system could be why it was passed over.
Before you get too excited, this is still just a concept with no firm release schedule or pricing. We’ve seen modular phones fail and disappoint before, including efforts from Google, LG, Motorola, and most recently HMD. But Xiaomi’s prototype was surprisingly polished, and the potential of a system like this is obvious. More balanced designs without huge camera modules, but the option to rival a dedicated camera when I need to? Sign me up.