Realme brought a “revolutionary interchangeable lens concept” called Realme Ultra to MWC 2025 this year. It’s a flagship smartphone that features a massive circular main camera unit with support for professional-grade interchangeable lenses.
At the exhibition, the developers presented a conceptual smartphone with two interchangeable lenses: a 73-mm portrait lens and a 234-mm telephoto lens with 10x zoom. According to a company representative, such an optical system provides exceptional image clarity, “previously unthinkable for mobile devices,” as well as 10x zoom without loss of quality.
While the Realme Ultra remains a concept and is not in production, the company emphasizes that the device reflects its commitment to expanding mobile photography capabilities. Developers continue to seek solutions to key industry issues, including sensor size limitations and the trade-offs associated with digital zoom when using modular optics.
The Realme Ultra camera is based on multiple sensors. In addition to the 1-inch CMOS sensor that is used for the interchangeable lens, the device has a Sony IMX989 sensor and a Sony IMX890 ultra-wide-angle sensor. Both sensors deliver high performance, but it is the 1-inch sensor that plays the key role here.
To work with interchangeable lenses, you need to install a special adapter on your smartphone, after which you can connect the desired optics. The camera interface provides shortcuts for quickly switching to the appropriate shooting mode.
Realme uses manual focus lenses with an aperture ring, making it difficult to get sharp shots without a tripod. Since the lenses are heavier than the smartphone itself, a tripod and additional accessories may be necessary, as is the case with professional solutions for the Xiaomi Ultra.
When the subject is in focus, the camera beeps to confirm that it is ready to shoot. Shutter lag is minimal, but still present. It will take some time to master this system and take quality photos on a regular basis.
The smartphone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, indicating that the concept has been in development for a long time. Realme is apparently planning to bring this product to market, but the timing of its release is still unknown.