Xiaomi’s latest concept phone enables the attachment of a full-size Leica camera lens to the back of a prototype version of the 12S Ultra. The earlier-released version of the smartphone is already famous for having a 1-inch-type camera sensor on its back, which is significantly bigger than those generally used in phones and more in line with what you could find in a tiny standalone camera. Xiaomi’s latest idea includes a secondary 1-inch sensor as well as a full-size lens.
Xiaomi illustrates how the idea is planned to function with lenses from Leica’s M-series portfolio in a teaser clip. GSMArena says that the Chinese tech behemoth previously partnered with Leica to co-develop the camera system utilized in the 12S Ultra, which includes working jointly on the design of its optics. However, it claims that upgrading to a full-size camera lens transforms the smartphone into a “professional photo-making tool,” with advantages such as “genuine depth of focus” rather than the software-based background blurring techniques present in most smartphones.
It’s an intriguing idea. In recent years, smartphone cameras have made great progress by utilizing computational photography to overcome their relatively limited sensor and lens technology. This begs the issue of what outcomes may be obtained by combining the AI photographic intelligence of a flagship smartphone with the hardware of a standalone mirrorless camera. Xiaomi’s approach is similar to accessories such as Hasselblad’s MotoMod adapter for the Moto Z.
Xiaomi claims that the concept phone would use its AI Image Solution to process images and will support 10-bit RAW shooting. The attachable lens would be compatible with the camera app, which would provide software capabilities like focus peaking, zebra lines, and a histogram.
Unfortunately, Xiaomi has no imminent plans to market the gadget, according to Android Authority, and the firm has been satisfied to let prior concept items, such as this smartphone with a quad-curved waterfall display unveiled in February 2021, stay concept devices.
