Realme’s latest Ultra concept phone showcased at MWC in Barcelona blurs the line between mirrorless cameras and smartphones. With a design reminiscent of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, it features a high-end two-tone design akin to classic Leica cameras and a centrally placed camera hub with a 1-inch-type sensor. Unlike traditional smartphones, the Realme Ultra requires external optics for its telephoto lens, offering lenses for portraiture and telephoto shots made by a third party using the Leica L-mount.
In a demo comparing the Realme Ultra’s telephoto performance to the iPhone 16 Pro Max at 10x zoom, the difference is striking. The Realme Ultra delivers exceptional quality with creamy bokeh, akin to DSLR shots. While the iPhone remains more pocket-friendly, the Realme Ultra offers a unique photography experience.
This concept isn’t entirely new, as Xiaomi previously introduced a similar interchangeable lens concept with the 12S Ultra. However, Xiaomi’s concept never advanced beyond the prototype stage. Realme’s Ultra concept faces similar uncertainties regarding mass production. Meanwhile, Xiaomi is exploring another innovative concept for 2025, featuring a sensor built into the lens module that wirelessly transmits images via a MagSafe-style connection.
The future of these groundbreaking concepts remains uncertain, leaving tech enthusiasts eager to see if these innovations will ever hit the mainstream market. Whether it’s Realme’s Ultra concept or Xiaomi’s evolving ideas, the fusion of mirrorless camera capabilities with smartphone technology promises an exciting prospect for photography enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.