Xiaomi’s latest concept smartphone features an interchangeable Leica M Lens

The Xiaomi 12S UltraWe were surprised by the 1-inch camera sensor and Leica branding back in July. But, it turned out that the Chinese brand was also working on something much more ambitious. The “Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept Phone”, which was almost identical in appearance to its flagship model, was revealed earlier today. However, it featured a completely new design. SecondInstead, the 1-inch 50.3-megapixel sensor occupies the middle of the camera isle. Let this sink in for a moment. The new sensor can be used in conjunction with an interchangeable Leica M lenses.

Interestingly, Xiaomi has instead chosen to shield this additional 1-inch sensor — also a Sony IMX989 with 10-bit RAW support — underneath a large, circular piece of durable sapphire glass, as opposed to cutting out an opening for it as you’d find on traditional interchangeable lens cameras. This would protect the sensor from dust, larger foreign objects, but we wonder how the extra glass would impact optical transmittance. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

In the meantime, the ultra-wide camera of 48 megapixels that was originally placed in central part of the camera island has been moved to the sides, taking up the space once occupied by a 48 megapixel periscopic camera.

Xiaomi’s video shows that you will need to remove the protection ring from the rear camera island in order to mount an interchangeable lens. The adapter will allow you to mount any Leica M lenses. In the photo above, a Xiaomi staffer captured the entire assembly with a Leica Summilux 35mm f/1.4 AsPH lens. It looks quite impressive from the sides. This combination is a far cry from the one that was used in the original. Yongnuo4G-connected Android cameras, which have never left China You can also travel back in time to reminisce about the good times with the Samsung Galaxy NX.

Xiaomi did not say whether the 12S Ultra Concept Phone would ever be mass-produced. We know that the project was created alongside the 12S Ultra and only 10 units were produced in the end. A few of the samples were given to lucky influencers to give them some hands-on time. Each unit is about 300,000 yuan (or $41,210) to make so they might as well keep them.