At Mobile World Congress 2025, realme unveiled its Interchangeable-Lens Concept, a prototype smartphone designed to explore the potential of modular optics in mobile photography, as it had promised. The device features a 1-inch customized Sony sensor and a proprietary lens mount system, allowing for the attachment of DSLR lenses.
The concept was demonstrated with two lenses: a 73mm portrait lens and a 234mm telephoto lens. These lenses aim to provide enhanced optical performance, including shallow depth of field and a claimed lossless 10x zoom.
realme has characterized this prototype as a demonstration of its efforts to address limitations in current mobile imaging technology, such as sensor size constraints and the quality compromises associated with digital zoom. The company is investigating the integration of modular optics to potentially improve image quality.
While the Interchangeable-Lens Concept is currently a prototype and not intended for immediate mass production, it serves to illustrate realme’s research and development in the mobile photography sector.
realme AI-powered imaging technologies
In addition to the hardware concept, realme previewed two AI-powered imaging technologies: AI Voice-based Retoucher and AI Video Eraser.
AI Voice-based Retoucher enables users to edit photos through voice commands. The technology aims to simplify editing processes by allowing users to request specific changes, such as background removal, sky replacement, or the addition of visual effects, through spoken instructions.
AI Video Eraser is designed to facilitate the removal of unwanted objects or individuals from video footage with a single tap. The technology aims to provide a streamlined solution for video editing tasks.
These technologies represent realme’s ongoing exploration of AI integration within its imaging software, with the goal of enhancing user experience and simplifying editing workflows.