X

Xiaomi Concept Smartphone Comes With Full-Size Camera Lens

The Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept gets paired with a 35mm Leica lens.

Dan Avery Former Writer
Dan was a writer on CNET's How-To and Thought Leadership teams. His byline has appeared in The New York Times, Newsweek, NBC News, Architectural Digest and elsewhere. He is a crossword junkie and is interested in the intersection of tech and marginalized communities.
Expertise Personal finance | Government and Policy | Consumer affairs
Dan Avery
Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept phone with Leica 35mm camera lens

Xiaomi's 12S Ultra Concept model attaches to a full-size Leica 35mm camera lens.

Xiaomi

Chinese electronics manufacturer Xiaomi on Tuesday unveiled a new concept phone that allows you to attach a full-size camera lens. A promo clip shows the Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept phone paired with a Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH module, which attaches with "just a simple click and twist."

The 12S Ultra Concept uses an M-mount attachment, Xiaomi confirmed to Android Authority, so M-lenses from manufacturers like Canon and Sigma could theoretically work, as well. The phone is also equipped with a pair of one-inch camera sensors and has software features like focus peaking, zebra lines and a histogram.

Xiaomi did not respond to a request for comment, but Android Authority reports the company said the attachment was strictly a prototype of its 12S Ultra, which came out in July, "and won't be available commercially."

Developed in partnership with Leica, the 12S Ultra has a one-inch-type camera sensor on its rear, much larger than found on most phones. Only 10 were put into production, according to Engadget, with a price tag exceeding $41,000.