Smartphone enthusiasts like me will never forget the time when modular phones were about to change everything. Be it Google’s discontinued Project Ara or the more popular Moto Z series, nothing performed as well as the Fairphone, but even it isn’t as mainstream as some other brands.
So most users live with their non-modular smartphones every day and are already mourning the idea that once raised many hopes. Well, an upcoming foldable device could completely change that discussion.
What exactly is Xiaomi cooking?
I’m talking about the Xiaomi Mix Fold 5. Initial leaks about it suggest that the company is developing a magnetic modular camera system where users will be able to swap, customize or upgrade the magnetic camera modules by attaching a better module or the one the user wants (via Gizchina).
Essentially, the Mix Fold 5’s magnetic camera module would mimic the interchangeable lenses of professional cameras. If the swappable interface actually ships, it could be the most exciting camera hardware on a smartphone in years, or one of the most exciting after Xiaomi’s physical zoom ring on the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
However, I have a pretty hot opinion on this: adding a foldable camera to a modular camera system (with interchangeable lenses) could either be a very clever idea, or a pretty complicated idea that would keep the exciting technology out of the hands of the masses.
Smart or complicated idea?
Compared to their brand’s traditional flagships, the foldable devices already have somewhat weaker camera systems (see the differences in the Fold 7 and S26 Ultra). A modular system that completely bypasses this limitation could be a clever solution to this problem. On the other hand, foldable smartphones don’t sell as well as regular smartphones, and the brand may not get as much attention as the technology deserves.
The silver lining here is that the Chinese smartphone maker does not partner with any third-party company to produce lenses or camera gear. The leaks consistently focus on self-developed modular lenses.
However, this is the extent of the information we have about the alleged smartphone. No confirmed specs, pricing or launch dates yet.
