The Xiaomi 12S Ultra stunned us with its 1-inch digicam sensor and Leica co-branding again in July, nevertheless it seems that the Chinese model was engaged on one thing way more bold on the identical time. Earlier right this moment, the “Xiaomi 12S Ultra Concept Phone” was unveiled with an look nearly similar to the namesake flagship machine, however with a second 1-inch 50.3-megapixel sensor occupying the center of the digicam island as an alternative. Let that sink in for a bit. Not solely that, however this new sensor is designed to work with an interchangeable Leica M lens.

Interestingly, Xiaomi has as an alternative chosen to defend this extra 1-inch sensor — additionally a Sony IMX989 with 10-bit RAW assist — beneath a big, round piece of sturdy sapphire glass, versus slicing out a gap for it as you’d discover on conventional interchangeable lens cameras. While this might shield the sensor in opposition to mud and bigger international objects, we do marvel how this additional layer of glass would have an effect on the general optical transmittance. But hey, higher protected than sorry. 

Meanwhile, the 48-megapixel ultra-wide digicam that was initially positioned in the course of the digicam island has been shifted to the aspect, taking on the house that after housed a 48-megapixel periscopic telephoto digicam.

As proven in Xiaomi’s video, with a view to set up an interchangeable lens onto this 5G idea cellphone, you should first unscrew the safety ring across the rear digicam island, then by means of an adapter, you can mount any Leica M lens. As captured by a Xiaomi staffer within the above photograph, the complete meeting with a Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH lens appears to be like reasonably spectacular from the aspect. Previously, the closest factor to this intriguing mixture can be a type of Yongnuo 4G-connected Android cameras (which by no means left China). Or chances are you’ll journey additional again in time and reminisce the great previous days with the Samsung Galaxy NX.

Xiaomi stopped quick at saying whether or not the 12S Ultra Concept Phone will ever be mass produced. All we all know is that this venture was developed alongside the precise 12S Ultra, and ultimately, solely 10 models of the previous had been made. Just a few of these samples had been seeded to some fortunate influencers for some fast hands-on time, however with every unit costing round 300,000 yuan or about $41,210 to make, they higher not drop them.