Realme has introduced an innovative concept for smartphones featuring interchangeable islands, particularly focusing on the camera island component. This novel design allows users to physically detach and swap out the camera island on the phone, offering multiple shapes and styles to suit individual preferences. The interchangeable islands do not change the underlying camera sensors but serve as customizable aesthetic elements to personalize the device's appearance.
Realme has showcased three distinct designs for these camera islands:
- A round-shaped island, providing a more conventional circular ring appearance.
- A square-shaped island, following the commonly seen "camera block" style on many smartphones.
- A robot-inspired island, featuring an irregular form meant to resemble a face-like aesthetic.
This approach marks a significant departure from traditional fixed camera bumps, creating an entirely new way for users to add a creative and personal touch to their smartphones. The swappable islands are positioned as a fun customization feature rather than a functional enhancement to camera performance. Realme's GT8 Pro is the model associated with these interchangeable islands, expected to be unveiled around October 2025.
Alongside the swappable camera islands, Realme has also demonstrated a broader concept related to interchangeable lenses integrated into the phone's camera system. This is particularly notable in their Realme Ultra concept phone, which combines smartphone features with mirrorless camera capabilities. The Realme Ultra features:
- A 1-inch type camera sensor as the primary sensor.
- An ultra-wide camera unit alongside it.
- Support for interchangeable lenses using Leica's L-mount system with an adapter.
For telephoto photography, users can attach external lenses, with Realme showcasing two specific lenses:
- A 73mm lens offering 3x optical zoom suitable for portrait shots.
- A 234mm lens providing a 10x optical zoom for distant subjects.
These lenses require manual focusing, and users should be steady during use since the phone may lack advanced stabilization features typical of dedicated cameras. This system aims to excite photography enthusiasts by giving a smartphone the versatility typical of mirrorless cameras.
These accessoriesâthe swappable camera islands and interchangeable lensesârepresent Realme's ambition to blend hardware customization and high-quality photography into its smartphone line. The swappable islands add a layer of personalization in terms of look and style, while the lenses aim to significantly enhance photographic capabilities, especially for users who value optical zoom and varied focal lengths.
No comprehensive list of additional accessories like cases, mounts, or adapters specifically for the interchangeable camera islands has been disclosed by Realme aside from the camera island forms and the lens options for the Ultra concept. The company has hinted at the possibility of other swappable design plates or modular elements in future devices if the current implementation is well-received.
In summary, Realme's accessories for the interchangeable islands concept include:
- Interchangeable camera islands with multiple aesthetic designs (round, square, robot-inspired).
- Interchangeable camera lenses for the Ultra phone concept, including 3x and 10x optical zoom lenses utilizing Leica's L-mount adapters.
These accessories emphasize user customization through physical hardware changes, merging style with advanced photography in smartphones. Realme's approach introduces a fresh level of modularity in smartphone accessories, potentially influencing future smartphone design trends.
This is the latest known information on Realme's offerings related to interchangeable islands and associated accessories as of 2025.