I can't recall the date, but in 2023 Xiaomi first unveiled the photography kit for its Xiaomi 13 Ultra in China. (Ok now checked it was 18th April, 2023). This original release marked the first time a smartphone manufacturer offered a dedicated, branded eco-system package to transform a phone into a traditional camera body.
That first first-party Photography Kit introduced - Camera inspired Grip with Bluetooth connectivity to the smartphone, 67mm Filter Adapter Ring, Premium Nano-skin Case, Custom metal Lens Cap and Lanyard - and thus laid the groundwork for future photography kit for the smartphones.
The evolution of Xiaomi’s first-party photography kits shows a clear shift from basic wireless controls to zero-latency, high-power modular systems.
The core differences in connection type, latency, and features across the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, 14 Ultra, and 15 Ultra kits highlight how the hardware has evolved:
|
Features |
Xiaomi 13 Ultra Kit (2023) |
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Kit (2024) |
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Kit (2025) |
|
Connection Type |
Wireless (Bluetooth) |
Physical (USB-C / Type-C) |
Physical (USB-C / Type-C) |
|
Operational Latency |
Low (Minor wireless delay) |
Zero Latency (Instantaneous) |
Zero Latency (Instantaneous) |
|
Internal Grip Battery |
330 mAh |
1,500 mAh |
2,000 mAh |
|
Charges the Phone? |
No (Powers grip controls only) |
Yes (Supplements phone battery) |
Yes (Supplements phone battery) |
|
Physical Controls |
Shutter button, Zoom toggle |
Shutter, Zoom lever, Custom dial, Video button |
Shutter, Zoom lever, Custom dial, Video button |
|
Filter Thread Support |
67mm Adapter Ring |
67mm Adapter Ring |
67mm Adapter Ring |
|
Ergonomic Upgrades |
Leather case, Wrist strap |
Quick-release chassis, Custom rings |
Detachable Thumb Support screw |
In December, 2025 the company announced the accessory line of Xiaomi 17 Ultra into two entirely distinct options:
A. standard Bluetooth Photography Kit
B. advanced Photography Kit Pro.
The advanced Xiaomi 17 Ultra Photography Kit Pro serves as the direct spiritual successor to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra Legend Edition kit, offering refined physical control mapping and structural upgrades. While Standard kit comes with Bluetooth connectivity and just 270 mAh grip power without phone battery supplements.
the BBK-backed giant like Oppo, OnePlus, iQoo, Realme
Later Vivo did with their X-series photography centric smartphones (from X200 Ultra), but only the lens with 200mm telephoto capability. Amazon India lists it on https://www.amazon.in/vivo_X300-Telephoto-Extender_-Additional-Offers/dp/B0G39JYDRM but presently not available.
Due in May 2026 for India launch, vivo X300 Ultra includes an eye-popping 400mm telephoto lens attachment which can be bought separately. vivo x300 Ultra is launched with vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 (200mm), vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra (400mm) and vivo Imaging Grip Kit (equipped with built-in, non-detachable 2300mAh rechargeable battery).
vivo X200 Ultra kit: Furper
Oppo plans to launch similar for their Find X9 Pro. Infact they launched OPPO Hasselblad Teleconverter Kit (costs Rs 30K approx) - which does not have a camera inspired grip but features:
- A massive 300mm focal length teleconverter external lens (featuring an f/2.2 aperture),
- A premium, ultra-slim aramid fiber/metal protective case (that features integrated MagSafe-style magnetic arrays and structural divots around the camera bump)
- Dedicated lens collar support featuring standard 1/4-inch tripod threads
- Alloy adapter ring that supports 67mm professional camera filters
- Specialized case (lacks a massive DSLR-like detached battery grip handle) itself features a two-stage physical camera shutter button and built-in zoom toggle tabs. It connects via low-latency Bluetooth and features its own dedicated USB-C port solely for recharging the internal case battery
Nubia, another Chinese company also has their own photography kit for Z80.
And Realme Ultra - a concept phone was unveiled at MWC 2025 featuring a specialized camera module that supports interchangeable lenses.
Last but not the least, REEFLEX (https://reeflexstore.com) introduces hopping 300-600mm smartphone lens - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/reeflex/capture-the-unreachable-reeflex-telephoto-300600mm-lens/creator
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