Smartphones are a photography essential, and modular phones go one step further by allowing individuals to swap components—camera lenses, say—to be able to get improved performance. Modular smartphones are readily adjustable, and they permit photographers to tailor their phone cameras to specific shooting requirements. If you need a wide-angle lens to photograph landscapes, a telephoto lens to zoom in on something in the distance, or a macro lens to take close-up shots, these modular phones excel at adjusting.
These are some of the best modular phones with camera lens capabilities, providing professional-grade photos without the hassle of a separate camera.
1. Motorola Moto Z Series (Moto Mods)
Motorola Moto Z line introduced modular phones to the masses in the form of its Moto Mods platform. Its most popular module is Hasselblad True Zoom Mod, which attaches magnetically to the phone and makes it a pocket camera with 10x optical zoom and Xenon flash. It’s much superior to digital zoom and provides improved picture quality even in low light.
Additionally, Moto Mods also contain other features such as projectors and speakers, and the Moto Z series is possibly the most varied modular phone. Though Motorola does not manufacture new Moto Mods anymore, existing ones are a great platform for the hobbyist who prefers modular photography.
2. Fairphone 4 – A Modular, Sustainable Option
Fairphone 4 is not just a modular phone, it’s an ethical and sustainable long-lasting phone. Although officially no camera lens mods are supported, it‘s a simple task for the owners to swap or upgrade its parts like the camera module because it’s on a modular system. Fairphone 4 has a dual-camera setup (48MP primary + 48MP ultra-wide) that can be easily swapped with an upgraded version if Fairphone releases upgraded components.
For hobby camera phones, that means one that is future-proofed and upgradeable without having to replace the phone itself. Although it doesn’t have snap-on lenses à la the Moto Z series, being able to swap out the camera hardware is a big plus.
3. Shift6mq – A Repairable and Modular Camera Phone
Shift6mq is a mod-capable smartphone with design intent to be extremely repairable and moddable. German-made, it does include functionality for users to remove and/or replace the camera module, i.e., for improved performance to use throughout its lifespan. It has a 24MP rear camera and 16MP front camera to enable highly capable image-capturing capability.
Unlike typical camera modules in modular phone design, the Shift6mq encourages replaceability and longevity, thus appealing to environmentally aware users who also require a better camera experience. Replacing it with a new camera module will ensure that the phone will be up to date in future years.
4. LG G5 – The Modular Smartphone Camera Pioneer
LG also pioneered the offering of a modular phone with exchangeable camera modules. A notable configuration under the name “LG Friends” was the LG Cam Plus module for LG G5. The camera had physical buttons, an extra battery, and a larger grip for effortless handling when shooting pro-level shots.
While LG’s foray into modularity was brief, the G5 is a throwback-inspired excursion into the realm of modular smartphones. Having a dedicated camera module was an ahead-of-its-time move, but one that paved the way for smartphone camera innovations to follow.
5. RED Hydrogen One – A Cinematic Approach
RED Digital Cinema designed the RED Hydrogen One as a premium camera phone with modularity. While never popular, the Hydrogen One had removable camera modules that would enhance camera and video functions. The phone had a holographic display, one of the boldest modular phones.
Although its modular architecture never materialized, Hydrogen One was an innovative attempt at merging smartphone convenience with pro-grade camera ability. The promise of next-generation smartphones as high-end, replaceable camera modules is a tease for photographers.
Conclusion
Interchangeable camera lens attachments on modular phones offer an exciting way of mobile photography customization. From the Moto Mods to the LG G5’s exchangeable camera handles and the interchangeable camera modules of Fairphone 4, such phones boast versatility that the non-modular phones can only dream of. Much as the modular phone industry continues to evolve, it cannot be argued that smartphone photography can match professional-grade photography.
With advances in technology, future phones will more and more use modular camera setups, which will make it easier to upgrade and improve camera capabilities on the phone. If you are a photography enthusiast who wants an upgradeable and switchable camera phone, these module phones are perfect for you.
