Gadgets
Huawei's new camera attachment is really its own device with a dedicated sensor
The Ruiying Z10 modular lens for the Mate 90 Pro Max is essentially a standalone camera that mounts directly to the phone, complete with its own image sensor and zoom capabilities.
The Verge
Huawei has taken the modular camera accessory concept significantly further than competitors by releasing an attachment for its flagship Mate 90 Pro Max that functions as a nearly complete imaging device in its own right.
A camera, not just a lens#
The Ruiying Z10 stands apart from other teleconverter accessories on the market because it contains a full-featured 50-megapixel, 1-inch-type sensor—larger than any sensor inside the Mate 90 Pro Max itself. Rather than simply providing additional glass to extend the phone's focal range, the Z10 fundamentally upgrades the camera system by combining dedicated hardware with the phone's processing power and software. The lens spans a 24-240mm zoom range with an adjustable aperture from f/2.0 to f/4.5, delivering genuine zoom capability rather than the fixed focal lengths found in competing products.
Design and practical considerations#
Huawei engineered the accessory to mount directly to compatible phones using a screw mechanism around the camera island, eliminating the need for an external case or bracket. At 346 grams, it remains more portable than most mirrorless cameras despite its substantial size—large enough that fitting it in a pocket is impractical. However, its weight and form factor place it below typical camera thresholds for venue restrictions, potentially allowing it into venues like concerts or sporting events where dedicated cameras may be prohibited.
Compatibility and host device specs#
The Z10 works exclusively with two models: the Mate 90 Pro Max collector's edition and the Mate 90 RS, the only variants equipped with the required screw-mount. The host phones themselves feature robust imaging systems, including a primary 50-megapixel camera with f/1.4-f/4.0 variable aperture on a 1.1.28-inch sensor, a 200-megapixel 4x periscope telephoto, and a 40-megapixel ultrawide. The devices are powered by Huawei's Kirin 9050 Pro chip, include a 6,800mAh battery, and sport 6.9-inch OLED displays capable of reaching 12,000 nits peak brightness.
