The development of glass-plastic hybrid lens technology is accelerating. Recently, REDMI launched its first-ever Pro Max model—the REDMI K90 Pro Max—with the K90 series selling over 130,000 units on its debut day, a 120% increase compared to its predecessor. Alongside its 1/1.31-inch ultra-large sensor main camera, the device features a 1G6P glass-plastic hybrid lens as a key component of its imaging system. This marks the fourth flagship model in less than six months to adopt AAC TECH's (02018) WLG hybrid lens technology. The previous three include the Xiaomi MIX Flip 2 and Huawei Pura 80 series launched in June, followed by the Xiaomi 17 series in September—the latter two achieving sales in the millions to tens of millions.
Glass-plastic hybrid lenses have gained increasing popularity among manufacturers in recent years, particularly in 2025, due to breakthroughs in imaging quality, module thickness control, and mass production feasibility. Glass lenses (G) offer superior refractive index and lower dispersion, effectively correcting spherical and chromatic aberrations while enhancing edge resolution and image uniformity. Their excellent thermal stability (with a much lower expansion coefficient than plastic) minimizes focus shifts caused by temperature variations, ensuring consistent performance in outdoor photography and video recording.
Structurally, replacing plastic with glass in hybrid designs achieves higher optical performance with fewer lens elements, reducing total module thickness. For instance, a 6P+1G configuration can cut thickness by approximately 10% compared to traditional 7P lenses, offering greater flexibility in smartphone internal design. Additionally, glass lenses’ high light transmittance improves overall light intake, enabling larger apertures for better low-light performance and bokeh effects.
Lu Weibing, a Xiaomi executive, noted on Weibo that AAC TECH’s 1G+6P WLG hybrid lens with multi-layer coating significantly reduces glare. Xiaomi’s official materials highlight its effectiveness in minimizing flare, haze, and ghosting. REDMI and Xiaomi have been pioneers in hybrid lens adoption, with the 2022 REDMI K50 Ultra being the world’s first smartphone to feature a 100MP WLG hybrid lens. Subsequent models like the Xiaomi Civi series, MIX Fold, and MIX Flip have repeatedly incorporated AAC TECH’s WLG technology. The recent adoption in Xiaomi’s mainstream flagship 17 series signals the technology’s broader market penetration.
From initial industry skepticism, glass-plastic hybrid lenses have rapidly entered a phase of active adoption by major manufacturers. Over 20 smartphone models from brands like Xiaomi, Sony, vivo, and Transsion have adopted the technology, primarily for rear main cameras. The Huawei Pura 80 series, with projected shipments in the tens of millions, further solidifies its industry validation.
Early challenges in cost and yield have been mitigated through core process advancements. AAC TECH, an early advocate of the technology after acquiring Denmark’s Kaleido in 2010, has achieved breakthroughs in mass production. Its 4-inch wafer processing molds now enable ultra-precise 150-cavity molding, boosting efficiency by tens of times compared to traditional glass aspheric pressing.
Industry sources indicate AAC TECH’s WLG lens shipments will exceed 10 million units in 2025—matching its total output from the past 2–3 years—with a projected 50% YoY growth in 2026. Beyond smartphones, the technology is expanding into automotive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), where it balances thermal stability and imaging quality while reducing cost and weight versus all-glass lenses. Analysts predict over 30% of new flagship phones will adopt hybrid lenses, with ADAS applications growing at over 50% annually.