Dreame, best known for its robotic vacuum cleaners, is making a bold leap into the competitive smartphone market. At the AWE 2026 in Shanghai, the Chinese manufacturer unveiled a lineup of 29 smartphone models, headlined by the Aurora NEX LS1 – a device featuring a physically detachable camera module and a brand-new operating system, Aurora AIOS 1.0. This ambitious move signals Dreame’s intent to challenge established players like Apple and Android device manufacturers.
While Dreame has previously hinted at expanding into broader consumer technology, including home appliances, the scale of this smartphone launch is significant. The Aurora NEX LS1 is particularly noteworthy for its modular design, a concept explored by companies like Tecno and Xiaomi, but with what Dreame claims is a more refined execution. The core idea is to separate the camera hardware – typically a bulky component – from the phone’s body, allowing for a slimmer device when photography isn’t the priority.
The detachable camera module connects to the smartphone magnetically, utilizing a clean contact system without cables or fragile connectors. According to Dreame, the module itself houses a 1-inch sensor, comparable to that found in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, alongside a 115mm periscope telephoto lens. Notably, the module similarly contains its own battery, enabling seamless communication with the phone. The current prototype features a completely smooth phone body without any integrated lenses, though Dreame plans to add a small secondary sensor for document scanning and QR code reading in the final version.
Beyond the innovative hardware, Dreame is investing heavily in its software ecosystem. The company announced a commitment of €1.2 billion (approximately $1.3 billion USD as of March 13, 2026) in research and development over the next three years, and the launch of Aurora AIOS 1.0, its proprietary operating system. Details about the OS remain scarce, but Dreame suggests it will be built upon an Android foundation – likely utilizing the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) – with significant customizations.
The Aurora AIOS 1.0 is designed around four core AI engines focused on photography. “AI Imaging” will manage the entire image processing pipeline, adjusting settings based on the scene and user preferences. “AI Privacy & Security” aims to protect user transactions by blocking insecure public networks. “AI Agents” will offer real-time emotion recognition for personalized assistance, and “AI Aesthetic Design” will generate dynamic themes based on the user’s mood.
Dreame’s ambition extends beyond simply creating a novel smartphone. The company is reportedly planning to partner with leading Chinese manufacturers to scale production. This move into the smartphone arena is a substantial gamble, particularly given the saturated market and the challenge of competing with established brands like Apple. But, the modular design and focus on AI-powered features could potentially differentiate Dreame’s offerings.
The company’s investment in R&D and a custom OS demonstrates a long-term commitment to the smartphone market. The modular approach also offers a potential path for future innovation, allowing users to upgrade the camera system without replacing the entire device. Whether Dreame can successfully navigate the complexities of the smartphone industry remains to be seen, but the Aurora NEX LS1 has certainly generated significant buzz.
The next step for Dreame will be refining the Aurora AIOS 1.0 and finalizing the design of the NEX LS1 for mass production. The company has not yet announced pricing or availability, but further details are expected in the coming months. The success of this venture will likely hinge on Dreame’s ability to deliver on its promises of a seamless user experience and innovative features.
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