OPPO has today revealed a series of breakthroughs in smartphone imaging technology focused on upgrades to sensors, modules, and algorithms. The innovations include OPPO’s next-generation RGBW sensor, OPPO’s 85-200mm continuous optical zoom, OPPO’s Five-axis OIS technology, and OPPO’s next-generation under-screen camera. Unveiled at OPPO’s Future Imaging Technology launch event, the announcements reflect OPPO’s commitment to optimising existing imaging technologies to allow users to capture top-quality photography with ease.

Next-generation RGBW sensor enhances light sensitivity with improved colour performance

OPPO’s new RGBW sensor significantly improves light sensitivity by introducing additional white sub-pixels(W), ground-breaking DTI technology, and OPPO’s self-developed 4-in-1 pixel algorithm. Providing improved low-light capture, the new sensor captures 60% more light than previous sensors while achieving a 35% reduction in noise* to deliver clearer and brighter images in low-light conditions.

The upgraded sensor also offers improved colour performance. By increasing the level of computing power needed to execute complex algorithms, the sensor maximises the amount of data extracted from white pixels. OPPO’s 4-in-1 pixel algorithm boosts the sensor’s colour performance to prevent issues such as colour inaccuracy. Industry-leading DTI pixel isolation technology and DeepSi processing prevent sub-pixel crosstalk to improve image quality.  The next-generation RGBW sensor is also able to enhance the photo and video portraits, offering improvements to skin, texture and contrast. The new sensor will be commercially released in OPPO products from Q4 2021.

New modules to support super smooth zoom and clearer snapshots

OPPO’s new 85-200mm module delivers continuous optical zoom to support super smooth zoom. Capturing sharp images at every magnification level, from close-up portraits to landscapes, users can enjoy a smooth transition with the continuous optical zoom range for professional-level image quality. The module avoids problems like jumping, white balance inaccuracy, and colour bias experienced by conventional multi-camera zoom systems. The module redesigns the hardware of the existing structural module, with advancements including:

• Adoption of G+P (glass + plastic) lens technology with two ultra-thin, high-precision aspheric glass lenses to boost optical effects such as minimising stray light.
• A tunnel magnetoresistance sensor (TMR sensor) to allow the lenses within the camera module to move with increased stability and precision.
• An upgraded guiding shaft motor to increase the dynamic tilt which the lens system can be moved, supporting continuous optical zoom at higher magnifications.

The new OPPO five-axis OIS guarantees clearer snapshots by receiving and analysing movement data from the gyroscope and using algorithms to break it down into respective components. The data is then passed to the lens and image sensor, which are driven by ball-bearing motors and shape memory alloys. When the amplitude of the movement is relatively large, sensor-shift OIS will be utilised – including horizontal shifting (x), vertical shifting (y), and rolling – together with algorithm compensation, to achieve five-axis stabilisation. This allows a maximum stabilisation angle of ±3°, three times more than traditional OIS technology on mobile devices, while the sensor can also shift with a precision of 2μm. For night-time or motion shots, OPPO’s proprietary algorithm technology improves stability, clarity, and colour performance, increasing the vibration compensation performance by up to 65%. The OPPO Five-axis OIS will be commercially released in OPPO products from Q1 2022.

New Algorithm: OPPO algorithms support next-generation USC to deliver the perfect balance between screen and camera quality

OPPO showcased its next-generation under-screen camera solution for future smartphones. The innovative pixel geometry ensures a 400-PPI high-quality display in the USC area. Using transparent wiring and a new design, the result provides clear display quality with a smoother visual experience. OPPO’s proprietary screen technology enables each pixel circuit to drive only 1 pixel. Combined with OPPO’s precise algorithmic compensation technology, this allows the screen brightness to be precisely controlled with a deviation of about 2%, and an improved screen lifespan of up to 50%.

OPPO’s Research Institute has developed a series of imaging AI algorithms including diffraction reduction, anti-condensation, HDR and AWB, to optimise the imaging quality of the under-screen camera. By training its AI diffraction reduction model using tens of thousands of images to control problems caused by light diffraction, users can capture clearer, more natural images.