Oppo announced their next-gen UD camera in a press release this week. This latest under-screen technology features a novel pixel grid and AI optimizations to maintain consistent camera and display quality. The press release included sample and prototype images, but a newly-surfaced hands-on video gives us a deeper dive into the phone.
The video was published on the YouTube channel Creator Studio. Our host gives us a tour of the display in different light conditions. Plus, UI closeups of apps and images. The prototype produces accurate colors with no flickering or compromised pixels that were common to previous-gen under-display cameras. There is a slightly visible shadow above the camera module from a certain angle, however.
In the second half of the clip, the host takes a few selfie shots. In comparison to early Oppo demos, these results are lightyears ahead. The glare, fog, and artifacts are cleaned using AI algorithms, delivering crisper, clearer, and blur-free selfies.
The display is manufactured by BOE to produce a pixel density of 400 PPI. The new pixel geometry (with smaller-sized pixels) hides the under-display camera well without obstructing the light. One pixel circuit drives one pixel (1-to-1) instead of the 1-to-2 industry standard. Not only does this setup preserve texture and color, but also gives you more accurate, fine control over brightness.
Plus, note that Oppo has made advances in the under-display camera tech. But the brand has yet to integrate the feature into a mainstream smartphone. ZTE is already working on the second-gen Axon.
