Oppo has become the first company to showcase an in display camera technology, and just hours later, Xiaomi has also showcased an under display camera tech in the Mi 9 flagship.
Getting into the main story, the one thing that’s stopping OEMs to provide a complete bezel-less experience in the flagships is to house the selfie camera. The companies have tried different design aesthetics like Notches, pop-up selfies, sliders, and even hole punch display, but they are made to house the front camera.
Last year, we were able to witness the very first in-display fingerprint sensor on a phone which was showcased by the Chinese firm Vivo. It was quickly adopted by other OEMs, and we’ve seen it in every major flagship now. Until now, we’ve not seen any firm claiming that they’ve outsmarted the display tech, and embedded a camera inside. Well, Oppo, the sub-brand of BBK electronics has shocked everyone today.
OPPO’s In display Camera Technology
For those seeking the perfect, notchless smartphone screen experience – prepare to be amazed. 📲
You are taking a very first look at our under-display selfie camera technology. RT! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/FrqB6RiJaY
— OPPO (@oppo) June 3, 2019
Oppo VP Brian Shen has posted a video on Weibo showcasing the in-display selfie camera. He mentioned, “At this stage, it’s difficult for under-display cameras to match the same results as normal cameras, there’s bound to be some loss in optical quality. But, no new technology jumps to perfection right away.” Later, it was also posted on their official Twitter handle. There wasn’t an explanation on how the camera works but from Shen’s comment, it’s evident that it’s in a prototype stage, and we’ll be able to see the refined version in the coming months.
Xiaomi’s Under display Selfie Camera Tech
Do you want a sneak peek at the future? Here you go…introducing you to Under-Display Camera technology!#Xiaomi #InnovationForEveryone pic.twitter.com/d2HL6FHkh1
— Xiaomi #5GIsHere (@Xiaomi) June 3, 2019
On the other side, right after a few hours of OPPO’s tweet, Xiaomi’s President Lin Bin posted a video on Weibo and later re-posted on Twitter showcasing a similar in-display selfie camera like the OPPO. The video clearly shows a comparison of Mi9 phones [with and without in-display camera]. It’s unclear on how this tech works, but even it looks like in a beta stage. Previously, the company has filed a patent that has similar functionality. It uses two alternately-driven display proportions that allow light which then passes to the camera sensor.
In both cases, it’s very clear that both of their techs are functional. Nonetheless, we might need to wait a few more months to actually understand how this tech works, till then, let’s start guessing.
