After teasing the concept days before INNO Day 2021, OPPO showcased the retractable camera concept with a prototype device after concluding day 1 with Air Glass and MariSilicon X. Confirming what was initially speculated, the main point of the retractable camera concept is to fit a large sensor (in this case, a 50-megapixel 1/1.56-inch IMX 766 sensor) in a phone that is 8.26mm thick.

The idea behind it is that the camera retracts only when you will use it, helping in reducing a phone’s camera bump. When it is retracted, the module provides a 50mm equivalent focal length (or 2x optical zoom), making good use of a large sensor as a telephoto camera. This should give a better image resolution compared to current telephoto cameras available in the market.

Aside from better image quality, the retractable camera concept also aims to refine portrait photography, as its design allows for a more natural look with a vastly improved subject and hair separation compared to current implementations. OPPO also claims a better signal-to-noise ratio with zoomed shots.

Even if it is a moving mechanism, OPPO claims that the retractable camera module is splash and dust resistant, and it can retract automatically in 0.6 seconds if it detects a fall.

Outside of INNO Day 2021, OPPO said that it plans to implement its retractable camera tech to future devices, though it did not give a definite timeline for it.