According to a recent post on Weibo by renowned tipster Digital Chat Station, OnePlus is gearing up for a major camera upgrade in its upcoming flagship smartphone, tentatively named the OnePlus 12.
Digital Chat Station, who has a track record of accurately leaking information, revealed that OnePlus is currently testing a periscope camera for a device associated with the model number “SM8650.” Interestingly, this model number aligns with the rumored identity code for Qualcomm’s next-generation chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
Analyzing the available information, we can piece together some key details about the OnePlus 12. It will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s top-of-the-line application processor for 2024, and it’s expected to incorporate a periscope camera, a feature that allows for enhanced optical zoom capabilities.
Both OnePlus and Realme, sister brands under the BBK Electronics umbrella, are reportedly exploring the inclusion of periscope cameras in their smartphones featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC.
Notably, the Weibo post by Digital Chat Station also mentions that not all phones utilizing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 will adopt the OmniVision 64B image sensor, which has been employed in various telephoto lenses with periscope cameras. The integration of a periscope camera in a smartphone is particularly significant because it enables optical zoom beyond what is typically achievable with a device of such compact dimensions.
A periscope camera achieves this by utilizing folded lenses and mirrored prisms to redirect and capture light, facilitating greater magnification. For instance, the OnePlus 11 offers 2x optical zoom without a periscope camera, whereas the Pixel 7 Pro, featuring a periscope camera, can provide users with up to 5x optical zoom. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, which also boasts a periscope camera, elevates the optical zoom capabilities to an impressive 10x.
In summary, the upcoming OnePlus 12 is anticipated to leverage Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and introduce a periscope camera to enhance its photography capabilities.
This development aligns with the broader trend within the smartphone industry, where manufacturers are continually pushing the boundaries of imaging technology to deliver greater zoom functionality and improved photographic experiences to users.