Oppo revives 10x zoom: a tech comeback?

Oppo is poised to launch the Find X9 Ultra, promising a significant leap in mobile photography, and they’re betting on a feature many thought was dead: a 10x optical zoom. While the move might seem familiar—Oppo pioneered this Technology years ago—it signals a potential shift away from the industry’s recent trend towards diminished zoom capabilities.

The return of the periscope lens

The Find X9 Ultra, slated for an April debut in China before potentially reaching European markets, will incorporate a 50-megapixel 10x optical zoom telephoto lens developed in collaboration with Hasselblad. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about recapturing the ability to capture distant subjects with clarity and color fidelity—a feature that’s been gradually phased out in favor of shorter zoom ranges in high-end smartphones. The choice is especially advantageous for portrait photography, avoiding the distortion inherent in wider-angle lenses when attempting close-ups.

But here's the detail few are highlighting: Oppo wasn't a latecomer to this game. Back in 2019, with the Oppo Reno 10x Zoom, they were the first to integrate periscope lenses offering a 10x hybrid zoom. Samsung followed suit in 2022 with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, featuring dual telephoto lenses, including a 10x optical zoom. Huawei’s P40 Pro+ (2019) and the Realme X3 SuperZoom (2020) also joined the fray, showcasing the potential of longer zoom capabilities. Then, something shifted. The industry seemed to collectively decide that 10x zoom wasn’t worth the engineering effort, with many flagships opting for 5x or even 3x zoom ranges.

The perception was that improved software processing was sufficient to compensate for reduced optical zoom. But the reality, for many, has been a disappointing decline in image quality at a distance. Now, Oppo’s decision to resurrect the 10x optical zoom suggests they believe there’s still a demand for—and a technical viability in—long-range mobile photography. It’s a bold move, one that could force other manufacturers to reconsider their own zoom strategies.

The question isn’t simply about whether Oppo can pull it off; it’s about whether consumers are ready to demand more from their smartphone cameras. The Find X9 Ultra’s success could very well redefine the landscape of mobile imaging, proving that sometimes, a little bit of nostalgia can spark a technological renaissance. Oppo’s gamble could pay off handsomely, and the rest of the industry is watching closely.