OPPO launches new Reno models with pop-up cameras. Including 5G model on EE
Unveiled to Tech Digest at an exclusive event in Zurich, Chinese manufacturer OPPO – the fifth largest smartphone manufacturer in the world – has launched its new Reno product range in Europe. Prices start from 499 Euros, up to 899 Euros for the 5G model.
Boasting Pivot-Rising Camera design (see above pic and below YouTube video), 10x Hybrid Zoom and panoramic screen, the OPPO Reno series comprises three models: Reno 5G, Reno 10x Zoom and Reno. All versions benefit from two new gradient colours: Ocean Green and Jet Black.
In addition, the Reno range introduces the first gloss dual-side chemical polishing to eliminate difference in thickness and uses nano-polishing to ensure a smooth finish, successfully creating a perfect transition from glossy to matte.
According to Oppo, the pivot rising structure can be used more than 200,000 times successfully. If the camera is opened roughly 100 times per day, the structure remains operational over 5 years of usage.
Furthermore, the drop protection mechanism can sense in real time when the phone is in free-fall, and will automatically retract the camera to prevent any damage.
Both 899 Euro Reno 5G and 799 Euro 10x Zoom are powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 855 Mobile Platform, which is the first System on Chip (SOC) from Qualcomm which can be paired with a 5G modem. The Reno model is powered by the Snapdragon 710 chipset and ensures a smooth experience with a top-level hardware configuration.
Reno 5G and 10x Zoom also come with a 4065mAh battery, one of the most powerful batteries in an OPPO phone to hit the market.
The OPPO Reno series runs with ColorOS 6, a new custom UI based on Android P (Android 9.0) featuring a brand new visual design using gradient colours to create light, elegant and more natural transitions. ColorOS 6 also improves the Smart and Game Assistant, the Navigation Bar and the Smart System management which intelligently stops the apps that haven’t been used for a while to optimise the battery life.
Reno uses a Corning® Gorilla® 5.0 back glass and is the first OPPO series to feature the ceramic gem, O-dot. The O-dot is an extraordinary addition to the back of the smartphone, designed to gently lift the phone when placed on a flat surface to protect the lenses from a direct contact with the surface.
The OPPO Reno 5G and Reno 10x Zoom feature a 6.6-inch OLED screen (6.4-inch screen for Reno), with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels, an aspect ratio of 19.5:9 and an extremely thin bezel.
These design features provide a screen-to-body ratio of up to 93.1%, completely notch-less. To create this new panoramic screen, OPPO’s R&D teams went beyond its previous water-drop design.
At the launch event in Zurich, Switzerland, OPPO announced EE as its 5G launch partner in the UK. This further extends its ‘5G landing project’ initiative, which was established at MWC earlier this year, to develop 5G technology with global network providers.
Says Alen Wu, OPPO President of International Business:
“Reno will serve as the catalyst for the future of OPPO’s smartphone development, and also as an integral part of our global growth strategy for the OPPO brand.”
Neil You, Managing Director OPPO UK adds: “OPPO are proud to be working alongside EE to launch the Reno 5G smartphone to the UK. As the biggest network in the UK, they are an integral partner in our efforts to bring 5G connectivity to consumers and we are committed to working together to make this a reality for everyone.”
Sharon Meadows, Director of Devices, Partnerships & Business Development, EE, says: “EE Customers with an OPPO Reno 5G will be able to get the most from our new super-fast, high capacity 5G network. Whether they are watching 4K content, trying out AR experiences or gaming with their friends, the Reno 5G will let them tap into the game-changing speeds and connectivity that 5G will bring.”
Ru Bhikha, mobiles expert at uSwitch.com, adds:
“After a Mobile World Congress dominated by 5G-ready hardware, Oppo’s decision to proverbially throw its hat in the ring with the launch of the Reno 5G shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to observers.
“Oppo, which has historically done well in emerging markets, will hope that the temptingly low price point bundled together with next gen functionality will bring UK mobile users on-board.
“The Chinese manufacturer has everything to gain here. Consumer surveys are increasingly indicating that superficial flourishes, like foldable handsets, are doing little to shake an ingrained apathy to smartphone changes that offer little in the way actual upgraded
“The Reno, on paper at least, ticks all of these boxes. Compared to four-figure devices from Samsung and Apple, this is a premium handset at a fraction of the price – and with a camera that means it can go toe-to-toe with the big boys.
“10x zoom ability is the big unique selling point here, shaming your current zoomed-in shots for the blurry messes that they are. Upgrades like this are helping to disrupt the age-old Samsung and Apple duopoly.
“While 5G functionality will mean little to UK mobile users at this stage, it’s good to see Oppo essentially future-proofing the Reno against the rollout of next gen infrastructure in the next couple of years.
“When you consider that many manufacturers have drawn criticism for creating devices that are ‘built to fail’ in the last few years, setting Reno users up for longevity is a strong move by Oppo.”
Oppo Reno key features – from manufacturer
- 10x Hybrid Zoom: Reno 10x Zoom has developed a triple-camera solution consisting of “48MP HD primary lens + 8MP Ultra-Wide Angle + 13MP Telephoto”, achieving incredible high-quality long-distance shots. All three cameras operate in tandem to maximise their respective advantages and optimise image quality at various zoom ranges to achieve the 10x Hybrid Zoom. Besides, the Reno 10x Zoom uses dual optical image stabilisation (OIS) for the main camera to ensure high quality photos at any given moment
- 48MP rear camera and 16MP AI beauty front camera: The primary lens of the Reno series features the Sony IMX586 sensor, with a 48MP ultra-pixel camera, 4-in-1 resolution focusing in low-light scenarios, a F1.7 large aperture, and a laser detection auto focus. The OPPO Reno series comes with a 16MP front camera, with an F2.0 aperture and uses a customised algorithm to correct light effects to adjust to every skin color and make your selfies look more natural, especially in low-light conditions
- Ultra-Night Mode 2.0: With the Ultra Night Mode 2.0, the Reno series can leverage AI, HDR, and multi-frame noise reduction to achieve effects such as noise reduction, handheld stabilisation, highlight suppression, and dynamic range, to enable users to achieve the level of brightness and details that normally exceed the limits of human eyes. A key feature is face protection. When you take a night portrait, the camera can automatically distinguish a human face from the background, and offer special protection for the portrait, ensuring that the skin color is ruddy and making the portrait more appealing
- 4K video and Audio Focus: The Reno series supports shooting 4K videos up to 60 fps. It is capable of capturing a clear and stable picture via OIS. The Audio Focus technology uses multiple microphones from the phone to record the surrounding sounds from 360°. This technology is paired with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos to offer a portable movie cinema on the go.
