Celebrating OPPO's Timeless Classics: A Nostalgic Journey Through 20 Years of Innovation

As we take a moment to reflect on OPPO's journey over the past two decades, it's remarkable to see how far we've come in the tech industry. Before becoming a household name in the world of smartphones, OPPO was at the forefront of audio technology, making significant strides with MP3 and MP4 players. In this article, we'll explore some of the classic devices that have played a crucial role in shaping the brand's rich heritage and ongoing innovation in technology.

Today, OPPO stands out with groundbreaking smartphones such as the Find N Series and the Find X7 Ultra's 6x periscope telephoto camera. However, our beginnings trace back to a time when the digital landscape was just taking shape. In the early 2000s, digital music revolutionized how people accessed and enjoyed their favorite tunes. MP3 players emerged as the new essential gadget, transforming music consumption with convenience and portability. This technological shift provided the perfect launchpad for OPPO to enter the consumer electronics market. It was during this period that we began our journey, capturing the imaginations of music lovers with our innovative, stylish, and user-friendly devices.

OPPO X3 MP3 Player (2005)

Let's start our journey in 2005 with the OPPO X3 MP3 player. This tiny yet powerful device was perfect for music enthusiasts who appreciated sound quality. Lightweight and easy to carry, it complemented the active lifestyles of on-the-go music lovers. Does the special design remind you of a certain iconic mascot? The OPPO X3 was groundbreaking in its blend of style and functionality.

OPPO A103 (2008)

Fast forward to 2008, when OPPO introduced the A103. It was our first mobile phone, and it was certainly a charmer. Remember the catchy nickname "Smiley Face?" The A103 had a unique design with a delightful grin on the back, making it stand out from the crowd. This phone wasn't just a pretty face; it supported dual-SIM functionality, making it versatile for both work and play.

OPPO U529 (2010)

Before the foldables, OPPO upped its game with the U529. This stylish flip phone had a minimalist design that was both elegant and functional. Its secondary display was perfect for quick glances at notifications without opening the device. The U529's unique design elements laid down the foundation for OPPO's future focus on combining aesthetic appeal with cutting-edge technology.

OPPO Find (2011)

In 2011, OPPO introduced its first smartphone, the OPPO Find (X903). This pioneering device came equipped with a sideslip cover and a full physical keyboard alongside the relatively new Android operating system. At the time, this combination of features was considered revolutionary. Although the sliding keyboard mechanism made the OPPO Find somewhat bulkier, it was a necessary trade-off for incorporating such advanced technology. The device's robust design was a testament to OPPO's commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering cutting-edge innovations, setting the stage for future advancements in smartphone technology.

OPPO Finder (2012)

The OPPO Finder was a game-changer for the brand, marking a significant evolution in design and engineering. OPPO set up a dedicated development team to engineer a more streamlined and user-friendly device. This effort resulted in the OPPO Finder, launched in 2012, with its ultra-thin profile measuring just 6.65mm. The Finder received international acclaim, which praised its sleekness and outstanding performance. The success of this device not only showcased OPPO's commitment to innovation and user feedback but also set a new trend in the smartphone industry.

OPPO N3 (2014)

Nicknamed the "Camera Master," the OPPO N3 was a groundbreaking device that revolutionized the concept of rotating smartphone cameras. Building on the innovation first seen in the N1, the N3 further refined this technology, resulting in a device that was both elegant and powerful. Contemporary reviews highlighted the N3's unique design and its standout rotating camera, making it one of the most distinctive smartphones of the year and solidifying its place as a memorable and innovative device in the smartphone industry.

Beyond its camera capabilities, the OPPO N3 was designed with user comfort in mind, featuring a side-positioned charging port for easier handling. Its thoughtful size and design cues made it ideal for multimedia use, such as video playback and gaming. This blend of inventive technology and practical design solidified the OPPO N3's place as an innovative device in the smartphone industry.

OPPO R9 (2016)

In 2016, OPPO introduced a groundbreaking flash charging system that would redefine smartphone charging–VOOC. While fast charging is now a standard feature, OPPO's VOOC technology was a game-changer when it debuted. The OPPO R9, equipped with VOOC flash charging, could provide 2 hours of calling time with just a 5-minute charge, setting a new benchmark for convenience and efficiency. The R9's sleek design, featuring a super thin bezel for an almost edge-to-edge display, and its bright AMOLED screen made it a comfortable and visually appealing device. It quickly became a best-seller, capturing 4% of the mobile phone market share and winning the prestigious Swan Award for mobile phone design excellence in 2016.

OPPO Reno (2019)

In 2019, OPPO introduced the legendary Reno series, including the Reno 10x Zoom and Reno 5G, which quickly became icons of innovation. The Reno 10x Zoom featured a periscope telephoto lens offering up to 10x hybrid zoom, complemented by a versatile tri-lens rear camera system, making it the go-to device for photographers and creatives around the world. Its unique shark-fin pop-up camera enabled a notchless screen design, adding to its sleek aesthetic. With powerful performance and a stunning AMOLED display, the Reno 10x Zoom was more than just a camera phone; it was a flagship to remember.

OPPO Find N (2021)

The OPPO Find N marked a significant milestone in the evolution of smartphone design with OPPO's self-developed Flexion Hinge, which utilized a "water-drop" design to ensure a seamless fold. This innovation eliminated the wedge or gap typically found in foldable phones and significantly reduced crease visibility on the inner display. The Flexion Hinge further enhanced the user experience by enabling the device to stand freely at any angle between 50-120 degrees while protecting the inner screen from scratches when folded, providing a compact and durable design. The Find N's marriage of innovative engineering and superior user experience garnered two prestigious wins at the iF Design Awards for both product design and user experience, cementing OPPO's position as a trailblazer.

Wrapping Up–OPPO's Legacy of Innovation

As we look back on the past 20 years, it's evident that OPPO has continuously pushed the boundaries of technology and design. From groundbreaking MP3 players to cutting-edge smartphones, our journey reflects a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence. Many of OPPO's pioneering technologies, first implemented in flagship devices, eventually reach millions of users, fulfilling our objective of bringing amazing tech to all people. Here's to the incredible evolution that paved the way for the next big thing and to another 20 years of pioneering technology!