From early point-and-shoot cameras to the latest multi-lens smartphones, the evolution of digital imaging technology has always been driven by innovation. In 2024—"the Year of AI"—rapid advancements in artificial intelligence have once again transformed mobile photography. And while most of these evolutions have been welcomed, they have also raised concerns about image authenticity and whether the very concept of photography itself will lose its essence in this new era of AI-driven photography.

To explore these questions, we sat down with Zhe Qian, OPPO Imaging Product Manager, who is leading OPPO's efforts to drive the latest advances in mobile imaging through AI.

"The history of imaging technology is a story of one breakthrough after another," Zhe explains. "In the early days, capturing a single photo could take hours. Today, we can capture moments instantly with just a tap."

"There's no need to fear AI," adds Zhe. "At OPPO, we see generative AI and other advancements as tools, just like regular digital technology. It's these tools that make it easier for everyone to create and capture the beauty of life."

Take the Reins: AI Puts Creative Control in Your Hands

For many people, life's happiest moments—weddings, vacations, concerts—are all memories we wish we could preserve forever. But in the past, the technical limitations of cameras often meant that this was easier said than done.

"OPPO understands its users very well," says Zhe. "Today's smartphone users want to capture authentic visual content that resonates emotionally with them and their audience. They want their photos to be a mirror of everything they value in life, whether it's a wedding, a music festival, or a simple moment of fun during a family trip."

With the introduction of AI technology on mobile cameras, OPPO is enabling users to do just this—putting creative control into their own hands and empowering even casual photographers to effortlessly document life the way they see it.

Dark environments, for instance, have traditionally been a photographer's nemesis. OPPO's self-developed AI Night Portrait solution changes this by employing AI to identify specific facial features and optimize lighting and clarity accordingly. Whether it's an intimate candlelit dinner, a bustling night market, or a lively gathering around a bonfire, AI Night Portrait lets users capture vibrant imagery without compromise.

Lighting dynamics, especially high contrast, pose yet another challenge. Overexposure often robs photos of their natural balance. OPPO's Soft Light Portrait resolves this with three tailored effects:

   ●   Glowy infuses depth and a cinematic mood to the frame, making it perfect for creating a dark, atmospheric feel.

   ●   Misty adds a romantic, softness touch for ethereal portraits.

   ●   Dreamy blends light and shadow for an airy look.

With these, it's easier than ever for users to craft personalized images that faithfully capture their emotions. While traveling, for example, the Glowy effect can beautifully enhance the golden reflections on the sea or dappled sunlight filtering through trees. The Misty effect meanwhile lends itself better to romantic scenes like timeless wedding portraits with a dreamy allure.

"At OPPO, portrait photography is more than just capturing isolated faces—it's about giving meaningful context to the image by making subjects feel connected with their environment," explains Zhe.

AI Brings Pro-Level Features to Everyone's Fingertips

AI doesn't just make photography easier—it makes professional-level tools more accessible too.

"OPPO wants to make professional workflows simpler for experts and give everyday users the ability to achieve professional results," Zhe says.

Nowhere is this mission more evident than in the Reno13 Series' new Underwater Photography mode. Made possible thanks to the phones' IP69 water and dust resistance¹, the feature enables users to shoot vivid photos and videos underwater at depths of up to 2 meters for 30 minutes². But it's not all about hardware. OPPO's bespoke AI color calibration algorithm plays a crucial role in enabling users to capture captivating content beneath the surface by dynamically adjusting focus, color, and contrast to overcome underwater challenges like light distortion and color shifts³.

From capturing family fun at a water park to exploring tranquil underwater worlds, the Reno13 Series transforms anyone into an underwater photographer with no extras required.

"Historically, underwater photography has been the realm of professionals only, requiring expensive gear and technical expertise," says Zhe. "OPPO's innovations break down these barriers to enable everyday users to effortlessly capture their underwater adventures."

For professional-looking photos on dry land, the Reno13 Series also packs plenty of fresh and updated features.

All-new for the Reno13 Series are three Master Filters, which reimagine the nostalgic allure of classic film photography without the need for fiddly analogue equipment. Film CC-Fresh evokes warmth, brightness, and clarity with a clean, modern aesthetic, Film NC-Emerald channels Fuji NC film with a rich, humanistic style and strong contrast, and Film NH-Clear mimics Fuji Pro Neg Hi film with transparent textures and crisp, cool tones.

The Reno13 Pro 5G meanwhile boasts an advanced 3.5x telephoto lens with an equivalent focal length of 85mm and an AI-assisted ultra-long zoom to make long-distance shooting effortlessly easy. Whether capturing the on-stage energy of a concert from far out in the crowd or recording a championship-winning moment on the sports field, AI enhances detail retention even at extreme zoom lengths, empowering users to document moments like seasoned professionals.

No Missed Moments: Flawless Shots Every Time with AI

AI isn't just opening up new creative possibilities in mobile photography, it's also dramatically increasing the margin for error when shooting everyday content, enabling users to recover and perfect flawed shots so that no moment is lost.

Making its debut on the Reno13 Series, AI Livephoto is a smart new feature that enhances every step of the imaging journey—from shooting and editing to viewing and sharing—to deliver unmatched fluidity and stability. During capture, AI Livephoto automatically records 1.5 seconds of footage before and after the shutter is pressed. It also uses electronic image stabilization to ensure the video clips remain clear and steady. On top of this, improvements to the video stream output result in livephotos with a stunning 2K ultra-clear resolution on preview and 1.7K output resolution after video stabilization and cropping, providing users with the perfect way to preserve precious travel memories or action-packed moments with incredible detail.

In the event that the system-selected key frame for the livephoto doesn't quite capture the moment as hoped, AI is on hand once again to save the day. The device's powerful generative AI can enhance user-selected frames by adjusting color and clarity to closely match the original footage, ensuring every frame is perfect enough to be a stunning cover.

For even more photo-fixing wonders, the Reno13 Series' AI Editor serves as a virtual magic wand that can whisk away all kinds of imperfections with a simple tap:

   ●   AI Clarity Enhancer converts blurry or low-quality images into crisp, high-resolution visuals.

   ●  AI Unblur restores sharpness and detail in motion-blurred shots.

   ●  AI Reflection Remover erases distracting reflections from glass surfaces for unobstructed views.

Moreover, AI Clear Face ensures every person in group photos looks sharp and expressive. AI Eraser 2.0 removes unwanted elements while preserving the authenticity of the original image. AI Best Face corrects closed eyes and enhances group portraits.

Meanwhile, in AI Studio Ap, AI Motion leverages advanced generative AI technology to transform still images into vibrant three-second 1080p level quality videos.

Whether helping to recapture missed opportunities or perfecting intricate details, the Reno13 Series ensures every memory is flawlessly immortalized in stunning photo and video content.

Empowering Self-Expression and Creative Freedom

While concerns about AI's implications for authenticity and privacy aren't unfounded, OPPO's position has always been to use AI as an enabler of creativity, not a replacement for human expression.

"OPPO is absolutely committed the ethical development and use of AI," says Zhe. "We label AI-generated content, comply with international regulations on AI, and impose strict safeguards on AI's use in enhancing facial details."

Looking ahead, OPPO envisions a future where universally available AI imaging technology is a force for freedom and innovation in creative expression. Whether that mean's helping to faithfully capture the beauty of the everyday world, or creating unique art, one thing for certain is that AI is set to play an indispensable role in the exciting future of mobile imaging.

1. All Reno13 Series phones have been shown to meet IP69, IP68, and IP66 ratings under IEC standard 60529 when tested under controlled laboratory conditions. The phones are able to withstand 80°C water jets at a water volume of 14–16 litres per minute and water pressure of 8,000-1,0000 KPa for 120 seconds in laboratory conditions. The phone is able to operate with no functional damage after staying submerged at a depth of 2 meters under water at 20-26°C in laboratory conditions. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet phone. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty.
2. Withstands immersion in freshwater (such as swimming pools, rivers, or freshwater lakes) up to a depth of 2 meters for 30 minutes. OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G is not designed for professional diving, and its waterproof performance may diminish over time. We recommend using a professional waterproof case for underwater photography. The waterproofness of the device only supports fresh water, please do not put the mobile phone in seawater without the case. The depth for underwater shooting should not exceed 2 meters, and the duration should be no longer than 30 minutes. Any damage caused by water ingress due to non-compliance with the aforementioned requirements is not covered under the device's warranty.
3. All tests are conducted under professional and controlled conditions.