OPPO patents side pop-up camera because why not?

OPPO’s latest patent sees a unique take on the popup camera design. Instead of their funky sharkfin design used in the OPPO Reno series, they have decided to take things sideways. Their latest patent has the selfie camera pop out from the side of the device. Should we now call it… pop-side camera?

Jokes aside, OPPO seems to plan on using this system to add a secondary flash module of sorts for the rear camera. While Xiaomi has proven that it is absolutely possible to throw on a second flash module onto the back of the phone, OPPO is clearly having none of that. Besides, it’s much cooler to have a pop-up flash. Just like a real camera, eh?

I, for one, do not see the side-mounted position of the pop-up camera to be good for selfies. The angle is rather off and would probably only benefit those whose best side is their right side. Good luck if you think the left side of your face looks better. OPPO most probably did their fair share of research about this though because they are, after all, one of the leading manufacturers of selfie smartphones.

With that said, the design of the camera hump is rather fresh, and I do hope OPPO uses the design shown here in a production model.

Pokdepinion: I still love the Mi MIX’s selfie camera in the bottom corner. My better half disagrees though.