Although ZTE has already unveiled a smartphone with an under-display selfie camera, it could be a while before the tech goes mainstream. In the meanwhile, we will have to settle for notches, pinholes, flip-top snappers, and maybe even removable rear camera modules that double up as selfie shooters.
91Mobiles has unearthed a patent that suggests Oppo is considering such a design. The document shows a phone with a detachable camera module with two sensors and connectivity options such as USB-C, WiFi, and Bluetooth. To take selfies, you would need to attach the unit to the front of the device.
A patent filed by Oppo shows a smartphone with a removable camera module
The outlet reports that the camera module would have its own lithium-ion battery.
There is no telling if Oppo intends to move ahead with this idea, but it does sound compelling. Under display cameras have a host of challenges to overcome at the moment, and the first commercial versions will probably not match the results of conventional selfie cameras.
A removable module could take care of that problem in the interim. A modular design might also make it possible to upgrade just the camera instead of the whole phone.
