OnePlus has announced the conclusion of its five-year imaging collaboration with Hasselblad, marking a significant strategic shift towards internal development of its camera technology. This decision, conveyed by OnePlus CEO Pete Lau, signals the end of Hasselblad’s influence on the brand’s smartphone cameras, which had become a hallmark since their initial joint venture with the OnePlus 9 series. Meanwhile, the parent company, Oppo, strangely solidified its ties with Hasselblad just months prior, raising questions about the future photographic synergy within the group.
The Evolution of OnePlus Imaging Strategy
OnePlus, the prominent smartphone manufacturer, has decided to terminate its collaborative agreement with the renowned camera company Hasselblad. This five-year alliance, which commenced with the launch of the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro flagship phones, brought Hasselblad’s expertise in imaging to OnePlus devices, significantly impacting their photographic performance. The partnership was instrumental in refining OnePlus’s camera algorithms, transforming what was once considered a weaker aspect into a notable strength. With this separation, OnePlus is now embarking on a new chapter, focusing on the development of its own dedicated imaging system, dubbed the “OnePlus DetailMax Engine.” This move is poised to redefine the camera experience on future OnePlus smartphones, potentially starting with the OnePlus 14 or 15 model, as the company seeks to carve out a unique identity in mobile photography.
The decision to part ways with Hasselblad signifies a strategic pivot for OnePlus, aiming to cultivate its unique imaging capabilities. Since the introduction of the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, Hasselblad's involvement was evident through branding and the integration of specialized imaging algorithms, which contributed to an improved photographic output on OnePlus devices. This collaboration helped address previous criticisms regarding camera performance, turning it into a key selling point for their high-end models. However, the future now lies in the hands of OnePlus’s internal research and development team, tasked with refining the upcoming DetailMax Engine. This proprietary system is expected to build upon the foundational work laid by the Hasselblad partnership, further enhancing image quality and user experience. The industry will be watching closely to see how this independent venture impacts the competitive landscape of smartphone photography, especially given the continued collaboration between Hasselblad and OnePlus’s sister company, Oppo.
Oppo's Divergent Path and Future Implications
Curiously, this strategic divergence occurs concurrently with Oppo, OnePlus’s parent company, reaffirming and extending its own imaging partnership with Hasselblad. Just two months prior to OnePlus’s announcement, Oppo publicly committed to a continued collaboration with Hasselblad, with plans to introduce a new mobile imaging system later this year. This contrasting approach within the same corporate family creates an intriguing scenario, suggesting either a strategic diversification of imaging expertise or a shared, underlying technology base that allows for distinct branding and market positioning. The future camera performance of both OnePlus and Oppo devices will undoubtedly draw comparisons, revealing the efficacy of their respective strategies.
The situation becomes more intricate when considering Oppo’s recent actions. In July, mere months before OnePlus’s declaration, Oppo confirmed the expansion of its collaboration with Hasselblad, promising innovative mobile imaging solutions for the near future. This presents a unique dichotomy within the larger corporate structure, where one brand under the same ownership is severing ties with a key imaging partner while another deepens its engagement. It remains to be seen how this will impact the technological synergy between OnePlus and Oppo, particularly concerning their camera advancements. The OnePlus DetailMax Engine could potentially draw inspiration or shared components from Oppo’s Lumo engine, which has already demonstrated impressive photographic capabilities, as seen in the Find X8 Ultra. The market will closely monitor how these distinct yet potentially interconnected imaging strategies evolve, and whether the separation benefits OnePlus by fostering a truly unique photographic identity, or if it leads to a less cohesive approach across the brands.
