This is how smartphones learn to take photographs: An Inside Look at the OPPO Imaging Lab

Ever wondered how smartphones capture those stunning photos? We recently visited OPPO's Imaging Lab, where they put their devices through rigorous testing to refine their photographic capabilities. Here's a peek behind the curtain at this fascinating process:

A Glimpse into the Lab: The lab houses a series of meticulously designed rooms, simulating everyday scenarios like living rooms, bookstores, restaurants, and even a mobile store. This allows engineers to analyze camera performance under various lighting conditions and elements.

The Quest for the Perfect Picture: To achieve excellence, OPPO benchmarks its results against the best smartphones on the market. They compare specific parameters like noise, detail, and temperature, aiming for a balanced outcome. Interestingly, they employ human expertise first to identify the "perfect photograph" among those captured by different phones. If none qualify, a photograph is digitally altered to achieve perfection. This reference image is then used for comparison with OPPO's models.

Robotic Photographers: To ensure consistency, robots are used to capture photos in different scenarios with precise positioning. They take around 1,500 photos per test batch, covering various lighting setups and skin tones for a comprehensive scope.

AI in Action: Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in this process. It compares the photographs taken by OPPO smartphones with the "perfect photograph" and analyzes them based on the chosen parameters. This data is then used to fine-tune camera settings and image processing algorithms, striving for continuous improvement.

Beyond the Lab: This testing procedure is just a small but vital step in the bigger picture. Real-world pictures are subsequently analyzed, and further calibrations are conducted for optimal results. The collaboration with Hasselblad further enhances this process with additional expertise in color science and advanced RAW functionalities.


OPPO's dedication to continuous improvement is evident in their meticulous testing and calibration processes. This commitment translates into exceptional smartphone photography experiences for users, allowing them to capture life's moments with stunning detail and accuracy.

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