OPPO’s Post

I’d like to share a fascinating story from Will Zhou, the brilliant head of our Find Series product line, that reflects OPPO’s relentless pursuit of innovation. This is about a project that wasn’t officially greenlit but sparked endless excitement and creativity within our team. We codenamed it the ‘Parent-Child Phone.’ The concept came about from a pressing user need: people want long battery life and outstanding camera performance without the bulk of a large camera bump. These conflicting demands prompted us to explore new form factors. The conventional route demanded sustained investment in battery and imaging miniaturization technology—an effort that, while rewarding, would take time. Fast forward to today, we’ve made significant strides within these areas. But five years ago, we ventured outside the norm. We imagined a primary 'parent' device housing a large battery and powerful imaging system, alongside a thin, lightweight secondary 'child' device for everyday use. We designed the 'child' device to be just 4.9mm thick, with standard cameras on both sides and a 4000mAh battery. Paired with the 'parent' device, also sporting a 4000mAh battery, this duo provided a compelling solution. It felt like using Bluetooth earbuds with their charging case. For day-to-day tasks, the secondary device sufficed, with the main device in your pocket. Out of battery or need to capture a distant scene? Use the main device. Gaming? Snap them together for full performance. They even communicated via a dedicated protocol to reduce latency. At the time, the concept of a ‘cloud phone’ was also gaining traction. We envisioned a future where cloud computing could take over the main device’s functions, leading to many intriguing ideas and experiments. It wasn’t just a thought experiment. We actually built prototypes and conducted technical research. However, a crucial question persisted: Do users genuinely need such a product? The experience of carrying an extra device proved ultimately impractical, and the project was put on hold. Every exploration has its merit. Many aspects of the design from this project now live on in our foldable lineup. Will’s story reminds us that not every idea will reach the market, but every endeavor contributes to our journey. Innovation requires balancing audacity with practicality, and understanding that true value lies in meeting our users’ needs.