OnePlus is working on yet another way to hide a smartphone camera, according to a newly discovered patent.
The patent was uncovered earlier this week and follows the recent unveiling of the OnePlus Concept One, which hid its camera using electrochromatic glass.
The new patent, spotted by LetsGoDigital, seems to hide its camera underneath a sliding plastic flap, in a circular housing. The lenses are stacked vertically within the housing. Take a look at the image below.
Related: OnePlus just published a massive list of upcoming video camera improvements
Image credit: LetsGoDigital
A couple of slightly differing models appear in the patent. One has an extra lens and, as a result, is likely the ‘Pro’ version of the phone in question.
Hidden cameras seem to be an emerging trend. OnePlus’s Concept One isn’t alone in pioneering the tech needed to hide a lens. Nokia is also reportedly trialling a device with a hidden camera, according to a recent Twitter leak.
Nokia Anew Tweeted that HMD Global were testing an under-display camera for the Nokia 9.2 PureView.
Oppo is also rumoured to be testing under-screen cameras. So, if we see this feature on a final product, that product could pack a double-whammy of hidden cameras. One under-screen camera on the front and one covered by flaps on the back.
?Great news
HMD is currently testing under-the-display front camera in Nokia 9.2 PureView.#nokia #nokiamobile #hmd #nokia9#innovation pic.twitter.com/NxsFTdDpHD
— Nokia anew (@nokia_anew) January 29, 2020
Related: Nokia’s next flagship could have an under-screen camera
OnePlus’s latest solution is a lot simpler than the concept phone’s monochromatic glass. It would be cheaper to produce too – making it easier offer to consumers at an affordable price point.
It’s worth re-iterating that this is just a patent at the moment. It’s not guaranteed to appear on a final consumer product. However, it looks like it could. A cheaper alternative to the Concept One’s flashy camera hiding solution certainly has the potential to be popular with decision makers at OnePlus.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.