Oppo already copied the iPhone 16’s biggest new feature

As a dedicated Android enthusiast, I must acknowledge Apple’s innovations when they hit the mark. The plethora of MagSafe accessories available for iPhones leaves me envious, and I’ve been urging Android manufacturers to adopt Qi2 technology. The touch-sensitive Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 is undeniably impressive, and it appears that Oppo agrees, as they have incorporated a similar feature on their new Find X8 Pro.

The Find X8 Pro places a significant emphasis on photography, with four rear cameras proudly displaying Hasselblad branding on Oppo’s Chinese promotional page. Each of these cameras boasts 50 megapixels at various zoom levels and apertures, while the front-facing camera is an impressive 32MP.

Of particular interest for comparison is the shutter button. Similar to the prominent change in the latest iPhone, the Find X8 Pro includes a dedicated button for capturing photos. This button is capable of detecting swipes for zooming in and out, switching between different camera sensors in the background, and executing various controls with different taps. Apple’s implementation of this feature is quite impressive, as detailed on our sister site, Macworld.

Oppo’s version of the button is discreetly positioned on the right edge of the phone, mirroring the placement of the Camera Control button on the iPhone. When holding the phone with the rear lenses on the left, the shutter button naturally aligns with the right index finger, akin to a traditional camera setup. A double-tap on the button instantly launches the camera, a functionality already present in the primary power button of most Android devices.

A video showcasing the options of the capacitive button can be viewed at the 2:30 mark below. The button’s central placement on the phone may not be as ergonomic as desired, as indicated by the auto-translated captions.

It’s important to note that the concept of a dedicated camera or shutter button for a smartphone is not new. Physical camera controls have been a part of mobile devices since their early integration into “dumb” phones. Various designs, such as Samsung’s Galaxy Zoom series and devices like the Galaxy S Active and Lenovo/Motorola’s ThinkPhone, have featured extra action buttons for enhanced functionality. Additionally, some gaming-oriented phones incorporate capacitive or physical side buttons for gaming triggers. Many Android phones allow users to capture photos within the camera app using the volume buttons as a makeshift shutter button, catering to users who prefer tactile controls for photography.

The Find X8 Pro is packed with premium features, including a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 processor, rapid 50-watt wireless charging (80 watts wired) for its 5910mAh battery, a 6.78-inch display, and an array of software enhancements from Oppo. The phone is set to launch in China on October 30th, with a global release expected later, priced at 5300 yuan (approximately $745 USD) for the base 12GB/256GB model.

The more affordable Find X8, without the “Pro” designation, shares many hardware components with its higher-end counterpart but excludes the capacitive camera control button and one rear camera module. Similar to Samsung and Google, Oppo reserves the most advanced camera capabilities for its flagship model.

While Oppo and other Chinese manufacturers may not shy away from borrowing design elements from Apple, global competitors may exercise caution due to Apple’s reputation for litigation. The Camera Control button, however, is based on longstanding principles of physical camera controls that predate Apple’s existence, making it difficult to patent or copyright. While direct replicas like the Find X8 Pro’s button may not reach international markets, there could be a growing trend towards incorporating more robust physical control options in smartphones.

Users are beginning to realize, much like drivers, that there is a limit to the effectiveness of an all-touch interface, prompting a shift towards tactile controls for certain functions.