OPPO's 10x zoom modules will go into production in the first half of 2019

The smartphone OEM OPPO has become associated with the prospect of cameras with up to 10X lossless zoom in its next flagship. This next-gen level of optical zoom is achieved by passing light through a prism, then through a series of lenses placed at right angles relative to the typical rear-facing camera module. These components are projected to be no more than a few millimeters in width, as OPPO claims that they will fit into a premium mobile device without issues.

During an AMA-type session with OPPO fans on Weibo, the company's vice president (VP), Shen Yiren, happened to mention that it will start to produce this next-gen tech in bulk at some point in the first half of this year. Such an announcement improves the odds that a 2019 flagship will be shipped with this new feature. The OEM will also reportedly have 10x zoom prototypes to show off at Mobile World Congress (MWC), which starts 7 days from now (or on February 25, 2019).

The rumor mill has ground out several potential smartphones in which 10x zoom could feature. They include the R19, as its line often includes premium camera features. However, the VP has also recently asserted that it is not being released this year. However, the most probable candidate is the Find Z, which may also be OPPO's Snapdragon 855 flagship this year. Ultimately, MWC will give us the best clues as to the real answer to this question.