OnePlus may have patented a hidden-camera phone, but not as you might think

Recently, OnePlus showcased its first concept device at CES 2020. This was the first of its phones to integrate electrochromic technology, which also allows for automatic color-shifting in the glass of high-end automobiles such as those of this OEM's brand-partner McLaren. Now, a new patent allegedly linked to the same mobile-tech company seems to suggest it is looking to solidify this nascent position as a "hidden-camera phone" brand.

It shows a phone that does bear somewhat of a resemblance to OnePlus' pre-existing 7T phone, in that it has a round housing for its rear cameras. However, this design distinguishes itself by exhibiting lenses that can be obscured behind additional components found in this module.

Then again, the design suggests that the same components are mechanical (and also probably manual) in nature, rather than delivered through anything more advanced such as electro-chemical materials or finishes.

On a more high-tech note, the images in this alleged OnePlus patent have a front panel completely uninterrupted by notches or even punch-holes of any kind. This suggests that a more up-to-date solution such as under-display selfie cameras are also in play in this IP.