New Delhi: Global smartphone manufacturer OPPO on Thursday unveiled its most advanced imaging innovation yet — the LUMO Image Engine — an integrated computational photography system designed to deliver lifelike images that capture the true essence of human vision. The new imaging platform will debut in OPPO's upcoming Find X9 Series, scheduled for launch in India on November 18.

According to the company, the LUMO Image Engine represents a significant leap in smartphone camera technology by combining advanced optics, sensor control, colour science, and image processing. The innovation is aimed at addressing a common challenge in smartphone photography — achieving natural light, depth, and texture without the artificial enhancements or over-saturated tones that often accompany digital images.

“LUMO Image Engine is the culmination of years of research in computational optics and digital imaging. It allows users to capture the world as they see it — in its most natural, balanced, and emotionally authentic form,” OPPO said in a statement.

The new system comprises four core components — an Ultra-Sensing Computational Optical System, an Ultra-Perceptive Digital Imaging Engine, End-to-End ProXDR, and integration with MediaTek's Dimensity 9500 platform. Together, these elements promise enhanced detail retention, improved low-light performance, and precise tonal reproduction even in challenging lighting conditions.

The Ultra-Sensing Computational Optical System enables dynamic control of lenses and sensors to adjust exposure and focus in real-time. The Ultra-Perceptive Digital Imaging Engine enhances image reconstruction and reduces noise while maintaining true-to-life colours. ProXDR technology preserves up to 16-bit colour depth throughout the capture and post-processing stages, ensuring minimal loss of tonal detail.

In a demonstration, OPPO showcased how the LUMO Image Engine can reproduce light gradients and shadow depth similar to those perceived by the human eye, providing photographs that feel more immersive and realistic. The company added that the system is capable of recognising complex lighting environments — such as backlit portraits and nightscapes — and automatically adjusts parameters to maintain visual harmony.

The Find X9 Series, powered by the new LUMO platform, will feature lenses ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto, enabling seamless transitions between focal lengths without losing clarity. The devices will also support continuous 4K video recording, real-time HDR optimisation, and cinematic bokeh effects.

OPPO said that the LUMO engine's capabilities are not limited to photography but extend to video imaging as well. The system employs advanced motion detection and frame-by-frame tone mapping to ensure fluid and consistent exposure in dynamic scenes.

“With the LUMO Image Engine, OPPO aims to push the boundaries of smartphone imaging. Our goal is to move beyond technical specifications and focus on emotional resonance — helping users tell stories that feel human and natural,” an OPPO spokesperson said.

The Find X9 Series will also introduce AI-based scene recognition and portrait remastering features, leveraging machine learning to refine skin tones, textures, and lighting conditions while preserving individuality and authenticity.

OPPO confirmed that the Find X9 Series will be available for pre-order following its global debut later this month. The new imaging system is expected to set a benchmark for computational photography in smartphones, positioning OPPO as a leading innovator in mobile imaging technology.