How OPPO re-engineered optical zoom with QPPS technology

• Quintuple Prism Periscope system (QPPS) bounces light across five separate prism surfaces before it reaches the sensor

New Delhi, May 5, 2026 – OPPO is launching the OPPO Find X9 Ultra in India that extends what a phone camera can do without adding bulk or relying on heavy processing. At the centre is a redesigned periscope system that delivers 10× optical zoom from within a compact module. Around it sits a full camera setup tuned for range, consistency and control. The approach is to capture more of the image optically, stabilise it in hardware, and use software to refine rather than rebuild. The result is an all-round camera phone that gives creators reliable tools across distance, light and subject.

First in smartphone imaging: Quintuple Prism Periscope Structure

Most high-end smartphones today utilise periscope-style telephoto lenses, where a single prism redirects light sideways to create more room for lens elements. While this design enables moderate optical zoom, it still operates within tight spatial limits. On the Find X9 Ultra, OPPO replaced this conventional single-reflection approach with the industry-first Quintuple Prism Reflection Periscope Structure.

In practical terms, light entering the telephoto lens is reflected five times within the module before reaching the 50MP sensor. This intricate internal architecture folds the optical path into a remarkably compact 29mm space while effectively increasing the distance the light travels. The outcome is a much longer focal length without a proportional increase in module size, enabling a true 10x optical zoom that delivers an approximate 230mm equivalent focal length.

Extending optical zoom at a hardware level has profound implications for daily imaging. At longer focal lengths, images retain more authentic detail because they rely less on cropping or digital interpolation. Subjects can be framed tightly without sacrificing clarity, and the background compression behaves much more like a traditional telephoto camera lens.

For creators, this means capturing a performer from the back of a stadium or photographing distant wildlife with a natural separation between the subject and the background. The image consistency is maintained across the zoom range because the system increases how much of the picture is resolved optically, rather than generating it digitally.

Pristine Optical Path Architecture for light purity

Naturally, introducing multiple prism reflections adds complexity to the optical system. Each reflection point can potentially affect light transmission and introduce stray light, especially at higher magnifications. To manage this, OPPO developed the Pristine Optical Path Architecture, incorporating a nanometer-scale diaphragm that reduces most stray light and preserves optical purity.

Stabilisation also plays a critical role in this extended structure. At 10x magnification, even the slightest micro-movements of the hand are drastically amplified. To counter this, the Find X9 Ultra introduces an advanced Sensor Shift optical stabilisation system. By moving the sensor itself, the hardware provides the necessary stability for consistent results, allowing users to capture incredibly sharp photos even when pushing into the 20x optical-quality zoom range.

Triple Active Optical Alignment

To ensure optimal image quality, the camera module undergoes a rigorous triple Active Optical Alignment (AOA) process during assembly. High-precision cameras dynamically align the lens, sensor, and prism in real-time, guaranteeing the sharpest possible optical output.

Hasselblad Integrated Imaging System

While the 10x periscope is a remarkable engineering feat, it operates as part of a comprehensive multi-camera setup. The Find X9 Ultra features the New-Generation Hasselblad Master Camera System, ensuring creators have the right optical tool for any scenario. A 200MP main camera powered by the Sony LYTIA 901 sensor handles everyday clarity, while a secondary 200MP 3x telephoto with a massive 1/1.28-inch sensor excels in low-light portraits and telemacro photography. A 50MP ultra-wide camera completes the hardware suite. This zero-compromise approach extends to video as well, with every single lens on the device supporting 4K 60fps Dolby Vision recording.

The entire system is supported by the LUMO Image Engine, a computational layer that intelligently manages colour, exposure, and detail. However, the emphasis in the Find X9 Ultra remains on optical capture first, with processing applied merely to refine the output rather than compensate for missing physical detail.

The introduction of the quintuple prism structure reflects a broader shift in how smartphone imaging challenges are being addressed. While recent industry progress has leaned heavily on computational methods, this approach focuses entirely on extending physical capability within existing design limits. The OPPO Find X9 Ultra does not attempt to replace dedicated camera systems. Instead, it narrows the gap in for long-range optical zoom by entirely rethinking how optical space is utilised inside a smartphone.