The smartphone industry was shocked when it was discovered that the main camera of the OnePlus 8 Pro could see through certain objects, generating great excitement and debate in the technology community. This particular function, known as Photochrom filter or color filter, allowed by capturing infrared light see the inside of materials such as plastics and, in some cases, fine fabricsIt was a first for the mobile sector and caught the attention of both enthusiasts and security and privacy experts.
What is the OnePlus 8 Pro Photochrom filter?
In the OnePlus 8 Pro's quad-camera setup, the color filter sensor is responsible for this function. By activating the Photochrom mode, the camera is able to capture wavelengths in the infrared spectrum, that is, electromagnetic radiation that is not normally visible to the human eye. This capability is primarily designed to provide Creative effects and new styles in photography, transforming the colors and textures of the image.
However, the side effect is that the sensor can pass through certain plastic materials or translucent surfaces, and even some fabrics, allowing you to see the internal components of electronic devices and other objects. Although it is far from a true "X-ray filter," The result is reminiscent of images produced by infrared vision equipment, generating false color images that can penetrate some materials.
The situation went viral, thanks primarily to social media posts and test videos, in which users demonstrated how they could see inside video game controllers, remote controls, and, on rare occasions, experience a certain degree of transparency in thin clothing.
Why did OnePlus decide to disable the transparent camera feature?
Once the scope of this functionality was made public, OnePlus issued an official statement on the Chinese social network Weibo, where he announced that the function would be temporarily disabled through a software update. The manufacturer acknowledged the stir and apologized for any inconvenience or privacy concerns caused.
The decision is mainly due to two essential reasons:
- Privacy concerns: The ability to see through thin clothing or certain plastics raised concerns about the camera's potential misuse, particularly in relation to people's privacy and the creation of inappropriate images.
- Disinformation and manipulation: According to OnePlus, false information about the filter's true capabilities had begun to spread, raising social concerns and fueling rumors that the device could see through any clothing or material, when in reality the feature was limited to very specific circumstances and specific, thin materials.
Due, OnePlus implemented temporary disabling of the function first in its HydrogenOS system (for China), and later it was considered to do the same with the global system (OxygenOS), while they studied possible adjustments that would allow maintaining the creative effects without violating the user's privacy.
What materials could the Photochrom filter pass through?
Not all materials were susceptible to being "seen" by the OnePlus 8 Pro camera. Tests conducted by media and users showed that:
- Thin or translucent plastics: Many remote controls, electronic device boxes, or video game controllers allowed internal components to be seen when the filter was used.
- Painted surfaces, if the base material was translucent: Some cases allowed for a partial transparency effect, but this was not universal.
- Thin, dark clothing: In specific lighting conditions, the filter could reveal contours or details beneath the fabric, although the feature did not result in complete transparency under all circumstances.
- Glass and metals: They were not affected by the filter; the camera could not penetrate thick surfaces or materials opaque to infrared.
Experts and international media such as Gizmodo and users like Ben Geskin confirmed that the filter It did not have the ability to penetrate any type of clothing nor did it make all objects invisible., dispelling the myths that circulated on the internet in the days following the discovery.
Community reaction and legal response
The discovery of this feature generated a wave of videos, social media posts, and discussions on tech forums. YouTube channels like Unbox Therapy showed how the filter worked, with real-life testing and analysis.This increased the virality of the case and forced OnePlus to take action.
In addition to the suspension of the function, OnePlus warned that it would defend its brand and users against the emergence of fake images and disinformation campaigns.The company promised to take legal action in the event of personal attacks or misuse of the camera images. In doing so, it reinforced its commitment to placing user privacy as its top priority.
The controversy also triggered memories of similar historical incidents, such as the Sony camcorders recalled for allegedly being able to see through clothing, highlighting the importance of privacy and social perception in the face of new technologies that challenge the boundaries of what is visible.
The case of the OnePlus 8 Pro confirms that creativity applied to mobile photography can open the door to technological surprises that are both beneficial and controversial. Despite initial problems, the decision to pause the feature demonstrates manufacturers' responsibility toward privacy and raises an essential debate about the boundaries between innovation and ethics in consumer technology.
