Since its launch, the OnePlus 8 Pro has managed to establish itself as one of the most advanced and surprising smartphones on the market. What initially seemed like a simple camera function has become one of the most unexpected and talked-about capabilities in the history of mobile technology. Photochrom mode, integrated into the 5MP color filter sensor, has surprised both enthusiasts and technology experts, allowing to obtain “X-ray vision” on certain objects and materials. This function has not only generated curiosity, but also debates about its implications and limits.
X-ray camera on OnePlus 8 Pro: How does it actually work?
Unlike other models, the OnePlus 8 Pro It features a quad-camera setup on the rear, including a 48MP main lens, a 48MP ultra-wide, an 8MP telephoto lens, and, most relevant to this review, a exclusive 5MP color filter sensorThe latter, called Photochrom, was originally designed to offer artistic effects by applying filters in real time to the images, but reality exceeded the brand's own expectations.
The secret behind the “X-ray vision” function is in the the sensor's ability to capture infrared (IR) lightWhile most cameras incorporate a filter that blocks these wavelengths, the OnePlus 8 Pro lens It does not have such a filter, thus allowing infrared light to be collected and processed.This particularity makes it possible to see through certain plastic materials and very fine fabrics, revealing internal components in electronic devices or hidden behind thin layers.
What objects and materials can the camera pass through?
El Photochrom mode can offer surprising results, but its effectiveness depends largely on the type of material and thickness of the object that you wish to analyze. The materials most susceptible to this “scanning” are:
- Thin plastics without infrared protection: Remote control housings, video game controllers, wireless headphones, and other electronics clearly display their internal circuitry.
- Fabrics with a light texture and dark color: Under certain conditions, the camera can reveal objects hidden behind thin clothing, sparking debate about potential privacy issues.
- Some translucent fluidsIn user tests, even liquids such as wine or soft drinks can show surprising nuances and transparencies.
However, the camera cannot pass through all materials. Surfaces such as metals, ceramics, wood or opaque and dense plastics They completely block the passage of infrared radiation, so no transparency effect is achieved. Furthermore, the function also does not allow it to pass through the human body, so it is not a true equivalent to medical X-ray systems.
The impact on the Internet and viral experiments
The discovery of this feature quickly went viral on social media and technology forums. Users and YouTubers like Ben Geskin y Unbox Therapy They conducted tests by placing objects under dark t-shirts or showing the inside of electronic controls, sharing results that fascinated and, at times, worried the community about the scope of this technology.
In particular, videos and photos demonstrated how the camera could distinguish boxes and small objects hidden under light clothingAs well as internal components of devices such as Apple TV, Nintendo Switch controllers, and VR headsetsIn addition, the camera is capable of capturing light emitted by infrared LEDs invisible to the human eye, expanding its capabilities to reveal normally hidden details.
Specialized forums such as XDA Developers and Reddit, along with technology media, collected dozens of real examples, confirming that the effect is limited to certain thin, non-IR-shielded materialsThis feature has made the OnePlus 8 Pro the center of memes, ethical debates, and even questions about user security and privacy.
Privacy implications and OnePlus' reaction
As a result of the virality and the concerns generated, OnePlus issued official statements to reassure users. The company explained that the effect only occurs under very specific conditions and with specific materials, and that it was never its intention to violate users' privacy. In fact, the manufacturer went so far as to temporarily disable the Photochrom function through a software update while evaluating technical solutions to reduce the potential impact on privacy, assuring that the sensor would be restored once the necessary corrective measures were implemented.
La The main concern arose from the fact that, on rare occasions, the function could penetrate certain fine garments.However, most tests carried out by users and experts showed that The function does not penetrate thick clothing or opaque materials, and its practical usefulness is more focused on the area of technological curiosity than on any invasive use.
Why is only the OnePlus 8 Pro able to achieve this effect?
The X-ray vision effect is not common among smartphones, as Most manufacturers integrate filters to block infrared light and avoid distortions in the color reproduction of conventional photos. The Sony IMX689 sensor used in the OnePlus 8 Pro was implemented with fewer infrared restrictions specifically in the Photochrom filter, thus enabling the capture of a wider range of wavelengths.
This allows the OnePlus 8 Pro gets unique images that other phones in the same range fail to reproduce, even though they have similar sensors in terms of resolution and optical quality. The result is an aesthetic of false color very striking and the ability to reveal hidden details as long as the conditions are favorable. To better understand the related technology, we recommend reviewing how camera sensors work in this article about camera sensors on Android.
Some experts consider that the inclusion of this sensor without IR filter was a brand experiment rather than a commercially planned feature, which explains the surprise of both users and the company itself after discovering the viral reach and the unexpected consequences of its effect.
The impact of this feature has opened debates about New mobile photography applications, from creative uses to possible implementations in industrial security or home automation. However, to date, no other devices are known to have successfully and publicly replicated this functionality, which maintains the OnePlus 8 Pro as a unique benchmark within the sector.
