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oneplus recruits hasselblad for 3-year smartphone imaging deal

AVATAR Brian Heater
Brian Heater
March 8, 2021
oneplus recruits hasselblad for 3-year smartphone imaging deal

Smartphone Imaging: A New Battleground

For quite some time, smartphone camera capabilities have been a central focus of competition among manufacturers. This is logical, as smartphones released today generally offer a high level of performance. While distinctions exist, a substantial investment in a device from a leading brand typically results in a quality product.

However, there remains considerable scope for improvement in closing the performance gap between smartphone cameras and dedicated camera systems. OnePlus is now taking a significant step in this direction through a new partnership with Hasselblad.

OnePlus and Hasselblad: A Three-Year Collaboration

The Swedish camera manufacturer, owned by DJI, has committed to a three-year partnership with OnePlus. This collaboration will involve a $150 million investment, aimed at establishing OnePlus as a leader in smartphone photography.

Hasselblad has previously explored the mobile market with a Moto Z accessory and has supplied cameras for DJI drones. Nevertheless, this partnership signifies a substantial undertaking for the 180-year-old company.

The OnePlus 9: First Results Expected

The initial outcomes of this partnership will be showcased on the OnePlus 9, a new smartphone scheduled for release on March 23rd. The companies are promising a significantly improved camera system.

The phone will incorporate a Sony IMX789 sensor, alongside features like HDR video recording and the ability to capture video at 4K resolution with 120 frames per second, and 8K at 30 FPS.

As stated in the official release, the agreement encompasses the establishment of four global research and development labs, including facilities in the United States and Japan.

It will be fascinating to observe how Hasselblad adapts to the realm of mobile imaging. This partnership could prove to be a valuable asset for OnePlus as it strives to compete with industry giants like Apple and Samsung in the flagship smartphone market.

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#OnePlus#Hasselblad#smartphone camera#mobile photography#imaging#partnership

Brian Heater

Brian Heater: A Profile of a Veteran Tech Journalist

Brian Heater held the position of Hardware Editor at TechCrunch until the beginning of 2025. Throughout his career, he has consistently contributed to prominent technology news sources.

Extensive Experience in Tech Journalism

Heater’s professional background includes significant roles at several well-respected tech publications. These include Engadget, PCMag, Laptop, and Tech Times.

During his time at Tech Times, he functioned as the Managing Editor, demonstrating his leadership capabilities within the industry.

Broad Range of Published Work

His journalistic contributions extend beyond dedicated tech outlets. Heater’s writing has been featured in a diverse array of publications.

  • Spin
  • Wired
  • Playboy
  • Entertainment Weekly
  • The Onion
  • Boing Boing
  • Publishers Weekly
  • The Daily Beast

This broad portfolio highlights his versatility and ability to adapt his writing style to different audiences.

Additional Creative Pursuits

Beyond his writing, Brian Heater is also involved in audio content creation. He currently hosts the weekly Boing Boing interview podcast, titled RiYL.

Heater has also contributed regularly to NPR as a commentator, further showcasing his expertise and communication skills.

Personal Life

He currently resides in a Queens apartment, where he shares his home with a rabbit companion named Juniper.

Brian Heater