Dutch tech publication LetsGoDigital recently discovered a patent that hints at a stylus-equipped Oppo phone. The patent suggests the Chinese handset maker might soon jump on the stylus phone bandwagon, allowing users to perform multiple tasks such as making calls using a stylus pen with its new handset.
At first glance, the smartphone seen in the patent doesn’t seem to adopt a radically overhauled design element. While it seems to adopt a form factor we’d normally associate with a standard flagship, a closer look reveals there’s more to it than meets the eye.
The stylus features a mic, as well as a receiver. Aside from that, there are multifunction buttons embedded into the outer edges that serve as a volume rocker during calls. The most modern styli are usually equipped with supercapacitor; however, this Oppo stylus packs a battery, which means, it will last longer even if used as a Bluetooth-enabled stylus or while making calls.
Other Unique Features of the Oppo Stylus
Aside from the ability to make calls, the design of the Oppo stylus, in general, is unique. As can be seen in the image, the company has left no stone unturned in an attempt to keep the stylus as a separate part of the phone.
While leading smartphone manufacturers including Motorola, LG, and Samsung have used stylus in their designs, these companies normally accommodate it inside the device itself via an aptly-sized socket. In tablets; however, the stylus is usually attached either to the frame or the rear panel using magnets. For instance, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 adopts this more common design.
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The patent suggests Oppo has deviated from the design concept by treating the stylus as another device. Despite that, the stylus is an important part of the smartphone. Sporting ultra-slim bezels, the patented device seems to draw inspiration from modern smartphone design. The near bezel-less design has been extended to the left, right side edges, and the bottom as well.
Furthermore, the patent shows a larger-than-usual bezel at the top. This is because when the stylus is attached to the phone, it still serves as the device’s receiver. It becomes a part of the top bezel when attached.
When the stylus is removed, we see only a small portion of the top bezel. That portion accommodates the front-mounted camera, as well as the sensors. Although this architecture gives the stylus an uncanny appearance, its functionalities remain unaffected.
Attaching the module doesn’t seem to be a backbreaking task since all you need to do to attach the module is to slide the pen-tip into the slot available on the camera module. The remaining portion of the pen then seems to attach via magnetic pins for charging purposes. When attached, the stylus buttons face outwards. They are double as adjustable ring volume when the stylus is hooked on to the phone.
A Final Design Unlikely to Arrive Soon
The patent showcases a smartphone that can be described as nearly complete, which is seldom the case with patents. It is worth mentioning here that Oppo has already put the above-mentioned stylus to test. The findings of the company’s researchers are briefly mentioned.
Nevertheless, that doesn’t hint at an imminent arrival of the device as Oppo currently has its hands full with the launch of the Find X2, which is expected to take place before the MWC 2020 kicks off on February 24th.
Although the Find X2 has been subject to multiple leaks, none of them suggest it will feature a removable stylus that can come in handy while making calls. It remains to be seen whether or not Oppo reveals more details about the purported stylus-equipped phone later this month.
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