Oppo U3 may pack 4x optical zoom, but probably not

Oppo love being able to attach “world’s bestest” monikers to their new devices and this time is no different. According to information from Chinese regulator TENAA, their engineers have managed to fit a 4x zoom lens (if slightly protruding) into the 9mm thick body of the upcoming Oppo U3, thus beating the just-announced Asus Zenfone Zoom in both range and dimensions.

  
Oppo U3

The whole thing sounds too good to be true - and judging by photos of the device, it most likely is. Chalk it up to a mistranslation or whatever, but this doesn't look like a camera with a mechanized lens. Even a Nokia-style zoom is unlikely since the sensor is only 13MP. At best this is similar to the Super Zoom the company puts on its Find flagships.

Specs of the device have also come to light. It’s built around a 5.9-inch display of 1080p resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 373ppi.

An octa-core processor running at 1.7GHz alongside 2GB of RAM will make sure the Oppo U3 runs smoothly, while 16GB of built-in storage should be enough to get you started. A microSD card slot will allow expansion for those who need it. The phone measures 156.8 x 81.8mm.

When it comes to design, the phablet is a plain rectangle with rather sharp corners and minimalistic bezels. It has been pictured in both black and white, with the white version sporting a carbon-fiber like back, and the black one – a more bland dotted patern.

Alongside the U3, Oppo are also launching an attractive new headset, dubbed Oppo PM-3, for all music lovers.