OPPO Reno 7 Pro debuts with 'cat-eye' selfie camera, unique notification light

Oppo briefly teased the Reno 7 series’ camera chops earlier this week, talking up its “cat-eye” technology co-developed with Sony. Now, the family of mid-range devices is official. The Reno 7 series made its debut at an event in China on Wednesday, and as promised, the latest mid-range line includes interesting camera hardware both front and back.

A total of three models are on offer, including the base SE option, the standard middle child, and the range-topping Pro model. They’re all aesthetically similar, packing what OPPO calls “star rain” patterns on their backs. Colorways include gold, black, and a blue/purple combo called “rain wish,” which arguably makes the best use of the finish. A nifty notification light surrounds the camera island, making good use of usually wasted space, too.

OPPO Reno 7 series: Specs

Understandably, the three phones’ specs sheets differ slightly. The Reno 7 Pro uses the MediaTek Dimensity 1200 Max SoC mated to 8/12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. There’s also a 4,500mAh battery that tops up using a 65W charger. Up front, you get a 6.55-inch 90Hz AMOLED display. The Reno 7, meanwhile, employs the Snapdragon 778G and is also available with a 128GB storage option. It’s powered by the same battery and includes the same charging spec but settles for a smaller 90Hz display at 6.43-inches.

Notably, the big addition to both phones is the aforementioned cat-eye camera. It’s based on a Sony IMX709 32MP sensor which uses an RGBW array. OPPO claims this shooter should bring better light sensitivity and lower noise output for selfie users. It could also be pretty great for video calls too. At the rear, the OPPO Reno 7 Pro uses the 50MP Sony IMX766 for primary photography duties, with 8MP and 2MP shooters for ultra-wides and macros. The standard Reno 7 settles for a 64MP snapper while the SE ropes in a 48MP sensor.

See also: The best camera phones you can buy

The Reno 7 SE’s other specs are less impressive, too, sporting a Dimensity 900 SoC, a 4,390 mAh battery, and 33W charging. The 32MP selfie camera used by its siblings makes way for a 16MP sensor instead. The phone does, however, share the same 6.43-inch 90Hz display as the Reno 7.

OPPO Reno 7 series: Pricing and availability

For now, the devices are limited to China and will go on sale from December 17. We don’t expect these phones to remain confined to the country, but it’s unclear when they might land in other regions.

The OPPO Reno 7 Pro starts at 3,699 yuan (~$579) for the 8GB/256GB option. 4GB more RAM will fetch a 300 yuan (~$47) premium.

The standard Reno 7 comes in at 2,699 yuan (~$422) for the base 8GB/128GB option and tops out at 3,299 yuan (~$516) for the 12GB/256GB model.

Finally, the Reno 7 SE starts at 2,199 yuan (~$344) for the 8GB/128GB model.