OnePlus co-founder Pete Lau has published a new community post that highlights the company's next step in mobile photography. Without going into much detail at the start, Lau's note makes it clear that a shift is underway in how OnePlus wants to approach smartphone imaging.

For the past five years, OnePlus has worked with Hasselblad to refine color science and image processing on its premium phones. This collaboration involved extensive work on tuning colours, light balance and realistic rendering, which helped OnePlus devices capture natural-looking images.

According to Lau, this partnership was not just technical but also a learning experience, embedding Hasselblad's refined aesthetic sense into OnePlus' DNA. With this chapter concluding, the company now prepares to take full ownership of its imaging technology.

Moving forward, OnePlus will rely on its own imaging platform called the DetailMax Engine. Lau explained that the aim is to provide clarity and realism, focusing on what users value most when they zoom into their photos.

Instead of artificial enhancements, the company plans to rely on advanced computational imaging to deliver detail-rich results that feel true to life. Early tests of the DetailMax Engine are said to be promising, with improvements expected as development progresses. Lau emphasised that the technology is designed to respond to user expectations rather than simply stack specifications.

While the collaboration with Hasselblad may be ending, OnePlus expressed gratitude for the achievements made together. The company also hinted at exploring new possibilities in imaging, promising that the upcoming flagship (OnePlus 15) with the DetailMax Engine will deliver the clearest and most realistic photos on a OnePlus device to date.