OnePlus 9 series launch confirmed for March 23, partnership with Hasselblad announced

The next generation of OnePlus devices will be unveiled on March 23. The confirmation comes from OnePlus and specifies the unveiling of its 9 series flagships will start at 10AM EDT / 2PM GMT / 7:30PM IST. The launch will mark the first OnePlus phones co-developed with iconic Swedish photography brand Hasselblad.

The new partnership is set for three years with OnePlus committing $150 million in R&D to help take its camera game to the next level for the years to come. The joint venture has resulted in the development of the Hasselblad Camera for Mobile for the OnePlus 9 series. The system includes the Natural Color Calibration with Hasselblad which aims to preserve color accuracy and the natural look of colors in shots from the OnePlus 9 series.

OnePlus has always prioritized a premium user experience over everything else. Beginning in 2021, we are making a concerted effort to significantly improve the smartphone camera experience for our users, with the expertise of a truly legendary partner in Hasselblad.” - Pete Lau (OnePlus Founder/CEO)

The Hasselblad Pro Mode aims to trickle down the Swedish camera maker’s sensor calibration prowess to the smartphone world for more accurate colors and images. The Pro Mode interface will be based on Hasselblad’s image processing software for professional level controls.

Some of the mentioned tweaks include ISO adjustment, white balance, exposure and focus adjustments. The OnePlus 9 series will support 12-bit RAW format for more true to life colors and dynamic range.

With OnePlus’ top-of-the-line hardware and computational photography and Hasselblad’s rich aesthetic knowledge in traditional photography, I am confident that the OnePlus 9 Series will be a major leap forward in our ability to deliver a premium, flagship camera.” - Jon Diele (Hasselblad VP)

OnePlus also disclosed it will fund and develop four R&D imaging labs in the US and Japan. In addition, the OnePlus 9 series will debut a custom Sony IMX 789 sensor with dual native ISO, full-pixel omnidirectional focusing, real-time HDR video shooting, and 4K@120fps video capture. The OnePlus 9 series will also bring a freeform lens, panoramic camera with 140 field of view and T-lens technology for fast focus results on the front facing camera.