Oppo and Vivo are preparing to launch gimbal cameras by the end of the year to compete with DJI's Pocket series.
Oppo and Vivo are reportedly working on their own Pocket-style handheld gimbal cameras, with expected launches before the year concludes, as per China Star Market. The report indicates that both companies plan to leverage their strengths in imaging algorithms, AI capabilities, and ecosystem integration to penetrate the lightweight video creation market and further broaden their mobile imaging product lines.
Currently, the handheld smart imaging device market is largely divided into action cameras and 360-degree cameras, with GoPro, Insta360, and DJI standing out as the leading brands.
In the action camera market, GoPro and DJI dominate the mid- to high-end segments, while the entry-level space is saturated with white-label manufacturers. On the other hand, Insta360 continues to lead in the 360-degree camera category.
Vivo launched a Vlog camera initiative in late 2025, aiming to directly compete with DJI's Pocket series. The company is said to have formed a team of nearly 100 personnel for this project. "We intend to introduce a product featuring a completely new design concept by the end of the year," expressed Vivo President Hu Baishan previously.
Recently, Vivo has begun recruiting users to test its first gimbal camera, prioritizing those with experience using similar products. The hands-on testing is set to commence on May 22 at Vivo's headquarters in Bao’an, Shenzhen.
Oppo is also in the process of developing its gimbal camera project, codenamed Fuyao, which is anticipated to be commercially launched before the end of 2026.
"From a supply chain standpoint, companies like Vivo still operate on a different scale compared to DJI and Insta360," mentioned Xue Miao, Research Manager at IDC China. "However, the entry of new players could lead to a diversification of pricing and product choices, providing consumers with more options while facilitating overall market growth."
The movement of smartphone brands into the gimbal camera sector is indicative of the rapid rise of short-form video and vlog content, which is increasing the need for more portable and creator-focused imaging solutions. Smartphone manufacturers possess solid foundations in mobile photography and videography, supported by well-established software ecosystems and vast user bases.
New entrants in this segment will encounter technical challenges in areas such as stabilization, motion tracking, imaging algorithms, and video quality enhancement—domains where established brands like DJI have spent years honing their expertise. Additionally, the risks associated with patents and intellectual property are expected to become more significant as competition intensifies.
Frost & Sullivan projects that the global handheld smart imaging device market will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.9% from 2020 to 2030, predicting the market will reach RMB 79.93 billion ($11.3 billion) by 2030.
Jessie Wu is a technology reporter based in Shanghai, covering consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. You can connect with her via email at jessie.wu@technode.com.
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Oppo and Vivo are preparing to launch gimbal cameras by the end of the year to compete with DJI's Pocket series.
Oppo and Vivo are said to be working on their own Pocket-style handheld gimbal cameras, with anticipated launches slated for later this year, according to reports.