OPPO's Bubble made me long for magnetic accessories to be this enjoyable.

      Some smartphone accessories, such as power banks, are incredibly practical, while others are charming for a brief period before their novelty fades. The Oppo Bubble appeared to be headed towards the latter category, but I found it so enjoyable that I now desire more accessories like it—those that are playful yet still offer thoughtful functionality.

      I tested it with the Oppo Reno 16 Pro, which sports one of the most eye-catching designs I've come across this year. The Pop White edition features Oppo’s 3D Pop Planet design on the back, creating a floating, toy-like visual effect. Attaching the Bubble to the back enhances its appearance significantly.

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      This compact screen has a lot of character

      The Bubble is essentially a small circular AMOLED display that magnetically attaches to the back of a compatible Oppo phone. It connects via Bluetooth, and once paired, it transforms into a tiny customizable screen capable of displaying images, short videos, motion-style graphics, or Oppo’s animated Pop IP characters.

      The animated character feature is a delightful touch, allowing you to have a tiny animated animal on the back of your phone, serving no practical purpose other than to look cute. There is a dedicated app for more detailed controls, including various Pop IP options and custom display settings. The Bubble also includes standalone controls, such as brightness adjustment and Bluetooth pairing, ensuring it doesn't feel like just a passive display sticker.

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      And yes, it truly serves as a style accessory. You can configure it to show a picture, a looping video, or an animated character, making your phone much more expressive compared to a standard protective case. Many smartphones have become aesthetically similar in high-quality designs, and the Bubble adds a more personal touch to the Reno 16 Pro.

      The camera preview feature is unbeatable

      Oppo’s Bubble display would have been a fun magnetic accessory solely based on its customization capabilities. However, what truly captures my interest is its camera integration. Once attached, it can function as a live viewfinder for the rear camera, allowing you to utilize the superior rear cameras for selfies, portraits, or group photos without the usual guessing involved in framing. You can see yourself on the Bubble and adjust your positioning in real time before taking the shot.

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      This effectively addresses one of the longstanding issues with smartphone cameras. Rear cameras typically outperform front cameras, particularly in portraits and low light, yet many people still rely on the selfie camera because adjusting the rear camera can be cumbersome.

      This is also a significant benefit of foldable devices, which allow you to utilize advanced rear cameras for photography via secondary displays—a feature I frequently take advantage of with the Motorola Razr Fold. The Oppo Bubble facilitates this same experience more naturally on a standard phone.

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      Now, your portraits gain more detail, group shots can include more people with the appropriate ultra-wide lens, and videos appear sharper. As this works wirelessly, it can even function as a remote shutter, allowing for creative angles. You can place the phone in a specific location, step back, and use the Bubble to frame your shot perfectly.

      Compatibility is the limitation

      The challenge of a closed ecosystem presents itself here. Oppo’s new Bubble display is only compatible with select Oppo devices. I utilized it with the Reno 16 Pro, and currently, Oppo supports it with devices including the Reno 16 series and the flagship Find X9 lineup. While it’s likely that more models will be supported in the future, this doesn’t expand its usability beyond Oppo smartphones.

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      It’s also essential to mention that it isn't compatible with MagSafe, meaning it can’t simply be attached to any iPhone or Android device that has built-in magnets. Although it may physically connect with the appropriate magnetic ring or case (the grip may not be strong), the useful camera and customization features are tied to Oppo's ecosystem. While this narrows its audience, the Bubble integrates smoothly with the right devices. Pairing was easy, and its connection to the camera experience makes it feel more cohesive than a generic external screen.

      Given how predictable the smartphone experience has become, it’s always refreshing to see a smartphone brand venture into unique territory. Typically, we leave quirky or innovative peripherals to third-party accessory companies, but the Bubble was intriguing enough to prompt those around me to ask, “Wait, what’s that?”