Oppo's $73 magnetic selfie screen snubs iPhone users in more ways than one
Oppo has unveiled a small magnetic secondary display called the Bubble, priced at 499 CNY (about $73), going on sale in China on May 29, 2026. It snaps onto the back of a phone, doubles as a remote camera trigger, and can show wallpapers or animations. The catch — and it's a significant one — is that it only works properly if you already own an Oppo.
The hardware
The Bubble is a 1.73-inch circular AMOLED screen, 7mm thick and 27.5g light. It charges via USB-C and carries a 550mAh battery — modest, but reasonable given how little power a tiny screen draws. Magnets handle attachment, and the same magnet system lets it detach and clip onto a bag strap or keychain via an optional case. From a distance of up to 10 meters, you can trigger the rear camera wirelessly, which is genuinely useful for solo travel shots.
Users can set custom wallpapers, live photos, or short video loops on the screen — turning the back of the phone into something between a digital sticker and a secondary notification surface.
Key specs of the Oppo Bubble. Image: Oppo
The catch
Oppo's own devices — specifically the Reno 14, 15, 16 and Find X8 and X9 series — get the full feature set. If you own an iPhone or a Pixel, you can physically attach the Bubble (the magnet system is compatible), but Oppo's software won't run on non-Oppo phones, according to Trusted Reviews. That means no camera remote, no custom display, no real functionality. It's decorative at best on anything that isn't an Oppo.
That's a deliberate choice, not a technical limitation. The same magnet standard works on iPhones, but Oppo has opted for a platform lockdown rather than cross-device compatibility.
Availability
Neither the US nor the UK is on the launch roadmap. Oppo exited the US market years ago and has no confirmed plans to return, per BigGo Finance. The Bubble launches in China only at the equivalent of $73. No international pricing or retail channels have been announced.
The closest rival in concept is the Insta360 Snap, which targets the same rear-camera selfie problem. The Bubble's 10-meter wireless range is a real differentiator — but only if you're already in Oppo's ecosystem to use it.
