If you’ve ever played around with XPAN Mode on a OnePlus or an OPPO Hasselblad phone, you already know it’s a feature worth exploring. But what exactly makes it so special? Let’s break it down—from technical details to the real creative potential behind this mode.
XPAN Mode: The Panorama Effect Without the Panorama
At its core, XPAN Mode lets you capture wide, panoramic shots, but with a twist. Instead of having to physically pan the camera across a scene, you get a similar result with the flexibility of a standard photo. It’s like being able to capture a huge portion of the scene without moving your camera around.
The Hasselblad Touch
If you’ve used the Hasselblad partnership on OnePlus or an OPPO [OnePlus 13 (review), OPPO Find X8 (review), Find X8 Pro (review), or any other Hasselblad phone], you already know it brings a certain level of refinement to the camera experience, at least with the latest iteration. XPAN Mode is no exception. The XPAN mode is inspired by the iconic Hasselblad XPAN camera from the late ‘90s.
Back then, the XPAN camera was a big deal because it could shoot panoramic images on standard 35mm film. Fast forward to today, and OnePlus and OPPO have brought that same concept to their flagship phones (minus the bulky camera body and film rolls).
In XPAN mode, your phone captures ultra-wide, cinematic frames with a 65:24 aspect ratio. It’s like switching to a movie-like perspective where every frame feels alive.
Multiple Focal Lengths
One of the most fun aspects of XPAN Mode is the ability to switch between multiple focal lengths—23mm, 15mm, and 73mm or 135mm.
This gives you the flexibility to experiment with various perspectives, from ultra-wide to closer, more zoomed-in shots in that same wide aspect ratio.
It makes XPAN incredibly versatile: depending on the focal length you choose, the image can take on a completely different vibe. Whether you want to stretch out a landscape or zoom in on a small street corner, it’s all possible.
B&W Filter
If you love black and white photography, you’re going to be obsessed with the XPAN Mode. The contrast is superb, and it makes your photos look amazing. The B&W mode mimics Ilford Delta 400 film stock.
Perfect for Street and Landscape Photography
XPAN Mode really shines when it comes to street and even landscape photography. The wide perspective is perfect for capturing the essence of a scene.
Bottom Line: Should You Try XPAN Mode?
If you have a OnePlus or an OPPO Hasselblad phone, XPAN Mode is definitely worth experimenting with. It’s also a breath of fresh air for anyone bored with typical camera features.
And here are some of my own XPAN shots—trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
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