OnePlus 5T Portrait Mode Teased? What to Know

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, the OnePlus 5T’s portrait mode was teased before its launch, but the teaser was more about the hardware than the software. OnePlus officially confirmed the dual-camera setup and its “Portrait Mode� in promotional materials leading up to the November 2017 release, highlighting the secondary camera’s role in depth sensing. The actual feature shipped with the phone’s launch software, and here’s the full context behind that teaser and how the mode works.

Background: The OnePlus 5T and Its Dual Cameras

The OnePlus 5T was announced on November 16, 2017, as a refined version of the OnePlus 5, which had launched just five months earlier. The 5T kept the same dual-camera hardware as its predecessor: a 16 MP primary sensor (Sony IMX398) with an f/1.7 aperture, and a 20 MP secondary sensor (Sony IMX376K) also with f/1.7. Unlike many dual-camera phones that use a dedicated monochrome or telephoto lens, the 5T’s secondary camera was primarily used for low-light photography and depth information for portrait shots. The teaser campaign, which ran on OnePlus’s official social media and forums, explicitly mentioned “Portrait Mode� and showed sample images with background blur, building anticipation for the feature.

How Portrait Mode Works on the OnePlus 5T

Portrait mode on the 5T uses both rear cameras simultaneously to capture depth information. The primary 16 MP camera captures the main image, while the 20 MP camera acts as a secondary sensor that helps calculate the distance between the subject and the background. The phone’s software then applies a blur effect (bokeh) to the background, keeping the subject in sharp focus. The feature works best with a subject that is 1 to 2 meters (about 3 to 6 feet) away, and it can be used on people, pets, or objects. The 5T’s portrait mode also allows you to adjust the blur strength after taking the photo, using the “Edit� option in the gallery.

What the Teaser Actually Showed

The teaser images released by OnePlus before the launch showed a clear subject (often a person) with a softly blurred background. The company’s marketing emphasized the “dual camera� and “portrait mode� as key selling points, but it did not reveal the exact software algorithm or the fact that the secondary camera was not a telephoto lens. This led to some confusion among early adopters who expected 2x optical zoom, which the 5T does not have. The teaser was accurate in that portrait mode exists and produces a bokeh effect, but it did not disclose the limitations, such as the lack of optical zoom and the need for adequate lighting.

How to Use Portrait Mode on the OnePlus 5T

Using portrait mode on the 5T is straightforward:

Open the Camera app.
Swipe to the “Portrait� mode (located between “Photo� and “Video� in the mode carousel).
Frame your subject, ensuring they are within 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) of the camera.
Tap to focus on the subject’s face or the desired point.
Press the shutter button.
After capturing, you can adjust the blur level by tapping the “Edit� icon in the gallery and using the “Portrait� slider.

For best results, use good lighting. The 5T’s portrait mode struggles in low light because it relies on the secondary camera’s depth data, which is less accurate in dim conditions.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the 5T’s portrait mode is identical to the OnePlus 5’s, but there are differences. The 5T uses a newer software algorithm that improves edge detection, especially around hair and glasses. Another issue is that the secondary 20 MP camera is not a telephoto lens, so there is no 2x optical zoom. Some users expected the 5T to have a telephoto lens like the OnePlus 5 (which actually had a 20 MP telephoto lens in some regions), but the 5T’s secondary camera is a regular wide-angle sensor. This means portrait mode on the 5T uses the primary camera’s field of view, and the depth data is computed from the parallax between the two sensors. If you hold the phone too close or too far, the blur effect may be unnatural or fail entirely.

Comparison with Other Phones of Its Era

When the 5T launched, its main competitors were the iPhone 8 Plus and the Google Pixel 2. The iPhone 8 Plus used a telephoto lens for portrait mode, which allowed for true 2x optical zoom and better depth mapping. The Pixel 2 used a single camera and relied entirely on software (machine learning) to create a bokeh effect. The 5T’s approach was a middle ground: it used dual cameras for depth, but without a telephoto lens, the effect was often less accurate than the iPhone’s but more reliable than the Pixel 2’s in some scenarios. In practice, the 5T’s portrait mode produced decent results in good lighting, but it could struggle with complex backgrounds or moving subjects.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

Portrait mode itself poses no safety risks, but it’s worth noting that the feature uses both cameras, which means the secondary camera is always active when in Portrait mode. This does not have any health implications, but it does consume more battery power. As with any camera feature, be mindful of privacy: portrait mode images may contain more detailed background information than you intend to share. Always review photos before posting them online, and be aware that the depth data is stored in the image file (as a separate depth map) that some apps might access. If you are concerned, you can disable the depth map in the gallery’s export settings, though this is not a standard option on the 5T.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the OnePlus 5T have a telephoto lens for portrait mode?

No, the OnePlus 5T does not have a telephoto lens. The secondary 20 MP camera is a wide-angle sensor used for depth sensing and low-light photography. This means you cannot get 2x optical zoom, and portrait mode uses the primary camera’s field of view.

Can I use portrait mode on the front camera of the 5T?

Yes, the front camera (16 MP) also supports a portrait mode, but it uses software-based depth estimation (face detection) rather than a second camera. The effect is less accurate than the rear camera’s, especially with complex backgrounds.

Why does portrait mode sometimes fail to blur the background?

Portrait mode may fail if the subject is too close (under 1 meter) or too far (over 2 meters), if the background is too similar in color to the subject, or if the lighting is poor. In such cases, the depth map may be inaccurate, and the phone may not apply any blur or may blur the wrong parts.

Can I adjust the blur after taking a portrait photo?

Yes, you can adjust the blur level after capturing a portrait photo. Open the photo in the gallery, tap “Edit,� and use the “Portrait� slider to increase or decrease the background blur. This works because the phone saves a depth map along with the image.

Is portrait mode available on the OnePlus 5 (not the 5T)?

Yes, the OnePlus 5 also has a portrait mode, but it uses a 20 MP telephoto lens (in most regions) for depth sensing. The 5T’s approach is different, and the 5T’s software algorithm is generally considered improved for edge detection.

Does portrait mode work on animals and objects?

Yes, the rear portrait mode can be used on any subject, including animals and inanimate objects. The phone will attempt to identify the closest object as the subject and blur the background. However, it works best with a single, clearly defined subject.

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