The evolution of touchscreens has experienced a prolonged period of stability, owing to their generally proficient performance. However, the persistent issue of suboptimal functionality when exposed to wet conditions, like rain, has endured. Addressing this, OnePlus is introducing an inventive screen feature within its latest device iteration, proficiently accommodating touch input even in damp conditions.
The imminent Ace 2 Pro model by OnePlus is positioned as a midrange smartphone, notable for its integration of the “Rain Water Touch” technology. This pioneering functionality empowers the device’s screen to accurately interpret touch commands while concurrently being subjected to water contact, as visually depicted in the accompanying video presentation. In stark contrast, conventional smartphones, exemplified by the iPhone 14 Pro showcased in OnePlus’ assessment, frequently falter in accurately registering touch gestures amid wet conditions. This inconsistency ranges from outright neglect of touch inputs to erratic and imprecise readings.
The technical rationale underlying this challenge pertains to contemporary touchscreens’ reliance on capacitive technology for touch detection. This methodology harnesses electrical conduction to swiftly ascertain the point of contact when a user’s finger interacts with the screen. Regrettably, the presence of moisture, such as rainwater, disrupts this detection process due to its inherent electrical conductivity. In response, OnePlus has ingeniously adopted an innovative design, purportedly originating from Oppo, which leverages specialized touch algorithms and a bespoke internal chipset to circumvent this limitation. This synergistic approach enables the Ace 2 Pro to gracefully surmount the hindrance posed by wet conditions and consistently deliver seamless touch responsiveness.