AI-Impact Talk, hosted by Thembekile Mrototo, explores how leading brands are using artificial intelligence to enhance daily life without compromising usability. In the latest episode, Bradley Young, Head of Retail at OPPO, explains how the smartphone brand is making AI accessible while keeping devices practical and affordable.
“We’re not adding AI as a fad,” Young says. “These are tools that genuinely integrate into daily routines and make life easier.”
OPPO brings advanced AI to all its devices, not just premium models. Devices can run in simple mode for beginners or offer full AI functionality for power users.
“You can hand the same phone to an 8-year-old or an 80-year-old, and both will benefit,” Young notes. This inclusive approach sets OPPO apart in a market where technology literacy and economic access vary widely.
AI in OPPO phones goes beyond novelty. The voice recorder turns meetings into summaries with key points and actionable items. Students, professionals, and executives can save time and stay organized.
For content creators, AI tools generate photo captions, suggest hashtags, and let users edit images easily. “You no longer need expensive studio equipment,” Young says. With high unemployment, smartphones are becoming essential tools for entrepreneurial opportunities.
OPPO balances innovation with ethics. AI-powered image editing includes metadata transparency so users can see when modifications have been made. “We want to empower creativity without compromising trust,” Young explains.
South Africa’s eleven official languages create daily communication challenges. OPPO’s real-time translation tools help teams work across languages seamlessly. “Language diversity is an opportunity for AI to add real value,” Young notes.
OPPO invests $1.4 billion annually in research and development, much of it focused on AI. Proprietary solutions like AI Clear Voice and AI Link Boost improve call clarity and network reliability, enhancing basic functions users rely on every day.
OPPO’s partnerships extend beyond devices. From sports teams to emerging content creators, the company focuses on mutual benefit. “Our goal is win-win relationships,” Young says, strengthening adoption in real social contexts.
Testing under extreme conditions—freezing, boiling, and stress from professional athletes—ensures durability. “Our users can fully use AI features without worrying about the device,” Young explains, a reassurance in a market where replacing a phone is a big expense.
Foldables and next-generation designs are on the horizon, alongside innovations in health and wellness explored at OPPO’s InnoDay conference. Limited-edition flip phones have already sold out, signaling strong demand.
Young sums up OPPO’s philosophy: “We pursue the next technology, but it must work for the consumer.” By combining affordability, usability, and advanced AI, OPPO is helping bridge South Africa’s digital divide while empowering diverse communities.
About AI-Impact Talk and AI-Impact Online Platform
AI-Impact Talk brings you exclusive interviews with industry leaders, visionaries, and innovators shaping the future of technology. From the latest AI-powered tools to emerging trends and breakthroughs, we offer fresh insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives from the frontlines of artificial intelligence.
Get in touch: WhatsApp +27 71 260 0299 | Email: info@ai-impact.co.za
AI-Impact is a digital platform dedicated to showcasing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. Our mission is to provide thought-provoking content, expert analysis, real-world insights, and diverse perspectives from the voices driving innovation across industries—keeping our audience informed and inspired in an ever-evolving digital world.
