Oppo Find X9 Ultra review: A camera-focused powerhouse that challenges the status quo

At a glance:

• Dual 200MP camera system with 3.5x and 10x optical zoom lenses sets new standards for smartphone photography
• Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 with 12GB RAM and 7,050 mAh battery, though battery life falls short of expectations
• Available in Europe for €1,699.99, with global launch marking Oppo's entry into premium international markets

Design and Build

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra immediately establishes itself as a device centered around photography. The "Tundra Umbra" variant I tested features a distinctive aesthetic with a metal frame accented by faux leather inlays. This design choice creates a visual nod to traditional cameras, with a single spot where the metal crosses over, reinforcing the device's photography-first identity. The overall effect is simply stunning, setting the Find X9 Ultra apart from the sea of similar-looking smartphones that populate the market.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Find X9 Ultra impresses with its build quality. The entire device feels remarkably solid and durable, though its substantial size might be a consideration for some users. Measuring 8.7mm thick for most of the frame, the phone's camera module protrudes significantly, nearly doubling this thickness while resembling a "giant Oreo cookie" on the back. Despite this unconventional design, Oppo has executed it thoughtfully. The knurled border provides excellent grip and further enhances the classic camera aesthetic. While the device weighs 235g—more than many flagships—the reviewer found the weight "very bearable" and "worth every gram" given the premium experience and capabilities.

Performance and Battery Life

Under the hood, the Find X9 Ultra delivers flagship-level performance thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor paired with 12GB of RAM. This combination ensures a consistently speedy experience across all applications and tasks, from everyday browsing to demanding gaming sessions. The reviewer notes that the performance was "never not going to be good" given these premium specifications, and the device lived up to expectations in real-world usage.

Battery life presents a more mixed picture. The device houses a substantial 7,050 mAh battery, which should theoretically provide excellent endurance. However, the reviewer found that battery performance didn't quite match expectations. With 4-6 hours of screen time per day, the phone typically drained to around 45% capacity. While this isn't poor enough to require daily charging, the reviewer couldn't comfortably use the device for two consecutive days without recharging. The inclusion of wireless charging is appreciated, though the absence of Qi2 is noted as an annoyance. Fast charging capabilities allow for quick top-ups in the morning if needed, mitigating some of the battery life concerns.

Software Experience

Oppo's ColorOS forms the software foundation of the Find X9 Ultra, and it will feel familiar to anyone who has used OxygenOS on a OnePlus device. The reviewer notes that these interfaces are "essentially two sides of the same coin," with ColorOS unapologetically borrowing design elements from Apple's iOS, particularly the "Liquid Glass-esque designs" throughout the interface.

Despite its polished appearance, the software experience isn't without frustrations. The reviewer highlights several issues that detract from the overall experience. The notification shade doesn't support standard Android gestures, requiring users to tap an arrow to expand notifications—a design choice described as "flat out annoying." Additionally, the absence of a double-tap gesture on the power button to access the camera is noted as a regression compared to other Oppo devices. These changes are criticized as potentially "user-hostile" because they break muscle memory for Android users while making the experience feel "limited and clunky" for newcomers. The reviewer expresses hope that Oppo will address these issues in future updates, particularly the notification gestures, while acknowledging that the early access to features like AirDrop support is a positive aspect of the software approach.

Camera Capabilities

If there's one aspect of the Find X9 Ultra that truly sets it apart, it's the camera system. The reviewer describes the experience as transformative, stating that after using this device, they "find myself suddenly wanting more from my phone's camera" because the Oppo device has "raised the bar." This sentiment reflects the exceptional performance of the camera hardware and processing.

The rear camera setup is nothing short of impressive, featuring dual 200MP cameras—one with a standard lens and another with a telephoto offering 3.5x optical zoom. Complementing these are two additional 50MP sensors dedicated to ultrawide shots and a 10x telephoto lens. The results, according to the reviewer, "speak for themselves." The main camera produces "normal" phone shots with enhanced vitality, thanks to Hasselblad's tuning that imbues images with "real choice and personality in the color output." The ultrawide camera delivers similarly impressive results.

The telephoto lenses emerge as the standout feature of the system. The 3.5x lens delivers exceptional portrait shots with "natural bokeh," creating a sense of depth that distinguishes it from most other smartphones. The 10x lens takes this capability further, and Oppo's portrait mode enhances the bokeh effect. The reviewer notes that this capability is even more pronounced in video, where natural bokeh elevates phone footage to new levels. The smooth switching between lenses during both photo and video capture adds to the overall excellence of the camera experience.

Oppo's image processing receives high praise, though with some qualification. While initial captures might show "weird artifacts," the finalized images typically emerge looking better than expected. The reviewer states that "the worst shot out of Oppo Find X9 Ultra tends to be better than most smartphones I've tried," highlighting the consistency and quality of the post-processing. For more advanced users, the "Master" mode provides full manual control over the camera, including RAW shooting capabilities and adjustments to ISO, shutter speed, and other settings. Built-in filters with Hasselblad-tuned colors further enhance the creative possibilities.

The Earth Explorer Kit

For photographers seeking even greater capabilities, Oppo offers the "Earth Explorer" kit as an optional accessory. This bundle includes a camera grip case that pairs via Bluetooth (with a long-press on the zoom wheel to establish connection) and a lens mount. The centerpiece is a 300mm lens attachment that provides 13x optical zoom and extends to 200x hybrid zoom. The reviewer notes that while the optical zoom delivers excellent results, further digital zoom introduces the expected diminishing returns.

Additional accessories in the kit include a tripod mount for the telephoto lens and adapters for attaching ND filters to the main cameras. Despite these impressive capabilities, the reviewer admits they "never found myself reaching for this kit," citing the built-in 10x lens as "perfectly capable" and describing the overall kit as "pretty clunky." Nevertheless, the enhanced bokeh and detail achievable with the external lenses are acknowledged as significant advantages, with the reviewer noting that "these simply do not look like smartphone images." This optional accessory package represents Oppo's commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile photography, even if it may appeal primarily to enthusiasts and professionals.

Market Position and Availability

The Find X9 Ultra represents Oppo's latest attempt to establish itself in the premium smartphone segment, particularly in international markets. While Oppo has previously released camera-focused devices in China, this model marks the brand's entry into global premium markets. The reviewer expresses some disappointment that the device isn't officially available in the United States, noting that they tested the global variant (CPH2841) on Google Fi in North Carolina with acceptable results, though acknowledging that "your results may vary" given the device wasn't designed for US networks.

In Europe, the Find X9 Ultra is priced at €1,699.99, just shy of $2,000 USD when directly converted. This premium positioning places Oppo in direct competition with other flagship devices, particularly Samsung's Ultra models. The reviewer suggests that Oppo's offering puts "just a tiny bit more pressure on other Android brands, Samsung in particular," criticizing Samsung for having "fallen flat thanks to half a decade of releasing the same phone over and over again." In contrast, the Find X9 Ultra demonstrates what an "Ultra" phone can truly offer, particularly in terms of camera capabilities.

Despite some software frustrations and limited availability in certain markets, the reviewer concludes with a strong endorsement: "I'm not sure I can give a phone a better recommendation than this – for the foreseeable future, this is the device that'll be on my person." The recommendation is based not on software or form factor alone, but on the device's overall excellence, with the camera capabilities being paramount. This suggests that Oppo has successfully created a product that stands out in an increasingly crowded smartphone market, particularly for users who prioritize photography capabilities.