Exploring the Oppo Find X9 Ultra: Top Features and One Major Flaw

Oppo has officially unveiled its latest flagship, the Find X9 Ultra, which is set to launch in the UK. While a full review is pending, my hands-on experience with the device in China prior to the launch event has been intriguing.

Initial impressions of the device have been positive, with the Find X9 Ultra poised to be a top contender for the best camera phone of the year.

Here are some highlights from my hands-on experience with the Find X9 Ultra, along with one notable downside.

Design (with a twist)

The design of the Find X9 Ultra immediately caught my attention upon unboxing. The ‘Tundra Umber’ color variant, in particular, stands out as a stunning and premium design choice, with intricate details and a camera-like aesthetic.

While the Canyon Orange variant offers a thinner and lighter fibreglass back, the Tundra Umber’s vegan leather cover and overall style make it a preferred choice for many users.

The attention to detail, premium materials, and thoughtful design elements, such as the orange accent around the camera module, contribute to the overall appeal of the device.

Partnering with Hasselblad for the camera development, Oppo has created a design that aligns well with the device’s focus on photography.

Camera prowess

The Find X9 Ultra’s standout feature is its impressive camera setup, boasting a total of 550Mp across five lenses, including a pioneering 50Mp 10x optical telephoto lens.

Early testing indicates strong camera performance, with a versatile range of lenses (main, ultrawide, 3x optical, 10x optical, and selfie) that offer flexibility akin to a high-end DSLR camera.

While there are some minor issues with the camera performance, the overall quality is commendable, producing images that rival those taken with professional cameras.

The device’s Master mode allows for manual control and customization, catering to both novice and experienced photographers. Additionally, features like the Hasselblad Hi-Res mode enhance the photography experience.

With its impressive camera capabilities, the Find X9 Ultra has the potential to be a leading contender for the best camera phone of the year.

Battery and charging efficiency

While a comprehensive assessment of the battery life is pending, the Find X9 Ultra is expected to excel in terms of battery longevity and charging speed.

Equipped with a 7050mAh battery, an upgrade from its predecessor, the X8 Ultra, the device promises extended usage without compromising performance.

The inclusion of 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging further enhances the device’s charging capabilities, ensuring quick and efficient recharging.

Preliminary tests indicate that the device’s battery endurance is impressive, with minimal power consumption during tasks like video playback at full brightness.

Users can expect long-lasting battery life, making the Find X9 Ultra a reliable choice for extended usage.

Quick Button quibbles

One aspect of the Find X9 Ultra that falls short is the Quick Button feature, dedicated to the camera function. While the orange color pays homage to Hasselblad cameras, the functionality of the button leaves much to be desired.

The touch-sensitive button, intended for launching and controlling the camera, is criticized for its temperamental nature and awkward placement on the device.

Despite Oppo’s optimization efforts for improved accessibility, users have reported difficulties with the button’s responsiveness and usability, particularly when trying to launch the camera quickly.

While the Quick Button offers convenience in theory, its execution has been met with frustration and challenges in real-world usage scenarios.

This article is based on a hands-on experience with the Oppo Find X9 Ultra. The opinions expressed are unbiased and reflect the author’s personal experience with the device.