Tech Blog #209 | Oppo Find X8 Pro vs. Competing Flagship Smartphones: Let's do a Comparison...

The Oppo Find X8 Pro enters the competitive flagship smartphone arena with a compelling blend of features and specifications, battling against heavyweights like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the iPhone 16 Pro. At a price point that typically hovers around $1,000, it offers an advanced alternative to these established models. Its standout features include a striking quad-curved display, a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, and an impressive camera system tuned by Hasselblad. However, while it comes with some remarkable specifications, it faces challenges in software support and brand recognition that may influence consumer choices.

In terms of design and display, the Find X8 Pro features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a resolution of 2K and a peak brightness of 4500 nits. So it is way ahead in visibility under direct sunlight compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s 6.8-inch display, which reaches only 2000 nits in its brightest mode. The micro quad-curved design enhances ergonomics and it feels comfortable to hold.

However, the phone's weight of 215 grams may be a deal breaker for some users who prefer lighter devices like the Pixel 9 Pro at 197 grams. The design is elegant but may not stand out as much as the more iconic designs from Apple or Samsung. It comes with a dedicated button for camera controls, just like in Apple. And also the Alert Slider which they stole from OnePlus.

When it comes to performance, the Find X8 Pro is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip, which has shown competitive performance in benchmarks against Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in rivals like the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While it surpasses multi-core tasks, it falls short in specific applications such as video transcoding compared to Apple's A18 chip. This makes it a solid choice for power users who demand high performance across various applications. MediaTek processors are known for their bad thermal management and it could be a problem here too.

The camera capabilities are one of the key selling points for the Find X8 Pro, featuring a versatile quad-camera setup that includes four 50 MP sensors with two periscope lenses for enhanced zoom capabilities. This configuration allows for impressive photography in various conditions, rivaling the camera systems of both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro. However, while the camera performance is commendable, it may not consistently outperform Samsung's renowned camera software or Google's computational photography prowess seen in the Pixel series. Image processing struggles with white balancing and selfies.

Battery life is another area where the Find X8 Pro shines with its substantial 5910 mAh battery, surpassing competitors like the Galaxy S24 Ultra (5000 mAh) and Pixel 9 Pro (4700 mAh). It supports rapid charging at 80W wired and 50W wireless, ensuring minimal downtime for users on-the-go. Despite this advantage, real-world usage tests indicate that battery management is bad, suggesting that while capacity is high, efficiency could be improved.

On the software front, the Oppo Find X8 Pro runs on ColorOS 15 based on Android 15, promising five years of OS updates—an attractive proposition compared to many competitors who offer shorter support period. However, concerns about Oppo's track record with timely updates are kind of deal breaker for potential buyers who prioritize longevity in software support.

Oppo Find X8 Pro offers an impressive array of features that make it a strong contender among flagship smartphones priced similarly to top models from Samsung and Apple. And it does face hurdles regarding brand name and software update reliability. For users seeking cutting-edge hardware and camera performance without paying a premium for brand prestige, the Find X8 Pro is certainly worth considering. However, those who prioritize established ecosystems and consistent software support might lean towards more recognized names like Samsung or Apple despite their higher price tags or slightly lesser specifications.