As someone who’s been chasing the perfect smartphone camera for years, I’ve watched the OPPO Find series evolve from sleek flagships into bona fide camera beasts. Remember the Find X5 Pro? That was the turning point, blending Hasselblad magic with raw computational power to make pro-level photography accessible in your pocket. Fast forward to 2025, and the OPPO Find X9 takes it up another notch, promising DSLR-quality imaging in a compact form factor. With its triple-camera setup tuned for natural bokeh, insane dynamic range, and AI-driven enhancements, OPPO is boldly claiming the crown for the best camera smartphone on the market. Is it living up to the hype, or just another pretty lens? I’ve spent the last few weeks with the Find X9. It’s damn close to perfection, but let’s dive deep into my experience to see if it truly dethrones the iPhone 17 Pro Max or Pixel 10 Pro XL.
Build & Design
Unboxing the OPPO Find X9 Pro felt like holding a piece of modern art. It is sleek and built to last. The Find X9 boasts a robust build quality that provides immediate reassurance to users. Crafted from aluminum for the frame and wrapped in Gorilla Glass 7i on the front, it weighs in at a manageable 203 grams. No flex here, but it feels as sturdy as my old Nokia 3310, but infinitely more refined. The IP68/IP69 rating means I can throw it in a beach bag during monsoons without any second thoughts. There are no water damage concerns, even after a rogue wave splashed it in Goa.
Design-wise, it’s a head-turner, but not without controversy. At 6.59 inches, the LTPO AMOLED display is a beauty with slim bezels on all sides, giving it a near bezel-less illusion that’s immersive for movies. The punch-hole selfie cam is tiny, almost invisible, letting the 144Hz refresh rate shine through for buttery-smooth animations. There is a notable similarity in design, as it closely resembles the OnePlus 15. The flat edges, the alert slider on the side, and even the camera module. OPPO and OnePlus are under the same BBK umbrella, so it’s no coincidence, but it does make the Find X9 feel like the more camera-focused cousin rather than a revolutionary standout.
The ergonomics of the device are excellent for one-handed use. The power button is conveniently located for thumb access, and the volume rockers provide a satisfying click when pressed. The only minor issue is that the camera bump protrudes, causing the phone to wobble on flat surfaces during video calls. However, a simple case can resolve this problem, and OPPO includes a slim silicone case with the device.
Performance
Powering the OPPO Find X9 is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500. Paired with 16GB RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage, it’s a multitasking monster. Booting up ColorOS 16 (based on Android 16) feels instantaneous, with zero stutters during app switches or split-screen multitasking. I’ve juggled 20 Chrome tabs, Spotify, and WhatsApp video calls without a hiccup.
Gaming? Oh man, where do I start? As a casual BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India) addict, I played the game in high graphics, and the Find X9 handled it like a champ. No thermal throttling after 45 minutes, and the vapor chamber cooling kept temps under control. Frame rates locked at 90fps, with zero input lag, making it responsive and precise. Call of Duty Mobile on the highest settings? Equally flawless, with shadows rendering beautifully on the vibrant display. I pushed it further with Genshin Impact’s open-world chaos, and while it sipped battery more than lighter titles, the performance never dipped below 55fps.
Everyday tasks like photo editing in Lightroom and working with 4K video timelines in Filmora ran smoothly, thanks to the NPU’s AI acceleration. As for ColorOS, it’s well-designed, featuring Omoji avatars that compete with Apple’s Genmoji, along with a zero-lag Always-On Display (AOD) that customizes notifications per app.
Camera
If the Find series is OPPO’s camera legacy, the Find X9 is its manifesto. Billed as a “DSLR-quality” shooter, it packs a triple 50MP setup. It’s cheaper than the flagship Find X9 Pro (by about ₹30,000 in India), offering that extra zoom for value, smart for most users who don’t need moon shots. Tuned with Hasselblad, it promises colour science that’s “true to life,” not over-saturated like some rivals.
My two-week test including travel to Goa was the ultimate proving ground. At the launch event, a sun-drenched affair at a beach-side resort, I captured amazing pictures under harsh midday light. The main camera nailed exposure, pulling details.
Over weeks of real-world abuse, images consistently impressed. Street photography in Mumbai, the telephoto’s 3x zoom take good shot without any distortion. Selfies from the 32MP front cam? the portrait mode blurring backgrounds just right, ideal for Instagram post. Video? 4K at 120fps is overkill but smooth
AI has been integrated to provide better results. The Photos app now includes options to edit images using AI features. Compared to the Pixel 10’s impressive computational capabilities, the Find X9 feels more “optical-first,” resulting in images that are less processed and more authentic. Is it the best camera phone? Yes, in terms of versatility and color accuracy. It surpasses the iPhone in zoom portraits and low-light warmth. However, there are some downsides; the downgraded telephoto lens means that the 10x digital zoom can become less clear faster than on the Pro model. Nonetheless, at this price point, it’s a great deal for photography enthusiasts like me.
Battery
Battery anxiety? Not on the Find X9. OPPO stuffed a massive 7025mAh silicon-carbon cell inside. With moderate use (social scrolling, 3 hours of photography, youtube), it sails through 1.5 days easily. My routine: Wake at 7 AM with 100%, end the day at 9 PM with 45% left after emails, Reels browsing, and a BGMI match. Even on busy days, like when I edit 50 RAW photos, I still manage to get 7 to 8 hours of screen time.
Charging is impressive 80W SuperVOOC hits full in under an hour, dashing from 20% to 80% in 25 minutes. I’ve done it bedside without heat buildup. Wireless? 50W Qi-compatible pads juice it in 75 minutes, perfect for desk setups. And reverse wireless at 10W keeps my earbuds alive during walks. Efficiency shines in standby, the ColorOS’s smart power management learns your habits, dimming unused apps.
Verdict
After a few weeks with the OPPO Find X9, I’m hooked. It’s not just a phone; it’s a creative tool that reignited my passion for mobile photography. The build gives confidence, performance like a flagship, and that camera? It delivers DSLR-esque magic that’s accessible and fun. While the OnePlus design might annoy purists and the telephoto downgrade may disappoint zoom enthusiasts, at a starting price of ₹74,999, it undercuts competitors while excelling in battery life and imaging capabilities.
Is it the best camera smartphone? In my experience, yes, for those who crave natural, versatile shots over gimmicks. If you’re a content creator or casual snapper tired of flat iPhone colours, grab it. OPPO’s Find X9 isn’t perfect, but it’s profoundly capable, a worthy evolution that proves the series’ camera throne is secure.