Oppo Find X3 Pro Review: Premium Powerhouse or Overpriced?
Design & First Impressions
The Oppo Find X3 Pro sparks immediate reactions with its iPhone 12 Pro Max-inspired design. While its matte glass finish feels premium and refined compared to bulky competitors, the color options lack excitement. When I handled it alongside the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the Find X3 Pro's narrower, lighter (193g) frame proved significantly more pocket-friendly. However, Oppo's decision to abandon last year's striking vegan leather backplate feels like a missed opportunity for differentiation. The camera module's "melted edge" design reduces protrusion but remains divisive - a Marmite aesthetic you'll either love or hate.
Display & Visual Experience
Oppo's 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED screen sets new standards with four key innovations:
- LTPO technology enabling dynamic 5-120Hz refresh rate adjustments
- 10-bit color depth (1 billion colors) supported across camera, software, and display
- 1300-nit peak brightness for exceptional HDR content visibility
- Minimal curve that avoids accidental touches while maintaining immersion
In real-world testing, this display delivers breathtaking visuals - Netflix content pops with vibrant yet natural colors. However, the 10-bit photography ecosystem reveals practical limitations: HEIF files are cumbersome to edit or share, and visual differences from standard 8-bit images are subtle at best. The 120Hz mode transforms scrolling smoothness, though Oppo's ColorOS 11.2 occasionally lacks the fluidity of Oxygen OS or One UI.
Performance & Battery Realities
Powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset with 12GB RAM, the Find X3 Pro handles multitasking smoothly but shows unexpected limitations:
- Benchmarks consistently trail rival SD888 devices by 5-10%
- App launches occasionally lag behind competitors by milliseconds
- Gorilla Glass 5 protection feels dated versus Victus on rivals
Battery performance shines despite the 4,500mAh capacity. In my rigorous stress test (simulating 4 hours streaming, gaming, and camera use), it matched the 5,000mAh S21 Ultra. By 11 PM with moderate use, I consistently had 30-35% remaining. The 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 charging is revolutionary - 0-100% in 30 minutes flat. Wireless charging at 15W is competent but unremarkable.
Camera System Deep Dive
Oppo's quad-camera setup delivers excellence with compromises:
Main & Ultra-Wide (both 50MP Sony IMX766)
- Identical sensors create seamless transitions between lenses
- Ultra-wide maintains exceptional detail - rare in smartphone photography
- Consistent color science across both lenses
Microscope Lens (3MP)
- 60x magnification reveals fascinating textures
- Requires absolute stillness - focus depth is paper-thin
- Ring light helps but can create reflections
- Novelty factor diminishes after initial experimentation
Telephoto (13MP)
- 2x optical/5x hybrid zoom feels inadequate at this price
- Soft details in medium-distance shots
- Lacks the versatility of periscope competitors
Low-light performance occasionally misfires on white balance, and selfies tend to blow out highlights. Video enthusiasts should note the 8K omission is puzzling given the chipset's capability.
Value Verdict vs Competition
At £1099, the Find X3 Pro faces brutal competition:
Pros
- Industry-leading display technology
- Revolutionary charging speeds
- Unique microscope camera
- Superior ergonomics vs S21 Ultra
Cons
- Subpar zoom capabilities
- SD888 underperformance
- Only 2 years of OS updates
- Premium price for limited brand recognition
In my testing period, I ultimately returned to my S21 Ultra for its superior zoom and video features. The impending OnePlus 9 Pro - likely £100 cheaper with similar specs - further complicates Oppo's value proposition. This is an exceptional smartphone hampered by context: its brilliance shines brightest when not directly compared to class-leading alternatives.
Actionable Takeaways
- Test ergonomics personally - its narrow body suits small hands
- Consider if microscope camera novelty justifies £200 premium
- Wait for sales - street prices may resolve value concerns
- Evaluate alternatives like S21 Ultra (better zoom) or OnePlus 9 Pro (likely better value)
For photography enthusiasts prioritizing ultra-wide quality or display professionals needing 10-bit workflows, the Find X3 Pro makes a compelling case. For most? It's a brilliant phone that needed either more features or a lower price to dominate.
Which premium android would you choose at this price point? Share your dealbreaker features below!
