OPPO Find X9 vs OPPO Find X8
The launch of the OPPO Find X9 marks an important time for OPPO’s flagship lineup. I have been using this Find X9 for a few days now, and this definitely steps up in ways that matter to me and very likely to other users as well.
Having reviewed the OPPO Find X8 extensively last year, the arrival of the Find X9 feels less like a mere update and more like a thoughtful refinement of all the things OPPO got right, with a suite of upgrades that are practical, innovative, and performance-driven.
Compact Yet Refined: Size and Design Consistency
One of the most impressive aspects of the Find X9 is OPPO’s decision to retain the size profile that made the Find X8 such a beloved device. Sitting at 157.9mm x 74.73mm x 7.99mm and weighing around 203g, the Find X9 manages to offer a solid feel without getting bulky.
In my previous review of the Find X8, I praised its compact yet refined form factor, which strikes the perfect balance between usability and pocketability. That feeling hasn’t changed: the Find X9 remains easy to hold and comfortable to use, even for extended periods. OPPO’s design choices reflect a sensitivity to what users want: elegance paired with ergonomic comfort. The aesthetic refinement, including matte glass finishes and polished aluminum frames, further underlines the goal of making a device that’s as stylish as it is practical.
Alert Slider Off, Snap Button On
One of the things that changed on the OPPO Find X9 is the departure of the alert slider. I loved that thing. However, I have to say that the replacement is better albeit less tactile. OPPO has replaced it with the new “Snap Button.”
The Snap Button is more than just a shutter; it’s an AI-driven control that adds a layer of versatility never seen before in this lineup. If you’re familiar with what Nothing did on their recent devices (adding a programmable hardware button) the OPPO Snap Button feels like a better iteration. While I’ve only scratched the surface of its capabilities, my early experience is promising. It’s responsive and seems set to streamline multiple tasks with a single press, like launching apps, changing camera modes, or triggering custom AI features. And yes, you can use it as shutter button if you set it as shortcut button to turn on the camera app. I’ve got to also say that its location is more natural compared to the iPhone’s Camera Control button.
Hasselblad Cameras?
OPPO’s partnership with Hasselblad continues to mature, and the Find X9 is the best evidence yet. If the Find X8 legitimized this collaboration, the Find X9 redefines it. The rear triple-camera setup maintains its 50MP+50MP+50MP configuration, much like last year, but it’s the refinements and new features that stand out.
There are several features that I couldn’t mention yet that can definitely put the OPPO Find X9 in the pedestal of this year’s best cameras. More on it on my full review.
Camera Features: Same Megapixels, Smarter Software
While both phones offer similar megapixel counts, the story doesn’t end in the hardware. The Find X9’s improved aperture levels and enhanced photo algorithms create clearer, brighter, and richer images, further showcasing Hasselblad’s impact. Notably, video shooting gains a major bump—not just in resolution and frame rate, but also in the variety of shooting modes and live filters, adding creative flexibility right in the native app.
Performance: MediaTek Dimensity 9500 Takes the Lead
Under the hood, the Find X9 packs the new MediaTek Dimensity 9500, moving up from the Dimensity 9400 and 9400+. The difference became obvous early in my hands-on testing. As a gamer, I installed GameHub Lite OSS and successfully emulated several PC Steam titles, including Silksong, which ran beautifully at 60fps.
This level of performance is a clear generational leap, making the Find X9 a more capable device for both mobile and PC game emulation, as well as demanding native Android games. While I have yet to run full benchmark tests (those will come in the detailed review), the initial signs show that the 9500 offers both better speed and energy efficiency, even in Balanced Battery mode. More on this on the full review.
Battery Life
One area where OPPO wasn’t content with small improvements is battery capacity. The Find X9 packs a substantial 7,025mAh battery, a leap from the Find X8’s 5,630mAh. Dimensions being nearly the same, this upgrade is a feat of engineering. As someone who relies heavily on all-day battery endurance, I appreciate this jump.
User Experience: ColorOS 16 and New AI Functions
Running on ColorOS 16, the Find X9 introduces Seamless Animation, the Luminous Rendering Engine, and features like AI Portrait Glow. These features create a smoother and more visually stunning experience for users, minimizing input lag and making transitions between tasks feel natural and uninterrupted.
Our First Impressions
The OPPO Find X9 is great. OPPO listened to what worked on the Find X8 and doubled down on those strengths while bringing meaningful upgrades where it counts: performance, battery, camera, and special features like the Snap Button. Every aspect feels built with a purpose. Honestly, I’m eager to explore more of the AI-driven features and push its hardware to the limits across gaming, photography, and everyday productivity. I also want to further check on its photo features including telephoto and video capabilities.
The OPPO Find X9 will be globally launched this October 29. Global price will be announced by then as well. As of writing this article, we do not have yet details of its local (PH) launch.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
