OPPO is a China-based tech giant that produces some of the most innovative and groundbreaking devices. Focusing on smart AI and camera technology, the company is known for its flagship Find X series, stylish Reno series, and foldable N series. The company uses heavy-duty on-device AI to completely reinvent how your phone takes photos.

The company also has its Android-based OS, ColorOS, which is the basis for OnePlus's Android software. However, despite the popularity of OPPO phones globally, the company has no presence in the United States, where its sister brand, OnePlus, currently operates. The two brands often share design aesthetics and hardware, but are targeted at different markets.

What you need to know

• Rumors claim Oppo is chasing a wider foldable with a chance of debuting in Q1 2027.
• The device is reportedly eyeing Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 with a 7.6-inch internal screen and a 5.5-inch cover.
• Recent rumors claim Vivo and Honor are chasing wider foldables; however, Huawei has already its version.

There's been a lot of "Wide" foldable talk in the phone space recently, and there's another recognizable name coming to the surface: Oppo.

Rumors on the Chinese social media platform Weibo from tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) claim Oppo is working on a wider aspect ratio foldable (via GSMArena). The tipster suggests the phone is being developed with a 7.6-inch internal screen and a 5.5-inch cover display. Samsung Display and BOE are being considered to handle the device's screen once the situation progresses.

On the other hand, we have speculation that this "Wide" Oppo foldable could feature a "seamless hinge." As GSMArena also states, this likely refers to hinge technology that minimizes the phone's crease so it's barely noticeable. Internally, DCS claims the phone is preparing to feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 SoC, which would be its newest addition later this year.

While this last note might give the impression that a debut could be later this year, that's not entirely accurate. Rumors claim Oppo is trying to nail a Q1 2027 debut for this wider foldable. However, DCS states this is "tentative," but we weren't holding our breath anyway.

Everyone's going wide

Hearing that Oppo might have a wide fold in the works reminds us of rumors that said Honor and Vivo were working on the same thing. It was reported that Vivo's version could debut as the "X Fold 6." Regarding Honor's inclusion, that model might not debut until 2027, kind of like what we're hearing about Oppo. Of course, these rumors about Honor and Vivo were drummed up to compete with Samsung.

In the tipster's rumors on Weibo this week, they state Oppo might have Apple in its sights instead. While these companies work to develop wider foldables, one maker already did it: Huawei. The Huawei Pura X Max launched in mid-April, and it's the wide foldable we've been waiting on, just not from Samsung (or Honor, or Vivo...). The OEM called its phone the first “horizontally wide” foldable, even though, as my colleague Jay Bonggolta said, Google's Pixel Fold technically went down this route already.

The Pura X Max features a 5.5-inch cover screen and a 7.6-inch internal display with a 16:10 aspect ratio.

What you need to know

• "Wide" fold rumors continue, but suggest that overseas makers, such as Honor and Vivo, might have versions of their own in the pipeline.
• Vivo's version could appear as the "X Fold 6," per a tipster's post online, while another allegation says Honor is working on one that could debut next year.
• Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide surfaced again, and it's cameras are looking a little typical.

Industries are typically competitive, and these rumors say the "Wide" foldable competition is heating up with new Chinese challengers.

There are a couple of tipsters on Chinese social media (Weibo) who have claimed that a couple of phone makers are looking into wider foldable phones. A post by Gizmochina highlights a post by Smart Pikachu, claiming Vivo is already working on a "Wide" Fold with a notable upgrade (via PhoneArena). The tipster points users toward an alleged "Vivo X Fold 6," adding that "those who like large folding designs" should seek that device out.

This tipster's allegations conclude by stating Vivo might "greatly improve" the display crease for its wider foldable. Joining the wider fold train is another tipster, Guan Tongxue, who says Honor wants a piece of the pie, too. Its expected timeline is still unknown, but the post claims it's "only a matter of time" before we see its market reveal.

What's more, Honor might equip the phone with a triple camera setup. Gizmochina did a little more digging, finding other rumors that said Honor could prepare for a debut sometime in Q1 2027. If true, then perhaps we can expect to see something late this year to hype us up.

Samsung's moving along

Of course, we're looking at this as a potential competitive future for Samsung. We've been seeing rumors about a "Wide" Fold 8 for a while, and there was even an animation leak. Samsung's been working on One UI 9 (beta just hit the Galaxy S26), and there was a supposed animation for the "Wide" Fold 8's displays. Though it was just a quick animation, it really gave us an idea of how much wider this foldable could be.

Most recently, there was a rumor about its cameras, and they seem pretty... tame. Supposedly, the Fold 8 Wide could feature a 50MP main lens and a 50MP ultrawide with 8K recording capabilities. There's a notable missing feature here: a telephoto lens. That's something that will seemingly separate the regular Fold 8 and this wider variant, should the rumor prove true.

What you need to know

• Quick Share with AirDrop support is finally expanding beyond Pixel and Galaxy phones to more Android devices.
• Oppo Find X9 Ultra and Vivo X300 Ultra have started receiving support for AirDrop sharing.
• You need to enable AirDrop visibility on iPhone for Android devices to detect and share files seamlessly.

Google brought support for sharing files using Android's Quick Share with Apple's AirDrop to its Pixel phones last year, and it now looks like the company is finally expanding the feature to more Android devices.

Ever since Google introduced Quick Share with AirDrop support on the Pixel 10 series, we've been waiting for it to show up on more phones. Since then, it has expanded to the Pixel 9 series and more recently showed up on the Galaxy S26 lineup as well.

Samsung even pushed it to the Galaxy S25 series with the One UI 8.5 update. But outside of Pixel and Samsung devices, there hasn't been much movement until now.

Oppo launched the Find X9 Ultra last week with a promise that AirDrop support would roll out soon, and it looks like that has already started happening. I've been able to test this myself, sending and receiving files between the Oppo Find X9 Ultra and an iPhone Air without any issues.

When you open the Quick Share settings on the Find X9 Ultra, there's now a banner confirming that AirDrop file sharing is available. It also shows a quick guide explaining how to use it, which mainly involves enabling AirDrop on the iPhone and setting visibility to 'Everyone' for 10 minutes.

Once that's done, the iPhone shows up in the Quick Share menu on Android. You can also receive files the same way by setting your Android device's visibility accordingly.

My colleague Harish Jonnalagadda was also able to use this feature on his Vivo X300 Ultra, which means it's clearly expanding beyond just Pixel and Samsung phones. We still haven't seen it arrive on devices like the OnePlus 15 yet, and neither OnePlus nor Google has confirmed anything around that.

Still, it's great to finally see this feature rolling out more widely. It makes sharing photos, videos, and files between Android and iPhone much easier without needing third-party apps. We'll keep you updated as it continues to expand to more devices.

Android Central's Take

I've tested this feature myself, and it works surprisingly well. It's still a bit slower than native AirDrop-to-AirDrop sharing or even Android-to-Android sharing, but the fact that this feature exists and is expanding beyond Pixel and Galaxy phones is a big win for Android users.

If you've set out to buy a new foldable smartphone in 2026 and are looking at the global market, you have a solid number of options to choose from. In the U.S., Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 is still the king of the hill, and the same holds true for many other regions, too. But challenging its reign in 2026 is the latest OPPO Find N6. We've spent two weeks with this foldable, and we can't get enough of it. It's a crying shame, then, that it won't be launching outside Asia.

Comparing the OPPO Find N6 vs. the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, both phones have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Find N6 has an edge in battery life, cameras, a folding screen, and charging speeds, but it's heavier and won't get as many OS upgrades. The Galaxy Z Fold 7, on the other hand, is lighter, has better AI features, and better global availability. The downside is that it's not as dustproof, has weaker battery life, and is due for an upgrade in a few months.

If you live in a region where you can buy either phone, here's how to choose between them.

OPPO Find N6 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Design and displays

We thought the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 had a non-existent display crease when we reviewed it, but the OPPO Find N6's folding screen makes it look like a phone from a few generations ago. This is the biggest differentiator of the Find N6 vs. all other foldable phones like the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Honor Magic V5. Not only is the crease barely visible, but you can also hardly feel it, which means it's the closest you'll get to using an actual tablet.

It's an absolutely stunning display too, spanning 8.12 inches with a crisp resolution of 2,248x2,480 pixels. This LTPO OLED panel boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,500 nits of peak brightness, and an "Auto-Smoothing Flex Glass" that's certified to stay flat even after 600,000 folds, according to OPPO. The outer 6.62-inch OLED display is equally impressive with an even higher peak brightness rating. Both displays have excellent color vibrancy and touch response, and the improved hinge easily holds the Find N6 at whichever angle you open it.

The design is similar to the Find N5, and it has the same thickness when folded or unfolded as the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The OPPO Find N6 is heavier than the Fold 7 at 225 grams vs. 215 grams. It does have better dust and water protection, though, with an IP58/ IP59 rating compared to Samsung's IP48 rating. The Find N6 even supports OPPO's new AI Pen stylus.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 measures just 8.9mm thick when folded and 4.2mm when unfolded, making it the slimmest foldable Samsung has produced yet. The most impressive aspect is the weight, which is just 215 grams. The design is very familiar too and is instantly recognizable as a Samsung phone. The fit and finish have been polished off, and the phone gets an IP48 rating for durability.

The main display on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is an 8.0-inch folding Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panel with a resolution of 2,184 x 1,968 and a 120Hz refresh rate. Notably, Samsung has dropped S Pen support on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to keep the phone's thickness low. This could be a big miss for many users, as the ability to doodle, sketch, sign documents, or take notes with Samsung's highly regarded stylus is not available on this model.

We don't have too many complaints about the display itself, though. It's bright and vibrant, the touch response is great, and the crease is the least prominent compared to previous generations. The folding screen is still not as flat as the Find N6, though. OPPO definitely wins this round as the Find N6 has superior display tech and is more resilient to the elements.

OPPO Find N6 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Hardware and specs

The OPPO Find N6 uses the best Qualcomm chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Like its predecessor, this is a custom chip with a seven-core design that performs very well in games and with daily usage. We did notice some overheating during long gaming sessions, but that's more of a chip issue than an OPPO issue. The Find N6 comes in just one variant with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. Hong Kong-based etailer Giztop lists the phone for $1,899, which is quite a bit cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 7's starting price of $1,999, which gets you 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The Find N6 runs ColorOS 16.0.4, which is based on Android 16. OPPO has promised four years of OS upgrades, the best that the company offers. This is much less compared to Samsung's seven-year commitment. The software itself is great and easy to use. We didn't find any glaring issues here. It's also highly customizable, which is something we really liked.

The Find N6 has one of the biggest batteries we've seen yet on a foldable. With a massive 6,000mAh capacity, 80W wired charging, and 50W wireless charging, this is a beast of a phone that easily lasts a full day and more on one charge.

Samsung increased the price of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 in 2025, as it starts at nearly $2,000. The 512GB variant is $2,419.99, and the 1TB variant is $2,419.99. It's worth noting that only the 1TB variant has 16GB of RAM.

While performance won't hit the same benchmark numbers as the Find N6 with the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the older Snapdragon 8 Elite in the Z Fold 7 is still very capable. The phone also outshines the Find N6 thanks to Samsung's seven-year software update promise. While OPPO's software is quite polished, Samsung's on-device AI features certainly set it apart.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 4,400mAh battery, which is alright for casual use but not great if you heavily use the folding screen. The phone charges at a measly 25W when plugged in and 15W via Qi2.1 wireless charging. You don't get native magnetic Qi2 charging, but you can enable this with a compatible case.

OPPO Find N6 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Cameras

The cameras on the OPPO Find N6 are easily some of the best we've seen. There's a new 200MP main sensor and upgraded ultrawide and telephoto cameras from the Find N5. Add to that the Hasselblad tuning for the main camera, similar to the Find X9 Pro, and you have a very potent shooter, no matter the challenging lighting conditions. All rear cameras can now shoot 4K 60fps video in Dolby Vision. The selfie cameras are not bad either, as you get 20MP sensors for the outer and inner displays.

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 finally gets a much-needed boost for the main camera. The 200MP sensor captures stunning shots and is capable of recording in 8K. The secondary cameras do a decent job, too, but are not suitable for a phone that costs nearly $2,000. The 10MP telephoto and 12MP ultrawide simply lack the raw resolution that the Find N6 delivers. Even the selfie cameras are quite average as Samsung hasn't bothered to change these 10MP sensors for many generations now.

OPPO Find N6 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Which should you buy?

The OPPO Find N6 has earned a spot in our list of the best foldables to buy in 2026. Apart from being cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, it beats it in other areas too, like the displays, stylus support, better battery life, faster charging, better performance, and more potent cameras. I'd definitely choose this over the Galaxy any day.

For folks in North America and European countries, the only way to officially get the Find N6 (or a version of it) is if OnePlus decides to launch a OnePlus Open 2. Unfortunately, a report in early January suggested that OnePlus has cancelled plans for the Open 2, although the reasons remain unknown. Hopefully, things change for the better, and we finally get an Open 2 that fans have been waiting for.

As for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, it's a fine device but a bit too expensive for its own good. The increase in price, plus the reduction in features like the lack of S Pen support, makes it hard to recommend. This is also not the best time to buy one at full price, as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 should arrive in a few months. It's still early to tell whether it will get any significant upgrades, but given how Samsung has been playing it too safe with its updates over the past few years, I wouldn't hold my breath for anything substantially better.

What you need to know

• OPPO's starting to tease an April 2026 debut for the Find X9 Ultra, which would be the first time global markets have seen such a device.
• A minimal teaser seems to showcase the phone's camera button, alongside multiple teasers about "Your Next Camera" and more.
• The Find X9 series debuted late last year, bringing strong camera improvements, a detachable teleconverter lens, and huge batteries.

It seems that global markets should expect a surprising debut: an Ultra model phone from the Chinese OEM, OPPO.

Late this weekend, the founder of OnePlus and CPO of OPPO, Pete Lau, posted on X that the latter will debut an Ultra addition to the Find X9 series globally (via 9to5Google). Lau states, "The #OPPOFindX9Ultra is going global!" While that gets us right to the point, Lau provided a quick teaser image of the device. The image is very minimal, only showing what speculation expects to be a physical camera button on the side of the Find X9 Ultra.

Other than that, we know that the phone will be silver (or, at least, this colorway option is). The image offers the tagline: "Your Next Camera." Moreover, it tells us that the phone will debut in April 2026. OPPO's CPO continues, stating that this is the "first time ever" that an Ultra model phone has launched globally.

Piling on the camera hype is Lau's statement that users should get ready for "a new benchmark in mobile imaging!" The post by 9to5 resurfaces some older leaks that claim the Find X9 Ultra will provide a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is expected to power its functions, alongside a 7,050mAh battery with 100W wired charging.

Photos are lookin' crispy

OPPO launched the Find X9 series late last year with the Find X9 and Find X9 Pro. Both phones were pretty high on battery capacity, offering a 7,500mAh battery in the X9 Pro. Funnily enough, what's been alleged for the Find X9 Ultra sits between the Pro and the base model. However, the main difference is the other two feature MediaTek's Dimensity 9500, not a Snapdragon.

The X9 and X9 Pro also feature a new bit of hardware: the Snap Key. This button allowed users to quickly trigger functions, like the camera or AI features. Pricing will be another aspect that we should keep our eyes on. The Find X9 debuted with a ~$1,165 price tag, leaving the Pro with ~$1,515. Of course, the numbers are usually restructured to appropriately fit the market, though this gives us an idea of where the Find X9 Ultra might land.

Android Central's Take

If there was one thing the Find X9 series did, it was camera improvements. OPPO woke up one day and chose photography, and I'm not mad at them. The Find X9 series, namely the Pro, boasts a 200MP telephoto with 3x periscope zoom. It also comes with support for a detachable teleconverter lens for 10x native zoom capabilities. This makes the phone feels like you're using a conventional, strong mirrorless camera. The Ultra is going down this route, too, and I'm expecting even more photographic strength from something with that moniker.

What you need to know

• OnePlus and Oppo will increase smartphone prices in China starting March 16 due to rising component costs.
• All OnePlus phones will see price hikes, while Oppo will raise prices mainly for its lower and mid-range devices.
• Price increases are limited to China for now, but global markets could see similar hikes later.

It was only a matter of time before brands began increasing smartphone prices amid the ongoing memory shortage, and it looks like Oppo and OnePlus are the next to follow.

Samsung already increased the prices of the base Galaxy S26 and mid-tier Galaxy S26 Plus by $100 this year, and now OnePlus and Oppo appear to be following the same path. Both companies have announced that they will increase prices for some smartphones in China starting March 16, 2026.

The companies say that due to "rising costs of several key mobile phone components" and after "careful evaluation," they have decided to increase prices for certain models (via GizmoChina).

Under the change, all OnePlus phones will see a price increase, while Oppo will raise prices only for some of its lower and mid-range devices. Oppo's flagship Find and Reno series, along with the Oppo Pad lineup, are not affected for now.

The good news is that these price increases don't appear to apply globally yet. OnePlus confirmed to PCMag that it is not raising prices in the U.S. at the moment, stating, "We do not have any additional information to share at this time," though it did not rule out future increases.

Oppo does not sell its phones directly in the U.S., but its sister brand OnePlus offers several devices there, including the OnePlus 15R as well as the OnePlus 13 and 13R from last year. If the company eventually follows the same strategy globally, we could see price increases for those models, too.

Smartphone prices are expected to rise this year as the overall market continues to slow. Some analysts even fear global smartphone shipments could fall below levels seen during the COVID-19 period. It remains to be seen which other brands will follow with similar price increases.

Android Central's Take

This isn't exactly surprising. Rising memory and component costs are affecting the entire industry, so price increases were inevitable. The real question is how quickly these hikes will spread outside China.

Since OnePlus and Oppo still rely heavily on the Chinese market, it's possible the impact elsewhere may take some time. Still, the situation does not look particularly encouraging for smartphone buyers right now.

What you need to know

• OPPO was present during MediaTek's "AI for Life" keynote during MWC 2026 in which it showcased Omni, a feature that lets AI perceive the physical world for assistance.
• The companies detailed AI Portrait Glow, which helps clean up photos that were taken in "challenging" light scenarios.
• MWC 2026 showed just how "foundational" AI has become on Android, and the IDC estimates that over 37% of phones shipped this year may be Gen AI-enabled.

MWC 206 is almost over, but OPPO and MediaTek held their conference just before closing, showcasing what new AI innovations are headed to consumers.

In a press release, the companies shared details about an "AI for life" showcase that MediaTek held during MWC 2026. AI Phones was a big part of this keynote. OPPO and MediaTek each seemed to agree on their "shared vision" for progressing such devices with the newest innovations. One of the major highlights was Omni, "the industry's first on-device full-modal AI model designed for multi-modal understanding and interaction."

OPPO explains that Omni is capable of understanding live scenes and providing users with interactive Q&A sessions on a phone. Moreover, this feature will support voice, video, and text inputs. Of course, with details like this, MediaTek and OPPO see Omni as a tool to help AI "perceive" and "interpret" the physical world.

On the other side, OPPO stated during MediaTek's keynote that it's looking to advance its AI strategy. At the center of this is "On-device Compute." Jason Liao, president of the OPPO Research Institute, said "On-device Compute is a cornerstone of OPPO's AI strategy, making AI a perceptible, real-time experience integrated into everyday usage."

The idea is to also facilitate AI that's privacy-conscious with a personalized experience, as well as boasting low-latency. OPPO's developed on-device AI Translate and AI Portrait Glow; however, MediaTek states that its Dimensity 9500 helped to empower these further with performance akin to cloud-based solutions. The two announced that these features will be available soon on the OPPO Find X9 series. AI Portrait Glow is said to enhance photos that were taken in "challenging" light.

Then, OPPO explained that its Find X9 series will soon support Android's Quick Share after MediaTek and Google's close collaboration. Users will be able to transfer files between their phone and an OPPO device, alongside Apple's iOS devices.

MWC 2026 has been interesting

As we were getting ready for MWC 2026, we expected to see MediaTek. Specifically, we were privy to the company's plans for its "AI for Life" keynote. The company explained that its keynote would focus on highlighting how it's "integral" to advancing on-device AI features through its Dimensity chips. Global mobile connectivity and even automotive solutions were discussed.

MediaTek's partnerships were also teased, which we've now seen one with OPPO, and what's coming up for the Find X9 series in a future update.

What you need to know

• Global smartphone shipments rose by 2.3% YoY in Q4 2025, totaling 336.3 million units.
• Samsung shot up as one of the strongest performers, shipping 61.2 million units and contributing to 18.2% of the total global market share.
• Apple leads with 24.2% market share, while Chinese brands face new challenges amidst rising competition.

The holiday season seems to have worked in favor of the global smartphone market as shipments climbed by 2.3% YoY in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to preliminary data obtained by International Data Corporation (IDC). Despite the ongoing industry issues, like memory chip shortages, unprecedented tariffs, and other disruptions, the smartphone market seems to have ended the year strong.

In total, 336.3 million smartphones were shipped globally during the quarter, bringing the full-year shipments to roughly 1.26 billion units, which is a 1.9% increase from the same time last year.

Speaking of positive numbers, Samsung shot up as one of the strongest performers, shipping 61.2 million units and contributing to 18.2% of the total global market share. IDC says that Samsung delivered its best in Q4 since way back in 2013, all thanks to "strong sales of its Galaxy Z Fold 7 and affordable AI-enabled Galaxy A-Series devices," the report stated.

Samsung's new foldables basically contributed to Samsung's strongest Q3 in years, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 sales in the US exceeded the Z Fold 6 by 50% within the same timeframe after launch. It also became the fastest-selling Galaxy Fold in Western Europe, selling more than double the units of the Z Fold 6 in its first four weeks. Giving the Korean OEM a 64% hold on the global foldable market.

Apple continued to hold its place at the top of the board, shipping over 81.3 million units, contributing to 24.2% of the global market share. Which hints at the fact that people are certainly reaching for high-end premium devices, according to Nabila Popal, senior research director for Worldwide Client Devices, IDC.

Chinese brands like Xiaomi held onto their third place with 37.8 million shipments, but the brand faced a YoY decline amid challenges like higher price points and competition from other brands within the country. Vivo and OPPO both held onto 8% of the market, shipping 27 million and 26.9 million units, respectively. IDC noted that Vivo's growth was due to its sales and performance in India, while OPPO's was bolstered by its new launches in China.

Meanwhile, other brands like Google, Motorola, Honor, etc that fall under the "others" category, accounted for 30.4% of the total market, down from 31.9% in the same period the previous year (4Q24).

Chinese phone brands had a good 2026; they delivered meaningful camera innovation and broke new ground in battery tech. Devices like the Vivo X200 Ultra, X300 Pro, and the Find X9 Pro are easily among the best phones you can buy today, and these brands are doing a better job selling their devices outside Asia.

Looking ahead to 2026, I predict a continuation of the dominance around imaging, with even bigger cameras and better tuning. I also see the likes of OPPO and Vivo establishing a solid presence in Western markets, rivaling Xiaomi and Huawei.

Cameras that are even better

If you need the best possible cameras on a phone, you'll need to get the Vivo X200 Ultra, Find X8 Ultra, or the Vivo X300 Pro — there's no question about that. With the X300 Pro delivering noticeable gains over its predecessor, where does Vivo take things in 2026? There's obviously going to be an X300 Ultra, and that should also get a 200MP tele lens.

Where I see Vivo differentiating its Ultra models is with the tuning; this was evident on the X300 Pro, and it's clear that Vivo wants to focus on its tuning algorithms as much as the physical sensors it uses on its phones. That's a good thing, because it allows the brand to meaningfully stand out against its closest rivals.

In a similar vein, I see OPPO and Xiaomi going all-out with their Ultra models, and I'm excited to see what they can deliver. While Xiaomi was the only brand out of the trio to sell its Ultra models outside China, that may change in 2026, with both OPPO and Vivo set to launch their best phones globally.

Increased global presence

What's the point of having a brilliant phone if it's limited to just a few countries? While Vivo and OPPO focused on Asian markets, that narrative is changing, and either brand is keen on building out a presence in the West. OPPO introduced the Find X9 and X9 Pro in the U.K., and Vivo debuted the X300 and X300 Pro in Germany and other markets in the region.

While either brand had a limited presence in these countries, they didn't market their products aggressively — that's going to change in 2026. In conversations with both brands, I got the feeling that they're enthused about expanding outside Asia in earnest.

Better panels

The latest wave of Chinese phones has a meaningful display upgrade: they go down to 1 nit. Chinese manufacturers have closely collaborated with display vendor BOE to deliver this, but the downside is that the resolution is lowered to 1.5K. There's no tangible difference in day-to-day usability between 1.5K and 2K.

That said, we should get phones with 2K panels that go to 1nit in low-light use in 2026. BOE is doing all the right things in this area, and it's clear that the manufacturer is able to work with phone brands to tailor panels to their needs.

Even bigger batteries

My Find X9 Pro has a 7,500mAh battery, and the phone lasts a day and a half with heavy use. Battery sizes are only going to increase in 2026, with brands set to cross 8,000mAh. This is made possible by silicon-carbon tech; the initial wave of phones with these batteries had 10% silicon in the anode, but silicon content is increasing, allowing brands to fit ever-larger batteries into their phones while still retaining a thin-and-light design.

Silicon batteries are just better; the greater density means the phones aren't bulky, and they hold up much better in challenging weather conditions.

Limited DRAM

We got phones with 1TB of RAM and 24GB of RAM, and while these models tend to be limited to China, I don't see this trend lasting. The meteoric rise in DRAM prices means brands will only deliver 12GB of RAM on their phones in 2026, and that will likely be the case even with 512GB and 1TB storage configurations.

Whether that's going to be enough in the AI-everything era needs to be seen. As it stands, I don't see any problems with 12GB of RAM on Android, but as more and more brands start switching to on-device AI models, it may turn into a bottleneck. Regardless, if you need 16GB of RAM, you'll want to buy a phone that's available now instead of waiting for a 2026 device.

I don't see the status quo changing too much with Chinese manufacturers in 2026. OPPO and Vivo will be looking to increase their imaging lead, and while Xiaomi didn't have a strong 2025, I want to see the brand do better next year. Huawei is once again likely to roll out a roster of devices with meaningful innovation (I'm testing its latest products, and they're wild), and Realme is guaranteed to deliver phones with the biggest batteries.

It was the year of phones with amazing AI, and right off the bat, we have to congratulate OnePlus 15 for being crowned the Best Android phone of the past year.

I remember when I had the first OnePlus, and it was a unique experience, but the way the company has evolved over the years shows how much effort the company has put into creating a cohesive brand.

The phone has an incredible processor, great battery life, and super-fast charging. It's got a fantastic camera

Read on ahead to learn what our colleagues have to say about the best Android phone of the year, but of course also about foldables, best camera phone, best value phone, and so much more!

Best Android phone: OnePlus 15

OnePlus started as an Android enthusiast brand, and while it had a few rough years, it has properly redefined what "Never Settle" means with the OnePlus 15 experience. It's got the fastest processor, 3-day battery life, ultrafast charging, the best build quality, excellent cameras, tons of great features, a 165Hz display that doesn't skimp on quality or eye care features, haptics you'll love to feel every day, and six years of updates to come. Oh, and a price you're going to really appreciate.

Some Android Central staff argue that the OnePlus 13's design makes it a nicer phone to use over the squarer OnePlus 15, but considering all the other upgrades, it's nearly impossible not to recommend it.

Runner-up: Google Pixel 10 Pro

Android Central staff loves Google's vision of Android, so it makes sense that the Pixel 10 Pro would make runner-up this year. Whether you choose the pocket-friendly Pixel 10 Pro or the gargantuan Pixel 10 Pro XL, you're getting a top-notch camera system with the best of Gemini onboard. Google very specifically focused on the "everyman" angle for the phone this year, and that comes through in the marketing and the user experience.

This is a dead-simple experience that's uber-friendly for ex-iPhone users to adjust to, and it comes with plenty of friendly hints and tutorials that help you learn what a superior mobile OS should feel like.

Best value phone: CMF Phone 2 Pro

In a sea of middling budget phones, Nothing’s CMF Phone 2 Pro shines like a bright light. There isn’t anything as good if you just need a reliable phone that costs around $250, and the software is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best you’ll see in this category. Nothing essentially distilled the best parts of its high-end offerings into the CMF Phone 2 Pro, and the result is a budget phone you’ll actually want to use.

No, this is a budget phone that’s actually fun. The software obviously plays a big part in this; Nothing OS is uniquely different from every other Android interface, and the bold design and clean UI pair really well with the hardware.

Runner-up: Moto G Stylus 2025

The Moto G Stylus 2025 is a good alternative that brings a rugged design to this category. It isn’t as fast or doesn’t have cameras as good as the CMF Phone 2 Pro, but it lasts just as long, and the MIL-STD-810H rating means it can take a beating. It even gets a 3.5mm jack, and while you don’t get more than two software updates, Motorola is doing a better job with its UI in general, so there are no problems as such in this area.

Best camera phone: Google Pixel 10 Pro

Google's Pixel phones are practically a shoo-in for "best camera" in any given year. The Pixel line started with the goal of being the best, easiest-to-use camera, and Google builds on that tradition each year.

This year, Google introduced clever new ways to get everyone taking better pictures. From a Gemini-powered assistant that teaches you the rules of photography in real time across any scenario, to a locally processed AI-enhanced zoom, the Pixel 10 Pro is a powerful tool in anyone's pocket. Plus, the consistency of the Pixel camera experience means you know what to expect every time, even if the subject just won't hold still.

Runner-up: Oppo Find X9 Pro

The only reason the Oppo Find X9 Pro didn't win the best camera award is its limited availability. But, if you live in one of the countries where it's sold, there's simply no better smartphone camera on earth. Oppo leverages its partnership with Hasselblad brilliantly on this phone, resulting in the best selfies, portrait shots, and even zoomed-in shots from its telephoto camera. Power users can also snap up an external telephoto lens that delivers DSLR-level zoom, completing the picture of it as the ultimate smartphone camera experience.

Best foldable phone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Is this really a surprise? Samsung finally released a foldable phone that looks like it belongs in 2025, and not 2022. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the thinnest foldable on the market, powered by the best that Qualcomm had to offer (at the time). Not to mention that Samsung still provides arguably the best software experience on foldable phones, making this one a no-brainer. But I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that we'll eventually see the return of S Pen support in the future.

Runner-up: Honor Magic V5

Best flip phone: Motorola Razr Ultra 2025

Motorola has been stepping it up in recent years with the Razr series, and it’s all culminated in one of the best flip phones we’ve ever seen this year: the Razr Ultra 2025. Not only does the phone continue to sport a large cover screen for easy app use, but it also comes with some seriously impressive specs. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite, 16GB of RAM, up to 1TB of storage, a large battery with fast 68W charging, and more, it almost makes its closest competitor, the Galaxy Z Flip 7, look like a midrange phone, while also rivaling the premium Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Motorola has also fully moved on from glass back panels, letting you choose from a selection of lovely alternative materials like vegan leather, wood, and Alcantara. So not only do you get a powerful flip phone, but a good-looking one, too!

Runner-up: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

Most improved Android brand: Samsung

Samsung showed that it can innovate when it needs to. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has an all-new design that’s significantly sleeker and lighter than its predecessors, resulting in a foldable that feels much better to use. Samsung made meaningful changes to the cameras as well, and it isn’t just with the foldables either: the Galaxy S25 Ultra also got better tuning this year, and the mid-range Galaxy A devices got a much-needed boost in this area.

Samsung truly showcased its innovation with the Galaxy Z TriFold; the tri-fold is legitimately interesting, and Samsung proved that it has the know-how to bring the device to global markets.

Grade: B+

This has been a particularly strong year for phone releases, with Vivo, OPPO, and Huawei shining bright with their devices. The tri-folding Mate XT set things off at the start of the year, and camera-focused devices like the Vivo X200 Ultra and Find X8 Ultra showcased just what's possible when Chinese brands dedicate resources in this area.

It isn't just about cameras either; the latest slate of flagships shows just how powerful these phones have gotten. Battery tech has evolved considerably over the last 12 months as well, with 7,000mAh batteries now considered a mainstay. I got to use all the phones launched by Chinese phone manufacturers this year, and I'm grading the performance of each brand based on the devices it launched over the course of 2025. Let's get started.

Vivo: A+

There's no doubt that Vivo is now my favorite Android brand. It has delivered the best cameras over the last two years, and it overhauled its software efforts in 2025, launching OriginOS globally. The Vivo X300 Pro is my go-to recommendation if you want the best cameras available today, and it is a great all-rounder as well. Vivo is doing all the right things in the mid-range with devices like the V50 and V60, and the foldable X Fold 5 continues to hold its own against the Galaxy Z Fold 7.

OPPO: A

OPPO also had a standout year, and the Find X9 Pro is an outstanding device — it is my daily driver, and I don't see myself switching to another device for another month at least. The brand is once again selling phones in Western markets, and that is a positive move.

I like what OPPO is doing with foldables as well; the Find N5 launched nearly a year ago, but it continues to be great. The only area where the brand needs to do better is wearables; it makes decent smartwatches, but they're somehow still limited to China — I'd like to see these debut in more markets around the world.

Huawei: A

Huawei just isn't letting the trade ban get in the way of delivering outstanding phones. The Mate XT is the most innovative phone I've used, and the tri-folding device is incredible. The Pura 80 Ultra has one of the best zoom lenses around, and the all-new Mate X7 takes foldable cameras to new heights. While Huawei's software efforts are still lagging behind industry standards, it's clearly leading in hardware design.

I also like how Huawei is building a broader ecosystem. The Watch Ultimate 2 is my favorite smartwatch, the 12-inch MatePad Pro is the best Android tablet I've ever used, and the brand rolled out several standout earbuds this year. And with recent devices like the Mate X7 offering the ability to install MicroG during initial setup, it's easier than ever to get Google services installed on Huawei's phones.

POCO: B

Honestly, I can't fault what POCO did this year. The F7 Ultra showcased the brand's imaging efforts, the X7 Pro proved to be a great budget phone, and the F7 held its own against rivals. With the F8 Ultra, the brand has a legitimate rival to what Vivo and other brands offer in the $700 segment.

POCO needs to do better in India, its biggest overseas market. By not bringing the F8 Ultra to India, it is ceding ground to Realme. Outside of that, the software needs an overhaul, but that's more on Xiaomi than POCO.

Realme: B

I started paying more attention to Realme again in 2025, and I like what the brand is doing. As an F1 enthusiast, it's exciting to see the brand partner with the Aston Martin F1 team, and the GT 7 Pro and GT 8 Pro Dream Edition devices are terrific. I'm excited about the Ricoh collaboration as well; as other Chinese brands have demonstrated over the years, there's plenty of benefit to be gained from partnering with a camera giant, and I'm keen to see where that takes Realme.

If anything, it looks like Realme is now the brand that gets all the limited edition models within the BBK umbrella. This used to be OnePlus' specialty, but that's no longer the case in 2025, as evidenced by the Realme 15 Pro Game of Thrones edition.

Honor: C

Honor continues to make good phones, but its software efforts lag behind its rivals. I'm not talking about update policy — Honor is in line with Samsung and Google when it comes to flagship updates — but the state of the UI itself. While Honor has been saying that its software is made entirely in-house, it still has vestiges of EMUI, and it's just not cohesive.

While Honor phones have decent cameras, the inconsistencies are becoming evident, and phones like the Magic 8 Pro aren't as good as the Vivo X300 Pro or the Find X9 Pro. Honor itself says it doesn't want to be highlighted to its Chinese brethren, instead inviting comparisons to Google and Samsung. Given Honor's struggles with its cameras and their inability to measure up to OPPO and Vivo, it's no surprise the company is unwilling to pit itself against the best the industry has to offer.

Xiaomi: C

Xiaomi needs a reset — that much is clear from its product positioning and strategy. The Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra were strong launches, and I liked using the 15T and 15T Pro. However, the Redmi Note 14 Pro Plus was underwhelming (yet again), Xiaomi isn't doing anything to address long-standing software issues, and it doesn't have a coherent vision around what it wants to do with its ecosystem globally.

Then there's the delay with the Xiaomi 17. While its immediate rivals debuted their flagships globally — the Vivo X300 Pro and Find X9 Pro are available in India and the U.K. — there's no sign of the Xiaomi 17, Xiaomi 17 Pro, or the Pro Max. Xiaomi isn't bringing these devices outside China, and that lack of consistency is hurting the manufacturer.

ASUS: D

I want to like ASUS's devices, but the Taiwanese brand just doesn't make it easy. This year's phones have been great (as always), but an obstinate stance on software updates — where its phones will only get two platform updates — basically killed any interest in its phones. Combined with the likes of Redmagic getting its act together and delivering better software, and I just don't see the point of ASUS when its devices just don't provide a good value.

OnePlus: F

Where do I even start with OnePlus? There was a time when the company could do no wrong. In 2025, it felt like it got everything wrong. The OnePlus 15 turned out to be a massive letdown, with the phone being a downgrade from the OnePlus 13, and the new OnePlus 15R is even worse — the phone doesn't even have a telephoto lens, and it costs $699. Even its Nord devices have been mid at best this year.

The way I see it, OPPO no longer sees value in OnePlus, and it's entirely possible it is just running out the clock on the brand. All the interesting bits to do with OnePlus — the Hasselblad partnership, unique limited edition devices, and fun software — have been integrated into other brands anyway.

The tagline for OnePlus is "Never Settle," but it's hard to look at the OnePlus 15 without feeling like the company settled. It tosses aside OnePlus' unique design language for conformity, and ditches features like a QHD+ display and Hasselblad image processing. It's especially disappointing when you compare the OnePlus 15 to the OPPO Find X9 Pro, a similar but very different handset. Now that OnePlus and OPPO have been under the same company for a while, the lines between their phone models are blurrier than ever.

The choice between the OnePlus 15 and the OPPO Find X9 Pro will almost certainly come down to regional availability. While the Find X9 Pro is sold in the U.K., it's not available in North America. The OnePlus 15 is sold in Canada and will be available in the U.S. once the brand gets its FCC certifications sorted out. But, there's always the option of importing the OnePlus 15 or OPPO Find X9 Pro into your country.

So, which is the best option? Let's compare the OnePlus 15 and the OPPO Find X9 Pro to find out.

OnePlus 15 vs. OPPO Find X9 Pro: Design and display

OnePlus and OPPO each made the decision to lean into conventional smartphone design trends, which recently favored boxy, flat, and rectangular chassis. As such, the OnePlus 15 and OPPO Find X9 Pro each lose their curves and circular rear camera arrangement in favor of a new, standard slab design. The phones look more boring as a result, and clever leather finish options are gone. They look like an iPhone, which is the look many phone brands are going for in 2025.

The look and feel of the OnePlus 15 and OPPO Find X9 Pro will be consistent across both devices, but there are differences. Each phone has a square-ish camera bump on the top-left corner of the device's back. However, the Find X9 Pro's flash lives outside the bump, and there's a Hasselblad logo where you'd find the flash on the OnePlus 15. The OPPO logo on the Find X9 Pro is near the bottom of the device and is more subtle, whereas the OnePlus logo on the 15 is centered, with black font that stands out.

There's a lot of talk about the OnePlus 15's display and its apparent downgrades, but the changes won't matter much in this comparison. It's true that OnePlus swapped its QHD+ display with a 3K resolution on the OnePlus 13 for a new, 1.5K panel on the OnePlus 15. However, the OPPO Find X line never had a 3K panel, so there's no love lost here. The OPPO Find X9 Pro sports the same display as the prior generation, and it has the same 1.5K resolution as the OnePlus 15.

OnePlus technically has the edge here, as its 1.5K AMOLED display can reach 165Hz on the OnePlus 15. This is designed for gaming, where the extra frame rates matter — the phone will default to 120Hz in most situations. Meanwhile, the OPPO Find X9 Pro's display panel tops out at 120Hz in all situations. Both use LTPO technologies to add smoothness and responsiveness for scrolling and animations.

Each phone has a 6.78-inch screen, but the Find X9 Pro's display bezels are over a millimeter smaller than its predecessor.

The OnePlus 15 and the OPPO Find X9 Pro each have an aluminum chassis with IP69 certifications against dust and water ingress. Both models use Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back to protect against scratches and drops.

OnePlus 15 vs. OPPO Find X9 Pro: Hardware and specs

The major differences start to reveal themselves when moving to the internal components within the OnePlus 15 and the OPPO Find X9 Pro.

The OnePlus 15 is powered by Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, which is arguably the best-performing mobile chip on the market in certain situations. However, it also runs hot, and this has already started to become an issue for early OnePlus 15 testers. It's paired with either 12GB or 16GB of memory, depending on your storage configuration.

OPPO uses the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor to drive the Find X9 Pro, and this is also a current-generation 3nm chip. You get 16GB of RAM as standard with the Find X9 Pro, which will be helpful for AI tasks and gaming. In our testing of the MediaTek-powered Find X9 Pro, we learned that this phone and chip combo can hang with the best of the best in performance, while running cooler than its competitors.

Both handsets support the latest connectivity standards, including 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0. The key difference will be supported cellular bands — this is what prevents the global OPPO Find X9 Pro from working as expected with U.S. carriers.

The OnePlus 15 and OPPO Find X9 Pro each run Android 16, but use different versions. OnePlus has OxygenOS 16, while OPPO has ColorOS 16. Unfortunately, ColorOS is heavily inspired by iOS, so expect an Apple-like software experience if you get the OPPO Find X9 Pro. By comparison, OxygenOS 16 is coming into its own with new features and a sleeker design language.

The Find X9 Pro will receive Android OS upgrades for five years, while the OnePlus 15 only gets four. Both phones are slated to get six total years of security patches.

OnePlus 15 vs. OPPO Find X9 Pro: Cameras

OnePlus offers a trio of 50MP rear camera sensors on the OnePlus 15, but they're reworked compared to last year. It also marks the end of OnePlus' partnership with Hasselblad, and the introduction of the company's in-house DetailMax Engine for image processing. In our camera review, we found that the OnePlus 15's main camera performs well in most situations, despite using a smaller 1/1.56-inch sensor size. However, the experience overall is inconsistent, but still better than what we get from Google and Samsung here in North America.

With that being said, the OPPO Find X9 Pro keeps the Hasselblad partnership and still sports industry-leading camera hardware. It has a new 50MP f/1.5 Sony LYT-828 sensor made in collaboration with Sony, plus a 200MP telephoto camera offering 3x optical zoom. It can also shoot 4K120 video, a major improvement compared to its predecessor. Overall, you can expect the Find X9 Pro to outperform the OnePlus 15 in camera quality, especially if you prefer Hasselblad's take on post-processing.

The front-facing camera battle goes to the Find X9 Pro, too — it has a 50MP sensor compared to the OnePlus 15's 32MP sensor.

OnePlus 15 vs. OPPO Find X9 Pro: Which should you buy?

While the OPPO Find X9 Pro makes some of the same mistakes as the OnePlus 15, it doesn't make as many of them. Sure, the Find X9 Pro similarly loses its unique design language for another flat rectangle. It also retains its standout camera system and a Hasselblad partnership for sharper image processing. Usually, I'd give the OnePlus 15 credit for its use of a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip, but the phone's overheating concerns might cancel out the positive benefits.

Meanwhile, the OnePlus 15's gaming-focused features are a bright spot, especially the raw performance, long battery life during intensive tasks, and 165Hz display. Those changes won't resonate with everyone, though. For the average consumer, the OnePlus 15 may be worse than the OnePlus 13 on paper. If you have the choice between the OPPO Find X9 Pro and the OnePlus 15, I'd argue the scales tip in favor of OPPO.

Still, availability will be the biggest factor. You can import the OPPO Find X9 Pro into the U.S., but there are risks, especially with carrier compatibility and supported cellular bands. That means if you want an OPPO/OnePlus phone in North America, the OnePlus 15 is your only real option.

What you need to know

• The Find X9 and X9 Pro have made their debut in India, with both models going on sale starting November 21.
• The Find X9 starts at ₹74,999 ($846), with the X9 Pro coming in at ₹109,999 ($1,241).
• Both phones have attractive launch incentives, and retain Hasselblad image tuning.

I don't really like the OnePlus 15; the design is too generic, the cameras aren't as good, and I don't really get why the phone doesn't have Hasselblad integration any longer. OnePlus somehow managed to sabotage its own product, and outside of a big battery, there isn't much going on with the device.

That's why I think you should get the Find X9 instead. I used the Find X9 alongside the Find X9 Pro, and the smaller phone is fantastic. In fact, other than a few changes to the camera system, the phone is nearly identical to the Find X9 Pro, and it gets Hasselblad tuning. You may think I'm overestimating the importance of Hasselblad, but it genuinely makes a difference, and I like the color tuning this generation.

Best of all, the Find X9 just made its debut in India, with the phone available for ₹74,999 ($846). That's ₹2,000 higher than what you pay for the OnePlus 15 in India — ₹72,999 ($824) — but you're getting a better phone, and OPPO has quite the list of incentives this time, including a 180-day defect guarantee. Should you notice any hardware issues with your phone within six months, you'll get a new phone — no questions asked.

The Find X9 has a smaller 6.59-inch panel, and you get a better in-hand feel. The design isn't distinctive, but it looks good enough, and I like it better than the OnePlus 15. You also get IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and Gorilla Glass 7i on the front glass.

Although the 7,050mAh battery is a little smaller, I still got a day and a half between charges, and it has 80W as standard. The MediaTek Dimensity 9500 is able to hold its own against Qualcomm, and if anything, it doesn't tend to overheat during extended gaming sessions, so you're coming out ahead.

The cameras are where you'll notice the biggest difference; the Find X9 gets a 50MP Sony LYT-808 main camera, 50MP 3x zoom lens, and 50MP wide-angle module. It consistently takes better photos than the OnePlus 15, and the new Lumo imaging engine does a terrific job in low-light scenarios.

Having used both devices, I can say with some confidence that the Find X9 is the better choice, and I'm excited to see the phone go on sale in India.

What you need to know

• OPPO's ColorOS 16 (Android 16) is starting to hit more devices this week, such as the Find N3, Find N3 Flip, and Find N3 Pad 3 Pro.
• These devices join the Find N5, Find X8 Pro, and the Find X8, which started receiving the update on November 6.
• OPPO states this update is rolling out in "batches," meaning not everyone will see it on its announced date, but slowly throughout November.

Amid the major Android 16 rollout from OnePlus, OPPO is getting in on the fun, as well, making good on its previously established schedule.

As we've moved into November, OPPO has not only revealed its ColorOS 16 (Android 16) update schedule for its devices, but it's already started acting on it (via 9to5Google). Arriving this week, OPPO says owners of a Find N3, Find N3 Flip, or a Find N3 Pad 3 Pro can expect the major Android OS upgrade to begin on November 11.

Moreover, the company is stacking its update rollout schedule, as the Find N5, Find X8 Pro, and the Find X8 have already started receiving it, as of November 6.

OPPO states that while these dates are when it will begin pushing the update, consumers shouldn't expect it that day (but if it arrives, then lovely!). The community post says that ColorOS 16 is rolling out "in batches," meaning that it could take a few days to a few weeks before everyone receives it. The main takeaway here is that ColorOS 16 should at least hit your phone or foldable or tablet at some point in November.

OPPO's ColorOS 16 update closely mirrors what OnePlus folks got with OxygenOS 16. However, for the sake of OPPO, its official post states users will find AI Mind Space, a smarter AI Recorder, unification between iPhone calls and its devices, PC mirroring, and much more.

It's late in the year, which means updates galore

As highlighted at the top of the article, OnePlus has been busy pushing its OxygenOS 16 update. The folks at 9to5 mention that the company's tablets, the Pad 3 and Pad 2, have since started receiving the major upgrade.

Just before the weekend, OnePlus started rolling out the update to the OnePlus 12 and the Open foldable. The patch was announced for users in India first; however, it's expected to soon spread across to more regions as we move through November. Among the highlights, OxygenOS 16 brings a revamped UI experience that's designed to be much smoother and fluid than before.

OnePlus states it's reworked its visuals, as well as refreshed apps, AI, and more. The Mind Assistant, hitting the OnePlus 12, is capable of getting you to your saved content even faster. Even the past-gen device's camera is receiving some updates, as the company introduces better controls to help users get those creative juices flowing and into reality.

I've been using the Find X9 Pro for a month now, and I really like the phone. While I wasn't that keen on the design initially, it has proven to be easier to hold and use, and the weight distribution is ideal. What I'm particularly liking is the battery life, thanks to the huge 7,500mAh battery, the phone manages to last a day and a half even with heavy use.

It's the cameras that make the Find X9 Pro truly stand out. In my Find X9 Pro review, I noted that the new imaging engine combined with the camera sensors gave the phone a distinct advantage over its predecessors, and this was immediately noticeable when using the phone as my go-to camera in a visit to Mexico earlier this month.

OPPO invited me to attend Día de Muertos, an annual Mexican celebration where communities come together to honor the dead. The two-day celebration included parades and face painting, and was the backdrop to test the cameras of the Find X9 Pro — so let's get started.

The main camera is fantastic

The Find X9 Pro gets a new 50MP Sony LYT-828 imaging module as the main camera, and it is fabulous. It does a great job in daylight as well as challenging situations, delivering photos with good color vibrancy, dynamic range, and details.

What I like the most this year is the color science; OPPO did a good job tweaking the overall balance of the photos, and this is a definite plus point over the Find X8 Pro. This is evident in low-light shots, where the Find X9 Pro is able to deliver better colors than previous years.

The 3x zoom lens is one of the best around

The phone has a 2200MP Samsung HP5 3x module with OIS, and although there isn't a dedicated 6x lens, it wasn't an issue. The 3x lens takes detailed shots up to 10x, and I even got usable shots at 30x — albeit anything over 10x gets a sprinkling of AI.

Honestly, shots at 3x and 6x are noticeably better than last year, and the Find X9 Pro easily holds its own against the Vivo X300 Pro in this regard. That in itself is the highest praise I can give the phone, because Vivo utterly dominated this area in the last two years.

Detailed portrait shots are a given

Another advantage of having a high-quality zoom lens is portrait shots, and I got dozens of great photos out of the Find X9 Pro in the month I used the device. The phone does a good job with segmentation, and it doesn't run into any issues even in challenging situations.

I took most of the shots at 3x as it uses the zoom lens, and the photos at 1x and 2x were just as detailed.

The wide-angle lens is better than previous years

If there's one camera that stood out this year, it's the wide-angle lens. While it's using the same sensor as last year, it does a better job in just about every scenario, and it consistently delivers the same caliber of photos as the main lens.

In fact, I used the wide-angle lens predominantly in Mexico, and while it wasn't quite on the same level as the main lens in low-light, it did an admirable job in all other situations.

This is the camera upgrade you want

Overall, the Find X9 Pro is proving to be a great all-rounder. The cameras are easily among the best of any phone, and while I mostly took photos, the phone does a much better job shooting videos this year. Combine that with top-tier internals, incredible battery life, a vibrant AMOLED panel, and overhauled software that's actually good to use, and it's easy to see why the Find X9 Pro is one of the best phones of 2025.

What's just as exciting is that the Find X9 Pro is making its way to western countries, with the phone on sale in the U.K., Spain, and other markets in the region.

What you need to know

• OPPO’s Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are officially going international after their China launch, with a focus on premium design, AI, and imaging power.
• Both run on the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip with ColorOS 16 (Android 16).
• The Find X9 Pro packs a massive 7,500mAh battery, while the Find X9 carries 7,025mAh, both supporting 80W wired and 50W wireless charging.
• The Find X9 starts at €999, and the X9 Pro at €1,299, with European sales kicking off in late November before expanding globally.

After launching in China, the OPPO Find X9 and Find X9 Pro are now officially global, and they’ve packed some absurdly large batteries and wild camera tech for the trip.

Unveiled in Barcelona, the series brings refined design and a stronger focus on AI and imaging, gunning straight for the biggest players in the flagship space.

Both models are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chip and running ColorOS 16 based on Android 16. OPPO also leaned heavily into AI this year, introducing smarter tools like AI Portrait Glow, which fine-tunes lighting in selfies, and AI Mind Space, designed to organize thoughts and ideas more naturally.

Battery behemoths

The Find X9 Pro is the standout performer, packing a huge 7,500mAh battery with support for 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, while the standard Find X9 isn’t far behind with 7,025mAh and the same charging speeds. Both models sport AMOLED displays — 6.59 inches for the Find X9 and 6.78 inches for the Pro — each featuring a 120 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of up to 3,600 nits.

On the optics side, the Find X9 Pro boasts a 200MP telephoto sensor with 3× periscope zoom. It also supports an optional detachable teleconverter lens for up to 10× native optical zoom, a first for OPPO. The regular Find X9 still holds its own with a triple 50MP rear setup, offering much of the same imaging prowess without costing extra.

Design-wise, the phones feel premium yet distinctive. The Find X9 series features flat edges and aluminum frames that give them a modern look. OPPO also introduced new colorways — the Find X9 comes in Velvet Red, Space Black, and Titanium Grey, while the Pro model offers Silk White and Titanium Charcoal. Both are built tough with IP68 and IP69 water- and dust-resistance ratings, so they can handle spills and splashes.

Smart shortcut

A new hardware addition, the Snap Key, lets users instantly trigger key functions like the camera or AI features. And while the Find X9 Pro is clearly the top-tier model, the standard variant gives buyers a more affordable entry point without cutting too many corners.

The Find X9 starts at €999 (around $1,165) for the 12GB/256GB model, while the Find X9 Pro begins at €1,299 (around $1,515) with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Both will roll out across Europe by late November, followed by other global markets through OPPO’s online stores, retail partnerships, and interactive in-store displays.

I switched to the Find X9 Pro after using the Vivo X300 Pro, and both phones have plenty of similarities this year — more so than in the past. They're both powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 platform, get the same storage variants, have a similar-sized 6.78-inch AMOLED panel, same ultrasonic fingerprint modules, and a big battery.

They even share the same 50MP Sony LYT-828 main camera and 50MP Samsung JN5 wide-angle modules, and a 200MP telephoto lens — albeit one that's slightly different, with the Find X9 Pro featuring the Samsung HP5 module (Vivo uses a custom HPB sensor). Heck, OPPO even has a telephoto extender this year, which is similar to what Vivo provides on the X300 Pro.

Although there are many hardware similarities, these devices aren't identical to use — far from it. Vivo and OPPO clearly diverge when it comes to their camera tuning, and that was immediately evident when I started using the Find X9 Pro. The software is refreshingly different as well, even if both phone makers chose to "borrow" iOS 26's translucent effects.

Anyway, back to the cameras. OPPO is using a new Lumo camera engine, with the brand noting that it overhauled its imaging algorithms to deliver cleaner and more detailed photos. Interestingly, it's designed to shoot 50MP stills as standard, able to eke out much better quality. Video quality is improved as well, and the phone is now able to shoot 4K120 Dolby Vision footage — albeit with the main camera and tele lens (wide-angle is limited to 4K60).

Let's get to the photos. Predictably, the Find X9 Pro does a fantastic job in just about any lighting scenario, delivering detailed photos with good dynamic range and color accuracy. OPPO says it worked closely with Sony and Hasselblad to tune both the sensor and its imaging algorithms this year, and there is a noticeable difference in the resultant image quality over the Find X8 Pro.

While there isn't a dedicated 6x zoom lens this time, the Find X9 Pro does just as well at both 3x and 6x, producing photos that are just as good as the main camera — it holds its own against the X300 Pro in this regard. The wide-angle lens is the only module that's holding the device back a little; it doesn't quite have the same tonal balance in challenging conditions, and doesn't measure up to the other two cameras.

There are no issues in low-light scenarios with the rest of the cameras, and the phone does a great job with portrait shots. This is one of the key reasons why I used the Vivo X200 Pro and Find X8 Pro so much over the course of 2025, and I'm glad to see both brands making positive strides with portrait mode on their latest devices.

Then there's the telephoto extender err, detachable zoom lens. OPPO went with a similar system as Vivo, but annoyingly, attaching the zoom lens covers up the entire camera island, so you can't use any other lens when it's in use. This isn't a limitation on the X300 Pro, and OPPO should consider tweaking the design with the next generation. The detachable lens does a great job extending the zoom range, and the resultant image quality is similar to that of the X300 Pro. But the associated hassle means I didn't use it anywhere as much as its Vivo sibling.

I still think Vivo has the overall edge with the cameras; I prefer the brand's image tuning and color science, but it's solely a matter of choice. From a technical point of view, the Find X9 Pro delivers photos and videos that are just as good, and that's great news — it just means you get two choices when considering a phone upgrade next year.

What you need to know

• The Find X9 Pro will support a Hasselblad imaging kit, sold separately.
• This is the first time a Pro model gets the kit; previously, it was only for Ultra models.
• Imaging accessories are also in the works for the standard Find X9.

The Find X9 Pro will support a dedicated Hasselblad imaging kit, sold as an optional accessory, as confirmed by OPPO's Zhou Yibao on Weibo.

This is a first for a Pro model, as the kit was previously only for the Ultra variants. Zhou added that it’s Hasselblad’s first-ever photography kit made specifically for smartphones, with the brand directly designing and customizing it (via Notebookcheck).

Naturally, this collaboration follows OPPO's renewal of its Hasselblad partnership, with the two companies already publicly developing a next-gen mobile imaging system.

Zhou's post on Weibo also mentioned that OPPO’s work with Hasselblad isn’t just for the Find X9 Pro, as imaging accessories are also in the works for the regular Find X9.

What’s in the kit

The OPPO executive cited a rumor from another Weibo user pointing to an October release for the Hasselblad imaging kit. The leak suggests the kit will feature a magnetic grip for easier attachment than snap-on designs, and will include a professional external telephoto converter that promises top-notch image quality and resolution.

Zhou said that the official imaging kit design looks different from the leaked renders.

Recent leaks show the the teleconverter is designed to work with the Find X9 Pro's 200MP telephoto camera. Paired with the phone's built-in 3x zoom, the combo should deliver a reach similar to a 200mm lens, matching the Vivo X200 Ultra's capability.

Rumors suggest the standard Find X9 will pack a 50MP Sony LYT-808 main sensor, a 50MP Samsung JN5 ultra-wide, and a 50MP Samsung JN9 (or GN9) 3x telephoto. The Pro model is supposed to step it up with a 50MP Sony LYT-828 main, a 50MP ultra-wide, and a 200MP Samsung HP5 3x telephoto periscope.

The imaging kit is said to launch in China with the Find X9 series this month and roll out globally in late October.

Thanks to OPPO's ongoing Hasselblad partnership, users should get polished color science and pro-level tuning, with Oppo’s AI taking care of image processing.

What you need to know

• An APK teardown of the HeyMelody app reveals code referencing Spotify Tap for OnePlus/ Oppo earbuds.
• Spotify Tap enables users to play and switch songs with a double or triple tap, bypassing the need to open the app or unlock the phone.
• The feature is currently in early testing, with official rollout details and specific earbud compatibility still to be determined.

OnePlus and Oppo, together might soon make listening to Spotify hassle-free on their earbuds, as new evidence from their HeyMelody app hints at.

Folks at Android Authority have managed to perform an APK teardown of the HeyMelody app — the native app available for Android phones and iOS devices to set up the audio accessories from Oppo and OnePlus. The teardown of the HeyMelody v115.8 version has revealed new code referencing Spotify Tap.

For the unaware, Spotify Tap is a feature that lets users start playing tracks with a double tap or triple tap on compatible earbuds without the need to unlock the phone or open the Spotify app. The feature is already a prominent one on audio products made by Bose, Jabra, Sony, and Marshall or some Samsung Galaxy Buds, for that matter. The latest evidence suggests that OnePlus and Oppo are joining the list sooner.

The publication further notes that the mention of Spotify Tap in the HeyMelody app didn't specifically say whether it is for current audio products like the OnePlus Buds 4 via an update or tailored for the upcoming products from both the sibling companies.

Early testing, however, indicates that the alleged feature is in the works, and once enabled, users will be able to assign either a double or triple tap on the earbud connected to an Android phone to play their favorite song from Spotify and repeat the aforementioned process to switch to the next song.

Still in works?

These APK teardown findings need to be taken with a grain of salt as the feature needs more polishing, according to the publication. As it remains unclear whether the double tap or triple tap gesture to trigger the Spotify app can be set to a single earbud or both earbuds of the Oppo or OnePlus.

Plus, there is a possibility that it would be applicable to products made by either of these companies, too. Things should make sense when the official rollout of the feature commences.

On the other hand, Spotify is working on rolling out the most requested Hi-Res audio feature rollout, according to the latest evidence that recently popped up. The said feature, for the unaware, was first announced back in 2021.

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What you need to know

• A recent report by CounterPoint Research indicated that Google's latest foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, seems to be pushing sales for the company in Europe by 265%.
• Samsung still takes first place; however, it saw a 24% dip in sales, while Motorola overtook Honor to become the second-largest smartphone vendor in Europe.
• The overall foldable market in Europe grew by only 4% in Q1, accounting for 1.5% of the total smartphone sales in the region.
• Google, TECNO, and Xiaomi saw growth in this segment following the launch of their new devices.

Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold has pushed the tech giant to become one of Europe's fastest-growing foldables, according to a new report by CounterPoint Research. The firm released a comprehensive report discussing the region's foldable scene.

It stated that the overall foldable market experienced only a 4% growth this quarter, accounting for 1.5% of total smartphone sales in Europe. CounterPoint Research's associate director, Jan Stryjak, said that this could be a worrying sign, as foldables are still very expensive and may hinder increased adoption.

"Despite all the attention new foldable devices receive, they are still too expensive for mass-market appeal. Further, most consumers are still not sure what a foldable phone is for, and many still have concerns about the durability and longevity of the devices," Stryjak added.

Breaking things down, CounterPoint Research noted that despite Samsung leading the table, it saw a 24% drop in sales in Q1 this year. This decrease in sales can be attributed to waning interest in Samsung's phones, which have failed to compete with other popular models on the market.

Meanwhile, Motorola overtook Honor for second place and saw a 58% increase in sales this quarter, thanks to the Motorola Razr 2024 series.

The firm notes that Google, TECNO, and Xiaomi all "saw robust growth over the year following the launches of some impressive devices, some also at more attractive price points."

TECNO and Google became the fastest-growing foldable OEMs, with 336% and 265% growth, respectively, contributing 8% to the overall foldable market. While Google's growth was attributed to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, TECNO saw a boost thanks to its relatively affordable Phantom V Fold 2.

On the other end, OPPO saw the highest percentage (63%) of decline in sales, and accounted for only 4% of overall sales in the segment.

The firm also suggested that Samsung needs to get more innovative if it wants to appeal to consumers in this specific segment. It states that "Samsung has taken note, teasing the launch of an Ultra variant of its upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 series. This will hopefully give the segment the shot in the arm it needs," Stryjak added.

Samsung is expected to launch the next line of foldables sometime in July this year, and recent rumors indicate that the next Unpacked event will be held in New York.

For more news and information on Samsung’s upcoming foldables, check out our Ultimate Guide.

What you need to know

• OPPO announced a stronger collaboration with Google Gemini for "multi-app" journeys on the upcoming Reno 14 series.
• In short, this will enable Gemini to communicate and utilize all of OPPO's apps and service to help users complete tasks with ease.
• OPPO states Gemini's work can be utilized across Calendar, Notes, and the Clock app, to name a few.

OPPO is looking to extend its on-device AI capabilities by "strengthening" its partnership with Google.

In a press release, amidst all the I/O 2025 happenings, OPPO announced that it is working closely with Google to bring Gemini to the upcoming Reno 14 series. This newfound (enhanced) integration will bring the AI model Gemini to OPPO's app environment, previously upgraded through ColorOS 15 (Android 15).

OPPO's president of software engineering, Kai Tang, said, "With the Reno14 Series, we are collaborating closely with Google to systematically integrate Google Gemini into OPPO core apps. This integration will enable users to effortlessly perform complex actions across multiple apps using simple natural language queries, significantly enhancing AI convenience."

OPPO teases "multi-app" journeys for future Reno 14 users and Gemini. This will let users ask Gemini to complete complex tasks that involve one or more apps. As an example, OPPO states users can ask Gemini to summarize a document and save those condensed notes in the OPPO Notes app.

The phones will also leverage Gemini's analyzing capabilities for YouTube videos, enabling the AI to grab "essential steps from recipe tutorials" and save them elsewhere.

OPPO's AI Journey

While future Reno 14 series users can expect Gemini's influence across multiple OPPO apps, the company states that the assortment will include its Calendar and Clock apps alongside Notes.

As OPPO and Google move closer, for the sake of on-device AI assistance, the former has marked this development as a "significant milestone" in its commitment. In 2024, OPPO unveiled the "AI Center," which brought generative AI to the past-gen Reno 11 series. The series included AI tools to edit photos and the like, which we've come to expect, but the AI Center was also capable of "multimodal" content generation abilities.

At the time, OPPO stated that AI Phones should embody several characteristics, like understanding complex information from the user.

Since then, during MWC 2025, OPPO showed up big, stating it wanted to bring monthly AI updates to its devices. The company's collaboration with Google was discussed then, as well as its work with MediaTek. ColorOS 15 leaned heavily on Gemini 1.5 Pro and Google's Flash model "to cross-communicate with OPPO native apps."

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OPPO Find X8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Design

Modern phone design has coalesced into a sea of similar-looking flat-sided devices, and that's true of the Find X8 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra as well. That said, the Find X8 Ultra has some differentiation thanks to the massive camera island at the back. The camera housing definitely dominates attention, and as it's centered, it doesn't lead to any wobble when using the phone on a table.

Although the device looks distinctive, it doesn't quite have the same elegance of its predecessors. I still prefer the dual-tone design of last year's Find X7 Ultra, and the leather back combined with the glass insert around the camera housing gave it much better flair.

Still, the Find X8 Ultra looks better than the S25 Ultra, with Samsung once again using the same design aesthetic as the last four years. The phone has a flatter profile this year, but other than that, there isn't much in the way of visual changes. While Samsung pioneered ingress protection on phones, the S25 Ultra misses out on IP69; the phone has the usual IP68 dust and water resistance. The Find X8 Ultra gets both IP68 and IP69, allowing it to be immune to pressurized jets of water.

The Find X8 Ultra is thicker and heavier than the S25 Ultra but the difference isn't noticeable in daily use, and the upside is that you get a massive battery boost; Samsung still used a 5000mAh battery on its phone, while the Find X8 Ultra gets a 6100mAh unit.

You get a better in-hand feel with the Find X8 Ultra, and there are two dedicated buttons on the device; the alert slider is now a button, and it is similar to what you get on the iPhone 16 Pro Max. The button is heavily customizable, and it allows you to toggle the flashlight, launch the camera, trigger DND, and so on. The other button is on the right, and it acts as a camera shutter.

While I didn't see much use out of the camera shutter key, the action button is quite decent. On the whole, the Find X8 Ultra has the better design and in-hand feel, and even though it doesn't look quite as distinctive, it outshines what Samsung is selling.

OPPO Find X8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Panel

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a 6.9-inch AMOLED panel, and it nails the basics; it has 120Hz refresh, great colors, and good brightness levels. But Samsung doesn't have any meaningful eye care protection, and the phone misses out on PWM dimming. So if you're sensitive to DC dimming, you will get headaches with extended use of the device.

Thankfully, Chinese brands are doing a much better job in this area, and the Find X8 Ultra gets 2,160Hz PWM dimming at all brightness levels. This is a big deal, and it genuinely makes a difference in daily use. The panel also gets brighter, has outstanding colors, and has ultra-thin bezels.

Both devices get stereo sound, but I found the X8 Ultra to be louder in general use. They both do a great job with gaming as well, and there are no issues in this regard.

OPPO Find X8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Battery and hardware

If there's one area where both devices are evenly matched, it's the hardware. Both phones use the same Qualcomm silicon, and they have outstanding potential. There isn't any lag or slowdown as such, and while overheating is an issue, it isn't a huge problem unless you're gaming.

Outside of that, there isn't much that's different. I prefer the ultrasonic reader on the Find X8 Ultra as it's demonstrably faster than the one on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it has better accuracy.

The biggest advantage with the Find X8 Ultra is that it has a 6100mAh battery, delivering easily a day and a half between charges. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is decent enough as well thanks to the 5000mAh battery, but it doesn't last as long. The Find X8 Ultra uses silicon battery tech to good effect, and with 100W charging, it takes less than half as long to charge as the S25 Ultra — Samsung just doesn't measure up when it comes to battery and charging tech.

OPPO Find X8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Cameras

There's no doubt that the Find X8 Ultra has a better camera package than the Galaxy S25 Ultra — OPPO once again managed to deliver a fabulous quartet of 50MP cameras at the back. The main camera uses a 1-inch module, and it is easily one of the best you'll find on any phone today. But it's the rest of the sensors that make the device stand out so much; thanks to dual tele lenses and a good wide-angle module, the phone has better versatility than just about any other Android device I tested in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn't quite measure up when it comes to the cameras. It's still got a great overall package and takes detailed shots and videos, but you don't get the same caliber of photos. Samsung needs to do a better job tuning its devices if it wants to challenge its Chinese rivals, because right now, it just isn't doing enough.

OPPO Find X8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Software

The only reason I can't recommend the Find X8 Ultra as enthusiastically is because of its availability. The device is limited to China, and as such, it doesn't include Google's mobile services out of the box. That said, the Play Store APK is included with the package, and it was straightforward to install it and access all the other Google services.

But because they're not seen as system utilities, there are inconsistencies when using the device. However, the Chinese version of ColorOS 15 has good optimization, and it holds up incredibly well in daily use. I didn't have issues with Google Pay or navigation, but it isn't quite as easy to use as the global flavor of the skin.

Samsung has the definite edge with the software; the Galaxy S25 Ultra runs One UI 7 out of the box, and you get the full slate of Galaxy AI features as standard. The interface is familiar, and it runs well on the device. Best of all, you get seven Android OS updates, with the S25 Ultra carving out a lead in this regard.

OPPO Find X8 Ultra vs. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which should you buy?

Out of these two devices, the Find X8 Ultra is the obvious winner. It has a better design, better AMOLED panel, better battery life, and better charging tech. The cameras run rings around the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and there's no doubt that the Find X8 Ultra is the device to get if you need a fantastic overall camera package.

That's what makes its limited availability so annoying; you'll need to go the reseller route to get the device outside China, and it ends up costing the same as the S25 Ultra as a result — which isn't the case if you buy the device in China. I wouldn't suggest getting the S25 Ultra unless there's a good trade-in deal, because it just doesn't make sense to shell out anything close to retail for this device.

What you need to know

• The Oppo Find X8 Ultra launch event is scheduled for April 10 in China, with potential global availability yet to be confirmed.
• The Find X8 Ultra features two enhanced periscopic telephoto cameras with significantly improved light intake offering superior low-light photography.
• Alongside the Ultra model, Oppo will introduce the Find X8s series, Oppo Watch X2 Mini, and Oppo Pad 4 Pro.

Oppo is gearing up for a new launch event in China next month, wherein the company will be announcing a bunch of new products under the popular Find X8 series, including the Find X8 Ultra, the successor to the Find X7 Ultra.

The company has started teasing the launch date set for April 10 — on Weibo accounts alongside Oppo Find series product manager Zhou Yi Bao, who also seems to be revealing important insights into the upcoming new phones. The teaser images indicate that we should be seeing Hasselblad integration staying intact with the Find X8 Ultra.

The device is all set to take on the latest flagships in the market again with its two periscopic telephoto cameras. In the latest Weibo post (via Notebookcheck), Oppo has confirmed that it has improved light intake on both the sensors, wherein the 3x periscopic lens manages to gain 150% light intake and the 6x lens increases light intake by 251% — when compared to the predecessor Find X7 Ultra.

Very recently, Bao has also shared a photo shot of the upcoming flagship Find X8 Ultra and compared the same shot taken by the latest iPhone 16 Pro. When put side by side, the Oppo phone has managed to outshine the iPhone 16 Pro as the shot was captured in a darker environment. The red neon lighting in the photo is bright red as seen on the X8 Ultra, whereas the iPhone turned it orange.

Similarly, the person’s avatar is seen in blue on the iPhone 16 Pro, whereas in the Find X8 Ultra, the person is more clear and real, as noted by Bao, and all thanks to Ultra’s night portrait professional lens alongside a new Danxia color lens.

Bao has further confirmed that along with the Find X8 Ultra, the company is also announcing two new Find X8s series phones on April 10. The Find X8s will have a 6.3-inch display, whereas the Find X8s Plus comes with a 6.59-inch panel. Both phones are believed to be carrying a lighter form factor yet having a strong build and a large glacier battery capacity.

Other expected product launches from the upcoming event include Oppo Watch X2 Mini and Oppo Pad 4 Pro. It is still unclear whether the Find X8 Ultra launch is limited to China or global markets would witness the handset as well, because previous Ultra iterations were limited to China.

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What you need to know

• Oppo announced at the MWC that will be collaborating with Google and MediaTek, to bring monthly AI updates to its phones.
• ColorOS 15 will be using Gemini 1.5 Pro and Flash's capabilities to cross-communicate with OPPO native apps.
• These updates are said to bring AI-enhanced photography, better gaming experiences along with increased device security.

OPPO has been basking in its Find N5 spotlight, after it showed off the world's slimmest foldable and now, is jumping onto the next big thing—AI.

The company announced its AI- strategy in collaboration with Google today at the MWC in Barcelona and is promising to bring monthly AI updates to its phones.

In a press release, the company elaborated on how it will make these updates a reality. It said that Google will be at the center of its on-device AI, meaning Gemini will be able to communicate across OPPO's native apps like Notes and Calendar. OPPO's devices that are compatible with AI will get these new capabilities, thanks to the current Gemini 1.5 Pro and Gemini 1.5 Flash.

"We are excited to collaborate with OPPO to shape the future of mobile AI by bringing together Google technologies with OPPO's exceptional hardware and software," said Matt Waldbusser, managing director for Global Solution and Consumer AI, Google Cloud.

Talking about its AI strategy, the company says it's working on establishing three key areas that focus solely on AI Productivity, AI Creativity, and AI Imaging which will help build better AI features for existing and future OPPO devices. That said, efficient AI programming needs an equally efficient and powerful chip. So, the company will also be collaborating with MediaTek which will bring optimized chips to OPPO's AI table.

This collab is said to bring "AI-enhanced photography to next-generation gaming experiences, from intelligent security solutions to seamless device connectivity," the press release added.

Speaking about monthly updates, the company is promising to bring at least one new AI update to compatible devices. While we don't have much information as to when they will be rolled out, the company said "AI Search and integration of OPPO applications with Google Gemini are coming to the OPPO Find N5 soon."

Lastly, features like AI Call Translator, which interprets calls in multiple languages in real-time, and AI VoiceScribe which summarizes information across voice calls, are said to show up in future updates.

While the Find N5 is the only device mentioned in the above update, it remains to be seen if these features will grace other OPPO devices as well.

What you need to know

• Oppo recently had a successful global launch of the world’s thinnest foldable, the Find N5.
• However, the launch doesn’t seem “actually” global after all since it is missing some key markets.
• While the device isn’t coming to the U.S., the company isn’t bringing it to Europe as well.

Oppo just unveiled its latest creation, the Find N5, which is the slimmest foldable phone they’ve ever made, and for the global markets. However, it seems like Oppo might not be expanding its release even in Europe.

The company has confirmed in a statement given to a YouTuber, The Tech Chap (via 9to5Google), alongside ComputerBase publication indicating that it isn’t bringing its thinnest foldable, the Find N5, to the continent. It also means the device is highly unlikely to be available in Germany as well.

Here’s the statement given by Oppo:

“At OPPO, we carefully tailor our product launchers to each region based on in-depth market research and strategic priorities. The Find N5 will not be launching in Europe. Instead, in Q1 2025, we will introduce the Reno13 series across Europe on February 24, offering consumers more choices with cutting-edge AI features and stylish, trend-forward designs. Stay tuned for updates.”

The latest update should be quite disappointing for consumers across Europe and the U.K. region as the Find N5 has been one of the most anticipated foldable phones the tech industry has witnessed recently. Oppo’s sibling OnePlus has also recently announced that it isn’t bringing any foldable this year, closing the gates of the OnePlus Open 2.

It has also been the highly anticipated device, and ever since the Find N5 surfaced on the web, rumors were floating around that it could be dubbed the OnePlus Open 2 in global markets including Europe, the U.K., and the U.S.

The Oppo Find N5 made its debut on February 20 in Singapore, marking a global launch. Even in the accompanying press release, the company noted that the Find N5 “marks a new phase in Oppo’s global expansion.” On the contrary, the device is skipping markets like the U.K., the U.S., and Europe.

Other than the availability aspect of the Find N5, the foldable phone turned out to be a great handset, making the competition sweat. The device’s ultra-thin design, ability to easily hold and use, and no visible crease, alongside a great display, battery, and IPX9 ingress protection, happen to be the key takeaways of the Find N5, which is about to go on sale in the coming weeks.

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What you need to know

• OPPO’s Find N5 takes the crown as the world's thinnest foldable, measuring just 8.92mm folded and 4.21mm open.
• IPX9 rating makes it tougher, though dust resistance is still missing.
• It's priced at around $1,867, but it's not coming to the U.S. in any form given that OnePlus already confirmed no foldable release in the U.S. this year.

After all the buzz surrounding a follow-up to the OPPO Find N3, the Chinese phone maker today officially pulled back the curtain on the Find N5. And its big claim to fame is being the world’s thinnest foldable yet.

OPPO’s latest book-style foldable pushes the limits of design, measuring just 8.92mm when folded and 4.21mm when open. Even with its sleek build, the OPPO Find N5 packs a 6.62-inch cover display and a spacious 8.12-inch inner screen.

The Find N5 sticks to a familiar look with its bold circular camera module, flat edges, and curved corners, just like its predecessor. But OPPO has taken things up a notch, refining the design to make it even slimmer, barely edging out the Honor Magic V3’s 9.0mm thickness.

Meanwhile, other foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold are chunkier, tipping over 10mm when folded.

Beyond its remarkable thinness, the Find N5 is also the most water-resistant foldable yet, thanks to its IPX9 rating. While dust resistance is still missing, this marks a big step toward making foldables as tough as regular smartphones. OPPO also upgraded the titanium hinge, making the inner display’s crease far less noticeable than the competition.

Inside, the Find N5 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It runs on ColorOS 15.0.1, based on Android 15. And when it comes to battery life, it’s got you covered with a 5,600mAh, plus super-fast 80W wired charging and 50W wireless charging if you’re using AirVOOC.

The Find N5 sports a 6.62-inch OLED cover screen and a massive 8.12-inch OLED inner display, both packing a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and 2160Hz PWM dimming to cut down on flicker. And if you’re into stylus action, OPPO's Pen works with it—just don’t expect it to come in the box.

Teaming up with Hasselblad again, the Find N5 packs a solid camera setup: a 50MP main shooter with an f/1.56 aperture, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 50MP telephoto lens for 3x optical zoom. Selfies and video calls are covered with 8MP front cameras on both the outer and inner displays.

The Find N5 is hitting shelves in plenty of European and Asian markets, starting at around $1,867. That said, don’t hold your breath for a U.S. release since OnePlus already said no foldables are coming stateside this year.

What you need to know

• Pete Lau teased a new software feature for the Find N5 that will let users remotely control their Mac.
• Lau shared an image showing the Find N5 connected to a MacBook, with a “Remote PC Control” menu confirming the connection and file-sharing abilities.
• This seems to build on the “O+ interconnection” tech, which is similar to O+ Connect for fast file sharing between OPPO and OnePlus phones.

With the OPPO Find N5 launch just around the corner, the company's head honcho shared a sneak peek at a new handy feature: remote Mac control.

Pete Lau, OPPO’s chief product officer, teased a standout software feature for their upcoming foldable. In a post on X, he revealed that the Find N5 will let users remotely control their Mac, making it easy to view and edit files on the go.

This feature isn’t exactly a surprise. OPPO’s ColorOS design director, Chen Xi, had already hinted at it by sharing a Weibo post showing a macOS desktop mirrored on a partially folded Find N5. In the image, the top half of the device displayed the macOS screen, while the bottom half functioned as a keyboard.

Lau’s latest teaser featured an image of the Find N5 hooked up to a MacBook. The phone’s screen showed a “Remote PC Control” menu, with a connected Mac seemingly tied to the same account as the Find N5.

The Find N5’s remote control menu suggests it can handle multiple connected devices. At the same time, the Mac’s screen confirms the link, allowing file access from the Find N5. Pete Lau is set to reveal more details about this feature at a February 20 event, where the Find N5 is scheduled to debut.

This feature goes beyond just mirroring a Mac’s screen on the Find N5—it also lets users control the computer remotely.

From what Xi revealed earlier, this feature seems to build on the "O+ interconnection" tech (machine translated). That probably ties into O+ Connect, an app already out there for iOS that lets OPPO and OnePlus phones swap files at speeds rivaling AirDrop.

While the Find N5 is bringing some fresh ideas to the table, it’s not the first Android device to pull off remote macOS control. Vivo’s high-end Android phones, including its foldables, have been doing this in China for a while thanks to the OriginOS skin. So, OPPO’s stepping into some already-tested territory.

Since Lau has been hyping this feature to a global crowd, it’s a safe bet that OPPO will roll it out in international versions of the Find N5. And why not? It’s shaping up to be a killer productivity tool for all kinds of scenarios.

What you need to know

• Rumors claim OPPO and OnePlus are developing an Alert Slider replacement that brings more customization for users.
• The new hardware feature could mirror Apple's Action Button, which is introduced on the iPhone 15 Pro.
• The future of OnePlus' foldables is a little bleak as the company confirmed it will not launch the Open 2 in 2025.

New rumors are swirling about the direction OPPO and OnePlus may take the next generation of phones.

The alleged new direction was posted on Weibo by Digital Chat Station (DCS), which claims both companies could drop the Alert Slider (via 9to5Google). The tipster states each Chinese OEM is looking to replace the notification-focused button with one that's more "customizable" — and it seems Apple may have influenced this. OPPO and OnePlus are rumored to develop a button similar to the iPhone's Action button.

The machine-translated post says this button could be called the "Magic Cube Key." This seems more like an internal name, but we'll have to see when/if it happens.

Additionally, DCS claims the button could let users "mute, customize the flash, screenshot, photo, translation, custom quick launch app" and more. Rumors say this button is aimed at "new phones," which makes us wonder if we'd see it on the OnePlus 14, for example.

Interestingly, Android Central's Andrew Myrick said in 2023 that OnePlus could implement something similar to Apple's Action button due to its Alert Slider feature. Apple debuted the new button on the iPhone 15 Pro, which replaced the old physical mute button. The replacement still lets users mute audio, but it adds the ability to launch the camera app and the flashlight.

The button added even more customization by letting users launch their camera app in a specific mode of choice if the Action button is pressed.

In other news, OnePlus recently confirmed that its foldable successor, the Open 2, will not launch this year. In a blog post, the company's product manager, Vale G, said OnePlus was "recalibrating" its "foldable strategy." As a result, its next-gen foldable will not see its highly anticipated 2025 debut.

This is interesting considering OPPO and OnePlus typically share hardware specs and designs. However, the former isn't pulling back on its next foldable, the Find N5. That device is still gearing up for a February 20 launch. OnePlus likely needs more time to polish its foldable as Vale G stated, "...we believe this is the right approach for us at this time."

What you need to know

• Evan Blass has shared leaked renders of the Oppo Find N5 from new angles, revealing the foldable's design.
• Oppo previously shared official teasers for the Find N5, but those didn't show the device's overall build.
• The Oppo Find N5 is expected to debut in North America as the OnePlus Open 2.

Oppo is teasing its next foldable, the Oppo Find N5, and specifically calling out its thinness compared to the competition. Just yesterday, the company showed off the lack of a visible crease on the Oppo Find N5 in a social media post. However, none of these official teasers have shown off every color of the Find N5, which is what Evan Blass delivered in leaked renders on his Substack.

The leaked renders reveal that Oppo will offer the Find N5 in black, white, and purple colorways. It looks similarly to the Oppo Find N3, with a large circular rear camera system and an Oppo logo etched in the back. The front shows off the more material changes, including display glass that blends directly into the frame and hinge.

This is yet another clue that the Find N5, rumored to measure just 4.2mm when unfolded, will be the thinnest and most compact foldable yet. Most folding phones, including the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, have some kind of metal border on the left side of the device, where the cover screen meets the hinge.

However, if these leaks are correct, the Oppo Find N5 might not have such a metal frame bezel on the left side of the foldable. This would make the Find N5 much easier to use left-handed, as a large frame or bezel requires lefties to reach further to get to certain parts of the cover screen.

The Oppo Find N5 is expected to also arrive in North America as the OnePlus Open 2, just like the Find N3 and the original Open. OnePlus' variant will include slight tweaks, like a revamped camera arrangement, and could include new colorways and finish option. For example, the first Open was available in a vegan leather back.

For the most part, the OnePlus Open 2 should just be a rebadged version of the Oppo Find N5. If recent leaks and teasers are any indication, that probably isn't a bad thing.

What you need to know

• OPPO's CEO Pete Lau went on X to post a set of photos teasing the minimal crease on the Find N5.
• Placed against the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Find N5 certainly has a less noticeable crease; however, it's not entirely invisible.
• OPPO has recently teased the Find N5's extreme thinness, as well as stating it will have an "unprecedented" waterproofing rating.

OPPO is continuing to run the teaser engine as it builds interest around its next flagship foldable.

The company's CEO Pete Lau went on X today (Feb 6) to tease the upcoming foldable, the Find N5. As OPPO continues to build hype around the phone's build, Lau took a different approach and teased its crease. Foldable enjoyers can't get away from the crease and while the Find N5 still has one, it's not quite as noticeable.

OPPO's Lau posted two photos of the Find N5 on the left beside the competition, which appears to be Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6.

With both displays off, the Find N5's crease is a bit more minimal, even from two different angles. However, with a closer look (and a little zoom), you can notice where the display warps slightly. It's less noticeable than the Fold 6 beside it despite Samsung's efforts at reducing the crease between it and the Fold 5.

The good news about this crease improvement is the OnePlus Open 2 should benefit from this, as well. OnePlus and OPPO tend to work off one another, seeing as the former leans toward global launches a bit more. Interestingly, Lau's Find N5 crease teaser comes shortly after rumors of its thinness were posted on X. We've known that OPPO was going to push the thin-factor of the Find N5 after the company's official image on Weibo, but this new rumor pits against the Honor Magic V3.

Recent rumors claim the OPPO Find N5 will measure 4.2mm when unfolded. This is down a bit from the 5.8mm thickness of the Find N3.

There are some concerns about the thinness of the OPPO Find N5, specifically about what sort of sacrifices users will have to deal with.

While that remains to be seen, another set of rumors suggests the Find N5 could feature macro support for its telephoto lens. Having a camera with macro support would let users take high-quality, detailed shots from a greater distance away due to its telephoto position. Those rumors brought the OnePlus Open 2 into the equation, as well, as it may also see a telephoto macro lens.

Other official teasers saw the Find series' product manager, Zhou Yibao, stating the Find N5 will feature "IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9 full-level waterproof performance."

What you need to know

• OPPO unveils a non-Pro version of the Pad 3, powered by the new MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chip, featuring an octa-core CPU.
• It’s the first tablet to feature the Dimensity 8350, offering up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
• The 11.61-inch 2.8K LCD display offers a 144Hz refresh rate, 700 nits peak brightness, and a 7:5 aspect ratio for smooth visuals.
• The 9510mAh battery and 67W SuperVOOC charging mean longer usage without constant recharging.

OPPO has followed up the Pad 3 Pro with a non-Pro variant, featuring the new MediaTek Dimensity 8350 SoC with an octa-core CPU.

The tablet's Pro variant debuted earlier this month, but the standard model was delayed because the official announcement of its chipset got pushed back.

The Pad 3 is the first worldwide to feature MediaTek's new Dimensity 8350 chipset, as per OPPO's announcement on Weibo. It’s paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage (via Notebookcheck).

The MediaTek Dimensity 8350 is a powerhouse 4nm octa-core chip. It has a 3.35GHz Cortex-A715 core for heavy tasks, three more A715 cores for multitasking, and four A510 cores.

The SoC features MediaTek's StarSpeed Engine, which boosts gaming while saving power. It cuts overall power use by 10% and drops 24% during heavy gaming, making the Oppo Pad 3 a solid pick for gamers.

It sports an 11.61-inch 2.8K LCD display with a 2800 x 2000 resolution. It’s got a 144Hz variable refresh rate, 700 nits peak brightness, and a 7:5 aspect ratio.

The tablet also supports a stylus with a paper-like texture, making it feel just like writing on real paper. It packs an 8MP rear camera with LED flash and an 8MP front camera.

Despite being budget-friendly, the Pad 3 feels premium with its metal back, slim 6.29mm profile, and light 536-gram design.

The device packs a 9510mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC fast charging. This powerful setup means you can work, play, and stay connected for longer without constantly needing to juice up.

The Pad 3 runs on Android 15 with ColorOS 15 on top, marking its debut on an Oppo tablet. It’s packed with multitasking features and a smooth interface, making the tablet experience even better.

The Pad 3 starts at CNY 2,099 (around $290) for the 8GB/128GB model. While it's not clear when it’ll be available globally, its solid features and affordable price make it a tempting choice for anyone after a high-performance Android tablet.

What you need to know

• The Find X8 and X8 Pro launched in Bali with ColorOS 15 and next-gen OPPO AI features.
• Both models have a dedicated camera shutter button and run on the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, plus an alert slider and solid IP68/IP69K ratings.
• The Find X8 series is compatible with OPPO's Mag accessories, but you'll need a special case for them.
• The regular Find X8 comes in 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB, while the Pro model is available only with 16GB + 512GB.

After its debut in China, the OPPO Find X8 series is now going global, marking a big step in the brand's plan to bring premium flagship experiences to more people.

The OPPO Find X8 and X8 Pro today made their global debut in Bali, Indonesia, alongside the reveal of ColorOS 15, packed with next-gen OPPO AI features.

As expected, OPPO’s latest flagship comes with a dedicated camera shutter button, giving off iPhone 16 vibes with its design. The Find X8 and X8 Pro run on the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset. They also come with an alert slider, IP68 and IP69K water and dust resistance, plus 80W wired and 50W wireless charging support.

The Find X8 series works with OPPO's Mag accessories, but you'll need to grab a special case for that. The accessory lineup includes a power bank, an 80W 20,000mAh power bank, and a 50W wireless charger with a built-in cooling fan.

The Pro model, with its new shutter button, packs all the flagship features you'd expect for 2024. It comes with a 6.78-inch display and a massive 5,910mAh battery.

Meanwhile, the standard Find X8 has a 6.59-inch flat LTPO OLED display with FHD+ resolution and a refresh rate that adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz. This smart display saves battery by tweaking the refresh rate based on what's on screen, giving you smooth scrolling and responsive performance without draining the battery.

Both models feature an in-display fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking and a 32MP front camera subtly hidden within the display.

A big draw of the Find X series has always been its cameras, and the Find X8 models look set to keep that legacy alive. The Find X8 Pro features a Hasselblad-branded camera setup with four 50MP cameras, including two with 6x and 3x optical zoom telephoto lenses.

The Find X8 series brings a new feature called Shadowless Snapshot, letting you snap clear, blur-free photos with just a hand gesture.

OPPO is showing off the AI capabilities of the Find X8 series. Along with AI tools that eliminate glare in photos, the Find X8 Pro also has a feature like Google Lens or iPhone's Visual Lookup—just snap a pic of something like a landmark, and the AI will give you a description or some context about it.

The base model starts at IDR 13,999,000 (about $878) and the Pro variant at IDR 19,999,000 (around $1,255). International prices may vary depending on the region.

The devices will roll out in parts of Asia and Europe, with other markets to be confirmed soon.

The regular Find X8 comes in two options: 12GB + 256GB and 16GB + 512GB, while the Find X8 Pro is only available with 16GB + 512GB.

What you need to know

• OPPO detailed a major AI update for its ColorOS 15 (Android 15) software thanks to Google's software.
• ColorOS 15 will provide Circle to Search, Gemini Live, and more of OPPO's own AI help thanks to Gemini 1.5 Pro and 1.5 Flash models.
• OPPO is preparing to debut its Find X8 series on November 21.

OPPO is preparing to rollout some AI additions for its Android 15 software that should aid users in multiple ways.

The company detailed the upcoming AI features that leverage Google's systems in a press release. OPPO's general manager, Nicole Zhang, stated a goal with its OS was to "create an easy-to-use, harmonious, powerful experience through intelligence and collaboration." With that, the Chinese OEM announced the upcoming arrival of Circle to Search.

The post reiterates that users can produce the feature by long-pressing the "home button or navigation bar." Users can quickly circle or highlight anything on their display to run a search through Google.

Elsewhere, the company states it's bringing in more AI features as ColorOS 15 will feature the dedicated Gemini app. OPPO mentions features like "help me write," AI planning assistance, and more. Additionally, OPPO's partnership with Google brings Gemini Live to its "smart devices."

OPPO is working on a few AI-backed features of its own, but they will reportedly leverage Google's software. According to the post, the upcoming OS upgrade will pick up OPPO Notes, Documents, and AI Recording Summary. These features are said to leverage "Gemini models" like 1.5 Pro and 1.5 Flash. It's likely these models will lend a hand for other on-device AI features, too.

OPPO states its ColorOS 15 software and Google's AI assistance will debut first on the Find X8 series.

We're on the cusp of OPPO's next flagship series as the Find X8 is set to debut on November 21. The company confirmed as much earlier this month, stating an event in Bali will hold all the details. Alongside its launch with ColorOS 15 (Android 15), the Find X8 series will feature the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC. The devices will seemingly sport a new, flatter design and larger batteries.

Additionally, the company confirmed that the Find X8 will arrive in a few global regions like the U.K. and India.

Google first dropped Gemini Live as an update for Pixels in August. The AI lets users engage in a more "conversational" way when asking for ideas, tips, and assistance with tasks. Google states Gemini Live can understand "complex questions," meaning users won't have to break up their sentences. The feature was then rolled out to all Android users in October with increased language support.

It wasn't that long ago that fans of the best folding phones rejoiced that the market finally got competitive. It wasn't just Samsung resting on its laurels, making minor changes to the Galaxy Z Fold and Flip lines each year. There were new companies literally entering the fold, like Google and OnePlus. And that's all just North America. Huawei, Vivo, Xiaomi, and TECNO are all doing great things in Europe and Asia.

Recently, a report from Ma Guangyu at 163.com in China claimed that a major company won't be releasing a large foldable in 2025. While the exact company wasn't named, narrowing down the possibilities isn't difficult. Samsung and Google are obviously going to continue making foldables, and Huawei and Xiaomi are likely to as well. The attention then turns to Vivo, OPPO, and OnePlus by extension.

OnePlus' first foldable phone, the OnePlus Open, is a big reason why the North American market for foldables quickly became competitive. The word first is a bit of a stretch, though — it's important to remember that the Open is essentially a rebadged version of OPPO's Find N3 foldable.

OnePlus and OPPO have a complicated corporate structure, but the two companies combined hardware and research teams in 2021 and share a common software codebase. Effectively, the two companies act as one. That's why it's somewhat alarming that neither OPPO nor OnePlus have released a new foldable phone since 2023. (OnePlus' 2024 iteration of the Open, the Apex Edition, is hardly a new device.)

While Vivo didn't release a small clamshell foldable in 2024, it did release two new large ones. The Vivo X Fold3 and X Fold3 Pro debuted this year and were extremely well-received by reviewers, including Android Central's own Harish Jonnalagadda. Meanwhile, OPPO hasn't launched a foldable of any kind since 2023, making it the most likely company to be considering taking the axe to its folding phone business. After all, it already nixed plans to make a OnePlus Open 2 this year, instead choosing to discount the current OnePlus Open while selling the Apex Edition model at a premium.

And while reviewers raved about the OnePlus Open (and the OPPO Find N3), that doesn't necessarily mean it sold well. A report from Counterpoint Research analyzing foldable sales in Q1 2024, shortly after the Open's release in October 2023, revealed that neither OPPO nor OnePlus cracked the top four companies in global foldable shipments. Huawei, Samsung, Honor, and Motorola were all ahead of OPPO and OnePlus.

Android Central has reached out to OPPO and OnePlus for comment and details on their foldable plans and will update the article when they respond.

That said, the impact of OnePlus' entrance into the North American foldable market can't be understated. If nothing else, it pushed Google and Samsung to improve their offerings. Samsung made the aspect ratio of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 a bit wider to match consumer trends and the positive reception to the Open's wide cover screen.

Google arguably took even more inspiration from the OnePlus Open when designing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which feels like a multi-generational leap over the original. The book-style form factor of the Pixel Fold was ditched completely for a taller aspect ratio that looks eerily similar to the OnePlus Open. Don't believe me? Have a look for yourself:

Often, tech enthusiasts and fans of a particular brand will mistakenly think of copying as a bad thing. That couldn't be further from the truth. As consumers, we want companies to copy each other. If Samsung steals what was great about the OnePlus Open and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the next Galaxy Z Fold device becomes better overall. OnePlus and Google are free to do the same, and so on. Eventually, we're left with a handful of great phones that have all improved due to the strides that each company made individually.

Time and time again, tech conglomerates have proved that they won't innovate unless their hand is forced. Foldable phones are a great example of this, and more specifically, the Galaxy Z Fold line. Samsung didn't begin making major changes to the Galaxy Z Fold until the OnePlus Open and Pixel Fold shook up the North American market. In Asia, the company released its best foldable ever, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim (or the Galaxy W25 in China).

Why aren't the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Slim or the Galaxy W25 available outside of Korea and China, respectively? It's hard to know for sure, but I'd wager that it's because the competition is tougher in those markets. Huawei, Vivo, Xiaomi, and TECNO are all making cutting-edge foldables there, and Samsung needed a better option to compete. In the US, Samsung would be happy to sell you the regular Galaxy Z Fold 6 for $1,900.

There's still more worth copying. The OnePlus Open introduced an Open Canvas multitasking feature that should quickly become the industry standard, and it's now coming to the OnePlus Pad. But if OnePlus never made a foldable, perhaps we'd never see it. In just a few generations, OPPO and OnePlus seriously shook up the folding phone market, even if they didn't sell well.

We still don't know exactly which major brand could be considering an exit, and the report claims Transsion, the conglomerate that makes budget foldables under the TECNO brand, also ceased foldable development. That would also be a strange move, following the recent release of two well-received "affordable" foldables and the reveal of its tri-fold concept.

Android Central reached out to TECNO for comment on its foldable plans, and a spokesperson returned the following statement: "TECNO has no plans to discontinue its foldable devices."

But if the rest of the report is accurate, and OnePlus and OPPO end up being the companies that cancel plans for a new foldable, we'll be right back where we started — desperately craving more competition and innovation in this emerging market.

Update (Nov. 15, 2 p.m. ET): Added comment from TECNO regarding its foldable plans.

What you need to know

• The Find X8 Ultra is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and a dual-periscope camera setup.
• Leaks suggest a killer quad-camera system with a 50MP 1-inch sensor, ultra-wide lens, and two periscope lenses (3x and 6x optical zoom).
• The camera system will add a Hasselblad multi-spectral sensor for enhanced image quality and color accuracy.

OPPO’s launch of the Find X8 and X8 Pro in China has mobile photography fans buzzing. Meanwhile, rumors of an Ultra model are heating up, with a new leak hinting at even better camera upgrades.

According to Digital Chat Station's post on Weibo, OPPO is testing a prototype with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip under the hood (via 91mobiles). It’s expected to pack the same dual-periscope camera setup as the Find X8 Pro, but this upgraded chipset should deliver a nice performance boost across the board.

The tipster also says the Find X8 Ultra will pack a powerful camera system with a 1-inch primary sensor, making it a strong contender for the best camera phone next year.

Previously, DCS alleged that the Find X8 Ultra will come with a powerful quad-camera setup. It’ll supposedly include a 50MP main sensor with a 1-inch size, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, a 50MP periscope telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and another 50MP periscope lens with 6x optical zoom.

The leaker also shared that the phone's camera system will keep the same focal lengths as the Find X8 Pro but adds a new Hasselblad multi-spectral sensor for better image quality and color accuracy. The addition of a multi-spectral sensor is set to take its imaging performance to the next level.

It’s pretty likely that the Find X8 Ultra will include the Apple-inspired camera button, which first appeared on the Find X8 Pro. This smart design lets users easily control zoom with a swipe.

The phone will likely feature a single-point ultrasonic fingerprint reader, too. Plus, it’s expected to have an IP68/69 rating, making it resistant to water and dust.

DCS also claims that the Find X8 Ultra will sport a 6.82-inch display with 2K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, using the same BOE X2 tech seen in the OnePlus 13. The launch is expected around Q1 2025, alongside a smaller "Mini" version of the Find X8.

Furthermore, the device is likely to pack a 6,000mAh battery with 100W wired fast charging. That’s a step up from the Find X8 Pro (5,910mAh) and the regular Find X8 (5,630mAh).

OPPO confirming the global launch of the Find X8 and X8 Pro has fans excited. Fingers crossed the X8 Ultra makes its way worldwide too, so more folks can try out its awesome features.

What you need to know

• OPPO might be adding a compact "Mini" model to its Find X8 series, which recently launched in China.
• Known leaker Digital Chat Station hinted that both the Find X8 Mini and a premium Find X8 Ultra could be on the way.
• While details on the Mini's screen size are under wraps, it’ll likely have a smaller battery than the 6.59-inch Find X8’s 5630mAh capacity.
• The Ultra is expected to go global, but it’s uncertain if the Mini will be available outside China.

Rumor has it that OPPO might be expanding its flagship Find X8 lineup with a new compact model. This possible addition would join the standard Find X8 and the high-end Find X8 Pro, both of which just launched in China last month.

Well-known leaker Digital Chat Station has claimed on Weibo that we might see an OPPO Find X8 "Mini" soon, possibly alongside the anticipated Find X8 Ultra (via Smartprix). While it’s still unconfirmed, Digital Chat Station’s solid track record with leaks gives this rumor some weight.

While the prospect of a "small screen flagship" (machine-translated) is enticing, specific details regarding its screen size are yet to be revealed.

The tipster hasn't shared any specs, and OPPO hasn't officially confirmed either the Find X8 Ultra or the Find X8 Mini. If these models do come out, they’ll join OPPO's newest contenders to the leading Android phones out there, rounding out the lineup to four models.

Vivo, OPPO’s sister brand under BBK, recently launched a compact flagship with a 6.31-inch display and a light 187g design. In contrast, the standard Find X8 packs a bigger 6.59-inch screen and a 5630mAh battery. With these specs in mind, it’s likely that the rumored Find X8 Mini will come with a somewhat smaller battery.

On the other hand, the Find X8 Ultra is expected to sport a dual periscope telephoto setup with tweaked focal lengths, allowing for up to 10x hybrid zoom.

OPPO has a habit of saving its Ultra models for after the main flagship launch, a move that’s done wonders for the Find series. The Find X8 Ultra is likely to arrive between December and January, and if the rumors of a smaller ‘Mini’ version hold true, we could be in for an unexpected addition to the lineup.

It’s still unclear if this compact flagship will go global or stay exclusive to China. Meanwhile, the Find X8 Ultra is expected to get a broader international launch.

What you need to know

• Oppo has everything planned for its event scheduled for October 24.
• Tipster Evan Blass, however, has shared almost all the official renders of the products that are launching ahead of the launch.
• The Find X8 series shares an identical design with slight differences in the rounded corners, leaked renders suggest.
• The Oppo Pad 3 Pro and Enco X3 Buds look familiar to their OnePlus counterparts.

Oppo has already announced that it will launch several products on October 24, including the much-awaited Find X8 series, Enco X3 Buds, Pad 3 Pro, and Watch X. Ahead of the launch, Evan Blass has provided renders of some of the aforementioned devices.

As always, the tipster has shared all the images of the said devices on X, including the color variants, which give us a clear picture of what to expect. While Oppo has already teased these products (via GSMArena), the images from Blass help us explore those devices in detail since they're official renders.

The Find X8 and the Find X8 Pro share similar design aesthetics as well as color variants that include shades of silver, rose gold, blue, and regular black/gray. While the vanilla variant has more rounded corners, the Pro model appears taller with slightly fewer rounded corners. Regardless, both Oppo phones carry narrow bezels from the front compared to the predecessor models.

Further, both upcoming Android phones share a giant circular module at the back, which incorporates at least four lenses, including a periscopic lens on the Pro model.

The anticipation around the Find X8 series has been quite significant in the past few weeks, as the company has teased the handsets as its direct take on Apple's iPhone 16 series. So much so that both phones not only feature narrower bezels than the iPhone 16/16 Pro models, but they even carry the new Camera Control button for the first time.

OPPO's Zhou Yibao on Weibo has even shared the button in action with the phone submerged under water. Alongside the design, this unique feature might be one of the standout features for the Find X8 series when it launches next week. The latest renders also corroborate the leaked hands-on images of the Find X8, which surfaced early this month.

Returning to the renders, the Oppo Pad 3 Pro follows in the lot, which looks identical to the OnePlus Pad 2. The company has already teased that it would be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC—the processor powers some of the best Android phones. 

The renders show that it again has a sole rear camera. At the same time, the front has sizable bezels like the company's previous tablets. The upcoming Android tablet is also expected to come in at least two color shades this year.

Lastly, the Oppo Enco X3 renders look precisely like the recent OnePlus Buds 3 Pro, which turned out to be excellent wireless earbuds from the company. Aside from the brand's name engraving, the shared renders of the Enco X3 look identical to the OnePlus buds—including color variants.

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What you need to know

• OPPO is teasing its upcoming Find X8 phones, revealing that they’ll feature AI-powered reflection removal for photos.
• Product manager Zhou Yibao showcased this feature using a cultural artifact from the Chengdu Museum, where the original photo had a distracting reflection.
• Once the AI tech was applied, the reflection disappeared, leaving a stunning, clear image.

OPPO has been drip-feeding hints about its upcoming flagship phones, and now a company executive reveals that the devices can get rid of annoying reflections in your photos.

OPPO's Find series product manager, Zhou Yibao, shared on Weibo that the Find X8 series will feature reflection removal for your photos, and unsurprisingly, it's all powered by AI (via GSMArena).

In a demo, Zhou highlighted a cultural artifact from the Chengdu Museum in China. While the original photo looked great, it had a noticeable reflection on the artifact's surface that distracted from its beauty.

But once the AI imaging feature was applied, the reflection vanished, leaving behind a clean, crystal-clear image.

To further show off how well this new feature works, Zhou asked his social media followers to post pictures with reflections. He then demonstrated how the device effortlessly gets rid of those pesky elements, as you can see in the visuals he shared.

Zhou explained that this feature is made for those moments when reflections and glare mess up your photos. Think of times like capturing an aerial view through a plane window or pretty views while riding a train.

Although reflection removal tech isn’t brand new, it started getting noticed when Huawei showcased it back in 2020. It wasn’t until Samsung added this feature to its S22 series, though, that it really took off and caught everyone’s attention.

Still, it’s a fantastic addition to the Find X8 series, letting you nail that perfect shot through airplane windows or office glass.

Now that OPPO is embracing a reflection removal feature, you can bet other Chinese smartphone brands will hop on the train and add it to their lineups, too.

On top of that, the Find X8 series is gearing up for some impressive hardware upgrades, featuring a 10x periscope camera that outdoes the 6x zoom from the Find X7 Ultra. Plus, the rear camera module is expected to have a unique square design with rounded edges.

What you need to know

• An OPPO exec showed off more images, specs, and videos of the Find X8.
• The device will feature magnetic charging that appears to work on iPhones.
• Meanwhile, a leaker shared the device's rear design, showcasing a giant camera visor.
• The visor showcases a triple camera setup with Hasselblad integration, which is believed to be thinner than the previous model.

OPPO is expected to launch its Find X8 series very soon. Until then, a couple of leaks have revealed the device's design and some interesting specifications ahead of its anticipated launch, including the addition of magnetic accessories.

While the company had officially teased how the Find X8 device would look right next to the recently launched Apple iPhone 16 series, tipster Abhishek Yadav on X has shared some real-life images of the upcoming handset via Weibo.

Per the shared images, we can see the Find X8 from the rear, with its giant circular module featuring a triple camera setup, including a periscope lens. Other images from the tipster have also revealed the device from the front, which indicates a near bezel-less screen — also symmetrical, just like the recent iPhone 16 Pro models. It corroborates with the recent teaser image shared by Pete Lau a couple of weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yibao, product manager for OPPO, has shared some more official images of the Find X8, again compared to the latest iPhone 16 Pro series phone.

According to Yibao, the display will be narrow-edged, with all sides in symmetry and a physically equal width. It will also be flat, and the device will be thinner, lighter, and smaller than the previous generation. He also notes that the camera housing will be smaller and protrude less despite featuring the periscope lens.

Other confirmed specs are IP68/69 water and dust resistance, an alert slider, and a decent 5000mAh battery capacity coupled with 50W wireless charging. Yibao showed off the ability to charge the phone using MagSafe-like magnetic charging accessories, stating that the company plans to make wireless charging standard across the Find series. The video posted to the company's Weibo also showcased the same magnetic accessories working on the iPhone.

According to tipster Chun on X, the chipset powering OPPO's flagship phone would be the Dimensity 9400, which is all set to launch soon. The Find X8 series is also set to launch next month. He has further shared that Vivo's X200 series will utilize the same chipset and launch globally in a month or so. 

For most regions, these two phone series from OPPO and Vivo will at least have 16GB of RAM and a 512GB storage variant released during the launch.

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What you need to know

• OPPO's chief product officer and founder of OnePlus, Pete Lau, showed off some old design concepts for the Find N3.
• The previous iterations showed a design with the same form factor but with a thick silver stripe running vertically up its left side with company branding.
• Rumors claim that OPPO is skipping 2024 and will instead look to 2025 to launch its next foldable.

The development of many things goes through multiple iterations and OPPO's recent book-style foldable is no exception.

The Chinese OEM's chief product officer, Pete Lau, posted some photos of what could've been the 2023 Find N3. The images show off the device's form factor in three colorways, but there's one notable design difference: a thick, shimmering silver border. One user commented that the border pushes the device toward a "retro camera" vibe.

The border the design team previously chased featured OPPO and Hasselblad's branding etched vertically within it. The large, circular camera array eclipsed the silver stripe and featured the LED flash at the top left.

Additionally, the typical "H" representing Hasselblad's involvement in developing the camera systems was missing. The company was also interested in a totally different color scheme involving black, navy blue, and (perhaps) a deep olive hue.

Lau thanked OPPO's engineers and industrial engineers for these designs, despite them not making the final cut. Regarding the past designs, Lau stated, "the innovation and dedication behind them keep pushing us ahead."

OPPO launched a foldable duo in October 2023, which featured the design the design team opted to go for with the Find N3. Instead of the thick silver stripe, the book-style device features a clean back panel in black or champagne gold. The former branding tucked inside that border was shifted as "OPPO" was placed at the bottom of the device with the Hasselblad "H" inside the camera housing.

The company had a Find N3 option with a vegan leather back option, too. It's also worth mentioning that OPPO's foldable underwent an extreme redesign from the Find N2 to the Find N3, as the former offered a raised, rectangular camera array.

What's next for OPPO is likely the Find N5, but that might not happen this year. Rumors claim that the company is taking a raincheck on 2024, pushing its next foldable launch into an unknown date in 2025. OPPO and OnePlus are sister companies, so if one delays its book-style foldable, the other will likely do the same.

The OnePlus Open was, after all, incredibly similar to OPPO's Find N3 in every way.

What you need to know

• The leaked Find X8 photo doesn't show the back design, but the device will likely run on ColorOS 15 with minor tweaks.
• The AI assistant Xiao Bu will support vertical page flipping, and there’s a snazzy notification shade like Apple’s Dynamic Island.
• Expect a 6.5-inch OLED screen, 1.5K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,600 mAh battery, and fast charging up to 100W.

Oppo is plotting a big return with the Find X8, expected to launch later this year, and ahead of the unveiling, the phone has made a surprise appearance.

Reliable leaker Digital Chat Station has shared the first real-world photos of the Oppo Find X8 on Weibo (via PlayfulDroid). But the phone is placed in a case that looks like a shipping box insert, so we can’t see much of the front design yet.

Fortunately, a prior leak shared by MyDrivers revealed a device that seems to incorporate flattened edges, reminiscent of the recently launched Pixel 9 Pro.

However, the images don’t show the back of the phone. But the leaker did confirm that the Oppo Find X8 will run on ColorOS 15 with only a few tweaks.

Even with the limited visuals, the leaker revealed that Xiao Bu, the onboard AI assistant, will support vertical page flipping. Plus, the new images reveal a notification shade that echoes Apple's Dynamic Island design. It stretches around the selfie camera cutout, adding both style and functionality.

The leaked images hint that the overall UI design hasn’t changed much. While the AI assistant and notification shade got some upgrades, most of the icons look the same, according to Digital Chat Station.

Rumor has it the Oppo Find X8 will feature a 6.5-inch flat OLED display with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s set to include an advanced optical in-display fingerprint scanner and a big 5,600 mAh battery.

Fast charging is on the menu too, with speeds between 80W and 100W, plus wireless charging could make the cut.

The Find X8 lineup is expected to include three versions: the standard model, Find X8 Pro, and Find X8 Ultra. The first two models are rumored to run on the MediaTek Dimensity 9400, while the top-of-the-line Find X8 Ultra is likely to pack the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset.

The Oppo Find X8 series is rumored to debut in October, starting with a launch in China. After that, we can expect a global rollout early next year.

What you need to know

• OPPO's executive director, Zhou Yibao posted on Weibo a concept image of a tri-fold device.
• The device seems to sport sharper, square corners, slim bezels, and (potentially) an under-display selfie camera.
• Curiously, Zhou Yibao removed the Weibo post, but from its contents, it seems that OPPO plans to progress with the tri-fold form factor.
• Huawei, Xiaomi, and TECNO also reportedly have tri-fold foldables in production.

The race for tri-fold phones heats up as yet another smartphone OEM states they have one in the works, too.

Spotted by innoGyan, the executive director of OPPO, Zhou Yibao, took to Weibo to state that the company has its own tri-fold device in development (via GSMArena). From the concept image shared, the device features glossy hinge placements and a (potential) matte finish on its three rear panels.

It seems as though OPPO is leaning toward an in-display selfie camera. However, this is likely an early concept of what's in development, so it may not pan out that way. Other aspects suggest the phone could adopt a square form factor with pointed corners instead of rounded ones like its other foldables.

The display also seemingly features very minimalistic bezels along the edges. This could make for quite an immersive viewing experience — especially with a screen that large. Zhou Yibao's photo doesn't expand on what the cover display may look like, nor does it show off the rear camera array.

Interestingly, OPPO's executive director removed the post from Weibo shortly after posting. Luckily, Android Authority states that Zhou Yibao "suggests" that the posted concept is one OPPO is moving forward with.

The device will (hopefully) see a "formal reveal" after the OEM reportedly wraps up other projects.

Tri-folds have been thrust into the spotlight ever since Huawei's former CEO was spotted with it. The device is rumored to feature a 10-inch display when unfolded and a tipster claims the one the former CEO held is "similar" to previous prototypes. The live photo shows the device with a far left-side selfie camera, as well.

While Huawei's tri-fold is rumored for a September reveal, TECNO unveiled its version officially two days ago on August 27. When folded, the company states users will experience a 6.4-inch display, but unfolding it reveals a 10-inch 3K OLED panel. Aside from small bezels, TECNO's device measures 11mm in thickness when folded. That is slightly thinner than Samsung's recent Galaxy Z Fold 6 as TECNO looks to take a leg up.

The announcement adds that the phone will adapt to how users are utilizing it so multitasking, wallpapers, and more feel more intuitive. TECNO's reveal was concept-only, meaning there's no information as to when we can expect it.

Even Xiaomi is working on a tri-fold phone, reportedly, though this report was scant on details, aside from the fact that it might use the latest Snapdragon chip and the Leica camera system.

What you need to know

• A new leak reveals interesting specs of OPPO Find X8 and X8 Pro models.
• Both models will purportedly sport large displays, one with a flat screen and the other featuring a micro-curved screen.
• The OPPO Find X8 Pro model will have a large 5700mAh battery with 100W fast charge support.

After the successful launch of the Find X7 Ultra and other Find X7 models early this year, OPPO is probably gearing up for the successor, the Find X8 series. A new leak now reveals what the company has to offer with the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro models.

The leak comes from prominent tipster Yogesh Brar, who collaborated with Smartprix. The publication has released significant specs of the aforementioned models along with a tentative launch timeframe.

According to the tipster, the OPPO Find X8 and the Find X8 Pro will sport 6.7-inch and 6.8-inch displays, respectively. Both feature a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. However, the vanilla model comes with a flat screen, whereas the Pro model will have a micro-curved screen. 

Other similarities between devices include the Dimensity 9400 SoC, a step up from the previous Dimensity 9300 chip seen on OPPO Find X7. The camera setup will likely be similar as well, including a 50MP primary sensor next to a 50MP ultrawide angle lens and a 3x telephoto lens. The Pro model will have another 10x periscopic telephoto lens.

The battery capacities on both OPPO phones seem similar, too: 5600mAh for the Find X8 and 5700mAh for the Pro variant. Regardless, these two phones support 100W super-fast charging speeds.

The tipster further notes that both devices will sport a glass body and come in White, Black, and Blue colorways. However, the vanilla model will also be Pink, which appears to be the ongoing trend, as the recent Pixel 9 phones also come in several shades of Pink for the first time.

While OPPO launched the predecessor Find X7 series for the Chinese region early this year, the company is likely gearing up for the Chinese launch soon, per the tipster. The Find X8 is rumored to have an October global launch, while the launch of the Pro model is yet to be determined. Also, according to the tipster, there is no word on the Ultra model yet, except for the tentative launch of early next year.

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What you need to know

• Tipster Digital Chat Station has come up with some interesting details about the next foldable phone from Oppo.
• The upcoming foldable from Oppo will likely be available as OnePlus Open 2 in select markets.
• According to the tipster, we might see a huge battery improvement in the upcoming foldables from OnePlus and Oppo.

OnePlus introduced its first foldable, the OnePlus Open, last year. Its successor is one of the company's most anticipated devices, yet to be released, and until now, very little is known about the handset. However, new information from a prominent tipster reveals what to expect from the OnePlus Open 2.

Before getting into the leak, one should know that OnePlus and Oppo share the same design elements for most premium devices, especially with foldables. For instance, the Oppo Find N3 and the OnePlus Open turned out to be the same handsets, including what they pack underneath; however, they were catered to different regions.

According to tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo (via 9to5Google), Oppo's next foldable release is aimed for Q1 2025. It is also expected to pack the next Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which will likely be unveiled at Snapdragon Summit later this year. The other interesting element is the massive 6000mAh battery, which is rumored to power the next foldable from Oppo.

As mentioned, this translates to the OnePlus Open 2 packing the same specs as Oppo's upcoming foldable. While it's interesting to have some insights about the forthcoming book-style phones, it is worth noting that Digital Chat Station didn't specifically mention the aforementioned handset in the Weibo post. 

Instead, it was hinted at amid Huawei's next triple foldable handset's discussion on the Weibo post. The tipster mentioned a blue-green phone, presumed to be Oppo's and hence the Find series, which is presumably the OnePlus Open 2. As 9to5 points out, it is worth considering the speculation mentioned earlier with a grain of salt.

Nonetheless, if the above rumor is accurate, we might see a promising foldable phone from the company that can compete with the latest Galaxy Z Fold 6, Honor Magic V3, Mix Fold 4, and the upcoming Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

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Motorola Razr Plus 2024 vs. OPPO Find N3 Flip: Design

Motorola is sticking to the 'if it ain't broke' motto with the new Razr Plus 2024, and has added a few refinements to the external design. The aluminum frame and back panel now come in new colors, which is one way to tell the new model apart. You also get unique textures for the back panel, depending on the color you pick. These include Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Peach Fuzz, and Hot Pink. It has very similar physical dimensions as the older model and is only slightly heavier at 189g.

The Oppo Find N3 Flip has the same form factor and is built using similar premium materials like aluminum and glass. It is thicker and heavier than the Razr Plus, measuring 7.8mm when unfolded and with a weight of 198g. The colors are more subtle though, as the N3 Flip comes in Sleek Black, Cream Gold, and Misty Pink.

Motorola Razr Plus 2024 vs. OPPO Find N3 Flip: Displays

The main folding displays of both phones are similar in size. The Razr Plus 2024 has a 6.8-inch pOLED panel with a 2,640x1,080 resolution, 165Hz refresh rate with LTPO tech, and up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness. This is easily the most impressive folding display we've come across yet for this form factor, making it one of the best foldables phones yet.

The outer display is larger in the new model, stretching 4 inches diagonally. It also takes up most of the outer frame, merging with the cameras. This display too is stunning thanks to a 1,272x1,080 resolution, LTPO pOLED panel with 165Hz refresh rate, and a whopping 2,400 nits of peak brightness.

The Find N3 Flip on the other hand has more modest display specs, but does its intended job well enough. It's a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a similar 2520x1080 resolution. It too, has LTPO tech for varying the 120Hz refresh rate based on what's being displayed. It has 1,200 nits of peak brightness, with up to 1,600 nits of local peak brightness. What's truly remarkable, is the minimal visible crease, which is usually the bane of most foldables. OPPO credits this to its proprietary Flexion hinge.

The outer 3.26-inch display of the N3 Flip is rectangular and placed vertically on the outside. It has a modest 720x383 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 800 nits. Durability is ensured by Gorilla Glass Victus.

Motorola Razr Plus 2024 vs. OPPO Find N3 Flip: Hardware

The new Motorola Razr Plus has the recent-launch advantage when it comes to hardware. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, which has proven to be a powerful and capable chip, with performance on par with last year's flagship too, in some scenarios. You get just one variant with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, priced at $1,000. We're yet to test this phone, but we're confident that performance is not going to be an issue.

There are a good number of 5G bands in the new Razr Plus 2024, along with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. Sadly, the Type-C port is of the older USB 2.0 standard, which is not cool for a mid-2024 smartphone. The phone has a decently sized 4,000mAh battery with 45W TurboPower fast charging (charger sold separately), and 15W wireless charging.

The Razr Plus 2024 gets better water protection with an IPX8 rating, but this comes at the cost of losing dust protection which was present on its predecessor.

The Find N3 Flip launched in 2023 with the flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC. It's also a 4nm chip like the 8s Gen 3, and performance was excellent when we reviewed it. The phone gets a little warm when playing heavy games like Honkai Star Rail, but that is to be expected. You get 12GB of RAM here too, but two storage variants of 256GB and 512GB. Prices start at SGD $1,499 (roughly $1,110 U.S.), but sadly OPPO hasn't officially launched it in the States.

The N3 Flip has a larger 4,300mAh battery which should, technically, provide better battery life than the Razr Plus. It does miss out on wireless charging though. Thankfully, wired charging is a speedy 44W and the SUPERVOOC charger is bundled with the phone. There's 5G support, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi ac, NFC, and a USB 2.0 Type-C port.

OPPO's N3 Flip gets a big upgrade over the N2, with an official IPX4 rating for moisture protection. It's not as sealed-off as the Moto, but is a definite improvement over the Find N2 Flip.

Motorola Razr Plus 2024 vs. OPPO Find N3 Flip: Cameras

The OPPO Find N3 Flip has the most versatile set of cameras here, cramming wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses on the outside. In our review, we found that images shot in daylight looked good in general, but the output was a bit soft. The 32MP telephoto offers 2x zoom, and the output is quite impressive. Shots taken in low light are decent too, but there's some noise present. Video recording tops out at 4K 30fps, but is limited to 1080p when recording using the cover display as a viewfinder.

Motorola has made a bold choice by ditching the ultrawide camera in favor of a telephoto for its outer dual-lens setup. Both are 50MP cameras, which means we can expect good-quality photos. Motorola's flagships tend to deliver good low-light performance too, thanks to a well-tuned Night mode. There's a 32MP selfie camera here, similar to what you get in the N3 Flip.

Motorola Razr Plus 2024 vs. OPPO Find N3 Flip: Software

Motorola and OPPO have taken quite different approaches to software. If you have a ton of features to a point where it's actually overwhelming, you'll love the ColorOS software in the Find N3 Flip. The phone launched with ColorOS 13.2 based on Android 13, but has rolled out the next version based on Android 14, this June. Be prepared to deal with many redundant apps and some bloatware if you pick this.

The N3 Flip has the usual software tweaks that come with a foldable of this nature, allowing you to perform additional tasks in some apps when you have the phone folded halfway. The outer display even lets you open certain apps in full screen, but it's not as well implemented as the Razr Plus 2024. Typing out messages is also tricky with the narrower display.

The Razr Plus 2024 ships with Android 14 out of the box, and is scheduled to get three years of OS upgrades. We'll have to wait and see if Motorola is more prompt with updates this time, as it doesn't have the best track record. The Razr Plus 2024 has its own lean skin over Android called Hello UX, and it will be getting a host of AI features later this year through an update.

Motorola Razr Plus 2024 vs. OPPO Find N3 Flip: Which one should you buy?

As much as I love the triple camera setup of the Oppo Find N3 Flip, I'd have to put my money on the Motorola Razr Plus 2024. The large and more useful outer display and the lean flavor of Android are the two biggest reasons why you should buy it. Global availability is also much better, as it is simply sold as the Razr 50 Ultra in other countries. It comes in more attractive colors and finishes, the display specs are simply outstanding, and it has a powerful processor that should age well.

I'm sure there are some folks who would prefer the Find N3 Flip for the wireless charging support, ultrawide camera, and larger battery. However, given that's more expensive than the Razr, it gives you less value for money.

What you need to know

• The global OPPO Reno 12 Pro could have 12GB of RAM and run on Android 14, compared to the Chinese version's 16GB of RAM.
• It will reportedly feature a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor instead of the Chinese model's Dimensity 9200+.
• The camera setup remains strong with a 50MP main camera, 50MP telephoto lens, and 8MP ultra-wide, plus a 50MP front camera.

OPPO's Reno 12 and 12 Pro made their debut in China last month, but these mid-range champions are hitting shelves worldwide soon, apparently with a few tweaks under the hood.

Before hitting the international market, the OPPO Reno 12 Pro 5G popped up on a Geekbench listing spotted by MySmartPrice. The listing shows the global version will come with 12GB of RAM and run on Android 14. Interestingly, the Chinese version of the Reno 12 Pro has a heftier 16GB of RAM. So, it looks like the global release will have just one base storage option.

Interestingly, the listing indicates a slight change in the chipset for the global version compared to the Chinese model. Though it's not confirmed, the Geekbench listing suggests the global Reno 12 Pro will feature a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor. This guess comes from seeing four performance cores running at 2.50GHz and four efficiency cores at 2.0GHz.

So, it looks like the global version of the Reno 12 Pro is dialing down the processing power compared to the Chinese model. The Chinese version sports the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9200+ chipset, while the global one seems to settle for the MediaTek Dimensity 7300. This might be a trade-off to cut costs.

Even though the global Reno 12 Pro will presumably have a more modest processor, there are some positives in the camera department. It's expected to keep the impressive triple-camera setup from the Chinese version. This means you'll get a powerful 50MP main camera with a Sony IMX890 sensor, a 50MP 2x telephoto lens, and an 8MP ultra-wide camera. Plus, the global version should also have the same 50MP front camera, ensuring great selfies and video calls.

Despite the processor change, the global Reno 12 Pro also seems ready for heavy use with its rumored 4,880mAh battery. Plus, with 80W fast charging, you'll get quick power-ups.

The global version appears to keep a major strength from its Chinese counterpart: the display. Both the Pro and standard models are expected to feature a spacious 6.7-inch OLED display with FullHD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

Though exact pricing for different regions isn't known yet, the competitive pricing in China suggests that the global Reno 12 lineup will also target the mid-range market. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious users looking for a feature-packed smartphone.

It probably got lost in the wave of AI announcements during Google I/O, but a report also came out regarding the next OnePlus Open. Unfortunately, those who were hoping for OnePlus to release a Galaxy Z Fold 6 competitor this year may be disappointed. But I don't think that's a bad thing, so let's talk about why.

Before getting in the weeds, the reason for the lack of a OnePlus Open 2 in 2024 is simple — OPPO reportedly isn't going to release a Find N5 this year. On X, @That_Kartikey stated, "Oppo will not release the Oppo Find N5 Series this year thus no OnePlus Open 2 as well!" In a reply, @chunvn8888 followed up, stating that it's "scheduled for next year instead, uses 8 Gen 4."

Nothing is confirmed, as neither company has revealed its next foldable plans, so for now, we should take this with a grain of salt. However, as someone who has a deep affinity for my OnePlus Open, I have to admit that I was bummed to see this. I was hopeful that a OnePlus Open 2 would be released this year, which would implement proper stylus support, along with updated cameras. But here's the thing — there's not really anything that warrants an upgraded model right now.

My only real complaint about the OnePlus Open is the hoops I had to jump through just to get a stylus. Since then, it's been pretty smooth sailing. OnePlus even partnered with Google so you can get the Android 15 Beta on the Open, along with the OnePlus 12.

The Open isn't perfect; no smartphone is. But for foldable phones, it's about as close as it gets. This idea of switching to a two-year release cycle is something that would be beneficial for the market, as there's definitely a bit of fatigue in the space. It's even the case with foldable phones, considering that Samsung has been content with re-packaging the Galaxy Z Fold 2 design for the past few years. Of course, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is rumored to buck that trend, but I won't hold my breath.

Instead, moving to a bi-yearly release allows OPPO and other OEMs to put more thought into the product. This also goes for things like software and other features to help phones to stand out from the pack, instead of just recycling the same ideas and slapping on a different name.

Back in early 2023, I wrote that "Google shouldn't release the Pixel 8." This was early in the year, just a few months after the Pixel 7 launched. The premise of that article was the same as why I think the OnePlus Open 2 being delayed to 2025 isn't a bad thing. It was also coming at a point when the global smartphone market saw a decline of 17% in Q4 2022 and a decline of 11% in "full-year" shipments.

As of April 2024, a report by the IDC shows that there's a bit of a rebound taking effect, as "global smartphone shipments increased 7.8% year over year" in Q1 2024. While that might seem great on paper, the report goes on to share that Samsung, Apple, and OPPO all saw a decline in shipments YoY.

I could dive into some of the nitty-gritty about performance, comparing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 to the Gen 3. There's definitely a significant jump between generations, but let's be honest—are you really going to notice?

Maybe if you're heavy into emulation, but that's a niche within a niche anyway. It's not like OnePlus offers a desktop solution when you plug the Open into a monitor like Samsung DeX. So, in reality, outside of some potential camera upgrades and having a newer battery, an updated OnePlus Open doesn't really scratch any itch.

Wait a year, see what Google does with the rest of Android 15, and implement any necessary changes. Be one of the first to hit the ground running when the final version is ready, and then smooth out any kinks until the Open 2 is ready. By then, maybe Google will have progressed enough with its native Desktop Mode that it can be another selling point. Or, take what Google is already doing and turn it into a true DeX competitor.

That's what I hope OPPO/OnePlus will do.

Unfortunately, there's still a path where we don't see any significant upgrades. Instead, we could end up with what may essentially be a OnePlus Open 1.5 in 2025, resulting in the same feeling that we already get with slab phones and tablets. Or maybe OnePlus will still release the Open 2 later this year and opt for another iterative release instead of building on the momentum.

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that Oppo doesn't get complacent, as it really has a good thing going with the Open.

OnePlus is a major player in the Indian smartphone market, offering a wide range of devices, from flagships to midrange phones like the new Nord CE 4. However, the picture across North America looks quite different and, in its current state, a bit unclear. With a limited selection of phones available and the lack of major carrier support, it remains to be seen how the company will retain its identity in a smartphone market dominated by Samsung and even smaller players like Motorola.

OnePlus' journey in the U.S. has been a tale of unexpected events. The company recently launched the OnePlus 12R in North America, a higher-mid-range phone from the company's R-series, a line that previously wasn't sold in the U.S. That said, a certain strategic shift brought the phone to the table. Over time, the company’s strategy has continued to evolve based on its target audience, and its offerings have expanded with its first Wear OS smartwatch, a high-end foldable, and its first tablet.

OnePlus' flexible strategy

Ten years ago, the company marketed itself as a global brand instead of a China-based brand. It was known as a ‘Flagship killer,’ offering phones with high-end features at a lower price than established giants like Samsung and Apple. More recently, it pivoted to a 1+4=X strategy, focusing on a single flagship phone offering premium features in its design, display, camera, and battery while expanding into a variety of other products like wearables and smart TVs.

“OnePlus is a young and nimble player in the market and understands the need to remain flexible and address market needs,” said Maurice Klaehne, senior research analyst at Counterpoint Research. 

As such, OnePlus has decided to rebrand itself as an “ecosystem builder,” offering a range of devices beyond phones, like the recent OnePlus Watch 2 and the OnePlus Tablet.

Anshel Sag, a senior analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, says that OnePlus wants to offer a “halo” effect “with a healthy family of affordable devices like the 12R and Nord series. They are also building an ecosystem of products like the smartwatch and tablet around the phone leadership experience.”

Unlike other Chinese phone brands that are often pitted against each other, OnePlus wanted to create a significant presence as a global phone manufacturer.

It succeeded in India, becoming the fastest-growing smartphone brand in 2023, with 68% YoY growth. Sag attributed OnePlus’s success in India to its strong community and brand recognition. 

The U.S., however, was a tougher shell to crack “because it requires a lot more marketing dollars as well as carrier involvement, and just certifying on carriers isn’t enough, even though it is expensive,” Sag added. Cellular carriers rule the smartphone market in the U.S., and most people rely on these carriers to get new devices every year. Only in 2018 did OnePlus partner with T-Mobile to launch one of its best-selling devices, the OnePlus 6T. 

OnePlus kept up its partnership with T-Mobile for some time, with the OnePlus 7 Pro and other devices being exclusive to the carrier. However, the partnership hit a rocky patch when the OEM decided not to launch the OnePlus 11 on T-Mobile and instead sell the flagship phones unlocked via retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. It is speculated that there were disagreements surrounding device timelines and that T-Mobile wanted to keep phones on its shelves longer than OnePlus was willing to. It also had a brief gig with Verizon in 2020, but that also ended swiftly. 

While its flagship phones didn’t seem to make much headway in the U.S. market, the company introduced its budget-focused Nord N series phones. OnePlus benefited from its carrier partnership with T-Mobile and the introduction of the Nord N10, N100, and N200 5G back in 2021, followed by newer devices like the Nord N300 5G in 2022. However, as of now, only the Nord N30 is offered through the carrier, meaning consumers will have to go elsewhere for other OnePlus models.

When we compare the Indian OnePlus website to that of the North American one, there’s an obvious difference. In India, the company offers a selection of five flagship phones and three Nord series phones. At the same time, the U.S. website sees slim picking with only a total of four phones: the OnePlus 12 and 12R, the OnePlus Open, and the Nord N30.

Despite the slim offerings, the company is working to make its phones more enticing against heavy hitters, notes Klaehne. “Nevertheless, the company is offering big discounts on its devices through the OnePlus store and other outlets through a trade-in program, which has been a great way to entice customers.”

A spokesperson from OnePlus told Android Central that the company “tailors its product portfolio based on different consumer demands in the various regions.” With the U.S. market dominated by premium players like Samsung and Apple, it’s clear OnePlus wants a piece of that pie. Meanwhile, OnePlus refused to comment on how the sub-flagship 12R was fairing in North America, although it’s still quite early.

Future of OnePlus in the US

In an interview with Forbes in 2023, OnePlus’s North American CEO, Robin Liu, said that the company’s mission is to focus on products that give customers the best experience. “We are also targeting a different audience—spreading our brand awareness to more users. It will take some time because it costs a lot (of money and effort). We’re also working together with our retail partners to expand our products to a larger audience.”

Whether or not OnePlus will succeed in making a dent in the North American market remains up in the air. Still, according to the company, it will continue to bring “high-end flagship smartphone devices to the North American market at an affordable and competitive price point.”

Sag reiterated that the Chinese OEMs have the hardest time getting into the market, which is the biggest challenge he sees for OnePlus. This perception may still affect OnePlus in the U.S. as tensions continue to affect relationships. “Huawei is the first and foremost. You don’t see a lot of TCL or ZTE anymore, and it’s the same with Oneplus.”

Klaehne points out that if OnePlus can also enter other markets, OPPO will have a harder time entering.

Data from Q4 2023 shows that while Samsung and Motorola held 18% and 8% of the U.S. market, respectively, OnePlus remained relegated to the ‘other’ category of phones, which contributes to 8% of overall sales. For context, TCL and Google managed to squeeze 1% and 2% of the market, respectively.

The dominance of Apple, Samsung, and, to an extent, Motorola/Google in the U.S. market has been challenging for OnePlus in the carrier market, especially with limited mindshare here compared to other regions. The U.S. market is hard to penetrate as it’s so carrier-dominated, margins are low, and carriers often have specific requirements for SKUs and specs. However, Klaehne suggests that OnePlus still has what it takes to be successful in North America, provided it sticks to what it does best.

“For continued success, OnePlus should focus on its ecosystem approach and provide consumers with a strong value proposition combined with clear messaging and cohesive product line.”

What you need to know

• Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, and Realme phones can now integrate their default gallery apps with Google Photos.
• After connecting the photo apps, users can back up photos to Google Photos and view their Google Photos library in the default app. 
• OnePlus added this functionality as part of the OxygenOS 14 upgrade. However, the official requirements for the integration are an Android 11 phone or later from the above manufacturers. 

Google Photos is a premier option for photo storage among Android users, but most OEMs include a default gallery app of their own. Now, if you use a phone from Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, and Realme, you can link the default gallery app to Google Photos. After integrating the two apps, you'll be able to back up your on-device photos to Google Photos and view Google Photos media in your phone's default gallery app. 

The new functionality is outlined in a Google support document and was first spotted by Mishaal Rahman at Android Police. Officially, Google says you only need a few things to link Google Photos to a default gallery app. First, only Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, and Realme phones are supported. Then, the phones need to be running Android 11 or later with the latest version of the Google Photos app installed. However, each OEM might have different requirements for using Google Photos integration. 

For example, OnePlus started supporting the feature with the release of OxygenOS 14, which is based on Android 14. OnePlus' new flagships shipped with OxygenOS 14, and OnePlus Open users gained widespread access to OxygenOS 14 starting this month. Both the OnePlus 12 series and the OnePlus Open should be able to link OnePlus' default gallery app with Google Photos as a result. 

To start taking advantage of this integration, you might only have to respond to a pop-up in your phone's default gallery app. If asked to give the default app access to Google Photos, you can either choose Allow or Don't Allow. After that pop-up disappears, access can be granted in the settings menu of your phone's default gallery app. Under a tab called either "cloud sync" or "cloud backup," follow the on-screen prompts to grant Google Photos access.

Xiaomi has the most robust support for Google Photos integration with its gallery app. Xiaomi's gallery app and Google Photos can work together to provide a thorough two-way sync that includes album sharing. 

To revoke Google Photos access, you can go to the same page in your phone's default gallery app. Alternatively, the gallery app will appear in the list of apps with Google Photos access in the Google Photos app, and the connection can be terminated there.

For now, this functionality is limited to the aforementioned four OEMs, but it could be extended to more brands in the future.