My job affords me the unique opportunity to test nearly every major smartphone release. From the latest iPhones and Galaxy S devices to Pixels and beyond, I’ve likely used it. 2024 has been a banner year for smartphones, and while I’ve appreciated many, each has had its drawbacks. The iPhone 16’s battery life could be better, the Pixel 9 Pro is a bit hefty, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra is too bulky. Enter the Oppo Find X8. After two weeks, I believe it’s my Goldilocks phone of 2024.
Excellent Hardware in a Manageable Size
The Oppo Find X8 standing upright outside on a wooden railing.Oppo Find X8: A balanced design.
The Oppo Find X8 impressed me from the moment I held it. While the design is somewhat understated, the hardware is top-notch. The flat aluminum frame with rounded corners provides a comfortable grip, the matte glass back minimizes fingerprints, and the IP68/IP69 ratings ensure robust dust and water resistance. The Find X8’s compact size is a standout feature. Its 6.59-inch display is easily navigable one-handed, and its 193g weight strikes a perfect balance between sturdiness and portability. It’s significantly lighter than the Galaxy S24 Ultra (232g) while still feeling substantial.
The Oppo Find X8 showing a picture of the Taj Mahal.The Oppo Find X8’s vibrant display showcasing an image of the Taj Mahal.
The 6.59-inch AMOLED display is another highlight. The 2760 x 1256 resolution delivers crisp visuals, and the peak brightness, reaching 1,600 nits in High Brightness Mode and 4,500 nits for HDR content, is exceptional. The symmetrical 1.45mm bezels practically disappear during use. Add to that vibrant colors, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a highly customizable always-on display, and you have a truly impressive screen.
The alert slider on the side of the Oppo Find X8.A close-up of the alert slider on the Oppo Find X8.
A welcome addition is the alert slider, similar to OnePlus devices. This allows for quick switching between ring, vibrate, and silent modes, adding a tactile and convenient control.
Performance and Battery Life that Impress
Someone holding the Oppo Find X8 with the screen on, showing the home screen.The Oppo Find X8’s home screen in use.
The Find X8’s performance and battery life are equally compelling. Powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400, the Find X8 delivers exceptional speed.
| Geekbench 6 CPU (Single) | Geekbench 6 CPU (Multi) | Geekbench 6 GPU | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oppo Find X8 (Dimensity 9400) | 2839 | 7991 | 20349 |
| Realme GT 7 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Elite) | 3112 | 9425 | 19065 |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra (Snapdragon 8 Gen 3) | 2314 | 7104 | 15898 |
Benchmark results show performance comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Elite and significantly outpacing the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Real-world usage confirms this, with apps launching instantly and demanding games like Star Wars: Hunters running flawlessly. Oppo’s ColorOS 15, with its “Luminous Rendering Engine,” contributes to the phone’s impressive smoothness and responsiveness.
Battery settings page on the Oppo Find X8.The battery settings page on the Oppo Find X8.
The 5630mAh battery easily lasts two days with moderate use. Even with heavy usage, including hours of social media and gaming, the battery life remains impressive. The 80W fast charging is a game-changer, taking the phone from 0-100% in about 30 minutes – a significant advantage over competitors.
A Camera You’ll Love Using
The camera housing on the back of the Oppo Find X8.The rear camera module of the Oppo Find X8.
The Find X8’s camera system, featuring 50-megapixel sensors for primary, ultrawide, and 3x telephoto lenses, and Hasselblad color tuning, has proven to be highly capable. I’ve put it through its paces, capturing everything from everyday moments to travel photography.
A photo of a dimly-lit cigar lounge, taken with the Oppo Find X8.Low-light photo of a cigar lounge.
A photo of red leaves on a tree, taken with the Oppo Find X8.Vibrant autumn leaves captured by the Oppo Find X8.
A photo of birds flying around a palm tree, taken with the Oppo Find X8.Birds in flight around a palm tree.
The Find X8’s color handling is particularly impressive, producing vibrant yet natural-looking images with good contrast and shadow detail. Low-light performance is strong, and the camera excels at capturing moving subjects.
A photo of the Taj Mahal, taken with the Oppo Find X8.A stunning image of the Taj Mahal.
The Right Phone at the Right Time
Someone holding the Oppo Find X8, showing the back of the phone.The back of the Oppo Find X8 being held.
The Oppo Find X8 has met all my needs, from one-handed usability and long battery life to fast charging, a great display, and a reliable camera. It’s become my go-to device. While it may not have the largest screen or the most groundbreaking features, it strikes the perfect balance for my needs. If you’re looking for a similarly versatile and capable smartphone, and it’s available in your region, the Oppo Find X8 is highly recommended. The Find X8 is available in China, the U.K., India, and other global markets for around $880. It is not available in the U.S.
