The Xiaomi 14 Ultra has reigned as my top camera phone pick for 2024, but the Oppo Find X8 Pro’s recent arrival has me rethinking my choice. Its initial performance was impressive enough to warrant a head-to-head comparison. So, how does the Find X8 Pro stack up against the reigning champion? Let’s dive into this camera shootout.
Camera Specs Compared
Xiaomi 14 UltraXiaomi 14 Ultra – Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra boasts a 50MP main camera with a variable f/1.6 to f/4.0 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). Two 50MP telephoto lenses offer 3.2x and 5x optical zoom, both with OIS. A 50MP wide-angle lens completes the setup, enhanced by Leica’s lens technology and software tuning.
Oppo Find X8 ProOppo Find X8 Pro – Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX
The Oppo Find X8 Pro also features a trio of 50MP cameras. Its 50MP main camera with OIS has an f/1.6 aperture. Two telephoto lenses with OIS provide 3x and 6x optical zoom. A 50MP wide-angle lens rounds out the hardware, with Hasselblad contributing to the software enhancements.
Both phones utilize different flagship processors: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in the Xiaomi and the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 in the Oppo. These processors play a key role in camera performance. The Oppo Find X8 Pro launched at a lower price point (£1,049 or approximately $1,332) compared to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s £1,299 (around $1,650) price tag. While this suggests different target markets, it doesn’t preclude the Find X8 Pro from outperforming its more expensive rival.
Main Camera Performance
Oppo Find X8 Pro Main Camera Sample
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Main Camera Sample
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
The sunrise shot highlights distinct differences. The Find X8 Pro captures a realistic, deep orange sun, while the 14 Ultra’s sun appears overexposed. The Find X8 Pro also renders sharper buildings, even in shadow. This superior sharpness was a recurring theme.
Oppo Find X8 Pro Main Camera Sample
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Main Camera Sample
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
The church image reveals the extent of image processing. The 14 Ultra uses a lighter HDR touch, creating a more realistic representation. The Find X8 Pro’s heavier HDR, while less realistic, delivers sharper grass and path details.
Oppo Find X8 Pro Main Camera Sample
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Main Camera Sample
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
In challenging light, the 14 Ultra’s variable aperture shines, producing superior detail, color accuracy, and dynamic range. The Find X8 Pro struggles to match this performance.
Oppo Find X8 Pro Main Camera Sample
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Main Camera Sample
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
The final main camera comparison showcases the 14 Ultra’s richer colors, detail, sharp focus, and depth of field. While the Find X8 Pro occasionally outperforms in outdoor sharpness, the 14 Ultra generally excels in varying light.
Winner: Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Telephoto Camera Comparison
Oppo Find X8 Pro 3x Zoom
Xiaomi 14 Ultra 3.2x Zoom
Oppo Find X8 Pro 3x (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra 3.2x (bottom)
The telephoto comparison (3x/3.2x) again highlights the Find X8 Pro’s sharpness. Details like the boat’s name and neon signs are crisper. However, the 14 Ultra offers more pleasing colors and tones.
Oppo Find X8 Pro 3x Zoom
Xiaomi 14 Ultra 3.2x Zoom
Oppo Find X8 Pro 3x (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra 3.2x (bottom)
The indoor cat photo showcases the 14 Ultra’s telephoto strength in challenging light. The cat’s fur is significantly more detailed and natural-looking compared to the Find X8 Pro’s image.
Oppo Find X8 Pro 6x Zoom
Xiaomi 14 Ultra 5x Zoom
Oppo Find X8 Pro 6x (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra 5x (bottom)
The pub sign image (5x/6x) demonstrates the 14 Ultra’s superior color and dynamic range. The 14 Ultra’s image appears more natural, while the Find X8 Pro’s image exhibits typical telephoto drawbacks.
Oppo Find X8 Pro 6x Zoom
Xiaomi 14 Ultra 5x Zoom
Oppo Find X8 Pro 6x (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra 5x (bottom)
The clock tower shot further illustrates the 14 Ultra’s better low-light performance and more pleasing tones. While the Find X8 Pro delivers sharpness, the 14 Ultra offers greater consistency.
Winner: Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Wide-Angle Lens Face-Off
Oppo Find X8 Pro Wide-angle
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Wide-angle
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
The wide-angle category represents the Find X8 Pro’s strongest performance. While the 14 Ultra captures a wider field of view, the Find X8 Pro’s images are less noisy and sharper.
Oppo Find X8 Pro Wide-angle
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Wide-angle
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
The city bikes photo reinforces the Find X8 Pro’s wide-angle advantage. Despite some over-processing, the Find X8 Pro maintains sharper details and better color balance compared to the 14 Ultra’s muddier image. The Find X8 Pro clearly wins this round.
Winner: Oppo Find X8 Pro
Night Mode Performance
Oppo Find X8 Pro Night Mode
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Night Mode
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
In low light, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s weaknesses become more apparent. The Find X8 Pro produces sharper, less noisy images with better detail.
Oppo Find X8 Pro Wide-angle Night Mode
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Wide-angle Night Mode
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
This trend continues in wide-angle night shots. The Find X8 Pro’s images are noticeably clearer and better defined.
Oppo Find X8 Pro Night Mode
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Night Mode
Oppo Find X8 Pro (top) vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra (bottom)
The final night shot reveals surprisingly warm tones from the 14 Ultra. The Find X8 Pro’s cooler, more detailed image is ultimately more pleasing. The Find X8 Pro’s superior night mode performance could be attributed to the MediaTek Dimensity 9400’s processing power.
Winner: Oppo Find X8 Pro
The Verdict
Oppo Find X8 Pro RearOppo Find X8 Pro – Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX
The Oppo Find X8 Pro proved to be a formidable challenger. Each phone secured two category wins, resulting in a tie. The Find X8 Pro’s sharpness was consistently impressive, while the 14 Ultra sometimes lacked detail.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra RearXiaomi 14 Ultra – Image: Andy Boxall / MaagX
The 14 Ultra’s appeal lies in its color science and tonal qualities, aspects where the Find X8 Pro falls short. However, the Find X8 Pro’s performance, especially considering its lower price, makes it a strong contender.
While the 14 Ultra retains its edge in specific areas, the Find X8 Pro delivers impressive results. The tie itself is a win for the Find X8 Pro, showcasing its exceptional camera capabilities.
