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In the past year, technology hasn’t been particularly forgiving in my household. After dealing with issues related to my wife’s foldable phone, I’ve encountered problems with my Pixel 8 Pro, which has now become practically unusable. This sequence of unfortunate events is particularly striking, especially considering my extensive history of successfully using high-end gadgets. It’s a rare occurrence to experience failures on two premium devices in such quick succession.
Diagnosing the exact problems with my Pixel 8 Pro is difficult, but its malfunctions are evident. The display occasionally flickers during demanding tasks, making it hard to see anything on the screen. Moreover, the interface becomes sluggish after using the camera or playing games, and the fingerprint scanner struggles to recognize my print nearly nine times out of ten. This leads me to suspect that the phone’s Tensor G3 processor may be failing, which is disappointing given that this device is just over a year old. However, such issues aren’t unprecedented considering Google’s track record with its chip development.
While the Pixel 9 Pro is an enticing upgrade option, my prolonged experience with Pixel products prompts me to seek out alternatives. Luckily, I have access to several flagship models, and I decided to explore the OPPO Find X8 Pro. I have long admired OPPO’s advanced photography features showcased in models like the X6 Ultra and X7 Ultra, though I was previously deterred by their software. Thus, this was the perfect opportunity to dive into the experience that OPPO offers.
Imitating the Pixel Experience
Living with a Pixel phone for an extended period means you grow accustomed to its unique traits, both positive and negative. A particular hassle has been its slow charging capabilities. As someone who often forgets to charge my phone overnight, I’ve found myself anxiously checking my battery percentage before heading out, hoping it can last until I return home. In contrast, OPPO’s SuperVOOC charging technology, while not the fastest, fills up the Find X8 Pro in about two-thirds the time of my old Pixel. However, I discovered that charging via non-SuperVOOC chargers can be slower, prompting me to adapt my charging setup.
Performance-wise, the Find X8 Pro, powered by the Dimensity 9400 chip, significantly outpaces the Tensor G3. While daily tasks like browsing social media may feel comparable, you’ll notice improved frame rates in demanding Android games. Switching between applications seems a touch smoother as well, which is a refreshing change, especially considering my experience with Google’s chip.
Despite concerns about losing some AI features found in Pixel devices, the MediaTek chip handles functionalities like Gemini, which serves as the default assistant, alongside tools like Live and Photo’s Magic Editor without issue. Most features rely on cloud processing, ensuring they remain functional regardless of hardware limitations.
Software-wise, Google’s approach offers a streamlined experience, largely avoiding overwhelming users with unnecessary features. Conversely, the Find X8 Pro does come bundled with some bloatware, although once removed, ColorOS becomes a familiar interface with useful features, including battery management options. Aesthetically, I find ColorOS more appealing than Google’s interface, making it a contention point between the two devices. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, making it a balance of preferences.
Evaluating Camera Performance
When it comes to camera quality, Google’s devices have consistently impressed, especially with their latest offerings. However, I’ve found some limitations, particularly with portrait photography, where the Pixel’s choice of a wide-angle and longer-range zoom camera isn’t always ideal. In contrast, OPPO adopts a dual-zoom strategy with both a 3x lens for portraits and a 6x option for distant subjects. This flexibility, combined with features like enhanced bokeh and numerous filters, allows for greater creativity in photography.
This is where the Find X8 Pro shines—I find it encourages a more expressive photography approach compared to the Pixel. While Google’s cameras are technically advanced, OPPO’s interface facilitates more artistic exploration in real time, leading to images that can resemble those taken with more traditional cameras. Furthermore, the Find X8 Pro includes useful modes like Stage and Fireworks, adding to the creative toolkit.
That said, it’s worth noting that the Find X8 Pro’s camera system isn’t without flaws. Low-light performance can result in soft details, and the automatic long exposure feature may trigger prematurely, leading to unwanted motion blur. In contrast, the Pixel is known for its consistency in various lighting conditions. Additionally, while OPPO does well in many respects, Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra remains the best camera phone I’ve used, suggesting that those seeking the absolute best in mobile photography should consider alternatives beyond OPPO.
Reflecting on the Transition
After several weeks with the Find X8 Pro, I realize I’m not particularly yearning for my Pixel device anymore. While I do miss some handy features like Call Screen, I’ve never been heavily reliant on Pixel-exclusive functionalities, likely due to my varied experience with multiple devices. The accessibility of Google’s core apps ensures I can still enjoy essential features irrespective of the hardware being used, making the transition a net positive.
That said, I’m less fond of the Find X8 Pro’s optical fingerprint scanner compared to the upgraded ultrasonic model in the Pixel 9 series. The placement of the OPPO scanner is low, which can be inconvenient in dim lighting. However, transitioning to a different smartphone has highlighted imperfections within the Pixel line, such as sluggish charging speeds and inconsistent network coverage at times. Overall, using the OPPO device has opened my eyes to cutting-edge features often neglected in the Pixel’s user-friendly environment.
Considering Alternatives
While I’ve found value in the OPPO Find X8 Pro, I cannot endorse it without reservation. Priced at around £1,050 in the UK without an official US retailer, its cost places it close to other premium models like the Pixel 9 Pro XL or Galaxy S25 Ultra. Consequently, some might find it hard to justify such an investment. With this in mind, I would point potential buyers in the direction of the OnePlus 13, which offers similar capabilities at a lower price point.
The OnePlus 13, priced at $899 (£899), features nearly identical camera specs—excluding the 6x lens—and benefits from a faster Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Additionally, it charges more quickly and is expected to receive numerous future updates, making it a compelling choice if you aim to explore options outside the mainstream brands. Both OPPO and OnePlus offer robust alternatives for those seeking innovative features without compromise.
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