At a Glance
- Oppo Find X9 Pro delivers sharper images and warmer tones compared to the iPhone 17 Pro.
- The Android phone’s zoom lenses, especially the Hasselblad accessory, outperform Apple’s default zoom.
- Night mode shows the Oppo’s deeper contrast and less flare.
- Why it matters: Photographers and casual users looking for the best budget-friendly camera phone will find the Find X9 Pro a compelling choice.
The Oppo Find X9 Pro has proven itself a strong contender against Apple’s flagship iPhone 17 Pro when it comes to photography. A series of photo missions around Edinburgh tested both phones in daylight, night, and zoomed scenarios. The results show the Oppo’s camera system offers more natural warmth, sharper details in many cases, and a zoom range that can be extended with an optional Hasselblad lens.
Camera Performance Overview
Both phones were used in their default camera mode, JPEG, with no additional settings. The iPhone’s Photographic Style was set to Standard, while the Oppo used its standard mode. Images were imported into Lightroom for comparison, but no edits or noise reduction were applied.
The Oppo’s triple-rear camera, featuring a 200-megapixel zoom, provides a versatile shooting experience. In contrast, the iPhone 17 Pro’s main camera offers solid performance but often leans toward a cooler tone.
Wide Lens Comparison
The wide-angle shots reveal subtle differences in color temperature and detail retention.
- Oppo shows warmer, more vibrant brickwork, with natural warm tones.
- iPhone tends toward magenta hues and a slightly cooler look.
When zoomed in on a wall section, the Oppo’s mortar lines appear sharper, but the bricks themselves lose detail due to aggressive noise reduction. The iPhone retains more texture in this area.
Ultrawide Lens Comparison
Switching to the ultrawide lens, the Oppo’s sky appears oversaturated, yet digital sharpening makes some details look crisp. The iPhone’s ultrawide image is more balanced but can lose fine detail at the edges.
In indoor shots, the Oppo’s image is brighter and richer, while the iPhone’s exposure is more natural. The Oppo often sharpens some areas but reduces texture elsewhere.
Zoom Performance
Zoom tests show the Oppo’s 6x zoom competes well against the iPhone’s 8x. The iPhone’s 8x zoom leans toward teal tones, whereas the Oppo’s 6x shows a magenta cast.
> “I love the balanced exposure from both phones,” said the reviewer. “I prefer the warmer tone of the Oppo’s shot.”
At maximum zoom, the Oppo struggles with detail rendering, especially on building sides. The iPhone captures distant fine details more accurately. However, the Oppo’s optional Hasselblad telephoto lens extends zoom to 40x and delivers sharper, closer shots.
The Hasselblad lens costs £435 or $580 (based on a rough conversion of the 499-euro price). Third-party lenses, such as Sandmarc, are also available for the iPhone.
Night Photography
Night mode comparisons show the Oppo’s deeper contrast and reduced flare. The iPhone’s night shots are brighter, especially in the sky, but the Oppo’s details remain sharper.
> “I love the natural tones and deep shadows on the iPhone,” the reviewer noted. “The Oppo’s saturated shot feels like a tacky Instagram filter.”
In outdoor night scenes, the Oppo’s image keeps more detail and offers a more realistic rendition of the scene.
Selfie Camera
Both phones’ front cameras captured a selfie with distinct styles. The Oppo’s selfie is sharper, with natural skin tones and an accurate orange hue on the jacket. The iPhone’s selfie has a slightly cyan background and less detail.
Conclusion
The Oppo Find X9 Pro consistently outperformed the iPhone 17 Pro in several key areas:
- Natural warm tones and vibrant colors.
- Sharper details in wide and ultrawide shots.
- Superior zoom performance, especially with the Hasselblad accessory.
- Better night mode contrast and less flare.
While the iPhone offers a more natural look in some scenarios, the Oppo’s balanced processing provides a pop without over-sharpening. For users seeking a high-performance Android camera phone, the Find X9 Pro is a strong choice.
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Key Takeaways
- Oppo Find X9 Pro leads in color warmth and detail.
- The optional Hasselblad lens extends zoom to 40x.
- Night mode favors the Oppo’s deeper contrast.
- The iPhone remains a solid option for natural tones.
Overall, the Oppo Find X9 Pro demonstrates that Android can rival Apple’s flagship camera performance, especially when users opt for additional accessories like the Hasselblad lens.
