Oppo Find X3 Neo

Oppo Find X3 Neo Review: Still a Strong Contender in Today's Market?

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks using the Oppo Find X3 Neo as my daily driver, and it's been a fascinating experience revisiting this 2021 release. At its launch, it carved out a space targeting the premium mid-range, and even now, a couple of years down the line, it's clear this phone still has a lot to offer. My testing involved everything from daily communication and social media scrolling to more demanding tasks like gaming and photography, giving me a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. Priced competitively when it first came out, the Find X3 Neo aimed to deliver a flagship-like experience without the full flagship price tag, and my time with it suggests it largely succeeded.

Market Context: Finding Its Niche

Even though we're a few generations past its release, the Oppo Find X3 Neo remains relevant by offering a compelling balance of features at a price point that often sees significant discounts. Oppo’s strategy with this device felt like a clear attempt to capture users who valued premium design and key features like a standout camera, without necessarily needing the absolute latest processor or every bell and whistle. In a market saturated with options, the Find X3 Neo aimed for that sweet spot where performance meets value. My personal feeling is that Oppo nailed the initial pricing strategy, and now, as a more mature device, it presents an even more attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers looking for a step up from entry-level models.

Design & Hardware: Sleek and Comfortable

Picking up the Find X3 Neo, the first thing that strikes you is the design. The Galactic Silver finish on my unit is genuinely eye-catching, and the overall build feels decidedly premium. It sits comfortably in the hand thanks to its curved edges and relatively manageable dimensions. At just 8mm thick and 184g, it avoids feeling bulky despite its large display. The materials used feel high-quality, and after a few weeks of regular use, I haven't noticed any significant scratches or wear, which speaks to the durability of the Gorilla Glass 5 on the front. The in-display fingerprint sensor is also conveniently placed and remarkably fast, adding to the smooth user experience. For everyday practical use, the design strikes a great balance between aesthetics and ergonomics.

Display: A Visual Treat

The 6.55-inch AMOLED display on the Find X3 Neo is undoubtedly one of its standout features. Right from the moment I turned it on, I was impressed by the vibrant colours and deep blacks that only an AMOLED panel can deliver. With HDR10+ support, watching videos and movies is a truly enjoyable experience, with excellent contrast and dynamic range. The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through social media feeds and web pages feel incredibly smooth – a feature that, once experienced, is hard to go back from. I found the brightness levels to be more than adequate for outdoor use, even on sunny days, making it easy to view maps or read content on the go. For both media consumption and general daily tasks, the display on the Find X3 Neo punches well above its weight class.

Performance: Still Plenty of Power

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 865 chipset might not be the absolute latest from Qualcomm, but in my real-world testing, it still delivers impressive performance. I put it through its paces with graphically intensive games, and I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it handled them, with minimal stuttering even during demanding scenes. Multitasking was also a breeze, thanks to the generous 12GB of RAM. Switching between multiple apps, browsing the web while downloading files, and even some light video editing didn't cause any noticeable lag. Temperature management was also commendable; even during extended gaming sessions, the phone never got uncomfortably hot. While it might not top benchmark charts anymore, the Snapdragon 865 in the Find X3 Neo provides a fluid and responsive experience for the vast majority of tasks.

Camera System: Capturing Impressive Shots

The camera system on the Oppo Find X3 Neo has consistently impressed me. The 50MP main lens, utilizing the Sony IMX766 sensor, captures stunningly detailed photos with excellent dynamic range. I took it out for a dedicated photography session, focusing on various scenarios, and the results were consistently good. Landscapes were crisp, portraits had a pleasing bokeh effect, and even indoor shots in challenging lighting conditions came out surprisingly well. The dedicated night mode is particularly effective, brightening up low-light scenes without sacrificing too much detail. The inclusion of a wide-angle, telephoto, and even a macro lens adds versatility, allowing for creative shots in different perspectives. Video recording is also solid, with 4K capabilities and effective electronic image stabilization (EIS). Compared to other phones in its price range, even current ones, the Find X3 Neo holds its own remarkably well in the camera department. For everyday photography and capturing those important moments, it’s a very capable shooter.

Battery & Charging: Reliable Endurance and Blazing Speeds

Battery life on the Find X3 Neo has been reliably good. The 4500mAh battery easily saw me through a full day of moderate to heavy use, which for me includes constant messaging, social media browsing, and some light gaming. Even on days with more intensive usage, I rarely felt the need to reach for a charger before the evening. However, the real star here is the 65W SuperVOOC fast charging. In my testing, it lived up to its claims, rapidly replenishing the battery from empty to full in a remarkably short time – we're talking about a full charge in around 35 minutes. This fast charging capability is a genuine game-changer, especially for those moments when you need a quick power boost before heading out. The power management seems well-optimized, contributing to the overall good battery endurance.

Software: Functional but a Generation Behind

The Oppo Find X3 Neo launched with Android 11 and Oppo's ColorOS on top. While ColorOS offers a clean and customizable interface with several useful features, the fact that it's now a couple of Android versions behind is a slight drawback. In daily use, the software is smooth and responsive, and I appreciate the added functionalities that ColorOS brings, such as enhanced privacy controls and customization options. However, the absence of the latest Android features and security updates is something to consider. While Oppo has a decent track record with updates, the Find X3 Neo's position in their update cycle might mean it won't see the latest versions.

Value Analysis: Still Worth Considering?

Analyzing the value proposition of the Oppo Find X3 Neo in today's market requires considering its current price. If you can find it at a discounted rate, it presents an excellent price-to-feature ratio. For users who prioritize a high-quality display, a versatile and capable camera system, and fast charging, the Find X3 Neo delivers impressively. It’s an ideal choice for someone who wants a premium feel and performance without breaking the bank. However, those who need the absolute latest processor, software updates, or features like wireless charging might want to look at newer alternatives. Compared to current mid-range competitors, the Find X3 Neo often offers a superior camera and charging experience, though it might lag slightly in terms of processing power in specific demanding tasks.

Conclusion: A Solid and Dependable Choice

Overall, my experience with the Oppo Find X3 Neo has been overwhelmingly positive. It's a phone that has aged gracefully, offering a blend of style, performance, and excellent camera capabilities that still holds up well in 2024. The standout features for me are undoubtedly the vibrant display, the versatile camera system, and the incredibly fast charging. While the software is a generation behind, the core user experience remains smooth and functional. If you're in the market for a capable smartphone with a focus on photography and a premium feel, and you can find the Oppo Find X3 Neo at a competitive price, it's a phone I would definitely recommend. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes, the best value lies in devices that have proven their worth over time.