Oppo Find X5 Pro

Oppo Find X5 Pro Revisited: Still a Contender for the Discerning Eye?

I've spent a good amount of time recently revisiting the Oppo Find X5 Pro, a phone that made quite a splash when it first landed. At its launch price, it firmly positioned itself in the premium segment, targeting users who demand top-tier performance and cutting-edge features. After putting it through its paces again, engaging with its strengths and observing its quirks, I have a clearer picture of where this device stands in today's market.

The Find X5 Pro arrived at a time when Oppo was aggressively pushing its innovation in camera technology and fast charging, and it served as a flagship statement. From my perspective, Oppo was aiming to solidify its position as a serious player in the high-end smartphone arena, challenging established giants. The price point reflected this ambition, placing it in direct competition with the likes of Samsung's Galaxy S series and Google's Pixel Pro offerings. My initial take was that Oppo was betting big on delivering a complete package, not just raw specifications.

Picking up the Find X5 Pro again, the design still holds up. The ceramic back, while making it a substantial 218g in hand, feels undeniably premium. It's smooth, cool to the touch, and exudes a sense of quality. The curved edges of the display seamlessly blend into the frame, contributing to a sleek, modern aesthetic. While its size (163.7mm tall) might not be ideal for everyone, I found the weight distribution to be well-balanced, making it feel secure in hand. The IP68 rating offers a welcome peace of mind, hinting at the underlying durability alongside its luxurious feel.

The 6.7-inch AMOLED display remains a highlight. Firing it up, the vibrancy and clarity are immediately apparent. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and navigating incredibly fluid, a feature that still feels essential for a premium experience. In my testing, the brightness levels were more than adequate for outdoor visibility, even under direct sunlight. Media consumption is a joy on this screen; colors pop, blacks are deep, and the sheer sharpness of the 1440 x 3216 resolution makes everything look crisp. Gaming is equally immersive, with the smooth refresh rate and excellent color reproduction drawing you into the experience. Even everyday tasks like browsing and reading feel more engaging on such a visually rich display.

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, while not the absolute latest silicon anymore, still delivers impressive performance. In my usage, the Find X5 Pro handled demanding games with ease, exhibiting no noticeable lag or stuttering. Multitasking between numerous apps was also seamless. I did observe some warmth during prolonged intensive tasks, but the thermal management seemed to keep it within acceptable limits. It's worth noting that while newer chips offer incremental improvements, the real-world performance of the Find X5 Pro remains undeniably swift and responsive for most users.

The camera system is where the Find X5 Pro truly shines, thanks in no small part to Oppo's MariSilicon X imaging NPU. Stepping out with this phone for a dedicated photo session is still a rewarding experience. I specifically focused on capturing scenes with challenging lighting, and the results were consistently impressive. The 50MP main sensor, co-developed with Hasselblad, captures a remarkable amount of detail and excellent dynamic range. That sunset mentioned earlier, with its complex interplay of light and shadow, was rendered beautifully, preserving both the vibrant hues and subtle gradations. The 50MP ultrawide lens is equally capable, providing consistent color reproduction with the main sensor, which is crucial for a cohesive photography experience. The telephoto lens offers useful optical zoom capabilities, allowing for creative compositions. Video recording is also strong, with effective stabilization and good detail. Comparing it to other devices I've used, the Find X5 Pro holds its own, particularly in its ability to capture natural-looking images with accurate colors.

Battery life from the 5000mAh cell is generally solid. In my daily routine, which involves a mix of browsing, social media, email, and some photography, I typically found it lasting a full day without needing a top-up. On heavier usage days, involving more GPS navigation and extensive camera use, I did occasionally need a quick charge in the late afternoon. Fortunately, the 80W SuperVOOC charging is incredibly rapid. Plugging it in for even a short time yields a significant boost, making battery anxiety a thing of the past. While I didn't extensively test the 50W wireless charging, its inclusion is a welcome addition for convenience. The power management seems efficient, contributing to the respectable battery endurance.

Running Android, layered with Oppo's ColorOS, the software experience is generally smooth and feature-rich. In my daily use, I found the interface to be intuitive, with plenty of customization options. While some might find ColorOS a bit heavy on pre-installed apps, many of its features are genuinely useful, enhancing the overall user experience. Given Oppo's commitment to software updates, including upgrades to Android 14, the Find X5 Pro should remain up-to-date with the latest features and security patches for a reasonable period.

Assessing the value of the Oppo Find X5 Pro now requires considering its current market price. While it launched as a premium flagship, time has brought price adjustments, making it a potentially compelling option for those seeking high-end features without the absolute top-tier price tag of the very latest models. For users who prioritize a stunning display, a versatile and capable camera system, and fast charging, the Find X5 Pro remains a strong contender. However, those who demand the absolute latest processor or a more stock Android experience might look towards newer offerings. In a competitive landscape, the Find X5 Pro carves out a niche for itself with its blend of premium design, impressive performance, and exceptional camera capabilities.

In conclusion, my time revisiting the Oppo Find X5 Pro has reaffirmed its status as a well-rounded and capable flagship. It's a phone that delivers on its promise of a premium experience, particularly in its display and camera performance. While it may not be the newest kid on the block, for those looking for a high-quality smartphone with a focus on visual excellence and rapid charging, the Oppo Find X5 Pro is still definitely worth considering.