Overview-
In the rapidly evolving landscape of smartphone innovation, Oppo's re-entry into the ultra-premium segment with the Find X7 Ultra has garnered significant interest, particularly given its absence from India's market since 2020. Despite not being officially available in India at present, Oppo's decision to provide review units hints at potential future releases. After spending several weeks with Oppo's latest camera flagship, I find myself thoroughly impressed, especially considering the advancements made since the Find X2 series.
Pricing-
The Oppo Find X7 Ultra, primarily targeting China and neighboring markets, comes with a price range starting from CNY 5,999 (approximately Rs. 70,000) for the base model featuring 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which was the variant I reviewed. The top-tier configuration, offering 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, is priced at CNY 6,999 (roughly Rs. 80,000). For Indian consumers interested in importing, it's crucial to consider the significant customs duties accompanying such high-end products.
Design-
Diverging from the typical design language seen in competitors like Vivo, Google, and Samsung, Oppo has crafted the Find X7 Ultra with a unique split dual-finish aesthetic. Not only does it radiate premium quality, but it also provides a tactile sense of luxury. Weighing 221 grams, the phone feels substantial, enhancing its premium appeal. Available in Ocean Blue, Sepia Brown, and Tailored Black variants, each color option showcases distinct characteristics, not limited to color but also material choice. The Ocean Blue variant, with its nautical theme and glass upper half, particularly caught my attention during hands-on experience. The inclusion of vegan leather on the lower half, especially prominent in the Tailored Black variant, not only adds grip but also durability, reducing smudges and cracks. Additionally, the IP68 rating ensures dust and water resistance, enhancing its practicality for daily use.
Specifications and Software-
While the Find X7 Ultra may not introduce revolutionary features compared to its predecessor, it boasts the latest hardware, justifying its "Ultra" designation. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, it promises top-tier performance. Oppo's inclusion of a dedicated security chip enhances local data security. The software experience, initially loaded with Chinese variants of ColorOS 14 based on Android 14, offers a surprisingly minimalistic interface after removing bloatware. However, integrating Google services, while possible, comes with limitations, such as the absence of Google Assistant as a lockscreen shortcut and the unavailability of Google's autofill service.
Performance-
Performance-wise, the Find X7 Ultra excels as expected from a premium flagship device. Impressive scores in benchmarks like AnTuTu and Geekbench, coupled with seamless gaming experiences and immersive audio output, highlight its capabilities. The 6.82-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, featuring a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate, delivers vibrant visuals with excellent brightness levels, ensuring an enjoyable viewing experience even outdoors. Battery life is commendable, easily enduring heavy usage scenarios, while rapid charging capabilities add to its appeal. Notably, Oppo's collaboration with Hasselblad for camera optimization yields exceptional imaging results, positioning the Find X7 Ultra as a strong contender in the competitive flagship market.
Conclusion-
Although the Find X7 Ultra may not officially launch in India this year, its excellence and allure are undeniable. From its striking design to its robust performance and versatile camera capabilities, it presents a compelling option in the ultra-premium smartphone segment. Despite potential obstacles like customs duties and software limitations, the Find X7 Ultra's outstanding features and performance justify its place among the top flagship offerings, leaving a lasting impression on enthusiasts and critics alike.