Professional’s Ranking
Professionals
- Slim, pocketable design
- Wonderful images
- Extremely quick
- Lengthy battery life
- Speedy charging
Cons
- No digital camera button or 6x telephoto
- Smaller major sensor than the Professional
Our Verdict
The Oppo Discover X8 affords a really related expertise to the X8 Professional at a extra reasonably priced worth. It’s somewhat smaller in dimension and it lacks the 6x telephoto lens, however in any other case, they’re very comparable. For lots of people, this mannequin is the proper alternative. It’s a superb all-rounder that simply competes with flagships from the likes of Samsung and Google.
Worth When Reviewed
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Finest Pricing At present
Oppo’s flagship Discover X collection has returned to the worldwide market after a number of years of absence, and the model is seeking to make a splash. If you need the most effective of the most effective, you’ll need to look towards the Discover X8 Professional, but when that’s too massive (and expensive) to your tastes, the usual Discover X8 might be the best way to go.
This cellphone affords a extra pocketable kind issue however nonetheless retains a lot of the identical specs as its bigger sibling. The checklist contains the highly effective Dimensity 9400 processor, a large battery and speedy 80W charging. The most important distinction is that you just solely get one periscope telephoto, relatively than two.
For lots of people, the Oppo Discover X8 appears to be like like the plain alternative, and its boxy, slimline design solely serves to make it extra interesting. The query is, what’s it wish to reside with? I used it as my major handset for the previous week in an effort to search out out.
Design & Construct
- Flat, boxy design
- 193g, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- IP68/IP69 rated
Regardless of being the smaller of the 2 fashions, the Discover X8 continues to be a pretty big cellphone. It dwarves my iPhone 16 Professional, and is nearer in dimension to the 16 Professional Max. It’s good and slim, although, with a really minimal digital camera bump and also you’ll discover this each time you slip it out and in of your pocket. It’s considerably lighter than Apple’s high mannequin, too.
Luke Baker
The rationale for the iPhone comparability ought to be pretty apparent. That is Oppo’s most iPhone-like flagship so far, full with boxy aluminium facet rails, and the same flat glass rear panel with a matte texture. The Apple affect runs greater than pores and skin deep, too, however we’ll discover the software program options extra afterward.
This mannequin has a notification slider on the left-hand facet, so you possibly can simply silence your cellphone at any time, and there’s the same old quantity rocker and energy button on the proper. It doesn’t have the brand new capacitive-touch Fast Button (Oppo’s tackle Apple’s Digicam Management), you’ll want the Professional if you wish to strive that.
The cellphone continues Oppo’s latest pattern of constructing the digital camera island massive, round, and within the centre of the rear panel. It’s clear that this cellphone is expounded to the Discover X6 and X7 Extremely that got here earlier than, however this time, the bump is slimmer than ever, making it look a lot much less outlandish.
It has the identical symmetrical lens structure as its Professional sibling, however solely three are precise lenses, and the fourth homes some sort of depth sensor.
This cellphone additionally carries the brand new IP69 ranking for mud and water resistance, which implies in addition to being totally mud and watertight, it could deal with sprays from jets of sizzling water. In actuality, this additional layer of resistance isn’t one thing that can matter to most customers, however it’s prepared for no matter you possibly can throw at it.
The haptic motors are sturdy and exact, which aids in typing and offers some delicate, useful suggestions when zooming within the digital camera app. They’re not the very best haptics I’ve ever come throughout, I believe Samsung may nonetheless maintain that honour, however they’re actually not far off.
Display & Audio system
- 120Hz 6.59-inch OLED show
- 4500 nits, 1256 x 2760 decision
- Stereo audio system
The show of the Discover X8 has very related specs to the X8 Professional. The principle variations are that it’s somewhat smaller, and it’s utterly flat, with out the micro curves on the bezel.
Luke Baker
The totally different dimensions end in a slight change in decision, however you’d by no means be capable of inform, they successfully provide the identical pixel density. You get the identical brightness output, too, which implies the X8 can peak at an eyeball-melting 4500 nits.
I discussed in my X8 Professional overview that the quad micro-curves have received me over, however I nonetheless have a comfortable spot for a completely flat show, and this one’s notably effectively executed. You get razor-thin 1.45mm bezels which might be symmetrical on all sides, and the glass sits completely flush with the body, so that you by no means really feel it when swiping from the sting of the panel.
All the opposite advantages are current right here, too. It helps Dolby Imaginative and prescient playback, has an adaptive 120Hz refresh charge, and produces vibrant and correct colors that may be simply adjusted within the settings.
Luke Baker
The stereo audio system sound simply pretty much as good on this mannequin, too, and so they compete with a number of the high flagship handsets available on the market right this moment. Anticipate excessive volumes, a great deal of readability, and somewhat extra bass than your common cellphone.
Specs & Efficiency
- MediaTek Dimensity 9400
- 12GB / 16GB RAM
- 256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage
The Oppo Discover X8 runs on the identical Dimensity 9400 processor as its Professional sibling, and my overview unit is paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Qualcomm might have somewhat extra street-cred in terms of high-end chips, however that’s starting to vary, and the newest flagship SoC from MediaTek delivers critical efficiency.
Luke Baker
The Discover X8 achieved one of many highest 3DMark Wildlife Excessive scores I’ve ever seen, a whopping 6435 factors – beating highly effective devoted gaming handsets just like the RedMagic 9S Professional and ROG Telephone 8 Professional. After all, this interprets to wonderful real-world efficiency too.
The cellphone feels lighting-quick all through, a few of this may actually be attributed to the ColorOS animation overhaul, however the sheer energy of this machine positively helps. Multitasking, video enhancing and streaming are a breeze with the Oppo Discover X8.
In relation to video games, you’ll wrestle to search out an Android title you possibly can’t run with excessive framerates at most graphics settings, and it does effectively with emulation too, if that’s your sort of factor. It may get somewhat toasty whenever you’re pushing the boundaries, however it by no means will get concerningly sizzling, and efficiency doesn’t appear to drop too dramatically throughout longer periods.
Luke Baker
In case you’re seeking to get the aggressive edge, the Discover X8 has a built-in recreation overlay with fast entry to efficiency modes, messaging, media controls and notification blocking. It’s basically the identical because the overlay that got here with ColorOS 14, however it has every part you’re more likely to want.
Cameras
- 50Mp major sensor, 1/1.53-inch
- 50Mp ultrawide, 1/2.75-inch
- 50Mp 3x telephoto, 1/1.95-inch
- 32Mp selfie digital camera, fastened focus
At a look, the digital camera array on the Discover X8 appears to be like similar to the Discover X8 Professional, however there are two major variations. The primary is that you just get one much less digital camera, there’s no 6x telephoto on this one, and the second is that the principle digital camera has a distinct sensor.
Luke Baker
It’s a smaller 1/1.53-inch unit, relatively than a 1/1.4-inch sensor on the Professional. In principle, this could imply barely worse efficiency in low mild situations and fewer pure background blur. Nonetheless, in follow, the distinction is delicate. Within the day, the 2 cameras look nigh on an identical, and at evening, you may want a barely longer publicity, however your outcomes shall be very related.
The ultrawide and 3x telephoto share the very same specs because the X8 Professional, and so the ensuing images are indistinguishable.
The ultrawide is the weakest lens of the trio. It lacks some element in comparison with the opposite two models, and it struggles with noise and movement blur in darkish situations, however that’s often the case with ultrawide cameras. It’s nonetheless a really helpful focal size to have, and it has autofocus, so it could pull double obligation as a macro shooter.
The 3x telephoto is simply good. It’s a comparatively massive sensor, for a telephoto, and this implies you get some good pure compression to your pictures, which makes them look quite a bit much less like smartphone images. The 73mm equal focal size is nice for avenue snaps, too.
I do want the minimal focus distance was somewhat nearer, this focal size could be nice for tele-macro pictures, however that’s sadly not an choice. As an alternative, the digital camera app desires to change you to the ultrawide-based macro mode earlier than you may count on.
Regardless of missing a 6x telephoto, this technique nonetheless performs effectively past its optical zoom vary, and you will get very usable photographs as much as round 10-15x zoom. Surprisingly, it affords as much as 120x, identical to the Professional, however it closely depends on AI processing whenever you’re zoomed that far. The outcomes look spectacular, however they’re not very correct, because the AI is simply guessing and inserting imaginary particulars.
The selfie digital camera is similar because the one on the Discover X8 Professional, too. It’s a stable performer, and the one actual weak spot is that it lacks autofocus, so for those who’re not standing within the candy spot, your photographs received’t be as sharp as they might be. Nonetheless, it’s able to nice outcomes, and spectacular portrait mode results assist issues additional.
All the opposite digital camera advantages that include the Professional are additionally current right here. This contains lightning-quick seize, full-quality burst taking pictures at 7fps and tremendous dependable autofocus with eye detection. It’s good for capturing fast-moving topics.
The identical goes for video options. You possibly can shoot at as much as 4K 60fps on all lenses, with nice stabilisation, stable audio and Dolby Imaginative and prescient seize. You’ll additionally be capable of use the Blackmagic Digicam app within the close to future, for those who’re craving some extra skilled management choices.
Battery Life & Charging
- 5630mAh battery
- 80W wired charging
- 50W wi-fi charging
The Oppo Discover X8 makes use of the newest silicon-carbon battery improvements to squeeze a 5630mAh battery into its svelte chassis. It could not sound large subsequent to the Professional’s 5910 mAh pack, however when you think about that the majority flagships are nonetheless rocking 5000mAh (or smaller) capacities, it’s a really beneficiant dimension.
I discovered that the X8 usually lasted simply so long as the Professional mannequin with real-world use, presumably owing to the marginally smaller show. With mild use, you possibly can fairly simply go for 2 days on a cost. You’ll must be a severely heavy consumer to empty it in a day, and as a rule, I went to mattress with 40% or extra left within the tank.
When it’s time to plug in, you’ll be again up and operating very quickly in any respect. It helps as much as 80W charging with a wire and 50W with Oppo’s AirVooc wi-fi charger.
My pattern got here with the 80W wall adapter included, however that received’t be the case in numerous areas. So, if you wish to benefit from the highest speeds, you’ll possible have to shell out some more money for a SuperVooc charger.
Luke Baker
Third-party adapters received’t hit the utmost marketed velocity, however they’ll nonetheless cost the cellphone in a short time. It helps as much as 50W utilizing the USB C Energy Supply commonplace.
Software program & Apps
- ColorOS 15, based mostly on Android 15
- AI options and Circle to Search
- Some bloatware
The Oppo Discover X8 runs ColorOS 15, Oppo’s freshly tweaked model of Android 15, delivering an an identical expertise to its Professional sibling. Oddly, my overview unit appears destined for the Russian market, as numerous the preinstalled apps are Russian, however that received’t be the case with retail models – except you’re in Russia.
Luke Baker
Oppo has been arduous at work optimising its software program for this launch and the outcomes are instantly obvious. The Discover X8 collection feels noticeably snappier than earlier Oppo handsets, apps open virtually instantaneously and swiping across the OS is a clean, stutter-free expertise.
The Apple affect is extra noticeable than ever with this launch, and whereas it would divide opinions, I’m a fan of every part Oppo has added to ColorOS 15.
There’s a brand new Dynamic Island-inspired bubble that pops up across the digital camera cutout and it offers you fast entry to issues like media controls and hotspot standing. It’s actually handy to entry, because it shows over different apps, and I’m happy to see extra Android manufacturers copying considered one of Apple’s best options.
Now you can break up your notifications and fast settings shade to be accessed with swipes from totally different sides of the show. Once more, it’s very Apple-like, however it’ll additionally really feel extra comfy for these coming from a Xiaomi, Huawei or Honor machine. The very best half is that it’s utterly optionally available, and if you’d like the standard stacked structure, you possibly can have it.
The cellphone additionally comes with Circle to Search and has Google Gemini because the default assistant, so that you’re all arrange with Google’s newest options from day one. Earlier within the 12 months, this might have been a serious promoting level, however it looks as if virtually each model is adopting these options now. In any case, they’re each nice, and I’m happy to see them included.
As you may count on, Oppo has injected loads of AI options into the newest model of its OS. There are all the same old tips, like AI writing help, summaries and translation, in addition to picture enhancing instruments like an AI eraser, readability enhancer and reflection elimination.
Luke Baker
I simply don’t discover myself utilizing most of them, and that’s not an Oppo drawback, it’s the identical throughout all manufacturers. Nonetheless, there are two massive exceptions constructed into ColorOS, and I like them a lot that I’m virtually dreading switching to a different cellphone.
They’re referred to as AI Communicate and AI Abstract. These instruments can take a look at any webpage, no matter your browser alternative, and both learn it aloud in a really natural-sounding voice or summarise it with concise bullet factors. I’ve been utilizing these on a regular basis, they’re extraordinarily useful when it’s essential study a subject however don’t have time to take a seat and browse an extended article.
The most important draw back is the sheer quantity of bloat that comes preinstalled. Fortunately, the OS lets you choose apps in bulk, and that makes cleansing it up good and fast, however it’s a trouble that shouldn’t be current on a premium handset like this.
Each the Discover X8 and Discover X8 Professional profit from prolonged software program assist. Oppo guarantees to ship the newest safety patches and Android updates from now till 2030. It’s not fairly so long as Samsung or Google, however it’s an enchancment, and I’m completely satisfied to see issues shifting in the proper route.
Worth & Availability
We haven’t been given actual pricing for the Oppo Discover X8, however based mostly on the Indonesian pricing, we count on it to price round £699 within the UK, and that’ll get you 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. There’s additionally a variant with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage accessible at the next worth, possible £799.
The cellphone shall be accessible from Oppo’s web site however it hasn’t appeared simply but. In case you choose one up, you should definitely try our information to the most effective SIM solely offers. It’s additionally more likely to be accessible on contract, however we don’t have the small print on that simply but,
At this worth, the Oppo goes toe-to-toe with top-notch units just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 (£799), Apple iPhone 16 (£799) and Google Pixel 9 (£799). Regardless of the formidable competitors, although, the Oppo Discover X8 stands out as an awesome choice, notably for those who’re a images fanatic.
Do you have to purchase the Oppo Discover X8?
I liked the Oppo Discover X8 Professional, so it’s no shock I additionally love the usual Discover X8. This mannequin affords a really related general expertise, and for lots of people, it’s most likely the good selection. To summarise the variations: The X8 has a flatter boxy design, a barely smaller display screen, major digital camera sensor and battery, and it lacks the 6x lens and digital camera button.
I exploit the 6x telephoto fairly continuously, and I additionally benefit from the novelty of the devoted digital camera button, so for me, the Professional is price the additional outlay. Nonetheless, I don’t assume that’s the case for everybody, and the Fast Button is way from a vital improve. As for the distinction in display screen dimension and battery life, the distinction is so small that I don’t assume it ought to issue into the equation.
The highest-notch {hardware} is one factor, however the Oppo Discover X8 additionally delivers on the software program entrance. ColorOS 15 is the quickest and most polished-feeling OS from the model to this point. It affords nice customisation choices and has AI options that you just may really use. The one draw back is a little bit of bloatware to wash up.
In case you’re searching for top-of-the-line images, blazing quick efficiency and lengthy battery life the Oppo Discover X8 does all of it for an affordable worth. It’s a compelling various to mainstream flagships just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 9, and it’s very straightforward to suggest.
Specs
- ColorOS 15, based mostly on Android 15
- 6.59-inch, 1256 x 2760, OLED, 120Hz
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- MediaTek Dimensity 9400
- 12GB / 16GB RAM
- 256GB / 512GB / 1TB storage
- Digicam:
- 50Mp major sensor
- 50Mp ultrawide
- 50Mp 3x telephoto
- 32Mp selfie digital camera
- As much as 4K @ 60fps rear video
- Stereo audio system
- Twin-SIM
- Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7
- Bluetooth 5.4
- 5630mAh battery
- 80W charging
- 157.4 x 74.3 x 7.9 mm
- IP68/IP69 licensed
- 193g
- Colors: Star Gray, House Black, Shell Pink