Oppo Find X8 Ultra Review: The Cutting-Edge Smartphone Americans Can’t Buy

There’s a growing frustration among tech enthusiasts in the U.S.—some of the most advanced smartphones, like the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, are simply not available for purchase here. This phone is a beast on paper: its camera sensors are 62% larger than what Apple or Samsung offer, it boasts next-gen battery life, stunning displays, and ultra-fast charging. And yet, it’s off-limits unless you’re willing to travel abroad.

The Find X8 Ultra runs Android 14 and sports a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED screen, delivering a crisp 1440p resolution at 120Hz refresh, peaking at 2500 nits of brightness. That’s sharper than the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s 460 PPI and even the Samsung S25 Ultra’s 498 PPI—Oppo’s panel hits 510 PPI. The screen holds up under heat and pressure, lasting 35 seconds under a flame without visible marks. Scratches appear at level six on the Mohs scale, with deeper grooves at level seven.

Design-wise, the X8 Ultra features an anodized aluminum frame and a flush camera control button. It’s a premium look that feels solid in hand. You get a 100W USB-C port, dwarfing Apple’s 25W and Samsung’s 45W charging speeds, and a dual SIM tray—a rare feature these days. The phone also has an IR blaster, a programmable shortcut button, and impressive waterproofing with IP68 and IP69 ratings, something neither Samsung nor Apple offers.

But the real star is the camera. Oppo’s “Sky Dome” camera module houses a 50MP 1-inch sensor (normally found in dedicated cameras), a 50MP ultra-wide, a 50MP 6x periscope, and a 50MP 3x telephoto. There’s even a color spectrum sensor. Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Samsung S25 Ultra, the X8 Ultra’s sensors are massive—up to 60% larger. That size translates to better low-light performance, enhanced detail, and improved zoom capabilities. The camera module isn’t just for show: it’s the real deal, a tangible step forward in smartphone photography.

The 6,100 mAh silicon-carbon dual-cell battery is another standout feature. It charges at 100W—twice as fast as the competition—and supports 50W wireless charging, with 10W reverse wireless charging capability. Apple and Samsung’s flagships, in comparison, offer only 15W wireless and 4.5W reverse charging. Even the battery removal is easy—thumbs up for that, Oppo.

Internally, the X8 Ultra is built like a tank. It holds up well in JerryRigEverything’s infamous bend test, only showing minor cosmetic separation under extreme pressure. It’s a tough, well-engineered device that survives scrutiny.

Sadly, U.S. buyers are left out. Oppo’s decision to avoid U.S. sales means dodging tariffs but also denying users a truly innovative smartphone. Still, the global tech scene can’t ignore the Find X8 Ultra. It’s a device that pushes boundaries, challenges Apple and Samsung, and redefines what a smartphone can be.

The question is: when will we get to experience this kind of innovation in the U.S. market? Until then, we’re left watching from the sidelines.