OPPO Find X3 Neo, analysis: a beautiful and balanced mobile that “sins” expensively for its absences

OPPO has managed to gain a foothold in the European mobile phone market based on good work and perseverance. And that this Chinese manufacturer had it complicated when it arrived in mid-July 2018 because it had to face already consolidated firms such as Xiaomi. Do you remember one of the mobiles chosen to land in Europe? Right, the OPPO Find X has had descendants for years to come.

At the forefront of the third line of the saga is the OPPO Find X3 Pro, the most advanced, but others have a lot to say, such as the OPPO Find X3 Neo. This high-end mobile, launched in March 2021, improves the OPPO Find X2 Neo in aspects such as the processor, the photographic system, and fast charging.

During the last weeks, we have had the opportunity to test the OPPO Find X3 Neo to analyze if the experience it offers is worth it or not for its 819 euros of price. First, we see that its specification list is full of cutting-edge specifications. Are these characteristics at the level of what is expected in the practical part? And above all, can it compete with direct rivals such as the OnePlus nine and the Xiaomi Mi 11? Let’s see.

OPPO Find X3 Neo analysis

  • OPPO Find X3 Neo technical sheet
  • Design and display
  • Hardware and performance
  • Battery and charging
  • Software and expertise
  • Cameras
  • Opinion and final thoughts
  • Price and where to buy

OPPO Find X3 Neo technical sheet

OPPO Find X3 Neo
specs
Dimensions 159,9 x 72,5 x 7,9mm
184 grams
Screen Sunlight AMOLED de 6,5 pulgadas, 90Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution 2400×1080 (FullHD+)
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
Ocho nucleos a 2.8 GHz (1), 2.4 GHz (3) y 1.8 GHz (4)
RAM 12 GB
Operating system ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11
Storage 256GB not expandable
Cameras Trasera: 50 MP f / 1.8 + 16 MP f / 2.2 + 13 MP f / 2.4 + 2 MP f / 2.4
Frontal: 32 MP f/2.4
Battery 4,500 mAh Carga SuperVOOC 2.0 de 65W
Others On-screen fingerprint reader, face unlock, USB-C, Dual SIM, IP54 certification, Dolby Atmos stereo sound
Price and availability 819 euros of launch

Design and screen of the OPPO Find X3 Neo

Design and screen of the OPPO Find X3 Neo

The OPPO Find X3 Neo has a spectacular design. That is the impression we have when we first see this high-end from OPPO. It is a light mobile with a rear that offers a good grip, although with a touch of softness that perhaps causes it to slide more than desired on some occasions. Don’t worry, because this problem disappears when we add the transparent silicone cover that comes in the box.

When we take the OPPO Find X3 Neo, it is clear that we are facing an advanced smartphone. If we talk about its dimensions, we must mention that they are 159.9 x 72.5 x 7.9 mm, with 184 grams. It is lightweight and ensures a very comfortable experience without an iota of fatigue when we use it for hours. If we compare it with the Xiaomi Mi 11 and OnePlus 9 Pro, the Find X3 Neo has less width, thickness, and weight.

There are two colors in which the terminal goes on sale: black and silver. The first version is the one we have tried, and the truth has fascinated us. It should be noted that this color is similar more to dark blue to black, especially when light falls. Some small bright spots that imitate the stars stand out in those moments, leaving us with an aesthetic that simulates the starry sky. The camera system is discreetly located in it, which hardly stands out in terms of design or thickness.

The back of the OPPO mobile is made of glass, giving an elegant and resistant appearance. In addition, it is not even with an iota of fingerprints and dirt, so it remains unpolluted at all times.

Design and screen of the OPPO Find X3 Neo 1

If we analyze the edges, we find some strips also made of aluminum that accompanies the luxurious aesthetics of the terminal. On the right edge is the on / off button, highlighted by a small green line. If we go to the left edge, we find the volume buttons. These three buttons offer a pleasant experience when pressing them.

We must go to the lower frame to find the mobile speaker, which offers Dolby Atmos stereo sound, the micro USB-C charging port, and the dual SIM card slot. As expected, this OPPO Find X3 Neo has no place for a microSD card or a 3.5mm headphone port.

We cannot ignore that the side edges and the upper and lower corners are curved in appearance, which adds a differential touch to the model. In terms of resistance to water and dust, the OPPO Find X3 Neo remains in the IP54 certification. Considering its price, it is inevitable to miss a superior resistance like IP68.

Design and screen of the OPPO Find X3 Neo 2

The OPPO Find X3 Neo screen occupies almost the entire front, specifically, 85% of the usable surface. In practice, the terminal screen looks very good, but some “buts” put it in lower positions than its rivals.

We will start by saying that it is a Sunlight AMOLED 6.55-inch screen with Full HD + resolution (2400 x 1080), 90 Hz refresh rate, 402 PPI pixel density, and up to 1,100 nits of brightness, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. 5. As mentioned, this screen looks great, with excellent color reproduction, well-crafted viewing angles, and smooth transition in animations.

The 90 Hz of the screen should be 120 Hz if we consider its high price.

However, we cannot ignore these specifications are insufficient for those 819 euros of the launch price. Its 90 Hz should be 120 Hz, present in rivals like the Mi 11 and cheaper terminals. Plus, those 1,100 nits of brightness – the same as the Find X2 Neo – fall a bit short when sunlight hits. Without going any further, this same Xiaomi Mi 11 offers up to 1,500 nits of peak brightness, and the OnePlus nine stays at 1,300 nits.

Something similar happens in pixel density, which is more characteristic of high-end mobiles in 2020 than in 2021. What’s more, those 402 PPIs are the same as those offered by the OPPO Find X2 Neo, so it is normal to expect an improvement in this aspect.

It is important to note that it is a curved screen, a panel model that usually generates diverse opinions. In this case, and based on our experience, the OPPO Finds X3 Neo’s curved screen is comfortable to use without accidental touches or color aberrations that can be present in similar panels of other smartphones. This Find X3 Neo is also possible thanks to its compatibility with HDR10 +, ensuring the most powerful colors.

Design and screen of the OPPO Find X3 Neo 3

As far as screen settings are concerned, you can switch between 60 Hz and 90 Hz refresh on this smartphone. This option is available by accessing Settings> Display and brightness> More> Screen refresh rate. From “More,” you can also select the screen color mode that you like the most (Intense or soft), the front camera display depending on the app, and also the full-screen display depending on the app you are using.

You have to investigate the “Display and brightness” section to find more options to adjust the display to your liking. You can activate the automatic brightness, the visual comfort tool, vary the color temperature, of course, the dark mode and, a differential function: the OSIE visual effect, which achieves better textures and colors in images of compatible apps.

In general, that of the OPPO Find X3 Neo is a screen that offers an outstanding experience. Still, it is inevitable to mention those absences that are not justified in a high-end mobile from 2021: higher pixel density, more powerful brightness, and that 120 Hz are already present even in cheaper models.

Hardware and performance of the OPPO Find X3 Neo.

The processor that gives life to the OPPO Find X3 Neo is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 with an integrated 5G modem, accompanied by 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage non-expandable. The truth is that the three elements make an exemplary configuration: the terminal has the power to bore, it can run even the heaviest apps -of course, also games- and we have not missed more internal memory to store files and download apps.

However, and as we have been doing throughout the analysis, we are talking about a high-end mobile launched in 2021, which is close to 820 euros. Yes, this Find X3 Neo should have integrated a chip Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, as do other terminals even with lower prices, such as the Xiaomi Mi 11i that has also just been launched on the market.

Hardware and performance of the OPPO Find X3 Neo

If you like video games, you can play long games on this smartphone without the appearance of lags or unexpected closings. The great experience offered by the phone is also “the fault” of the 12 GB of RAM, which helps to open apps and switch between them very quickly. Having clarified this aspect, we return to talk about the performance of our protagonist to emphasize that his processor can handle everything you propose without losing his hair.

Regarding that 256 GB of internal storage, we must say that it is the only configuration that goes on sale for this OPPO Find X3 Neo, and no, they are not expandable, so you will have to settle for them. However, in our experience, they are more than enough, and you can always use cloud storage apps to save space.

Performance is good, but we miss a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chip

Our analysis also has a fingerprint reader under the screen, which is characterized by a somewhat lower position than usual in other smartphones. Despite this detail, the sensor has not been uncomfortable at any time, and it is a delight to enjoy its speed and precision. The same is true of facial recognition, which does its job excellently.

From the OPPO Find X3 Neo, we must also highlight the performance offered by its speaker, with Dolby Atmos stereo sound. The truth is that we expected good audio quality to be high-end, but even so, we have been surprised by its power and clarity, both at low and maximum volume.

Another component that has caught our attention for the good of the terminal is its haptic motor, since it offers a firm and precise vibration, with the possibility of adjusting the vibration from settings. Of course, this smartphone also comes with NFC connectivity, so it can be used to pay in establishments in a way contactless :

OPPO Find X3 Neo battery and charge

Lights and shadows in the autonomy section of the OPPO Find X3 Neo. Let’s start by specifying that the terminal mounts a 4,500 mAh battery that, with primary use, can exceed 7 hours of active screen. This translates into a little more than a day of autonomy using it to consult social networks, listen to music on streaming platforms, watch the occasional video on YouTube and navigate with Google Chrome.

OPPO Find X3 Neo battery and charge

We must be honest: the smartphone battery is somewhat fair if you make intensive use of it, as you will have to go through the charger before the end of the day. In part, it is understandable if we consider that it is a lightweight mobile with a thickness narrower than that of mobile phones that reach 5,000 mAh. However, for its price, it is also understandable to ask for a more extensive autonomy that does not force us to depend on the charger every day.

In this section of autonomy, a detail shines with its light: the 65W fast charge. And it is that you will only need 10 minutes of your time for the energy to reach 50% and only 30 minutes for it to be fully recharged. Yes, you may need to go through the charger more than you would like, but you will do it for a short time. Honestly, it is a delight to be able to charge your phone in half an hour fully.

30 minutes are enough to charge the OPPO Find X3 Neo battery fully

Finally, and returning to the subject of those 819 euros of price, in this OPPO Find X3 Neo, we miss the possibility of using wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which is available in mobile phones of similar value, such as the Xiaomi Mi 11. However, in its favor, we must also highlight that the charger compatible with that 65W fast charge is included in the box, something that we cannot say about the Samsung Galaxy S21.

OPPO Find X3 Neo software and experience

The OPPO Find X3 Neo 5G arrives with ColorOS 11.1 based on Android 11, the latest customization layer developed by the manufacturer itself. The excellent performance offered by the processor is topped off with this software, as it provides a positive experience that stands out for the extensive customization options that, from our point of view, give it a touch of value compared to other customization layers.

First of all, we can say that the terminal arrives with little bloatware, that is, with few pre-installed apps, something that is always positive. You will find the apps out of the Netflix, TikTok, and Facebook box, easily uninstalled. You can also remove applications such as O Relax, a meditation tool to ward off stress and tension. We cannot say the same for Phone Manager, the usual optimization application on Chinese mobiles that lacks utility.

On the OPPO mobile, we can find other apps of its invoice, such as Compass and Games Space, a platform where you can manage some aspects when running installed games. For example, you can switch between battery saving mode, balanced mode, and pro-gamer mode, the latter demanding maximum CPU and GPU performance. From Games Area, you can block automatic brightness, activate the fast start of your favorite games, and block notifications automatically, among other details. In short, it is a space focused on offering you everything you need to perfect the gaming experience.

OPPO Find X3 Neo software and experience

As we said, Color OS offers many customization options to users. From the “Personalizations” section, you can choose the style of the icons, the design of the application, the animation of the fingerprint icon, the colors of the interface, and those of the notification panel. In addition, you can choose the color with which the edges will light up when a notification arrives.

In conclusion, the OPPO Find X3 Neo operating system plays a relevant role in the excellent experience offered by the terminal since it has an optimized and complete customization layer that does not stand out for excessive bloatware.

As far as system updates are concerned, OPPO has promised three years of Android updates to the entire Find X3 family, including our protagonist, and three years of security updates, so you will be up to date and protected for an extended period.

Camaras del OPPO Find X3 Neo

There are four cameras that the OPPO Find X3 Neo has on its back, located in a large vertical module in the upper left corner. The module’s design has nothing to do with the OPPO Find X3 Pro, which bets on a more innovative aesthetic, but it has significant similarities with that of the “little” of the family, the Find X3 Lite.

A versatile photographic module led by a 50 MP Sony IMX766 primary sensor with an f / 1.8 aperture. A 16 MP ultra-wide-angle accompanies f / 2.2 aperture, a 13 MP telephoto with f / 2.4 aperture, and a 2 MP macro with f / 2.4 aperture. The front camera, located in the hole in the screen in the upper left corner, is 32 MP with an f / 2.4 aperture.

Camaras del OPPO Find X3 Neo

Among the rear camera features, we find an optical stabilizer that offers excellent performance. In addition, it is compatible with night, panoramic, slow motion, macro, and text scanner modes, among others. It is worth mentioning that with the front camera, you can also use the night modes, panoramic and time-lapse.

We find the typical OPPO application very complete and easy to use by clicking on the camera icon. At the top, you can find the shortcuts to flash, HDR, Artificial Intelligence, Filters, and Settings. At the bottom, as always, are the different modes you can use: night, video, photo, portrait, and more, where you can find interesting ways such as Extra HD and dual-view video, which records at the same time with the front camera. And the rear.

ingAs always, we recommend entering the application settings to customize it. You can add watermarks to images, disable the shutter sound, activate the grid to take straighter pictures, change the photo and video resolution, or enable spot detection on the lens, among many other functions. We must also clarify that the app allows the high-speed capture of images; you can press the shutter immediately without making you wait between taking a photo and the next.

Camaras del OPPO Find X3 Neo 1

During the day, the OPPO Find X3 Neo’s cameras perform very prominently. Its primary sensor can achieve high-quality captures with an excellent dynamic range and sharpness. In our case, we have used the automatic HDR and the AI ​​function of the app, which help make the photos even better. On certain occasions, yes, it tends to saturate some colors.

The excellent level of colors and details is maintained when using the ultra-wide-angle and the telephoto. The images of distant objectives are positive with the two-magnification optical and the 5x hybrid. However, as expected, they significantly lower the quality when you approach 20x, progressively losing sharpness.

From the work of the cameras, we can also highlight the Portrait mode, which does a great job of differentiating the objects in the foreground to blur the background. In this case, you can play with the AI ​​beautification mode to get more or less natural photos. Finally, there is also a macro sensor in the cameras that, as we have already mentioned in other reviews, is not very useful.

Next, we leave you with a gallery of images in which you can check what we have talked about about the work of the primary 50 MP sensor, the ultra-wide angle, the telephoto, and the macro.

When the sun goes down and night falls, the OPPO Find X3 Neo’s quad-camera continues to hold its own. Its primary sensor of 50 MP is enabled to take excellent photographs in terms of colors and level of detail with the help of night mode. The telephoto also works correctly, which suffers more the more you try to get closer to the object at a distance.

As for the 32 MP front camera, it can take high-quality selfies. As with the rear camera, you can get images with a high level of detail and good color representation with the front one. If you want the background not to be seen, you have to activate the Portrait mode, which also triumphs when blurring, although it suffers somewhat more with the hair.

When the moon rises, the front camera maintains the type and can achieve perfect captures, also with the collaboration of the Night mode that OPPO offers. From the Beautification options, you can also refine the face, enlarge the eyes, reduce the nose, reduce the look… In short, multiple beauty options for selfies.

Camaras del OPPO Find X3 Neo 3

From a high-end mobile like the OPPO Find X3 Neo, we can also expect great performance in video recording, and that’s the way it is. With the rear camera of the terminal you can record at 4K (30fps / 60fps), 1080P (60fps / 30fps) and 720P (60fps / 30fps). In addition, it has image stabilization and autofocus tracking that do the job very well. As we have mentioned before, it also has slow motion.

As far as the front camera is concerned, it can record video at 1080P / 720P (30fps), and it does not support zoom or slow motion. It does have dual-view video, which simultaneously captures the video in the rear camera to record the scene and in the front to charge the reaction. On its official website, OPPO defends that the video recording of the Find X3 Neo is at the professional level. Although we do not think it is advanced, it can capture high-quality videos with outstanding stabilization.

In short, the OPPO Find X3 Neo cameras offer excellent performance, both day and night. In addition, they also stand out for their versatility since the ultra-wide-angle and telephoto also respond with good captures, which allows the user to innovate when taking photographs. If we move to the front camera, the level is maintained and can be taken as self-portraits with great detail and vivid colors. As we just mentioned, the experience is rounded off with state-of-the-art video recording.

OPPO Find X3 Neo, opinion and final thoughts of Andro4all

These weeks of contact with the OPPO Find X3 Neo have allowed us to discover a quality smartphone, with some sections in which it shone like the high-end it is and others in which there are notable absences. Thus, we can say that the terminal’s design has fallen in love with us, with a beautiful back that simulates the starry sky and quality finishes.

The screen is not far behind, and it also offers a good experience. However, it is inevitable to miss features such as the 120 Hz refresh rate, a higher pixel density, and more brightness than we find in similarly priced mobiles like the OnePlus: 9 and the Xiaomi Mi 11.

OPPO Find X3 Neo opinion and final thoughts of Andro4all

The Find X3 Neo is not lacking in power either, and it’s Snapdragon 865 processor with 12 GB of RAM can spare everything that the user may ask for. However, we were in 2021, a year ruled by the Snapdragon 888 chip in the high-end. Seeing that its price is around 820 euros, we would have liked a higher bet in terms of the processor in this OPPO smartphone.

Returning to the positive aspects of our analysis, we must once again highlight the delight of enjoying a 65W fast charge because, in just half an hour, the terminal is fully charged. It also plays in favor of the purchase of the OPPO Find X3 Neo, its software, which arrives full of tools, is fast and not abundant bloatware is.

Also outstanding is the performance of its quadruple rear camera and front camera, as they respond reliably in many situations and provide a touch of versatility with which the user can play when photographing.

Design, screen, and cameras are some of the most prominent sections of this OPPO Find X3 Neo.

Looking back, we conclude that the OPPO Find X3 Neo is a very balanced smartphone, which offers good performance in all its sections. However, we cannot forget that it is a high-end price of 819 euros, so it seems necessary to ask for something more in terms of characteristics of its panel, processor, and battery.

The OPPO Find X3 Neo is a good buy, but you can also find rivals that offer the same for a similar or even lower price on the market. Of course, when this Find X3 Neo drops in price -which it has already done in some stores-, it will be an option to consider.

OPPO Find X3 Neo price and where to buy

The OPPO Find X3 Neo is available in a single version with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage. The starting price is 819 euros, and you can already buy it in stores such as Amazon, El Corte Inglés, MediaMartk, and OPPO’s official store. It should be noted that their price has already fallen significantly in some of these stores.

OPPO Find X3 Neo, opinion and note from Andro4all
Should you buy the OPPO Find X3 Neo?
In favor
  • A beautiful and comfortable design
  • The screen that looks great
  • Snapdragon 865, together with 12 GB of RAM that can handle everything
  • Incredible 65W fast charging
  • Modern software that contributes instead of bothering
  • The advanced and versatile photographic system
Against
  • It is slippery; you have to use a cover for greater peace of mind
  • The 120 Hz and a higher pixel density are missing
  • Snapdragon 888 would be a better bet for 2021
  • The battery is a bit short
  • The macro camera still does not contribute much
Conclusions The OPPO Find X3 Neo is a good mobile, balanced by offering a remarkable experience in all its sections. Design, screen, power, cameras, and software do their job very well, with a special mention of the 65W fast charge. However, if we consider its price, we could ask for a higher refresh rate and autonomy, a more modern processor, and wireless and reverse wireless charging.
Punctuation

★ ★ ★ ★ OPPO Find X3 Neo

A high-end experience with several absences.