Oppo’s latest Find X3 Pro packs some blistering tech inside a gorgeous body and sprinkles on some nifty extras to sweeten the deal. While phones like Apple’s iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra might steal the headlines with their awesome specs, Oppo proves those aren’t the only flagship phones to get excited about.
Quite apart from its gorgeous design, its powerhouse processor and its 5G speeds, the Oppo Find X3 Pro has a great display and an awesome camera setup, which includes the first microscope camera I’ve seen on a phone. All in all, it’s one of my favorite flagships so far in 2021.
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The phone is set to go on sale in the UK, wider Europe and Australia on 14 April for £1,099 (AU$1,980). There are currently no plans for a US launch and as the company has no ties with any US stores or carriers, that’s unlikely to change. That said, you can find the phones on Amazon through third-party sellers. For reference, that UK price converts to about $1,530.
Here are the five things that I really like about this phone.
It has a gorgeous design
It looks beautiful. Most phones look moreor less the same these days but I like what Oppo has done here. I particularly like the way the all-glass back curves and flows up and around the camera lenses, rather than there being a distinct “camera unit” you’d see on phones such as the Galaxy S21.
The mirrored effect looks great too, and adds to the overall luxurious aesthetic of the device. It’s helped as well by the metal edge and the almost bezel-free display. The downside is that it’s a fingerprint magnet and it’ll need a thorough polishing every time you pick it up with sticky fingers.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Its microscope camera is amazing
Phone cameras aren’t exciting anymore. Most companies offer the standard wide, super-wide and telephoto lens options. The Find X3 Pro packs an extra treat though in the form of a microscope camera that offers a huge amount of magnification for tiny details.
You can get seriously close up (I’m talking about 1 to 2 millimeters) to capture details that are almost impossible to see with your own eye. Normally this would also block out the light falling on your subject, but Oppo has put a small LED ringlight around the microscope lens which casts its own light to illuminate your subject.
A guitar string taken with the microscope camera.
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An iPad Pro’s display pixels taken with the microscope camera.
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Printed text in a book taken with the microscope camera.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It works surprisingly well and I’ve enjoyed taking the phone out and about to capture close-up images of the hidden world that’s right under my nose. Admittedly, this might be a bit of a novelty feature. It’s possible you’ll use for a bit at first and then never touch again. After all, it does just do one thing, so if you’re not bothered about microscopic photos then it might feel like a waste of money.
Still, it’s great to see something new on a phone and I’ve genuinely enjoyed using it.
The other cameras are excellent, too
The microscope camera isn’t the only camera to be excited about, though. The whole setup on the back of the phone can take excellent shots. The main 50-megapixel camera takes images with great exposure and colors, while the super-wide angle lens uses the exact same 50-megapixel image sensor, meaning there’s no drop in image quality, exposure or color when you switch between the two views.
Find X3 Pro standard camera lens.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Find X3 Pro super-wide camera lens.
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Find X3 Pro standard camera lens.
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Find X3 Pro standard camera lens.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Find X3 Pro super-wide camera lens.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Find X3 Pro 2x zoom.
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Find X3 Pro 5x zoom.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
There’s also a 2x optical zoom, which delivers crisp, clear images. And there’s a 5x zoom, which digitally zooms in even further but does so at the expense of quality.
The screen is beautiful
The phone’s 6.7-inch display is glorious. For a start, its 3,160×1,440-pixel resolution means it’s absolutely pin-sharp. It’s bright enough to be clear when you’re outdoors and its 120Hz refresh rate makes it buttery smooth when swiping around.
Oppo also reckons it’s capable of displaying a billion colors. I’m not prepared to sit here and count them, but I can say that the colors do look superb, with rich, vibrant tones that look great when gaming or watching Netflix.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It’s packed with power
Speaking of gaming, this phone is a powerhouse when it comes to playing demanding games or tackling other heavy-duty tasks like photo editing. It’s running Qualcomm‘s top-end Snapdragon 888 processor, backed up by 12GB of RAM and it put in some blistering scores on our series of benchmark tests, comfortably keeping pace with the powerhouse Galaxy S21 Ultra.
It played Asphalt 9: Legends with smooth frame rates and handled image editing in Snapseed without any issue. There’s little you’d be able to throw at this phone that would slow it down.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
What else?
It’s 5G-enabled, so you’ll be able to take advantage of super-fast data (assuming you’re in an area where it’s available), it has an accurate fingerprint reader, built invisibly into the display and it runs the latest Android 11 software. The 4,500-mAh battery should get you through a full day of use, while the 65-watt fast charging can give you up to 40% charge back in 10 minutes if you need a quick top-up.
The Find X3 Pro will be joined by the Find X3 Neo and Find X3 Lite, both of which come with more modest specs and, unsurprisingly, a more modest price tag.
Oppo Find X3 series comparison chart
Oppo Find X3 Pro
Oppo Find X3 Neo
Oppo Find X3 Lite
Main camera resolution
50mp
50mp
64mp
Main camera aperture
f/1.8
f/1.8
f/1.7
Ultra-wide camera resolution
50mp
16mp
8mp
Telephoto lens
13mp
13mp
NA
Front-facing camera
32mp
32mp
32mp
Video capture
4K
4K
4K
Processor
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
Storage
256GB
256GB
128GB
RAM
12
12
8
Expandable storage
No
No
No
Battery
4,500 mAh
4,500 mAh
4,300 mAh
Fingerprint sensor
In-display
Connector
USB-C
USB-C
USB-C
Headphone jack
No
No
No
Special features
Microscope camera, IP68 waterproofing, 65W fast charging, 5G
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
