Today Oppo is announcing the Find X2 Pro, its first phone to use the Find name since the original Find X in 2018. Unlike that phone, it doesn’t use the still-unique motorized sliding mechanism that helped Oppo achieve a notchless display. But like that phone, it does see Oppo turning out the sleekest, fastest, most premium device it possibly can in order to compete with the highest-end models from the likes of Samsung and Huawei.
First of all, just look at that color. The Find X2 Pro is available either in black ceramic or this orange-and-gold vegan leather version you see here, which seemed ridiculous when I first took it out of the box — but I have to admit it’s growing on me. It’s a little bit Vertu, sure, but in a good, bold way. It’s fun just to look at this thing.
The same is true of the screen, which is clearly one of the best panels available in a phone — if not the best. It’s a 6.7-inch 3168×1440 OLED display with curved edges, HDR10+ support, and a refresh rate of 120Hz, putting it up there with the Galaxy S20. Unlike Samsung’s latest flagship, however, you can use the 120Hz mode at the full 1440p resolution, and Oppo also dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on on-screen content. There’s an optical in-display fingerprint sensor and a small hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera.
One unusual element of the screen is that Oppo is pairing it with a dedicated custom chip for image processing. It’s called the O1 Ultra Vision Engine, and it handles upscaling of video content to 60 or 120fps, as well as converting it to HDR. This just sounds like the sort of motion-smoothing thing I’d instantly turn off on my TV, really, but you can activate or deactivate it with a button in the notification shade. It’s also worth noting that sister company OnePlus has already confirmed that it’ll be using the same tech for its next phone.
The Find X2 Pro has a 48-megapixel main camera, but it’s not the same IMX586 sensor you’ve seen all over Android phones for the past year; Oppo worked with Sony on a new part called the IMX689. The sensor is much bigger at 1/1.43 inches, which means the pixels are 1.12 microns in size. That’s still smaller than the 1.4-micron pixels you tend to find on more conventional 12-megapixel sensors, but this should be an upgrade in terms of light-gathering ability.
Following last year’s Reno 10x Zoom, Oppo is including a second-generation periscope telephoto camera in the Find X2 Pro. It’s a 13-megapixel module with an aperture of f/3. Optically, it still only offers 5x the reach of the primary camera, but Oppo is claiming 10x hybrid zoom and up to 60x digital zoom. Compare that to the Galaxy S20 Ultra, where the “100x Space Zoom” camera is actually just a 4x telephoto — albeit one in front of a 48-megapixel sensor with greater cropping potential.
Finally, there actually is an IMX586 sensor in this phone after all — it’s just that Oppo is using it for the ultrawide camera. That means the ultrawide has a half-inch sensor with f/2.2 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. Oppo also says it can focus down to 3cm in macro mode. The selfie camera, meanwhile, has a 32-megapixel sensor.
The Find X2’s regular specs are as high-end as anything on the market. There’s a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor, 5G support, 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and stereo speakers. The haptics are very good. The phone runs ColorOS 7.1, based on Android 10. The battery is 4,260mAh and supports Oppo’s SuperVOOC 2.0 fast charging, which in this case is said to provide a full charge in 38 minutes. There’s still no wireless charging, unfortunately.
Oppo is also releasing a non-Pro version of the X2. The main difference is in the camera system, which uses a less exotic telephoto camera and a different ultrawide sensor with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 12-megapixel resolution, both of which are supposed to make it a better option for video. Beyond the 4,200mAh battery, 256GB of storage, slightly thinner and lighter built, and the fact that you can’t get it in orange vegan leather, the specs are otherwise the same.
Overall, the Find X2 Pro is unquestionably going to be one of the most powerful and premium Android phones on the market, and it’s priced as such — the phone will cost €1,199 (~$1,350) in Europe, while the regular X2 is €999 (~$1,130). My first impressions are positive, but the model I’ve been using is running pre-production software, so I haven’t been able to give it a full review. Stay tuned for that.
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.
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