Oppo Find X, the next generation full-screen flagship, is off to a great start. The new Oppo Phone offers staggering 93.8% screen-to-body ratio, has an AMOLED screen with curved edges, includes top-notch specs, and most importantly – has a dynamic pop-up camera module that’s sure to evoke gasps of admiration. (हिंदी में पढ़े)
The tech industry surely needs such bold innovations. The Find X contests lazy notch compromises and does feel like a refreshing change of pace in a market where most big brands are… playing safe.
But at the same time, as the quest for bezel-less phones continues, the slider mechanism may not be a cure-all or a game-changing solution. This is a cool innovation that isn’t likely to be as widely adopted across the industry as, say, the notch. Moreover, Oppo had to make a few more compromises in order to fit in the slider mechanism.
Here are a few apprehensions that we have about Oppo Find X design:
Why Oppo Find X Is Not A Good Idea:
1. No water resistance
Since a crucial part of Oppo Find X needs to thrusts up away from the main body frequently through the day, it isn’t surprising that the phone is missing water resistance.
Now, you can’t put much faith in water resistant but it does entail a peace of mind. Once you have lost a phone to water damage, this is bound to rank high on your list of must-have features.
2. Mechanical slider makes it less durable
Adding mechanical parts to a phone makes it less durable than a full solid phone. The slider mechanism, no matter how well built, is a liability and might register damage with accidental drops.
Companies like Apple and HTC have tried to eliminate as many mechanical buttons as possible for more structural strength. We are not quite sure how the Find X will fare if it drops with the camera slider still open.
3. No Fingerprint sensor
With the sliding assembly housed up top and full-screen front, Oppo obviously didn’t have room for a fingerprint sensor. The Find X does include a fast Face Unlock mechanism, but that’s hardly a replacement.
Also, the Face Unlock needs the motorized slider to move up every time you attempt to unlock your phone, and that should translate into additional battery penalty.
4. Camera quality
The sliding part is where Oppo fits in all three of its cameras. This again doesn’t leave much room to house camera assembly. Surprisingly, the Find X still retains OIS for the primary camera sensor.
We are not writing off the Oppo Find X camera just yet, but we don’t expect this to be in the same league as the rival flagships that cost as much and most of which can’t do away with the camera hump for a reason.
5. Would be difficult to pick a case
The slider mechanism will make it very difficult to find the right case covers for the phone. That’s more of a problem because the phone has a glass body and a slider that is likely to accumulate dust over time.
Oppo will most likely bundle one in the box, but it won’t be easy to buy good quality cases if you need replacements.
What else is missing?
These are some of the apprehensions that we have about Oppo Find X. Other peeve points include the missing audio jack (but perhaps that doesn’t make it any less futuristic), and no wireless charging.
Of course, we haven’t reviewed the phone yet and our opinions may vary after we spent some time with it. What do you think about the new Oppo phone? Do you think this is a pragmatic design approach to beat the notch? Or you’d rather make peace with the display cutout? Share with us in the comments below.
Oppo Find X Price and availability
The Oppo Find X costs 999 Euros (roughly US$ 1,155 / Rs. 79,000). It will be available starting from June 29 in China and August in Europe. Oppo has scheduled an event in India on June 12 where it’s expected to introduce Find X.
Also Check: Oppo Find X Lamborghini Edition Launched: Price, Specifications
