The camera setup on the OPPO Find X9 Ultra wasn't necessary to make a strong impression on me.

      For years, smartphone manufacturers have been promoting the idea of leaving your professional camera behind. However, the reality often involves certain compromises. While modern smartphones can indeed capture impressive images, substituting a dedicated camera entails much more than just good photo quality. It requires versatility, reliability, and the ability to tackle various lighting conditions and distant subjects seamlessly. Therefore, when OPPO provided me with the Find X9 Ultra prior to Computex 2026, I was eager to discover if that promise had finally been fulfilled.

      Over the next few days, the Find X9 Ultra served as my main camera for various tasks, including product photography, stage presentations, city landscapes, travel snapshots, and nighttime shots. I even opted to leave OPPO's optional camera kit behind because if this phone was truly capable of replacing a dedicated camera, it needed to demonstrate its capabilities independently. What ensued was one of the first experiences where I genuinely didn't miss a dedicated camera.

      Trade shows present unique challenges for cameras. One second, you might be capturing a product closely, and the next, you're trying to photograph a presentation from across the room or navigating through crowded booths filled with people. The constantly changing lighting, distances, and subjects create a chaotic environment, contrasting sharply with a controlled studio setting. Nevertheless, throughout Computex, the Find X9 Ultra felt perfectly suited for these conditions.

      The primary camera quickly became my go-to tool. Colors appeared vibrant without seeming artificially enhanced, and images were consistently sharp and detailed. Most notably, the camera app was incredibly responsive. I never felt like I had to wait for the phone to catch up with me; it was a straightforward process—point, shoot, and move on.

      While the technical specifications were impressive on paper, what truly stood out was the consistency across the board. From close-up product shots to distant stage presentations, the Find X9 Ultra handled every challenge with unexpected confidence. This consistency extended to every lens on the device. Unlike many smartphones that typically come with one great camera and a few lesser ones, the Find X9 Ultra felt cohesive; each lens felt functional, reliable, and trustworthy.

      The telephoto lens emerged as the standout feature. My hesitation towards smartphone portrait modes has diminished over the years, but they're often identifiable as software-generated. Hair edges can become blurred, and background separation might not be flawless, leaving images that feel artificial.

      The Find X9 Ultra's telephoto cameras take a different approach. Rather than relying heavily on software, they produce natural subject separation, creating a more authentic photographic effect. Subjects stand out against their backgrounds without looking digitally cut out. The compression from longer focal lengths adds depth and character that traditional portrait modes often fail to replicate.

      During Computex, I found myself frequently utilizing the telephoto capabilities. A keyboard shot from afar suddenly seemed more dynamic, while a graphics card showcased behind glass appeared more focused. Product details naturally stood out against the busy exhibition backdrop.

      This experience reminded me of the allure of prime and telephoto lenses. The Find X9 Ultra didn’t replace my professional camera thanks to its main lens but because of its exceptional telephoto lens.

      Once Computex concluded, the real adventure began. While trade shows are excellent for testing reliability, urban settings are where cameras truly showcase their personality. Taipei, with its vibrant neon lights, modern skyscrapers amid ancient temples, and narrow alleys opening up to stunning vistas, is a photographer's paradise.

      That’s when the Find X9 Ultra really demonstrated its strengths. Unlike carrying a traditional camera, there was no need for pre-planning—I didn’t have to choose which lens to bring or deliberate over whether a shot was worthwhile. The camera was perpetually ready to go.

      This ease of use may seem trivial until you actually experience it. Photography often hinges less on having the top gear and more on having the right tools at the right time. The Find X9 Ultra excels precisely because it eliminates friction from the photography process.

      A particularly memorable experience occurred at Bishanyan Kaizhang Shengwang Temple, located high above Taipei. The temple offers breathtaking skyline views that turn into a spectacle of lights at night. Taipei 101 rises prominently in the distance, surrounded by an array of buildings—an ideal setting for testing the phone's camera capabilities.

      I spent considerable time capturing the scene with various focal lengths, from the ultrawide to the higher zoom options. What impressed me was not only the quality of the images on the phone's display but how well they held up afterwards. Even when zooming into the final photos, a remarkable amount of detail was preserved.

      The standout shot was of Taipei 101 itself. Despite being taken from a significant distance at night without a tripod, the image remained impressively sharp. Architectural details were clear, the lights were well-controlled, and the overall clarity exceeded my expectations. I simply leaned against a nearby wall, framed the shot, and let the phone handle the rest.

      What made this experience even better was the consistent quality of night photography