technology news: The Oppo Find X2 is coming, and we’ve got the scoop (Updated February 24)

Update: February 24, 2020 (1:20AM ET): Oppo recently postponed its planned February 22 launch of the Find X2 because of the coronavirus outbreak. The company has reportedly rescheduled its launch event for March 6, according to a teaser image obtained by Playfuldroid.

Besides the expected launch date, details about the Find X2 and a supposed Pro model of the phone have also leaked through Bluetooth SIG listings. The phone apparently has two model numbers — CPH2023 and CPH2025. Both are listed with a 6.7-inch WQHD+ screen and Color OS 7.1. However, the listings show that both phones come with different camera configurations.

Model number CPH2023 gets a 48MP + 12MP + 13MP triple rear camera setup. Meanwhile, CPH2025 is listed with a 48MP + 48MP + 13MP triple rear camera array. The latter is probably a Pro variant of the Oppo Find X2 given its dual 48MP sensors, but we can't really be sure until Oppo makes things official.

We do know that Oppo will use a custom Sony sensor on the Find X2. You can read more about it here.

Original: December 12, 2019 (1:00 AM ET): I don't think it's a stretch to say that last year's Oppo Find X was a hit with reviewers. It's no doubt one of the most beautiful phones I've ever reviewed, and it seemed strange to me that Oppo has been completely silent about a successor.

When the Oppo Reno series debuted, I think a lot of people assumed that line was taking over. We've seen a ton of iterations of that device since the original launched in April of this year, and the Find series seemed to take a back seat to the new line.

But according to a discussion with Oppo today in Shenzhen, Android Authority learned that a new Find phone is coming, and it's already shaping up to be a very interesting device.

Oppo Find X2: What we know so far

Oppo Find X upright

Arriving in Q1 2020
Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
New flagship Sony sensor
Focused on screen quality

At the Snapdragon Tech Summit last week, an Oppo representative confirmed that a new Snapdragon 865-powered device is coming in Q1 of 2020. In our discussion with Oppo this morning, it confirmed that the Oppo Find X2 is that device.

This means it will be one of the first phones to launch with Qualcomm's new processor, which gives the X2 access to a bunch of new features like two-gigapixel processing, 25% faster performance, and more. If you want to read everything that's new with Qualcomm's new flagship chipset, make sure you read our dedicated everything you need to know article here.

Cameras are a focus

Closeup of the speaker girl on Oppo Find X

During our discussion, Oppo also mentioned that the Find X2 will use a new camera sensor designed by Sony. Though it couldn't tell us exactly what sensor this is, it's easy to assume this is the new sensor Sony just revealed in a recent whitepaper.

The new sensor focuses on four key areas: high-speed focus, high resolution, high sensitivity, and high dynamic range. The first of those four key areas is notably exciting though because it should enable much better focus capabilities across all kinds of objects, especially when paired with Qualcomm's new image signal processor in the Snapdragon 865.

This could be the first device to use Sony's new sensor.

The new sensor is able to use every pixel as a phase detection pixel, meaning it can detect phase differences in both the X and Y directions. Also, it should be much easier for the focus to work on the edge of the frame, as older sensors were only able to use the center portion to calculate focus.

You can read more about the Find X2's new sensor here.

The display is a priority

Oppo Find X display

High resolution
High refresh rate
More accurate colors
Higher dynamic range

Display quality will be one of the top considerations in the development of the Find X2. Oppo says 80% of all human-device interaction is done through the display, and research in Chinese and European markets has led it to believe that the Find X2 screen should be a key area of focus.

Oppo says it will deliver a display with higher resolution, refresh rate, color accuracy, and dynamic range than we're typically used to, and it believes the X2 will deliver the "wow" factor when we see it for the first time. I'm more skeptical of this feature than others, but I'm interested to see how Oppo is looking to achieve this.

Oppo doesn't make its own displays, so convincing a display manufacturer to make panels tuned to its liking seems unlikely. Still, it is possible that the company has gained early access to some new panels, much like they have to the new image sensor present in the device. Oppo does have a heritage of early adoption of new technology, so it excites me to think our panels might be getting even better than they already are.

Design is the big question

Oppo Find X on a table - What we want to see in the Oppo Find X2

When the original Find X launched, it was undoubtedly different. I personally haven't been as wowed by a device's design as I was with that phone, and it still feels beautiful and futuristic a year and a half later. That's impressive for the mobile market.

Last year's model was one of the first to hide the selfie camera in a pop-up design, which ended up feeling much more elegant and practical than we originally speculated. While we have no clue what kind of selfie camera design may be used this year, I do have a wish list for what I'd like to see.

I would love to see the new under-display selfie camera here.

At Oppo's innovation day event this week, Oppo showed off the under-display selfie camera we originally saw back in June. This was the first time I've seen it in person, and I'm already convinced this is the future. If we can be completely rid of notches, mechanical pop-up designs, and camera holes to put it under the display, sign me the hell up.

What we want to see in the Oppo Find X2

Oppo Find X backside - What we want to see in the Oppo Find X2

Besides the processor and camera sensor, we still don't know a lot about the Find X2 in terms of hard specs. Qualcomm's flagship chipset and a new camera sensor are a start, but I've got a wishlist of things that would take the X2 to the next level.

65W fast charging and a huge battery would be an amazing addition to the Find X2. The success of the ROG Phone 2 and iPhone 11 Pro have shown that thicker phones are acceptable for consumers if it means a bigger battery, and faster charging has been a huge hit this year. If the Find X2 can nail the fundamentals and sprinkle a killer design on top, Oppo could have a winner on its hands.

The Find X2 may be coming to some Western markets.

Oppo also alluded that the Find X2 may be coming to some Western markets, and that means UI needs to be a priority as well. ColorOS has worked well in Asian markets, but most people in the West don't like it. When I reviewed the original Find X last year, it was one of my least favorite things about the device.

Oh and also, please give it enough RAM and storage. It's not that hard of a concept.

Oppo should try to release the Find X2 sooner

With a release date of Q1 2020, it seems inevitable that we start hearing much more about this device very soon. Though Oppo hasn't publicly mentioned anything about a CES 2020 presence, it would make sense for it to either unveil or tease the device at this year's show.

Other manufacturers will be nipping at its toes, so Oppo should try to release the Find X2 sooner rather than later. If Oppo is really able to release this phone to the West with a killer design and killer specs, it's a big possibility we might see it become competitive with other top companies.

What do you want to see in the new Oppo Find X2? Let us know in the comments down below. We've love to chat.