Updated

Updated · CNET · Jun 23

CNET Picks Xiaomi Leitzphone Over Oppo Find X9 Ultra in £1,700 Camera Phone Shootout

Updated

Updated · CNET · Jun 23

CNET Picks Xiaomi Leitzphone Over Oppo Find X9 Ultra in £1,700 Camera Phone Shootout

Q: Beyond its massive zoom, does the Oppo's AI processing justify its price against the Leitzphone's 'purer' image quality?

No. Beyond its standout zoom, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra’s AI-heavy processing does not, on the evidence in this comparison, justify choosing it over the Leitzphone for image quality alone. The reviewer repeatedly found Oppo’s default rendering too aggressive: boosted vibrance, lifted shadows, occasional magenta or cold casts, and a polished HDR look that made images feel less natural. That matters at this price level, because buyers expect strong results straight out of the camera. By contrast, the Leitzphone’s larger 1-inch-type LOFIC sensor and Leica tuning delivered more controlled highlights, cleaner dynamic range, sharper natural detail and more realistic tones without needing extra work. Oppo’s case improves if the buyer is willing to shoot in Master mode and edit DNG raw files. In that workflow, its hardware is clearly capable and can produce professional-grade results. It also holds a slight edge in some night scenes and is the stronger long-range tool by a wide margin, especially with its 10x optical reach and optional telephoto accessory. But that is a narrower use case. For most photographers, especially those who value consistency and a more camera-like look straight from the phone, the Leitzphone’s “purer” output is the stronger argument. Oppo’s AI is more a trade-off than a selling point: powerful when bypassed or controlled, but too intrusive by default to be the main reason to pay flagship money.

1 articles · Updated · CNET · Jun 23

CNET’s side-by-side test favored Xiaomi and Leica’s Leitzphone overall, citing more natural colors, better highlight control and more consistent straight-out-of-camera results than Oppo’s Find X9 Ultra.
The reviewer said Oppo’s default processing often pushed HDR, saturation and shadow lifting too far, while the Leitzphone’s 1-inch sensor, LOFIC tech, settings wheel and continuous 3.2x-4.3x zoom helped deliver a more camera-like feel.
Raw shooting narrowed the gap: Oppo’s Master mode DNG files preserved far more tonal detail and reduced the overprocessed look, showing the Find X9 Ultra can perform at a pro level with manual control.
Oppo still won on reach and some low-light tests, led by its 10x optical zoom and optional £499 Explorer lens that extends to a 300mm optical and 1,380mm equivalent digital zoom.
At £1,700 for the Leitzphone versus £1,449 for the Find X9 Ultra, both were judged elite camera phones, but the Leitzphone was deemed the better everyday choice in most scenarios.

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Center100%

CNET11h ago

CNET Reviewer Prefers Xiaomi Leica Leitzphone Over Oppo Find X9 Ultra in Camera Comparison

Beyond its massive zoom, does the Oppo's AI processing justify its price against the Leitzphone's 'purer' image quality?

With LOFIC sensors rumored for future iPhones, is the Leitzphone a preview of photography's future or an expensive niche?

Natural optics or AI perfection: Which camera phone philosophy will ultimately win over consumers?

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CNET11h ago

CNET Reviewer Prefers Xiaomi Leica Leitzphone Over Oppo Find X9 Ultra in Camera Comparison

CNET Picks Xiaomi Leitzphone Over Oppo Find X9 Ultra in £1,700 Camera Phone Shootout

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