Oppo Find X8 Ultra Crowned Best Android Camera Phone

When it comes to the best Android camera phones, two titans stand at the forefront: the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Oppo Find X8 Ultra. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a mainstream powerhouse, known for its versatile camera system. But the Oppo Find X8 Ultra, with its larger sensors and prestigious Hasselblad partnership, presents a formidable challenge.

To settle the debate, I took both phones on a trip to Sweden, capturing over 500 photos to determine which one truly deserves the top spot. Here’s how they stacked up.

Tale of the Tape Camera Specs Compared

On paper, both phones are impressive, but the Oppo Find X8 Ultra boasts larger sensors across three of its four cameras, including a massive 1.0"-type main sensor. This hardware advantage, combined with the renewed Hasselblad collaboration, gives it a technical edge right from the start.

The Decisive Factor Color Science and Processing

The biggest difference between these two phones comes down to their color processing. The Oppo Find X8 Ultra, leveraging the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, generally produces more lively and better-exposed photos. In the 3x portrait comparison below, my face is brighter and the image feels more vibrant compared to Samsung's warmer, slightly underexposed shot.

However, Oppo's processing can sometimes be too aggressive. In certain harsh lighting conditions, it can blow out highlights and make the image look artificial. In those rare moments, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's more conservative approach, while darker, can produce a more realistic photo.

Low Light and Zoom A Clear Advantage for Oppo

Once the sun goes down, the Find X8 Ultra's larger sensors truly shine. In low-light scenarios, it consistently captures sharper, cleaner images with significantly less noise than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Notice how Samsung struggles to resolve the details in the lamp's bulbs, while the Oppo image is crisp and clear.

This advantage extends to the zoom lenses. Oppo's 6x periscope zoom captures more detail and a more natural bokeh compared to Samsung's 5x zoom. The colors pop on the Oppo, while the Samsung shot can appear dull in comparison, especially in challenging light.

Samsung does compete well with its ultrawide camera, where both phones deliver detailed, saturated images. Here, the choice comes down to a preference for color science.

Portrait Photography Where Oppo Truly Shines

For portrait shots, there is no contest. I would choose the Oppo Find X8 Ultra every time. Thanks to the Hasselblad color tuning, it produces stunning portraits, even at 6x zoom. The bokeh is natural, the edge detection is precise, and the camera intelligently adapts the color tone to the surroundings, capturing the vibe of the scene perfectly.

In contrast, Samsung’s portraits can have an overly aggressive background blur that looks unnatural. While it might capture a shirt color accurately, Oppo’s photo delivers a more aesthetically pleasing and atmospheric result.

Unique Features The XPAN Mode Advantage

Oppo also packs unique creative tools that Samsung lacks. The most notable is XPAN mode, inspired by Hasselblad's classic panoramic camera. This feature captures images in a cinematic 65:24 aspect ratio, perfect for artistic shots of landscapes, architecture, and interiors. It’s a fantastic tool that adds a layer of creativity you simply can't get on the Galaxy.

The Final Verdict Why the Oppo is My Pick

While the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a reliable and highly capable camera phone, it needs to refine its color science to truly compete at the highest level. The Oppo Find X8 Ultra, despite occasional processing quirks in harsh light, is the clear winner. Its superior hardware, stunning Hasselblad colors, exceptional portrait mode, and unique features like XPAN mode make it the more exciting and capable camera phone. For my next vacation, the Oppo flagship is the one I'll be packing.