With the OPPO F9 launched just almost 5 months from the OPPO F7, the Selfie Expert company is serious is keeping its mid-range hero status with the heavy competition from the likes of Huawei Nova 3i and Vivo V9.
The F7 actually still holds its crown as a midrange powerhouse, but Huawei’s new move to revamp their Nova series with the 3i and 3 just made everything harder for the Selfie Expert Brand. That’s why they pulled out their innovations and provided the new OPPO F9 with the company’s exclusive VOOC Flash Charge technology, but will this be enough to hold the throne?
So what’s inside the package of the OPPO F9?
Here are the specs of the OPPO F9
The OPPO F9 adapts the new gradient color finish trend in smartphones today, with the same footprint as the OPPO F7, the F9 is now more solid in build as per experience. The major difference at the back is the dual-color gradient finish and the dual-rear camera setup.
The color we have is the Twilight Blue, while there is another color called Sunrise Red. A Flower Petal pattern can be seen at the back, it is hard to be shot on-stills as it refracts depending on the source of lighting.
For better appreciation, here is a GIF showing the flower petal pattern refracting in the light. We like this pattern and color combination, but we got feedback that this approach is a bit too “Flashy” or “Flamboyant” to their taste.
At the bottom are the 3.5mm audio jack, VOOC Micro-USB, and speaker grill. While at the left side are the sim-tray and volume rockers and the right holds the power button.
Flipping to the front is the 6.3″ waterdrop screen, we like the new approach of OPPO in eradicating almost the notch and just leaving the camera module and small proximity sensor at the top. While this approach is innovative, we still have to see the solution of the notch covering some menu especially buttons from Instagram Story.
Protection wise, the transparent jelly case gives a good cover similar to how the F7 did. But, there is a slightly textured pattern at the back which diffuses the flower petal pattern when using the case.
While the F9 still carries the same Helio P60 Processor from the F7, the RAM is now upgraded to 6GB. Delivering a new standard of multi-tasking performance in its price point since the Nova 3i and V9 are only at 4GB RAM and even the J8 at 3GB.
Performance wise, the F9 is a great smartphone for gaming. It can handle top game tittles today such as PUBG, Dragon Nest, Real Racing and even Arena of Valor. Check out the gaming comparison and benchmarks from our friends from Gadget Pilipinas about their Nova 3i and OPPO F9 gaming battle.
Although we haven’t got much time with the OPPO F9 right now, here are some initial photo samples. We see good color reproduction despite the Super Vivid color mode still turned off, we think the F9’s optimized software delivers good sharpness and color while still maintaining contrast into average.
We will try to capture more moments with the OPPO F9 in the future, at initial feedback the interface is easy and unfortunately you can’t deactive the AI mode. So you’re stuck with the enhancements if you like it or now.
One of the best features of VOOC is it’s 5V/4A charging, it doesn’t heat up but still provide fast charging. We just did a charging test of the OPPO F9 with VOOC in different scenarios and here are the results.
The VOOC Flash Charging of the OPPO F9 is indeed fast, keeping up with the 3,500mAh Battery would take mostly 9am to 7pm before reaching 20% on a regular day, but at least charging won’t be a hassle as well.
Just take note that you need a VOOC Charger and VOOC cable for the Flash Charging to take effect. If you don’t have those cables, the fastest charging will revert back to 5V/2.4A.
The OPPO F9 might look like the F7, but they are completely different in all aspects. It will be interesting how OPPO will challenge the Nova 3i, Vivo V9, and upcoming V11. With OPPO focusing more than just selfies, we think its a wise move to level up their #SelfieExpert image by adding VOOC Charging and even portrait with dual-selfie cameras.
Priced at Php17,990, the OPPO F9 will be available in the market by September 1. You can still pre-order until August 29 to get freebies worth Php1,500.
