OPPO Bets on Flat Screens: Find X9 Series to Reportedly Embrace Straight-Edge Design, Sparking Market Debate

OPPO Bets on Flat Screens: Find X9 Series to Reportedly Embrace Straight-Edge Design, Sparking Market DebateThe fiercely competitive smartphone market has witnessed an ongoing battle between flat and curved screens. From a few years ago when almost all flagship models adopted curved screens, to the current resurgence of flat screens, the shifting market winds reflect a significant change in priorities

OPPO Bets on Flat Screens: Find X9 Series to Reportedly Embrace Straight-Edge Design, Sparking Market Debate

The fiercely competitive smartphone market has witnessed an ongoing battle between flat and curved screens. From a few years ago when almost all flagship models adopted curved screens, to the current resurgence of flat screens, the shifting market winds reflect a significant change in priorities. OPPO's latest moves may offer some answers. Curved displays, including waterfall and dual-curved screens, were once highly fashionable, but user feedback highlighted usability issues such as difficult screen protection application and frequent accidental touches. This led many manufacturers to explore more balanced designs, such as subtly curved screens. However, advancements in technology have significantly improved the feel of flat-screen phones, ultimately leading more manufacturers to abandon curved screens in favor of flat ones.

OPPO is a key player in this shift. From the flat screens on the OPPO Find X8 series and OnePlus 13, to the planned removal of the four-curved glass back cover in favor of a 2.5D design, it's clear OPPO is strongly pushing the return of flat screens. This strategic adjustment has not only drawn widespread industry attention but also reignited consumer debate about the merits of flat versus curved screens.

Recently, bloggers have reported that the next generation of OPPO and OnePlus models will widely adopt flat screens next year. This includes new phones launching later this year with the Dimensity 9500 and Snapdragon SM8850 chipsets, as well as high-end models like the OPPO Find X9, OPPO Find X9 Pro, and OnePlus 14/OnePlus 15. While this information is currently just speculation, it aligns with recent market trends.

Looking back at the history of smartphone development, curved screens were once considered a standard feature of high-end flagships. However, the limitations of curved screens have become increasingly apparent. The limited selection of screen protectors and cases, along with higher repair costs, are significant factors for consumers. Therefore, OPPO and OnePlus's return to flat screens can be interpreted as a well-considered strategic adjustment aimed at enhancing user experience and reducing costs.

This strategic shift isn't a sudden impulse. In December of this year, OPPO's sub-brands, realme and OnePlus, already released several models with flat screens, such as the Realme Neo7, OnePlus Ace5, and OnePlus Ace5 Pro. Furthermore, models like the Realme GT Neo6, OnePlus Ace3, and OnePlus Ace3 Pro also switched from curved to flat screens, demonstrating OPPO's clear product strategy.

Some specifications for the upcoming OPPO Find X9 series have already leaked. For example, the series is expected to feature a 1.5K OLED screen and be among the first to use the Dimensity 9500 chip. Notably, market predictions suggest earlier releases of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Plus and MediaTek's flagship processor, hinting at significant performance improvements in the Find X9 series. Improvements in camera specifications, battery capacity, and charging speed are also anticipated, aiming for a superior overall performance.

OPPO Find series head, Zhou Yi Bao, has previously announced the Find series release rhythm, maintaining one flagship launch per season, spring and autumn. Following this plan, the OPPO Find X9 series is expected to launch in the second half of next year, aiming for a larger market share.

OPPO's performance in the domestic market this year hasn't been entirely smooth. Despite releasing a significant number of new phones, its market share hasn't reached the top three. This is partly due to fierce competition and the lack of features like ultrasonic fingerprint sensors in the OPPO Find X8 series. Therefore, next year's return to flat screens, coupled with potential hardware upgrades to meet growing consumer demands, will be crucial for OPPO's potential comeback.

Flat and curved screens each have their advantages and disadvantages, a constant point of consumer discussion. Accidental touches are a common pain point for curved screen users, while flat screens excel in gaming and screen protector application. Curved screens often offer better visual appeal and grip, but their high repair costs and difficult screen protector application deter many consumers.

OPPO's decision to return to flat screens for the Find X9 series will undoubtedly reignite the debate surrounding flat versus curved screens. This strategic adjustment reflects OPPO's keen market observation and proactive response to user needs. The ultimate outcome remains to be seen, but it's clear that the future smartphone market will witness even more intense competition between flat and curved screens, with the winner being the one that best meets consumer needs. So, which do you prefer, flat or curved screens? Share your thoughts in the comments.