The Comeback of Compact Flagships: OPPO Find X9 Promini May Break the "Impossible Triangle"

The Comeback of Compact Flagships: OPPO Find X9 Promini May Break the "Impossible Triangle"Since last year, "small-screen phones" similar in size to the standard iPhone model have seen a resurgence in popularity. Models like the Xiaomi 15, vivo X200 Pro mini, and the upcoming OPPO Find X8 mini have emerged

The Comeback of Compact Flagships: OPPO Find X9 Promini May Break the "Impossible Triangle"

Since last year, "small-screen phones" similar in size to the standard iPhone model have seen a resurgence in popularity. Models like the Xiaomi 15, vivo X200 Pro mini, and the upcoming OPPO Find X8 mini have emerged. However, due to cost and space constraints, these phones often compromise on specifications. Ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, periscope telephoto lenses, and wireless chargingthree flagship-level featureshave become the "impossible triangle" in the compact phone market. But the latest leaks suggest that the next generation of flagship phones, launching later this year, could break this barrier.

01. The Dilemma and Breakthrough of the "Impossible Triangle"

In the current flagship phone market, ultrasonic fingerprint sensors, periscope telephoto lenses, and wireless charging are standard features and key selling points. However, these three features are difficult to reconcile in compact phones. The Xiaomi 15 features an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and wireless charging but has a relatively small telephoto lens sensor; the vivo X200 Pro mini boasts a periscope telephoto lens with a 1/2-inch sensor but lacks an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor; and the upcoming OPPO Find X8 mini is expected to feature a periscope telephoto lens and wireless charging, but will also likely miss the ultrasonic fingerprint sensor. The OnePlus 13T/13 mini also uses optical fingerprint recognition. While the Samsung Galaxy S25 supports ultrasonic fingerprint sensors and wireless charging, its telephoto lens specifications are relatively low.

However, this situation is poised to change later this year.

02. OPPO Find X9 Promini: Challenging the "Impossible Triangle"

A Weibo blogger has revealed that following vivo, another top 5 smartphone manufacturer is testing a "Promini" model. This model is expected to achieve the perfect combination of ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, periscope telephoto lens, and wireless charging, with a projected launch around October. Excluding other manufacturers, this model is highly likely to be the OPPO Find X9 Promini.

While named "Promini," fitting Pro-level specifications into a mini body remains challenging. The Find X8 Pro's 3x and 6x dual periscope telephoto lenses are difficult to miniaturize; many Pro-level phones' premium features often come at the expense of internal space. Including features like the Magic 7 Pro's dual 1216 speakers, 3D facial recognition, and the OnePlus 13's CSA0916T vibration motor in a compact phone might reduce battery capacity to the level of the iPhone 16 Pro. Therefore, "Promini is possible, but Promini is unlikely" is a more rational expectation, as a configuration gap between Pro and mini models will likely persist.

03. The Definition and Return of Compact Phones

After Apple discontinued the iPhone 13 mini, the market saw almost no true compact flagship phones. Products from smaller manufacturers, such as the Unihertz Jelly Max, failed to gain mainstream acceptance. Currently, compact phones are generally defined as models similar in size to the standard iPhone. This isn't a new concept, but a return to a previous standard. Flagship phones once offered standard and Pro versions with different sizes, not all being large-screen devices. For example, the 2020 Huawei P40 had a 6.1-inch screen, a width of 71.1mm, and weighed only 175g, significantly smaller than the P40 Pro.

In recent years, only Apple and Samsung have consistently released smaller standard versions. Since adopting the "trendy small, straight-edged" design with the 2020 iPhone 12, the width has remained around 71.5mm. Although the iPhone 15 Pro slightly reduced the width to 70.6mm, the iPhone 16 Pro returned to 71.5mm. Samsung's S-series standard models have similar widths. A width of approximately 71mm has become the new balance point for compact flagships. Advances in silicon-carbon anode battery technology allow for larger battery capacities in smaller phones. The Xiaomi 15 series' Jinshajiang battery boasts an energy density of 850Wh/L and a 5400mAh capacity; the vivo X200 Pro mini packs a 5700mAh battery and a periscope telephoto lens into a 187g body.

The OPPO Find X9 Promini's potential to break the "impossible triangle" marks a new phase in compact flagship competition. In the future, compact phone sizes may shrink further, with vivo's S-series and OPPO's A-series having related plans.

04. After Compact Phones, the Next Focus of Competition?

After the compact phone craze, what will be the next focus of competition? The iPhone 17 Air might offer an answer. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested this ultra-thin iPhone will be only 5.5mm thick. However, there's currently no news of a similar project from any of the top 5 domestic manufacturers. The Samsung Galaxy S25 series launch poster hinted at an S25 Slim ultra-thin model, which would be the fourth model in the S25 series. Ten years ago, OPPO and vivo reduced phone thickness to under 5mm, but following the controversy surrounding the Xiaomi 9's "barely lasting a day" battery life, it remains uncertain whether domestic manufacturers will again challenge ultra-thin phones. Beyond ultra-thin phones, further exploration is needed to identify other promising directions for innovation.