Oppo Find X9 Pro Hasselblad Telephoto Kit review: Brilliant, bold and a bit of a handful

In the ever-evolving world of smartphone photography, certain brands consistently push the limits of what's possible. The Oppo Find X9 Pro stands out as one of the most ambitious camera phones of the year, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor, an upgraded ultrawide lens, and an impressive 200-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor that impressively handles optical zoom from 3X to 6X. However, Oppo has raised the bar even higher with the introduction of the Hasselblad Teleconverter Kit. This robust, specially designed accessory promises to enhance optical zoom capabilities from 3X to an astonishing 9.6X, while also providing a DSLR-like compression effect and enabling more realistic portrait perspectives that are typically challenging to achieve with a smartphone. Additionally, it allows digital zooming up to 200X, aided by Oppo's Lumo Image Engine and Hasselblad's color tuning technology. I had the opportunity to spend a week using this kit, capturing everything from urban landscapes to lively street scenes, and it's clear that this accessory is both fascinating and, at times, impractical. The kit comprises a teleconverter lens, a metal mounting plate, and a protective case with magnets compatible with AirVOOC and Qi 2 charging technology. The construction is solid, and the mounting process is straightforward: align, slide, lock, and shoot. However, once attached, the phone resembles a compact camera and can feel quite top-heavy, leading to fatigue during extended shooting sessions. Importantly, the attachment obscures the primary and ultrawide lenses, limiting users to the 3X periscope lens while the kit is in place. Switching back to the main camera requires removing the lens and mount entirely, which can quickly become cumbersome. Given its price tag of nearly thirty thousand rupees, it would have been ideal for the kit to include a carrying case, as transporting the lens without protection is less than convenient. When it comes to optical performance, the teleconverter truly shines. Operating exclusively within a dedicated Hasselblad Teleconverter mode in the camera app, it effectively corrects image projection issues that arise in other shooting modes. The enhanced optical zoom of 9.6X translates to a focal length of approximately 230mm, enabling a level of background compression that is often difficult for smartphones to replicate. Portraits taken with the kit exhibit natural subject separation, smoother bokeh transitions, and an overall dramatic effect that enhances the visual storytelling. Although the resolution at 18 megapixels may be lower than the main sensor, the optical quality makes up for it, producing images with vibrant colors and crisp details. As for video capabilities, users can record through the kit in the dedicated Teleconverter mode, resulting in stable footage with accurate colors and smooth motion. However, low-light performance does present some challenges, as noise can become noticeable, and stabilization may falter in dim scenarios. Despite its innovative features, the kit does have a few drawbacks, including the inability to access other camera modes while attached, the added weight that can lead to discomfort over time, and the lack of quick-release functionality. If Oppo can improve the mounting system in future iterations, this accessory could become more user-friendly. Currently, it caters primarily to photography enthusiasts who are willing to embrace the extra challenges it presents. The Find X9 Pro's camera software is rich with features that enhance the telephoto experience. The XPan mode is excellent for storytelling, while the Master Mode offers DSLR-like control over settings. Smart Scenes automatically suggest optimal modes based on lighting conditions, significantly improving shooting results. In conclusion, the Hasselblad Teleconverter Kit is not for everyone. It is a premium accessory that requires commitment and patience, yet it delivers exceptional results for those who embrace its complexities. With its optical clarity, enhanced depth, and improved portrait capabilities, the Find X9 Pro, paired with this kit, elevates smartphone photography to new heights. For casual users, the native zoom capabilities of the Find X9 Pro are already impressive and user-friendly. Nonetheless, Oppo's bold innovation deserves recognition in a landscape often filled with incremental upgrades.