Foldable smartphones have come a long way. Recently, I had the chance to use the Oppo Find N3 for almost two weeks. At RM7,999, it’s the price of a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 50mm f1.8 lens, so I used it as my primary camera.

But before we get to my opinion of the device, here’s its product landing page for the official marketing spiel. https://www.oppo.com/my/smartphones/series-find-n/find-n3/.

I was impressed with the Oppo Find N3 the moment I held it. The model that was loaned to me was the black. It had a vegan leather back that, combined with the Cosmos Ring (large round camera island), gave the device a classy look, like something that would match a mechanical wristwatch. 

When folded, it feels and functions like a contemporary large-screen device. The screen doesn’t feel secondary. That means I don’t have to stretch my thumb and rebalance the phone on my hand often, like on other foldable phones with taller displays. 

When opened, the Oppo Find N3 has a square-ish display. While jarring at first, I found that it is just as usable as a rectangular one, perhaps better in some cases. Reading, browsing, and typing were all pleasant, as many Android apps have adapted to the larger screens.

One thing that I only noticed later is how the crease on the foldable display is almost gone. I can still see it if I try really hard, but it is negligible. 

My only issue was with the thinnest of the device and bezel once the Oppo Find N3 was open. Accidental taps were unavoidable as I figured out how to grasp the device securely. When trying to cradle it in one hand, there is nothing to hold on to; the vegan leather back is smooth, so all I had was the friction of the outside display. Maybe the grip is improved on the glass-backed glass model. 

To test the cameras on the Oppo Find N3, I turned it into a compact camera. I attached a third-party camera grip accessory to it and took it to an art event. The grip is made for non-foldable devices, so I was impressed that it fit. It shows how thin the device is.  

The Hasselblad name and logo carry a lot of weight, and with them being prominently displayed on the Cosmos Ring, I had high expectations. So, I am happy to report that the Oppo Find N3 did not disappoint. The low light performance, detail, and subject background separation are all excellent by smart device standards. 

However, I did find the photos a bit dark, and because the three lenses are so far apart, I had to reframe my subject each time the device decided to use a different lens.

To Buy Or Not To Buy

Ultimately, because of my schedule, I had to return the device a little early, but that’s when I knew I really liked the Oppo Find N3. I wished I could have kept using it.

The price is a tall hurdle, which makes it not a device for everyone. However, its features and design are undeniably attractive. So, I’d say the Oppo Find N3 is for someone looking for a refined and sophisticated foldable device, like someone who appreciates a well-made Swiss watch.

For everyone else, try the Oppo Find N3 Fold. It’s more casual and almost half the price.