Oppo prepares to take on Google’s flagship in Canada’s premium segment

Oppo’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Find X9 Pro, is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about Android launches of 2025. With leaks and early reports suggesting a powerful combination of hardware, design, and camera technology, the device could soon challenge Google’s Pixel 9 Pro in the Canadian market. As Oppo looks to expand its presence across North America, Canada may become a key testing ground for how well its latest innovation can stand against established players like Google.

The Pixel 9 Pro has already cemented itself as one of Canada’s most trusted Android flagships, thanks to its clean software, AI-driven photography, and long-term support. However, Oppo’s Find X9 Pro appears ready to disrupt that dominance. The phone reportedly features the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 processor, one of the most advanced chips currently available, offering performance that rivals Qualcomm’s top Snapdragon line. Alongside this, Oppo is said to include up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, ensuring that multitasking, gaming, and heavy productivity are handled with ease.

Camera performance will likely be the most critical battleground between these two flagships. Google’s Pixel series has long been considered the gold standard for computational photography, but Oppo is ready to raise the bar. The Find X9 Pro will reportedly sport a triple-lens setup, including a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and an impressive 200MP periscope telephoto camera. Developed in partnership with Hasselblad, this system aims to deliver professional-grade detail and color accuracy, rivaling or even surpassing Google’s image processing. Canadian consumers, known for valuing camera versatility and quality, could find Oppo’s offering a strong alternative.

The display is another area where Oppo seems to be pushing boundaries. The Find X9 Pro is expected to feature a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,000 nits of brightness, making it one of the most vibrant displays on the market. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro offers a high-quality OLED panel as well, but Oppo’s superior brightness and adaptive refresh rate could appeal to users who prioritize media consumption and gaming. These hardware differences might give Oppo a unique advantage in convincing tech enthusiasts to explore beyond Google’s ecosystem.

Battery life has been a consistent challenge for flagship phones, but Oppo is addressing it with a massive 7,500mAh cell and ultra-fast 120W charging support. This contrasts sharply with the Pixel 9 Pro’s smaller 5,000mAh battery and slower charging capabilities. In real-world use, that means Oppo’s device could deliver longer endurance and significantly shorter charging times—factors that matter greatly to Canadian users with busy, mobile lifestyles. Oppo’s long-standing leadership in charging technology could therefore become one of its strongest selling points in the market.

Software and updates will remain Google’s biggest edge. The Pixel 9 Pro runs Android 15 with seven years of guaranteed updates and exclusive AI-driven tools powered by Google Gemini. Oppo’s Find X9 Pro will ship with ColorOS 15, also based on Android 15, and though the company promises long-term support, it still trails Google’s unmatched update policy. For many Canadian buyers, reliability and longevity play a major role in purchasing decisions, which could make Google’s offering more appealing to users who prefer stability over cutting-edge specs.

Pricing will likely be the deciding factor between the two. The Pixel 9 Pro starts at around CAD 1,349 in Canada, positioning it firmly in the premium category. Oppo could potentially undercut this with a launch price closer to CAD 1,000 for the Find X9 Pro. If Oppo manages to deliver flagship-level performance at a lower cost, it could create significant momentum among cost-conscious buyers looking for value without compromise. However, availability and carrier support will be key challenges. Oppo must establish strong partnerships with Canadian telecom providers and ensure full network compatibility to make a successful entry.

If current timelines hold, Oppo could launch the Find X9 Pro globally by late 2024, with a possible Canadian release by mid-2025. A direct competition between Oppo and Google would benefit Canadian consumers, leading to better choices and competitive pricing in the premium smartphone market. With the Pixel 9 Pro already a household name and Oppo’s Find X9 Pro promising cutting-edge hardware and photography, 2025 could mark one of the most dynamic years yet for Canada’s Android landscape.

In the end, the Oppo Find X9 Pro’s potential to challenge the Pixel 9 Pro depends on execution. If Oppo delivers on its promises of superior design, power, and camera innovation while ensuring smooth software and reliable support, it could become a major disruptor. Canadian buyers stand to gain from this rivalry, as competition pushes both brands to deliver more performance, better value, and richer features in their next-generation flagships.