With a formal unveiling still days away, early access to Oppo’s upcoming flagship suggests a deliberate shift in how the company wants its top-tier phone to be seen and handled. The Find X9 Ultra, set for a full reveal on April 21, leans heavily on design cues from high-end photography equipment rather than following the now-familiar smartphone template.

That influence is not subtle. The device takes clear inspiration from Hasselblad’s X2D 100C II, a professional medium-format camera known for its distinctive build and finish. Oppo’s long-standing partnership with the camera maker is reflected here not just in branding, but in physical design decisions that set the phone apart at first glance.

The rear panel uses a leather-like finish, paired with a defined metal trim that catches light differently depending on the angle. Orange accents add contrast without overwhelming the overall look. The result is a device that feels closer in spirit to a compact camera than to the flat, glass-backed slabs that dominate the current market.

In hand, the phone appears to prioritize texture and grip alongside aesthetics. The materials and detailing suggest Oppo is trying to appeal to users who value both design character and photographic identity in a single product. It is a notable departure from more neutral, minimalist approaches seen across much of the industry.

Camera performance remains under wraps for now, with a more detailed assessment expected after the official launch. However, early impressions indicate that the hardware is being positioned as a serious contender, aligning with the visual cues borrowed from professional imaging tools.

There is a sense that Oppo is testing how far it can push design differentiation in a crowded flagship segment. Whether that approach resonates widely will likely depend on how well the camera system delivers once fully evaluated.

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For now, the Find X9 Ultra stands out for choosing a clear reference point and following it through with consistency, rather than blending into a familiar design language. That alone gives it a distinct presence ahead of its official debut.