Let’s just say I was able to capture sports history with the help of the OPPO Find X8 Pro. OPPO’s newly-released flagship smartphone series boasts of one of the best camera packages in its segment, co-developed by Hasselblad.

During its launch event, OPPO also made it clear that the Find X8 Series is promoted as a device that’s ideal for concerts and sports. That’s mainly due to the double periscope cameras specifically on the Find X8 Pro variant.

And what better way to try that claim than by bringing the Find X8 Pro to Gilas Pilipinas’ (the Philippine men’s national basketball team) home game against the New Zealand Tall Blacks as part of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.

Coming into the game, the Philippines has never beaten New Zealand in international hoops. That’s all but a footnote now, as Gilas used a strong second half and a solid team effort to secure a 93-89 victory in front of thousands of fans inside the Mall of Asia Arena.

And thanks to our friends at OPPO who lend us the Pro model, we were able to record everything — stills and videos. (Take note that this model is not available in the Philippines. Globally, it retails for SG$ 1,649 / IDR 15,999,000).

OPPO Find X8 Pro cameras

Before we show you some sample images, here are the OPPO Find X8 Pro camera specs:

• Ultra-wide angle: 50MP; f/2.0; FOV 120°; 6P lens; AF supported
• Wide angle: 50MP; f/1.6; FOV 85°; 7P lens; AF supported; 2-axis OIS supported
• Telephoto: 50MP; f/2.6; FOV 33°; 1G3P lens; AF supported; 2-axis OIS supported
• Ultra-Telephoto: 50MP; f/4.3; FOV 18°; 1G3P lens; AF supported; 2-axis OIS supported

The Find X8 Pro also happens to be the first handset to feature two periscope cameras. OPPO uses Sony sensors for its “Master Camera System.”

Click here for the rest of the OPPO Find X8 Series’ specs.

Gilas makes history

Almost all of these photos were taken from about 6x zoom and beyond. The Find X8 Pro uses the second telephoto camera when shooting from this distance. Results wise, I am fond of the color reproduction and overall clarity and sharpness.

Mind you, these are fast-moving subjects running up and down the floor and executing difficult moves. The Find X8 Pro did a spectacular job freezing almost all the moments with great detail.

All shots were also from default. I switched to Action Mode sometimes, but didn’t really bother to experiment with Pro Mode (“Master” Mode). A colleague pointed out not to be afraid to make the shutter speed faster and the ISO higher. I’ll try that next time.

Without further ado, here’s a glimpse of the action:

Warm-ups

Pre-match pleasantries

This is where we sat and how far the lower box seats actually are from the playing court.

OPPO Find X8 Pro telephoto lens at work.

First half

The visitors asserted themselves early. Corey Webster — who saw action for the Dallas Mavericks’ Summer League team once — showed just the kind of player his caliber is. New Zealand 8, Gilas Pilipinas 0.

Corey Webster.

But the home team did not let the slow start affect them. Once they got into rhythm, it was a 50-50 battle.

Kai Sotto with the two-handed flush.

The game turned into a massive back-and-forth, with both sides throwing their best punches. The opening half ended even, 45-all.

The digital scoreboard from quite far. Still detailed and all texts are legible.

Gilas Pilipinas alum, Gabe Norwood, shot at about 30x zoom. Telephoto camera’s detail preservation is impressive.

Third quarter

It was still a pretty even contest during the first few moments of the third quarter. But after that, Gilas finally got going.

They scored in transition. They pounded the paint. Coach Tim Cone’s troops also got some second chance points to open up a double-digit separation.

Gilas twin towers at work.

Name a better Gilas five right now.

Kai Sotto show

If there arguably was a standout performer, it was Kai Sotto. The 7-foot-3 center finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists in what was one of his best international games for the Philippines.

Now, let’s not get ahead of ourselves and say he’s of NBA quality, but boy, Sotto really brought a new dimension of his game to the stage against New Zealand.

Kai Sotto towers amongst everyone else.

Fourth quarter

Of course, it wasn’t just Sotto. It was a total team effort on the part of Gilas.

Naturally, the Tall Blacks did not back down. It was a gripping and physical contest, with both teams showing just how important it was to win the match.

FIBA Scottie Thompson

If there was still any doubt as to how Scottie Thompson cannot fit the FIBA style of play, this game showed how integral he was to Gilas.

He had his handprints all over the game. From keeping possessions alive to sneaking in layups over much taller defenders, Thompson also had quite a performance.

MOA Arena jumbotron showing how Gilas Pilipinas pulled away in the second half.

Clutch Chris Newsome

Towards the end, go-to defender Chris Newsome came up with clutch stops defensively. He also happened to knock down a crucial triple with just above a minute to give Gilas more cushion, 91-84.

I captured that play on video with the Find X8 Pro. With four 50MP cameras, it’s seamless to switch from 0.6x zoom all the way to 3x zoom and beyond.

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The video quality itself and sound pick up is likewise topnotch. I can see how this phone can be utilized for concerts, specially since most venues do not allow professional cameras.

It’s quite iPhone-esque to be blatant. I know social media apps compress the quality anyway, but to have a great raw material to begin with makes up for that.

That’s a foul

Furthermore, I liked how the Find X8 Pro can really show you specific details you’re looking for from the action.

For instance, it was obvious that Dwight Ramos got fouled during this play. The phone’s camera system has a fast shutter to just keep snapping quick captures in succession.

I didn’t utilize OPPO’s own “camera control” button which they simply call the shutter button. Using the traditional camera app button sufficed.

Justin Brownlee takeover

And when Gilas needed someone to take charge late, of course, it turned to naturalized stalwart Justin Brownlee.

The go-to guy came up with big plays and hit tough baskets down the stretch. He also had some clutch free throws to seal the win.

Brownlee made this tough stretch layup and drew a foul for the and-one play.

More Brownlee

Night night, New Zealand

History made. Enough said. This was a stellar effort against a formidable opponent. We’re just excited for what the Philippines can achieve in this era as far as international basketball is concerned.

Outtakes

OPPO wasn’t kidding with the telephoto sensors on this device.

The Find X8 Series also comes with 32MP selfie cameras. Processing leans on the more natural-toned side of the spectrum. Not much smoothening but not so sharpened and overdone as well.

Best camera phone for concerts, sports, more?

There is no doubt that the OPPO Find X8 Series is a daily driver you can take for special occasions. Whether it’s sports, concerts, or even just vacation trips for you to take splendid captures of landscapes, food, portraits, and more, OPPO’s latest flagships will do the trick.

What’s next?

Previously, we took the HONOR Magic6 Pro to the same Philippine team’s open practice last February and the action shots were likewise crisp. Only time will tell if the HONOR Magic7 Pro can top that when it releases (presumably) at MWC 2025. Naturally, a three-way shootout with Samsung Galaxy S25 series is imminent too.

Keep it here on GadgetMatch for more.