This week brought two major smartphone launches: the Oppo Find X10 series expanded to global markets, and Apple’s iPhone Duo finally started shipping to customers who pre-ordered. Both devices have generated plenty of buzz, and for good reason. But if you’re in the market for a new phone, there are also some compelling alternatives and deals worth considering. Let’s break down what’s happening and where the best value lies.
Oppo Find X10 Pro Max: An Ultra in All but Name
The Oppo Find X10 Pro Max is the star of the show. In our full review, we called it “an Ultra in all but name,” and that’s high praise. It packs a triple 200MP camera system that delivers exceptional detail and versatility, whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits. Battery life is outstanding, easily lasting a full day of heavy use and then some. The chipset is powerful enough to handle anything you throw at it, from gaming to multitasking, and the display is simply beautiful—vibrant, sharp, and smooth.
What more could you ask for? Well, a lower price would be nice. The Find X10 Pro Max sits at the top of the flagship heap, and its price reflects that. But right now, Amazon is offering a €100 discount, which takes some of the sting out of the sticker price. Even better, you get to choose a freebie: either the Oppo Pad 5 with a Matte Display (8/128GB, Wi-Fi version) or something else from a selection of accessories. The Pad 5 alone is worth a few hundred euros, so this is a genuinely valuable promotion.
Why the Find X10 Pro Max Stands Out
The triple 200MP camera setup is the headline feature. It includes a main sensor, an ultra-wide, and a periscope telephoto, all with 200MP resolution. That means you get incredible detail across the board, and the ability to crop heavily without losing quality. The Hasselblad color tuning ensures natural, pleasing tones. Battery life is another highlight—the phone easily lasts a full day and then some, thanks to a large silicon-carbon battery. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is among the fastest available, and the 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display is a joy to use, with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and peak brightness that makes it readable even in direct sunlight.
If you’re looking for a no-compromise flagship, the Find X10 Pro Max is a top contender. The discount and freebie make it an even sweeter deal.
Oppo Find X10 and X10 Pro: What About the Rest of the Series?
The Pro Max isn’t the only new Oppo in town. The standard Find X10 and Find X10 Pro also launched globally, and they offer many of the same features at lower price points. The Find X10 Pro, in particular, is a strong alternative if you want flagship performance without the Pro Max’s premium price. It has a slightly smaller display, a less elaborate camera system (though still very capable), and a smaller battery, but it retains the same chipset and much of the same experience.
We’ll have full reviews of these models soon, but early impressions are positive. If you’re considering the Pro Max but balk at the price, the Pro might be the sweet spot. Keep an eye out for carrier deals and retailer promotions—Oppo often bundles freebies like earbuds or cases with its phones.
iPhone Duo: Apple’s First Foldable Finally Ships
On the other side of the aisle, Apple’s iPhone Duo has started shipping. This is Apple’s first foray into the foldable market, and anticipation has been high. The iPhone Duo features a book-style foldable design with a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. It runs on the A18 chipset and, of course, runs iOS with special optimizations for the foldable form factor.
Early reviews are mixed. The hardware is typically polished, and the hinge feels solid, but some reviewers note that iOS still isn’t fully optimized for foldables, and the price is steep even by Apple standards. Battery life is decent but not class-leading, and the camera system, while good, doesn’t match the best from Samsung or Oppo.
That said, if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem and have been waiting for a foldable iPhone, the Duo is the only game in town. It’s available now from Apple and major carriers. We’ll have a full review soon, so stay tuned.
Should You Buy the iPhone Duo?
If you’re an Apple fan who has wanted a foldable for years, the answer is probably yes. The iPhone Duo offers a unique experience that no other iPhone can match. However, if you’re on the fence, you might want to wait for the second generation, when Apple will likely iron out the kinks and maybe lower the price. Alternatively, consider one of the many Android foldables on the market, which offer more mature software and often better hardware for less money.
Great Alternatives to Consider
If neither the Oppo Find X10 series nor the iPhone Duo floats your boat, there are plenty of other options. Here are some of the best alternatives across different categories, many of which are currently on sale.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s latest ultra-flagship is a direct competitor to the Find X10 Pro Max. It has a 200MP main camera, a 50MP periscope, and a 50MP ultra-wide, plus the S Pen and a gorgeous 6.8-inch display. Performance is top-notch thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. It’s often discounted, so check around for deals. Right now, Samsung is offering trade-in credits and free storage upgrades.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
If you prioritize camera quality and clean software, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a fantastic choice. Its 50MP main sensor and 48MP telephoto deliver stunning photos, and Google’s computational photography is second to none. The Tensor G4 chip isn’t the fastest, but it’s plenty for everyday use. The 6.8-inch display is excellent, and battery life is solid. Google frequently runs promotions, so look for discounts.
OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 is a performance powerhouse with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, up to 24GB of RAM, and a 6.82-inch 120Hz display. It has a 50MP triple camera system and a massive 6,000mAh battery with 100W fast charging. It’s priced aggressively and often comes with freebies like earbuds. If you want flagship specs without the flagship price, this is it.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Xiaomi’s latest ultra phone boasts a 1-inch main sensor, a 200MP periscope, and Leica tuning. It’s a camera beast with a distinctive design. The Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures top performance, and the 6.73-inch display is superb. It’s available globally, though availability varies by region. Look for bundle deals that include photography kits.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
If you want a foldable but prefer Android, the Galaxy Z Fold6 is the most polished book-style foldable around. It has a 7.6-inch inner display, a 6.3-inch cover screen, and S Pen support. The cameras are good but not class-leading, and battery life is average. However, the software experience is refined, and Samsung’s multitasking features are excellent. It’s often discounted, especially now that the iPhone Duo has launched.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google’s second foldable is a strong contender. It has a 8-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch cover screen, and it runs Android with Google’s AI features. The camera system is good, though not as good as the Pixel 9 Pro. It’s thinner and lighter than the Z Fold6, and the software is clean. If you want a foldable with the best software support, consider this.
Deals Roundup: Where to Find the Best Offers
Beyond the Oppo and Apple launches, there are plenty of deals to be had across the smartphone world. Here are some highlights.
Oppo Find X10 Pro Max Deal
As mentioned, Amazon has the Find X10 Pro Max with a €100 discount and a free Oppo Pad 5 with Matte Display (8/128GB, Wi-Fi). This is a limited-time offer, so act fast if you’re interested. The Pad 5 is a great tablet for media consumption and light productivity, and the matte display reduces glare. Alternatively, you can choose a different freebie, such as a case and charger bundle.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Discounts
Samsung is running a promotion on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, offering up to €300 off with trade-in and a free storage upgrade to 512GB. You can also get Galaxy Buds3 Pro for a discounted price when bought together. Check Samsung’s official site and major retailers for the best deal.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Price Cuts
Google has slashed prices on the Pixel 9 Pro XL, with discounts of up to €200 depending on the storage variant. You can also get a free Pixel Watch 3 with purchase from select retailers. This is a great time to buy if you’re in the market for a camera-focused phone.
OnePlus 13 Bundle Offers
OnePlus is offering the 13 with a free pair of OnePlus Buds Pro 3 and a case. Additionally, you can get a discount on the OnePlus Watch 3 when bought together. The phone itself is already competitively priced, so these freebies add significant value.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit
Xiaomi is bundling the 15 Ultra with a photography kit that includes a grip and a filter set, mimicking the experience of using a dedicated camera. The kit is worth around €150, and it’s included free for a limited time. If you’re into mobile photography, this is a compelling offer.
Foldable Deals
With the iPhone Duo launching, other foldable makers are feeling the heat. Samsung has discounted the Galaxy Z Fold6 by up to €400, and Google has cut the price of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold by €300. These are some of the best prices we’ve seen on these devices. If you’ve been waiting to jump into foldables, now is a good time.
Final Thoughts
The Oppo Find X10 series and the iPhone Duo are the headline acts this week, but the smartphone market is full of alternatives that might suit you better. Whether you want a camera powerhouse, a foldable, or just a great all-rounder, there’s something for everyone. And with the deals currently available, you can save a significant amount. As always, do your research and compare prices before pulling the trigger. Happy shopping!
