I find (no pun lost here) the new Find X9 Pro to be OPPO’s most accomplished flagship yet. This isn’t just another incremental upgrade. The Find X9 Pro represents a genuine leap forward in battery life and mobile photography, backed by hardware and software that actually deliver on their promises.

What immediately struck me right after I unboxed the device is how OPPO has managed the impossible: fitting a massive 7500mAh battery into a remarkably slim profile. This is undoubtedly a two-day battery phone. But the highlight is that it still feels like a sleek flagship, not a bulky power bank.

The build quality is exceptional throughout. Every physical element, from the precisely engineered buttons to the refined camera housing, screams premium craftsmanship and efficient engineering. This is a phone that focuses on excellence in imaging while refusing to compromise on the essentials: battery life, display quality, and day-to-day performance.

Premium & Purposeful Design Language

The build quality is exceptional throughout. Every physical element feels thoughtfully crafted. The buttons have a satisfying, precise click with no wobble or mushiness. The rear camera module, positioned in the top-left corner, aligns perfectly with the frame. This thoughtful engineering translates to superior ergonomics: when holding the phone vertically my index finger naturally avoids the lenses, and grip remains clear for landscape gaming or media.

These details might seem minor, but they collectively create a device that becomes invisible in the best way possible. Not because you forget it’s there, but because it integrates so naturally into your life that using it feels effortless, always ready for whatever you need without demanding attention.

Two New Physical Buttons

The Find X9 Pro introduces two new physical buttons that enhance functionality, and both are evidently super-high-quality in their execution:

Snap Key: Integrated into the left frame, this customizable button allows you to assign functions like switching sound profiles, toggling the flashlight, launching voice recorder, activating translation, or taking screenshots. By default, it’s linked to the AI Mind Space feature: short-press captures screen content, long-press adds a voice note, double-press opens Mind Space directly. The tactile feedback is excellent, with a definitive click that feels premium.I’ve customized mine to quickly toggle between silent, vibrate, and ring modes, a feature I’ve genuinely missed since physical alert sliders fell out of fashion.

Quick Button: On the right side, OPPO has added a Quick Button, which I initially mistook for a physical fingerprint scanner. However, it is a quick-toggle/physical zoom control for the camera. Double-tap opens the camera, press to take a photo, long-press for continuous shooting. In landscape orientation, you can swipe on the button to zoom in and out. The button has a satisfying half-press for focus (like a DSLR shutter button) and a full press for capture. This is genuinely useful for quick camera access and adds tactile control that feels more intuitive than the on-screen zooming-wheel.

IP69: Built to Last

The Find X9 Pro provides comprehensive protection with IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications. The IP68 certification, which is normal for current flagships, guarantees proven protection against dust and prolonged water submersion (up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes). However, on top of that, the Find X9 Pro gets an IP69 rating which provides defense against high-pressure, high-temperature water jets (up to 85°C), ensuring the device can withstand more extreme conditions.

I’ve used the phone by the pool, in the kitchen and in similar splash-prone environments without any hesitation. The peace of mind that comes with this level of protection is invaluable.

A Display That Demands Attention

Super-Comfortable for Afterdark Usage

Traditional displays flicker rapidly to control brightness, and this flicker, while invisible to most people, can cause eye fatigue over time. The Find X9 Pro’s 2160Hz PWM dimming flickers so rapidly (2,160 times per second) that it essentially eliminates perceptible flicker, making it genuinely comfortable for extended nighttime use. I frequently use my phone in bed, and the combination of ultra-low brightness and flicker reduction makes a noticeable difference in eye comfort.

Possibly The Fastest Fingerprint Unlock I’ve Ever Experienced

Optical vs Ultrasonic Fingerprint Scanners
Here’s the difference: optical fingerprint scanners (found on most phones) work by shining light on your finger and taking a photograph. They create a 2D image of your fingerprint, which can be fooled by high-resolution photos and struggles with wet or oily fingers.

Ultrasonic scanners use high-frequency sound waves (like sonar or bat echolocation) to map the 3D ridges and valleys of your fingerprint. The scanner emits ultrasonic pulses, which bounce off your fingerprint’s unique topography. By measuring the reflected waves, it creates a highly accurate three-dimensional map of your fingerprint.

The 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner of the Find X9 Pro deserves special recognition because it’s genuinely the fastest and most reliable biometric unlock I’ve experienced on any smartphone. Not just among optical sensors, but even when compared to the pioneering ultrasonic implementations from competitors. The recognition is instantaneous. There’s virtually no perceptible delay between touching the sensor and the phone unlocking. It feels less like authentication and more like the phone simply recognizing your existence.

What’s equally impressive is the registration process. Most phones require you to tap your finger multiple times in the same position, slowly building up a complete fingerprint map. The Find X9 Pro’s approach is far more elegant: one press, then simply move your finger around naturally to register all parts. The sensor captures your entire fingerprint topology in one fluid motion. The whole process takes seconds rather than the tedious minute-plus routine I’ve experienced with other devices.

ColorOS 16: Refined Software Experience

Running ColorOS 16 based on Android 16, the software experience is polished and feature-rich. every interaction now feels instantaneous and perfectly connected. The transitions from Always-On Display to lock screen to home screen flow in one continuous, graceful motion. The wallpaper doesn’t just appear, it elegantly transforms through each stage. I’ve found myself unlocking the phone just to watch this seamless transition. It’s the kind of refined detail that elevates the entire experience from functional to genuinely delightful.

OPPO’s Luminous Rendering Engine powers all of this visual magic. It renders all visual components in parallel, eliminating jarring transitions and ensuring the OS stays perfectly smooth no matter how much is happening on screen.

Beyond the visual flourishes, ColorOS 16 brings genuinely useful features. The Flux Home Screen allows you to resize app icons and folders dynamically, with the surrounding layout adapting fluidly. The result is a system that feels responsive and fluid throughout extended use.

A Camera System That Actually Earns Its Hasselblad Badge

Let’s address the elephant in the room: smartphone marketing loves to throw around buzzwords. But the Find X9 Pro’s Hasselblad Master Camera System isn’t just branding, it’s a legitimately engineered imaging system that genuinely makes use of the extent of what’s possible with a smartphone camera.

Flagship Performance in Any Light

The all-new Ultra XDR Main Camera, consists of a large 1/1.28-inch custom Sony LYT-828 sensor. For me, sensor size matters over the megapixel count, because larger sensors capture more light, resulting in brighter, clearer images, especially in challenging conditions.

Dynamic range is essentially the camera’s ability to capture detail in both the darkest shadows and brightest highlights simultaneously. The Find X9 Pro’s 17 stops actually surpass dedicated 1-inch sensors found in some compact cameras. In practical terms, this means when you’re photographing a sunset, you can see detail in both the bright sky and the darker foreground. No more choosing between an overexposed sky or an underexposed subject.

I’ve tested this extensively in Dubai’s harsh lighting conditions: bright midday sun, deep shadows under buildings, sunset shots with extreme contrast. The main camera consistently delivers balanced, natural-looking photos with detail preserved throughout the entire frame.

The 50MP ultra-wide camera (15mm equivalent) is far more capable than the typical afterthought ultra-wide modules found on many flagships. The Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor delivers genuinely impressive image quality across the frame, with minimal distortion at the edges and excellent detail retention even in the corners.

What sets this ultra-wide apart is the autofocus capability with a minimum focal distance of just 3.5cm. This transforms it into a capable macro camera for extreme close-ups of small subjects like flowers, insects, or intricate details. The 50MP resolution means you can crop in significantly while maintaining sharpness, giving you additional framing flexibility.

200MP 120x Telephoto Shooter

Another standout star here is the 200MP Hasselblad Telephoto camera. Now, 200 megapixels sounds like a spec-sheet flex, but here’s why it actually matters: this isn’t just about capturing massive files. It’s about maintaining exceptional clarity at zoom ranges that would reduce most phone cameras to a mushy mess.

Think of it this way: the Find X9 Pro’s 200MP sensor is like having an ultra-high-resolution master file. When you zoom to 3x (70mm), you’re using the full optical system. At 6x, you’re still getting a native 50MP image by cropping from that massive sensor. Even at 13.2x, the phone delivers a lossless zoom, maintaining detail that rivals dedicated cameras.

I’ve tested this extensively at concerts, sporting events, and even photographing birds from my balcony (yes, I’ve become that person). The clarity at 6x and 10x zoom is genuinely impressive. Details that would be lost on other phones remain sharp and usable.

The True Color Camera: Accurate Colors in Any Lighting

Most smartphone cameras struggle with color accuracy in mixed or unusual lighting. Ever noticed how photos taken in warm cafe lighting look overly orange, or how neon signs at night never quite look right? That’s because traditional cameras make educated guesses about color temperature based on limited information. This is the issue the Find X9 Pro’s True Color Camera solves. This isn’t a camera you shoot with directly. Instead, it’s a dedicated 8-channel spectral sensor with 2 million spectral pixels that acts as a “color consultant” for the entire camera system.

In my testing, this makes a noticeable difference in portraits and in any situation with complex lighting scenarios. Skin tones, in particular, look more natural and consistent across different lighting conditions. I’ve taken portraits in everything from harsh sunlight to dim restaurant lighting, and the color accuracy remains impressive throughout.

Exceptional Night Photography: When Darkness Becomes Your Canvas

The Find X9 Pro’s low-light photography deserves its own spotlight because it genuinely excels where most smartphones struggle. Night photography has always been the great separator between good and exceptional camera systems, and the Find X9 Pro firmly plants itself in the latter category.

The combination of the large main sensor, f/1.5 aperture, and Real-Time Triple Exposure technology delivers exceptional low-light performance. That f/1.5 aperture captures 30% more light than the previous generation, which translates to noticeably brighter and clearer night shots with significantly less noise.

I’ve extensively tested night photography across Dubai’s diverse evening landscapes: dimly lit alleyways, neon-soaked streets, and the challenging mixed lighting of outdoor cafes and restaurants. The results consistently impress. Where other phones would produce grainy, muddy images or over-process scenes into unnatural HDR nightmares, the Find X9 Pro maintains natural texture and color while pulling out impressive detail from shadows and highlights.

The True Color Camera’s contribution becomes especially evident at night. Under mixed neon lighting or warm street lamps, most phones struggle with color accuracy, often rendering scenes with unnatural orange or green casts. The Find X9 Pro’s spectral analysis ensures colors remain true to life, even in these challenging scenarios. Skin tones in night portraits look natural and flattering rather than artificially processed.

Perhaps most impressively, the Find X9 Pro manages all this without falling into the trap of making night look like day. Night photos retain their atmosphere and mood while being perfectly usable, which is exactly what exceptional night photography should achieve.

Pro Video Tools for Serious Creators

All cameras, including the front-facing and three rear cameras, support 4K 60fps recording in Dolby Vision HDR. OPPO has fully optimized the imaging pipeline, resulting in enhanced stabilization, more consistent autofocus and auto white balance, and smoother transitions when switching between lenses during recording.

For professional creators, the Find X9 Pro offers true PRO Video mode with full LOG recording capabilities. LOG captures flat, data-rich files ideal for post-production color grading and maximum creative control. The integrated LUT Preview allows you to visualize a final color grade in real-time while still recording with the highest possible dynamic range.

With the main camera and telephoto camera, the Find X9 Pro further supports 4K video at 120fps in Dolby Vision. This is achieved without compromising stabilization, allowing you to shoot high-quality slow-motion footage with exceptional stability. The LOG profile is ACES-certified (the global standard for motion picture color management), meaning the footage will integrate seamlessly into professional workflows.

Two-Day Battery Champ

Silicon-Carbon Battery Technology Explained

This achievement is made possible by OPPO’s third-generation silicon-carbon battery technology, a tech that has become the new normal in the latest-gen smartphones. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use graphite anodes (the negative electrode). Silicon, however, can hold far more lithium ions than graphite. Silicon has a charge capacity that’s about 13% higher than graphite’s theoretical maximum. Hence it delivers a higher-capacity cell without the added heft.

The massive 7500mAh capacity, paired with the efficient Dimensity 9500 chipset and OPPO’s precise software tuning, enables the Find X9 Pro to deliver an average of two days of typical usage on a single charge. This is undoubtedly a two-day battery phone. I’m a heavy user (extensive photography, video recording, social media, streaming, video calls / virtual meetings) and I consistently get a full day with 30-40% remaining. Moderate users will easily achieve two full days without breaking a sweat.

More importantly, the battery is engineered for long-term durability. The Find X9 Pro is designed to retain up to 80% of its original capacity even after five years of typical use, ensuring consistent performance year after year. You can also set the charging limit anywhere from 80% to 100% based on your needs to further slow battery aging.

With 80W SUPERVOOC wired charging, you can get hours of use in just minutes. And the fact that you get an 80-watt charger in the box is just the cherry on top of this already sweet deal.

Flagship Power, Flagship Efficiency

The Find X9 Pro is among the first smartphones featuring the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset. Built on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process (smaller manufacturing process means better efficiency and performance), this flagship chip features a third-generation All Big Core CPU design.

This means instead of having slow, efficient cores for basic tasks and fast cores for demanding tasks, all eight cores are performance-oriented. The chipset delivers up to 32% faster CPU performance and 55% more efficiency compared to the previous generation. GPU performance is up to 33% faster with 42% better efficiency. The ninth-generation MediaTek NPU 990 (the AI processor) is 111% faster with 56% improved efficiency.

In real-world use, this translated to the phone being incredibly snappy. Apps launch instantly, multitasking is seamless, and even the most demanding games run flawlessly. I’ve played PUBG Mobile, and Genshin Impact at maximum settings, and the performance is consistently smooth with no lag or stuttering.

Advanced Cooling Keeps Everything Running Smoothly

The Find X9 Pro features an upgraded vapor chamber for thermal management which has been completely redesigned with an ultra-fine 0.025mm stainless steel mesh. This reduces its thickness while significantly improving thermal conductivity for more efficient heat transfer.

The vapor chamber works like an advanced heat pipe: when the phone heats up, liquid inside evaporates and moves to cooler areas, then condenses back into liquid and releases the heat. It’s a continuous cooling cycle that spreads heat evenly instead of creating hot spots.

In my month of testing, even during extended 4K video recording sessions or intensive gaming marathons, the phone gets warm but never uncomfortably hot. The cooling system ensures consistent performance without thermal throttling.

AI LinkBoost Ensures All-Time Seamless Connectivity

OPPO’s AI LinkBoost incorporates OPPO’s self-developed RF chip that boosts uplink power by over 30% in key frequency bands. With advanced 360-degree surround antenna architecture, it significantly enhances signal stability and anti-interference capability.

In practical terms, the phone maintains strong connectivity even in traditionally weak-signal environments like elevators, underground garages, and during high-speed transit. I’ve noticed consistently better signal reception compared to other flagships, particularly in Dubai’s numerous underground parking garages where signal typically drops.

The Verdict

The OPPO Find X9 Pro is a new-generation camera flagship, crafted for the remarkable.

After over a month of real-world use, the Find X9 Pro has exceeded my expectations in virtually every category. This is a phone that delivers on its promises. The 200MP Hasselblad Telephoto isn’t just a spec-sheet flex; it genuinely transforms mobile photography, particularly for zoom, landscape and portrait capture. The main camera delivers flagship-quality images in any lighting condition. The industry-first features like 50MP default shooting aren’t gimmicks; they’re genuinely useful capabilities that enhance the photography experience.

Beyond the camera excellence, the Find X9 Pro refuses to compromise elsewhere. The 7500mAh silicon-carbon battery delivers genuine two-day battery life in a remarkably slim form factor. The Dimensity 9500 delivers flagship performance with excellent efficiency. The advanced cooling keeps everything running smoothly even under sustained load.

The thoughtful additions like the customizable physical buttons, and superfast 3D ultrasonic fingerprint scanner show OPPO’s attention to the complete user experience, not just headline features.

For users who prioritize exceptional imaging capabilities backed by genuine flagship performance, exceptional battery life, endurance, and build quality, the Find X9 Pro delivers comprehensively. This is OPPO at its best: pushing boundaries in mobile photography while delivering a complete, refined flagship experience.

If you’re serious about mobile photography or simply want a no-compromise flagship that excels across the board, the Find X9 Pro deserves serious consideration.

Srijith KN

After spending a solid month with the OPPO A6 Pro 5G, I can confidently say this phone delivers on its core promise: being a device you can truly depend on, day after day, without babying it or constantly hunting for a charger. This isn’t trying to be the flashiest phone on the market, instead, it focuses on what actually matters for most people. It is one of the most dependable phones I have tested recently. It focuses on strength, endurance, and smoothness rather than chasing trends or relying on flashy gimmicks.

A Bright, & Beefed-Up OLED Screen

The screen is protected by AGC DT-Star D+ Crystal Shield Glass, which is part of the Dragontrail family of protective glass made by Japanese manufacturer AGC. This chemically strengthened aluminosilicate glass makes it much harder for small scratches and tiny cracks to start and spread. That means it is less likely to pick up visible wear from keys in a pocket or light knocks on a table, and it holds up better to impacts that would otherwise cause micro fractures. I’ve been deliberately rough with it (within reason), and the screen remains pristine. No micro-scratches, no damage from accidental drops.

Built Like a Tank Yet Aesthetically Pleasing

The first thing that struck me was how good it feels in the hand. The build quality feels premium and at 185g, it’s got a reassuring heft without being heavy. The metal mid-frame enhances the in-hand feel, and with just 8 mm of thickness, the A6 Pro is comfortably slim to hold or to fit into a pocket. My review unit came in Stellar Blue shade, and it has this understated gradient effect that shifts subtly under light. The matte texture does a good job of resisting fingerprints, and the overall build feels more high-end than you’d expect from a mid-range device.

Don’t Worry If You Drop It!
Now, let’s talk durability – and I promise to skip the technical mumbo-jumbo to the minimum. The Oppo A6 Pro has been tested by a third-party organization (GRG Metrology & Test Group) to meet US military standards (MIL-STD-810H). These tests include drop tests from various heights and angles, vibration testing, temperature extremes, and humidity exposure. It’s the same testing standard used for equipment that soldiers carry into the field, which means it is certified to work reliably in harsh, unpredictable conditions.

On top of this, Oppo also includes a protective case in the box, unlike many other more expensive brands who just provide a wire and paperwork which I appreciate.

The Oppo A6 Pro has been tested by a third-party organization (GRG Metrology & Test Group) to meet US military standards (MIL-STD-810H).

The Engineering Inside That You Can’t See

Inside the OPPO A6 Pro, smart engineering keeps it tough and reliable. Its motherboard is reinforced with AM04 high-strength aluminum alloy which is stronger and more resilient than standard aluminum, helping the phone resist bending and daily stress. OPPO also added Sponge Bionic Cushioning inspired by sea sponges, using foam and silicone pads that act like tiny airbags to absorb shocks and protect vital components during drops. Together, these unseen innovations make the A6 Pro built to withstand everyday wear and tear with ease.

Splash It, Dip It, and Take Underwater Shots While You’re At It
The A6 Pro takes IP (Ingress Protection – basically dust and water resistance) rating to the next level. Most high-end phones come with an IP68 rating, which means they can survive being dunked in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 30 minutes. The A6 Pro however, offers a higher IP69 rating which means it is designed to withstand even high-pressure hot water jets, like industrial pressure washers spraying water at 85°C. This is pretty much the highest level of water and dust protection you can get on regular consumer devices.

The A6 Pro boasts the highest level of water and dust protection you can get on regular consumer devices.

Why does this matter if you’re not planning to pressure-wash your phone? Because it means the phone can handle pretty much any real-world water situation you throw at it – heavy rain, accidental bathroom sink disasters. And from a utilitarian standpoint, you can use it to take underwater photos in the pool. Even though I didn’t put it through an intense test, I’ve accidentally splashed it a couple of times while being glued to Netflix while washing dishes. Zero issues.

What really shows OPPO’s confidence: they’re offering a 1-year liquid protection plan for pre-order customers. Not many companies put their money where their mouth is like that.

Decent, Consistent Performance 

The Oppo A6 Pro runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor. This is a mid-range chip built on 6nm architecture, with eight cores, two performance cores for demanding tasks, and six efficient ones for everyday stuff. I’m not a hardcore mobile gamer, but my personal favourite Offroad League runs smoothly on the A6 Pro without lag or stuttering. The AI GameBoost feature intelligently prioritizes gaming traffic for a more responsive experience. And what about, PUBG Mobile you may ask. It runs without hiccups at a fluid 60 fps, as long as you don’t expect flagship level performance and smoothness.

Keeps Its Cool Under Pressure

The A6 Pro uses a vapor chamber cooling system, like many modern smartphones, which is essentially a thin, sealed chamber with a tiny amount of liquid inside. When the phone heats up, this liquid evaporates and moves to cooler areas of the chamber, then condenses back into liquid and releases the heat. In real-world use, this ensures that even during extended gaming sessions or when recording videos, the phone might get a little warm but never uncomfortably hot. 

Clean Software & Genuinely Useful AI Features 

The phone runs on ColorOS 15 on top of Android 15, and OPPO has clearly spent time making it both responsive and easy on the eyes. There is a bunch of bloatware which you can uninstall if found unnecessary. Other than that, the overall interface feels modern and uncluttered. Animations are smooth and there are plenty in-built customizations options including icon packs and themes to choose from. 

One highlight feature I found impressive is what Oppo calls AI LinkBoost 3.0. It simply means that the phone has antennas positioned all around it while in-built AI constantly monitors the signal strength. When you’re in weak signal areas like basements, elevators, crowded malls; the AI intelligently switches between networks to maintain the strongest connection. I’ve noticed the A6 Pro sustaining stronger signal reception in underground parking garages compared to some other recently tested devices of the same segment.

I’ve also found Oppo’s AI Docs surprisingly handy. It can summarize long documents or translate text instantly, which has come in useful more than once while working on the go. It’s one of those built-in tools that quietly adds convenience to your day.

Solid On the Camera Side

The 50MP main camera is competent for everyday photography. In good lighting, photos are sharp with good detail. There’s a Hi-res mode that captures full 50MP images, meaning you can crop in significantly without losing detail. Alongside the 50MP main sensor, the OPPO A6 Pro 5G gets a 2MP depth camera that assists the main camera while shooting in portrait mode. Edge detection around faces and hair is appreciably good, and portraits look natural and refined without overprocessing. The 16MP front camera delivers clean, high-quality selfies retaining natural skin tones.

Let’s be honest: this isn’t competing with flagship cameras. In low light, it struggles a bit. But for social media, documentation, video calls, and everyday photography, it’s more than adequate. The underwater photography capability is fun for pool parties. I have included some sample images for your reference. Overall, a decent camera for all kinds of everyday use. 

Almost 2 Days on A Single Charge

The 6,500mAh battery is massive, and it lives up to the promise. In my daily use, it easily lasts almost two on a single charge, with regular navigation, occasional gaming, long video streaming sessions, video calls with family, and a decent amount of camera time. Unlike me, who is a heavy smartphone user (both due to the nature of my work and personally), a moderate user could easily get two full days of battery life from the A6 Pro. It’s one of those phones that you can take on a weekend trip and leave the charger behind without worry.

The 80-watt SUPERVOOC charger that comes standard in the box is incredibly fast.

When it does need to be topped up, the 80-watt SUPERVOOC charger that comes standard in the box is incredibly fast. Fifteen minutes plugged in gets you nearly half a day’s worth of power, and a full charge takes under an hour. The phone also stays pretty cool while charging, which translates to appreciable thermal management.

Another small but genuinely useful feature is reverse charging. I’ve used it to top up my wireless earbuds twice, and it’s exactly the kind of practical feature that ends up becoming part of your routine.

The Verdict

The OPPO A6 Pro 5G is a no-nonsense device built for long-lasting power, ultra durability, and smooth performance. It’s a competent go-to smartphone that you can rely on for whatever comes your way each day. After a month of real-world use, this phone has proven itself to me as a dependable daily driver. The combination of an enormous battery with lightning-fast charging, genuine military-grade durability with the highest water resistance rating available makes the A6 Pro 5G a compelling package.

The OPPO A6 Pro 5G is a no-nonsense device built for long-lasting power, ultra durability, and smooth performance.

For users who prioritize reliability and endurance over flagship specs, the A6 Pro 5G delivers exactly what it promises. It looks good, feels dependable, and performs smoothly no matter what you throw at it.

On top of that, you get enhanced after-sales service. This includes 1-year liquid protection plan and 1-year screen protection plan for pre-order customers, plus upgraded cross-country warranty coverage across the GCC. It’s not a flashy, style over substance device, but a dependable device that you can count on every day.

FAQ

By Srijith KN, Senior Editor

The Apple Watch Series 11 feels familiar on my wrist. It upholds the design philosophy centered on continuous wearability. At a slim depth of 9.7 mm, the profile remains consistent with its immediate predecessor, the Series 10. This lightness is paramount, specifically enabling the device to be worn comfortably 24 hours a day, a requirement for capturing the overnight and long-term health metrics that define this generation.

Same rounded-square silhouette, same slim profile, same 42 mm / 46 mm dial options. But that’s not a complaint, it’s a design that works. What’s changed are the refinements under the glass and behind the scenes that has resulted in a notably improved user experience.

Display & Durability: Subtle But Real

The new release continues to offer a choice between aluminum and the more premium titanium cases, catering to various user preferences for weight and durability. Let me start with what might sound basic, but matters every single day: the display glass.

Apple has treated the Ion-X glass on aluminum models with a new ceramic coating that bonds at the atomic level through physical vapor deposition, making it twice as scratch-resistant as the Series 10. I know that sounds like marketing speak, but here’s why it’s genuinely significant. It’s not just tougher glass; it’s peace of mind. You stop babying your watch and actually use it.

If you opt for the titanium model, you’re getting sapphire crystal instead, the most scratch and crack-resistant material you can put on a watch display. But honestly? The Ion-X glass closes the durability gap considerably, and at a more accessible price point. The Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED remains, but Apple has pushed it to 2,000 nits brightness, made the display borders 24 percent thinner and improved the viewing angles.

Battery Life: Official Numbers Undersell It

Here’s where Apple deserves genuine credit for listening. The Series 11 now offers up to 24 hours of battery life, a full six hours more than previous generations. My experience, however, suggests Apple’s figures are rather conservative. The larger 46 mm model routinely delivered between 40 and 43 hours of use in testing. It allowed me to get through a full day, track a full night of sleep, and still have a buffer for the next morning. And for a quick top-up, the fast-charge capability gets you to 80% in about 30 minutes, or a brief 5-minute charge provides enough juice for a night’s sleep tracking.

There’s also Low Power Mode, which stretches the battery to an official 38 hours time, which again is a very much conservative claim from Apple. I’m being realistic here, you won’t use it daily unless you’re the type who obsesses over battery percentages. But it’s genuinely useful for specific scenarios: overnight travel, a weekend hiking trip, or when you’re running late and forgot to charge overnight. You lose some fitness features and continuous health monitoring, but the core functionality remains. Although I never needed it, knowing it’s there was reassuring.

Fast charging provides eight hours of battery life in just 15 minutes, so a quick top-up while you shower is all you need. Is it multi-day for a heavy user usage? No. But 24 hours is the sweet spot where the watch becomes genuinely convenient rather than another device demanding consistent attention. And the Low Power Mode is your safety net when life gets unpredictable.

5G: More Than a Spec Bump

I was skeptical about 5G on a watch. How much data are you really downloading on your wrist? Turns out, quite a bit; and the difference is noticeable. The Series 11 features an upgraded cellular antenna covering more bands, and can simultaneously engage both system antennas when needed, significantly increasing signal strength. Translation: music streams without stuttering, and podcast episodes are downloaded in seconds instead of minutes.

The real win is reliability. The dual-antenna system on the Series 11 maintains a connection in places. I travel frequently, and this means stronger, more stable coverage, validating the Watch’s role as an indispensable safety device and a reliable lifeline when I intentionally leave my iPhone behind.

Hypertension Monitoring: A Potential Life-Saver

The Apple Watch uses its optical heart sensor to quietly track how your blood vessels respond to each heartbeat, running an algorithm in the background over 30 days to look for signs of hypertension. I haven’t been wearing it long enough for that full 30-day cycle yet, so I haven’t seen any results. But once it’s had enough data, it’s supposed to alert you if it detects patterns that might point to chronic high blood pressure — basically telling you to double-check with a proper cuff and talk to your doctor.

watchOS 26: The Liquid Glass Era

The software deserves its own recognition. watchOS 26 introduces Liquid Glass, creating a vibrant, expressive experience across the Photos watch face, Smart Stack widgets, notifications, Control Center, and navigation. It’s a visual refresh that makes the watch feel premium and modern.

Two new standout features that I found the most attractive, useful and innovative:

Wrist Flick Gesture: My number one favorite new feature. I’ve come to love the new Wrist Flick gesture. It allows me to instantly dismiss notifications or silence alarms with a quick twist of the wrist. This isn’t a clumsy accelerometer trick; the Neural Engine uses machine learning to interpret “messy motion data” , so it knows the difference between an intentional flick and me just randomly moving my arm.

Smart Stack Hints: Think of them as little nudges from your watch. The right information or app suggestion pops up just when it might be useful. The Series 11 watches your routines, movement, location, and even sensor data, then predicts what you might need before you even ask for it.

The Ecosystem Advantage: Where Apple Watch Shines Brightest

It’s in day-to-day life that the Series 11 shines. Quick glances at the wrist replace phone-checking rituals. Notifications feel natural rather than disruptive, and built-in GPS means workouts don’t tether you to your iPhone. Cycling, walking, or even scootering, the Watch feels like a personal assistant that anticipates needs without demanding attention. 

Should You Buy/Upgrade?

If you own a Series 10: Probably skip it unless 5G and longer battery life address specific pain points for you. The improvements are meaningful but might seem incremental for you.

If you own a Series 6, 7, 8, or 9: This is a substantial upgrade. The display durability, battery life, 5G connectivity, and new health features justify the upgrade; especially if you’re bothered by battery anxiety or accumulated scratches.

If you’re new to Apple Watch: The Series 11 is the most refined, capable, and user-friendly version Apple has made. At 1,599 AED, (the titanium model starts at 2,799 AED) it’s a meaningful investment, that pays dividends daily if you’re already in the Apple ecosystem.

Pricing & Color Options

Aluminum – Available in Space Gray (New), Silver (New), Rose Gold and Jet Black

42 mm (GPS) – AED 1,599                                     46 mm (GPS) – AED 1,719
42 mm (GPS + Cellular) – AED 1,999                    46 mm (GPS + Cellular) – AED 2,119

Titanium – Available in Natural, Gold and Slate

42 mm (GPS + Cellular) – AED 2,799                    46 mm (GPS + Cellular) – AED 2,999