OPPO Find X9 Ultra has a plastic chassis, is it a problem for a nearly €1,700 smartphone?

OPPO Find X9 Ultra quickly established itself as one of the most interesting devices of 2026, finally hitting global shelves after years in which the manufacturer’s more advanced versions were exclusive to the Chinese market.

The major outlets, ourselves included, have already defined it as one of the best camera phones ever, praising in particular its extraordinary zoom capabilities.

However, the enthusiasm collided with a recently revealed detail that is fueling debate among the most demanding consumers: the choice of outer materials.

Given a list price that nears €1,700 in the European market, customers rightly expect flawless construction and top-tier components, but a deep dive into the build revealed an unexpected feature.

OPPO Find X9 Ultra is plastic? JerryRigEverything disassembles it

The well-known YouTube channel JerryRigEverything, famous for its stringent durability tests, has recently disassembled and tested the device piece by piece.

During this procedure it emerged that the vibrant Canyon Orange color finish features an entirely plastic rear cover.

This discovery has sparked an interesting debate about value perception. On one hand, plastic offers undeniable advantages from a practical and everyday-use standpoint: unlike glass, it does not shatter after accidental drops and is significantly lighter, improving the overall ergonomics of a device that houses bulky internal components.

On the other hand, spending such high figures creates the expectation of having finishes in glass, ceramic, or titanium, materials capable of transmitting a tactile feel that is instantly perceived as luxurious.

Alternatives and robustness

For those seeking a different sensory experience without sacrificing performance, the manufacturer thankfully offers the variant Tundra Umber. This option replaces the plain plastic panel with a design that integrates metal and faux leather.

Although the latter is technically a plastic derivative, the surface finish yields a clearly more refined and softer feel than traditional polycarbonate.

Beyond the nature of the rear panel, the smartphone has demonstrated admirable build solidity. The bend test was passed with extreme ease, confirming the structural rigidity of the metal chassis.

The display also performs to the industry’s highest standards, showing surface scratches at Mohs level 6 and deeper grooves at level 7, delivering exactly the protection expected for this price range.

A Concentration of Engineering

The issue with the chassis should not, however, obscure the impressive technical equipment hidden beneath it.

Data processing is entrusted to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, supported by a colossal 7,050 mAh battery capable of delivering extraordinary autonomy.

The real strength lies, however, in the imaging hardware, which stands out for uncompromising specs. The main sensor is an excellent Sony LYT-901 at 200 MP, paired with a telephoto lens with 3x zoom also at 200 MP, based on a sensor with generous dimensions of 1/1.28″.

Completing the rich kit is a 50 MP ultra-wide camera and a 50 MP periscope lens capable of reaching up to a 10x zoom.

Looking at the package as a whole, the use of plastic appears to be a calculated engineering choice, necessary to balance the weight of a photographic setup and a battery that fear no comparison.