| **OUR VERDICT** |
|---|
| The OnePlus Open delivers a stellar foldable experience with stunning displays, versatile cameras, and flagship performance at a competitive price. While it lacks wireless charging and full water resistance, its sleek design, bright screens, and multitasking-friendly software make it a standout choice for foldable enthusiasts. Highly recommended for those seeking premium innovation without overspending. |
The OnePlus Open marks OnePlus’s bold entry into the foldable smartphone market, launched in 2023. This first-of-its-kind device from the brand aims to rival established players like Samsung and Google, bringing its signature blend of cutting-edge hardware and intuitive software. Designed for practicality, the OnePlus Open offers a near-seamless folding experience, making it a standout in a growing yet competitive segment.
What sets the OnePlus Open apart is its thoughtful balance between foldable innovation and traditional smartphone usability. Unlike many foldable devices that feel cumbersome or awkward when closed, the Open’s design is slim and natural, mimicking the feel of a regular phone. Paired with its competitive pricing, it appeals to users eager to explore foldable technology without sacrificing daily convenience or spending top dollar.
SPECIFICATIONS
The OnePlus Open boasts top-tier specifications, ensuring a premium experience whether folded or unfolded. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display (Unfolded) | 7.82-inch LTPO3 AMOLED, 2440 x 2268 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 2800 nits peak brightness |
| Display (Folded) | 6.31-inch LTPO3 AMOLED, 2484 x 1116 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, 2800 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Cameras | – Main: 48MP (f/1.7, OIS) |
| – Telephoto: 64MP (f/2.6, OIS, 3x optical zoom) | |
| – Ultra-wide: 48MP (f/2.2) | |
| Battery | 4805mAh |
| Charging | 67W wired charging, no wireless charging |
| Operating System | OxygenOS 13.2 based on Android 13 |
| Build | Ceramic Guard front (closed), glass or vegan leather back, aluminum frame, IPX4 water resistance |
| Dimensions (Folded) | 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7 mm |
| Dimensions (Unfolded) | 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8 mm |
| Weight | 239g (glass back), 245g (vegan leather back) |
These specifications ensure the OnePlus Open offers powerful performance, vibrant displays, and versatile functionality. It competes head-to-head with other premium foldables, delivering an impressive feature set for its price.
DESIGN & BUILD
The OnePlus Open exemplifies OnePlus’s focus on merging style with practicality. At first glance, its sleek and modern design reflects the brand’s premium aesthetic. Despite being a foldable phone, it feels light and comfortable to hold, a stark contrast to the bulkiness of some competitors.
Materials and Finish
The phone is available in two finishes: glass or vegan leather, both offering a luxurious feel. The glass back gives a polished, reflective appearance, while the vegan leather option adds a textured, grippy finish that feels soft to the touch. The frame is made of aluminum, ensuring durability without adding excessive weight. The front cover, protected by Ceramic Guard, adds an extra layer of toughness to prevent scratches during daily use.
Hinge Mechanism
One of the standout features is the hinge mechanism. Designed for durability and aesthetics, it allows the phone to fold completely flat, leaving no visible gap when closed. This enhances the phone’s overall sleekness and makes it easier to slip into pockets. The hinge is also sturdy enough to hold the device at various angles, making it perfect for hands-free activities like video calls or content viewing. This innovation also reduces the visibility of the crease on the inner screen, though it remains slightly noticeable on close inspection.
Build Quality and Durability
The OnePlus Open feels robust and well-built, but it falls short in water resistance. With an IPX4 rating, it is only splash-resistant, making it less durable in wet conditions compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, which offers full water resistance (IPX8). Still, the materials used and the attention to detail in its construction ensure it holds up well in everyday use.
In terms of dimensions, the OnePlus Open maintains a compact profile when folded, making it easy to handle and carry. When unfolded, its near-square aspect ratio provides a tablet-like experience, ideal for multitasking or media consumption. At 239g for the glass back and 245g for the vegan leather, it’s one of the lightest foldables in its class, adding to its practicality.
The OnePlus Open’s design and build successfully bridge the gap between innovation and usability, offering a premium foldable experience that is both stylish and functional.
DISPLAY
The OnePlus Open offers a premium display experience, excelling in both its inner and cover screens.
Inner Display
The 7.82-inch LTPO3 AMOLED inner display transforms the phone into a tablet-like device when unfolded. With a resolution of 2440 x 2268, it delivers sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast ratios. The 120Hz adaptive refresh rate ensures ultra-smooth scrolling and animations, dynamically adjusting to optimize power consumption when the high refresh rate isn’t needed.
- Brightness: The display boasts an impressive peak brightness of 2800 nits, making it easy to use outdoors, even under direct sunlight. HDR content looks stunning, with deep blacks and vivid highlights.
- Crease Visibility: The crease on the inner screen is minimal, a notable improvement compared to other foldable devices. While it can still be seen and felt on close inspection, it’s far less intrusive during regular use.
- Aspect Ratio: The square-ish aspect ratio provides ample space for multitasking, offering an immersive experience for gaming, video playback, and productivity apps.
Cover Display
The 6.31-inch LTPO3 AMOLED cover display is designed to function like a regular smartphone screen. With a resolution of 2484 x 1116, it delivers crisp text, sharp images, and the same vibrant color reproduction as the inner display. Like the inner display, it supports 120Hz refresh rates and achieves 2800 nits peak brightness, ensuring a seamless and bright experience.
- Usability: The cover display is perfect for one-handed use, messaging, and quick tasks. Its slightly narrower profile makes it easier to handle compared to other foldables.
- Durability: Both displays are protected by Ceramic Guard for scratch resistance, ensuring long-term durability.
Overall, the OnePlus Open’s displays set a new benchmark for foldable devices, offering unparalleled brightness, responsiveness, and versatility.
PERFORMANCE
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the OnePlus Open delivers flagship-level performance across all scenarios.
Processor and RAM
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is one of the most powerful processors available, offering blazing-fast performance for everything from app launches to intensive gaming. Paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, the device handles multitasking with ease, allowing users to switch between multiple apps without any lag or stutter.
- AI Processing: The chipset’s advanced AI capabilities enhance photography, gaming, and app optimizations, making the device smarter and more efficient.
- Gaming: High-performance games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile run at max settings with consistent frame rates. The device also remains cool during extended gaming sessions, thanks to its efficient cooling system.
- Storage: With 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, the OnePlus Open offers ultra-fast read/write speeds, ensuring apps load quickly and large files transfer seamlessly.
Software Optimization
The device runs OxygenOS 13.2, based on Android 13. Initially, there were minor glitches at launch, such as stuttering animations and inconsistent multitasking. However, OnePlus has addressed these issues through timely updates, making the software experience smooth and reliable.
Connectivity and Battery Efficiency
- 5G: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 provides robust 5G connectivity, ensuring fast download speeds and stable network performance.
- Battery Optimization: The chipset works in tandem with the 4805mAh battery to optimize power usage, extending screen-on time even with demanding tasks.
Overall, the OnePlus Open excels in performance, rivaling the best flagship smartphones available in 2023.
CAMERA CAPABILITIES
The OnePlus Open features a versatile triple-camera system that delivers high-quality images and videos across various scenarios, making it one of the strongest camera setups for a foldable device.
Main Camera: 48MP (f/1.7, OIS)
The 48MP primary camera captures stunningly detailed photos with excellent dynamic range and vibrant colors.
- Daylight Performance: Images are sharp, with natural colors and well-preserved highlights and shadows. The fast shutter speed ensures moving subjects are captured crisply.
- Low-Light Performance: The camera performs well in low light, thanks to its optical image stabilization (OIS) and large sensor size. Night mode enhances details and reduces noise, though it doesn’t outperform flagships like the Pixel Fold in extreme low-light scenarios.
Telephoto Camera: 64MP (f/2.6, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom)
The 64MP telephoto lens is a standout, offering impressive zoom capabilities with minimal quality loss.
- 3x Optical Zoom: Photos at 3x zoom are sharp and detailed, making this camera ideal for portraits and distant subjects.
- Digital Zoom: The camera supports up to 6x hybrid zoom, maintaining decent quality. Beyond 6x, images lose sharpness but are still usable in good lighting.
- Low-Light Zoom: Performance drops in low-light conditions, with some noise and reduced detail, though it’s still acceptable for casual use.
Ultra-Wide Camera: 48MP (f/2.2)
The ultra-wide camera is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots.
- Daylight Performance: Photos are bright and clear, with minimal distortion at the edges. Colors are consistent with the main camera, ensuring a cohesive photography experience.
- Low-Light Performance: The ultra-wide struggles slightly in dim lighting, with noticeable noise and a drop in sharpness. However, night mode significantly improves results.
Front Cameras
The cover and inner displays each house a front-facing camera, offering decent performance for selfies and video calls.
- Daylight Performance: Selfies are sharp with good color reproduction, making them ideal for social media.
- Low-Light Performance: Both cameras struggle slightly in dim lighting, producing images with reduced detail and some noise.
- Portrait Mode: The lack of advanced portrait features means background separation isn’t as accurate as flagship competitors.
Video Recording
The OnePlus Open excels in video recording, supporting up to 4K at 60fps across all cameras. Footage is stable and smooth, thanks to OIS and EIS (electronic image stabilization). The ultra-wide camera offers a unique perspective for dynamic shots, while the main camera handles low-light video impressively.
The OnePlus Open’s cameras are highly capable, delivering strong performance across different lighting conditions and scenarios. While the low-light performance could use slight improvements, the versatility and quality of the camera system make it a competitive choice among foldable smartphones.
BATTERY LIFE & CHARGING
The OnePlus Open is equipped with a 4805mAh dual-cell battery, ensuring reliable power for daily use. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its battery performance and charging capabilities:
Battery Performance
- Daily Usage: The battery comfortably lasts a full day for most users, including tasks like browsing, streaming, gaming, and multitasking. On moderate usage, you can expect around 6-7 hours of screen-on time, making it a dependable choice for power users.
- Power Efficiency: The combination of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and LTPO AMOLED displays ensures optimized power consumption, especially with adaptive refresh rates.
- Standby Time: The phone exhibits excellent standby performance, losing minimal battery overnight or when not in use.
Charging Capabilities
- 67W Wired Fast Charging: The OnePlus Open supports 67W SuperVOOC charging, allowing the battery to charge:
- 0 to 50% in about 20 minutes
- 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes
- Full charge in approximately 45 minutes
This rapid charging feature is perfect for users who need quick top-ups throughout the day.
- Lack of Wireless Charging: One notable downside is the absence of wireless charging, a feature commonly found in foldable competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 5. For some users, this might be a missed convenience.
Overall, the OnePlus Open delivers reliable all-day battery performance with industry-leading wired charging speeds. However, the lack of wireless charging is a noticeable drawback in an otherwise excellent package.
SOFTWARE
The OnePlus Open runs on OxygenOS 13.2, based on Android 13, tailored specifically for the foldable form factor. The software experience is smooth, intuitive, and packed with features that enhance usability.
Foldable-Specific Optimizations
- Open Canvas Multitasking: A standout feature of the software, Open Canvas allows you to run multiple apps simultaneously on the large inner display. You can open apps side by side or in floating windows, making multitasking seamless.
- App Continuity: Apps switch seamlessly between the cover and inner displays, ensuring a consistent experience whether the phone is folded or unfolded.
- Customizable Split Screen: Users can adjust split-screen layouts to their preferences, perfect for productivity tasks or comparing content.
- Taskbar: A dock-style taskbar on the inner display provides quick access to frequently used apps, enhancing efficiency.
General User Experience
- Clean Interface: OxygenOS retains its minimalist design, making navigation straightforward and responsive.
- Performance: The software feels fluid, thanks to the combination of optimized animations and the powerful hardware.
- Bug Fixes: While minor issues were reported at launch, OnePlus addressed them quickly through software updates, improving overall stability.
Features and Updates
- Customization Options: OxygenOS offers a variety of themes, wallpapers, and icon packs, allowing users to personalize their device extensively.
- Security Features: The phone includes features like Secure Folder, enhanced biometric authentication, and regular security updates.
- Long-Term Updates: OnePlus has committed to 4 years of Android updates and 5 years of security patches, ensuring the device remains relevant for years.
The software on the OnePlus Open successfully combines foldable-specific functionality with a clean, user-friendly interface, making it one of the most polished implementations in the foldable category.
PRICE & VALUE
The OnePlus Open is priced at $1,699, positioning it as a more affordable alternative to competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 ($1,799) and Google Pixel Fold ($1,799). Here’s a breakdown of its value proposition:
Competitive Pricing
- Feature Set: Despite being a first-generation foldable from OnePlus, the Open offers flagship-level features, including premium build quality, a versatile camera system, and industry-leading displays.
- Savings: At $100 less than its closest rivals, the OnePlus Open delivers significant savings without compromising on performance or functionality.
Trade-In Programs
- OnePlus offers aggressive trade-in programs, allowing users to exchange older devices for a discount. This makes upgrading to the Open even more accessible for existing OnePlus users or those with eligible smartphones.
Long-Term Value
- Durability: With a sturdy hinge mechanism and durable materials, the OnePlus Open is built to last. Its 4-year software update policy ensures longevity, making it a future-proof investment.
- Competitor Comparison:
- The Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers better water resistance (IPX8) and wireless charging but is more expensive.
- The Google Pixel Fold boasts better low-light photography but lacks the brightness and multitasking efficiency of the OnePlus Open’s displays.
The OnePlus Open delivers excellent value for its price, offering top-tier hardware and software in a foldable form factor. For users seeking a high-quality foldable without the premium price tag of competitors, the OnePlus Open is a compelling choice.
PROS & CONS
Pros:
- Excellent build quality with minimal crease
- Bright, smooth displays
- Robust performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Versatile cameras
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Only splash-resistant (IPX4)
- Early software glitches (now mostly fixed)
COMPARISON WITH COMPETITORS
The OnePlus Open enters a competitive foldable market dominated by established players like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold. Here’s a detailed comparison across all key specifications and features:
| Feature | OnePlus Open | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 | Google Pixel Fold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,699 | $1,799 | $1,799 |
| Display Quality | Excellent, minimal crease | Good, visible crease | Good, more noticeable crease |
| Inner Display | 7.82″ LTPO3 AMOLED, 2440 x 2268, 120Hz, 2800 nits | 7.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2176 x 1812, 120Hz, 1750 nits | 7.6″ OLED, 2208 x 1840, 120Hz, 1450 nits |
| Cover Display | 6.31″ LTPO3 AMOLED, 2484 x 1116, 120Hz, 2800 nits | 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2316 x 904, 120Hz, 1750 nits | 5.8″ OLED, 2092 x 1080, 120Hz, 1550 nits |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Google Tensor G2 |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 12GB LPDDR5X | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 | 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 | 256GB/512GB UFS 3.1 |
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.7, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS | 48MP, f/1.7, OIS |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.6, OIS, 3x optical zoom | 10MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x optical zoom | 10.8MP, f/3.1, 5x optical zoom |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | 10.8MP, f/2.2 |
| Selfie Camera (Cover) | 32MP, f/2.4 | 10MP, f/2.2 | 9.5MP, f/2.2 |
| Battery | 4805mAh | 4400mAh | 4821mAh |
| Charging | 67W wired, no wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless | 30W wired, no wireless |
| Software | OxygenOS 13.2, clean UI | One UI 5.1, feature-rich | Pixel UI, AI-powered features |
| Build Quality | Sleek, lightweight; IPX4 splash resistance | Heavier but durable; IPX8 water resistance | Compact but less refined hinge; IPX4 splash resistance |
| Weight | 239g (Glass), 245g (Leather) | 253g | 283g |
| Hinge Design | Minimal gap, smooth folding mechanism | Slight gap, durable | Slight gap, decent folding mechanism |
Key Takeaways
- Display: The OnePlus Open’s inner and cover displays are the brightest in this comparison, with a peak brightness of 2800 nits, making it a standout for outdoor visibility and HDR content. The crease on the OnePlus Open is also less noticeable.
- Camera System: The OnePlus Open offers versatile cameras, with a higher-resolution telephoto (64MP) and ultra-wide (48MP) cameras compared to its rivals. However, the Pixel Fold excels in low-light photography due to Google’s AI optimization.
- Performance: Both the OnePlus Open and Galaxy Z Fold 5 feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, providing flagship-level performance. The Pixel Fold’s Tensor G2 is less powerful but focuses on AI capabilities.
- Battery and Charging: The OnePlus Open has the fastest wired charging at 67W, but it lacks wireless charging, unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
- Software: Each device excels in its software approach:
- OnePlus Open: Clean, optimized for foldables, with multitasking enhancements.
- Galaxy Z Fold 5: Rich in features but can feel cluttered.
- Pixel Fold: Simplistic, with excellent AI features but limited multitasking functionality.
- Build: The OnePlus Open is the lightest and sleekest in its category but only offers IPX4 splash resistance, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5 boasts IPX8 water resistance.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The OnePlus Open marks a bold and impressive entry into the foldable market. From its sleek, lightweight design to its brilliant displays and versatile camera system, it offers a compelling package that rivals more established competitors. While it lacks wireless charging and full water resistance, these are trade-offs that allow for a more affordable price point.
Strengths
- Design and Build: A lightweight, premium design with a near-gapless hinge makes the device practical and appealing.
- Display: The best-in-class brightness and minimal crease elevate the foldable experience.
- Camera Versatility: A strong triple-camera setup delivers excellent results across most scenarios, outperforming others in versatility.
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and 16GB RAM ensure smooth multitasking and gaming performance.
- Price: At $1,699, the OnePlus Open is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for value-conscious buyers.
Weaknesses
- Wireless Charging: The lack of wireless charging may be a deal-breaker for some users.
- Water Resistance: While it has IPX4 splash resistance, it lacks the durability of IPX8-rated competitors.
- Minor Software Gaps: Though OxygenOS is optimized for foldables, some users may miss the richer feature set of One UI.
Who Should Buy It?
The OnePlus Open is ideal for users seeking:
- A foldable phone with high-quality displays.
- Versatile cameras for diverse photography needs.
- A sleek, lightweight design at a competitive price.
Final Verdict
The OnePlus Open redefines foldable expectations by combining premium features with affordability. It’s a worthy contender in a market dominated by Samsung and Google, offering a fresh perspective for users wanting to embrace foldable technology. While not without its flaws, it’s an exceptional device that deserves attention.
Highly Recommended – A strong competitor that strikes the perfect balance between innovation and value.
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