The world of foldable smartphones has been heating up in recent years, with major players like Samsung, Google, and Motorola all releasing their own versions of these innovative devices. Now, OnePlus, a company known for its flagship-level smartphones at more competitive prices, is throwing its hat into the ring with the OnePlus Open. With a starting price of $1,700, the OnePlus Open is positioned to compete with Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold5 and Google's Pixel Fold, both of which carry similar price tags.
But what sets the OnePlus Open apart from the competition? We had the opportunity to get our hands on this device at a recent press event, and we're here to share our first impressions.
A Sleek and Durable Design
One of the first things you'll notice about the OnePlus Open is its sleek and modern design. The device features a premium metal frame with a glass front and back. The hinge mechanism is also impressive, feeling very smooth and robust. When folded, the OnePlus Open feels surprisingly thin and compact, making it easy to carry around in your pocket.
However, its durability remains a question mark. While OnePlus claims the hinge has been rigorously tested and can withstand thousands of folds, we'll have to wait and see how it holds up in real-world use over time.
The Immersive Inner Display
The OnePlus Open's main attraction is undoubtedly its 7.8-inch inner display. It boasts a high refresh rate of 120Hz, providing a smooth and responsive experience for browsing, gaming, and watching videos. The display is also incredibly bright and colorful, making it ideal for enjoying multimedia content.
The panel used is an LTPO AMOLED, with a resolution of 2268x2484. It's a significant upgrade over the 90Hz display on the OnePlus 11, and it offers a much smoother experience.
Multitasking Powerhouse
The OnePlus Open shines when it comes to multitasking. The large inner display allows you to run multiple apps side by side, making it ideal for productivity tasks. You can also easily switch between different windows using gestures.
The device leverages Android's multitasking features to great effect, allowing users to seamlessly transition between apps. It's a significant improvement over the traditional smartphone experience, offering a level of productivity that's simply not possible on a single-screen device.
A Refined Software Experience
OnePlus has always been known for its clean and efficient software experience, and the OnePlus Open is no exception. The device runs OxygenOS, which is based on Android.
OnePlus has added several features specifically designed for the foldable form factor, such as a split-screen mode and a dedicated foldable app drawer. These features make navigating the large inner display a breeze.
A Powerful Processor
Under the hood, the OnePlus Open packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is currently the most powerful mobile processor available. This chip ensures smooth performance and a seamless user experience.
The OnePlus Open also comes equipped with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, guaranteeing you have ample space for your apps, games, and files.
A Solid Camera Setup
The OnePlus Open features a triple camera system on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 32MP telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom. This versatile camera setup can capture stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
The OnePlus Open also boasts a 32MP selfie camera on the front, perfect for video calls and capturing high-quality selfies.
Battery Life and Fast Charging
The OnePlus Open boasts a large 4800mAh battery, providing plenty of power for a full day's use. It also supports OnePlus' proprietary 100W SuperVOOC fast charging, which can charge the battery from zero to 100% in just 30 minutes.
The Price Tag
As mentioned earlier, the OnePlus Open starts at $1,700. That's a significant price tag, putting it in direct competition with the Galaxy Z Fold5 and the Pixel Fold.
While the OnePlus Open offers a lot for its price, including a powerful processor, a beautiful display, and fast charging, it's still a tough pill to swallow for many consumers. For some, the price might be a major deterrent, especially considering the still-nascent nature of the foldable phone market.
Is the OnePlus Open Worth it?
Ultimately, whether or not the OnePlus Open is worth it for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a powerful and feature-rich foldable smartphone with a sleek design, the OnePlus Open is a compelling option. However, if you're on a budget, you might want to consider other options.
Our Verdict
The OnePlus Open is a promising entry in the foldable smartphone market. It offers a premium design, a stunning display, and a powerful performance. However, the high price tag might be a barrier for some consumers. Ultimately, whether or not the OnePlus Open is the right device for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the OnePlus Open:
1. What are the main differences between the OnePlus Open and the Galaxy Z Fold5?
Both the OnePlus Open and the Galaxy Z Fold5 are premium foldable smartphones with impressive specifications. However, there are some key differences. The OnePlus Open boasts a larger inner display and a more powerful processor, while the Galaxy Z Fold5 offers a more refined software experience and a water-resistant design.
2. What is the battery life like on the OnePlus Open?
The OnePlus Open boasts a large 4800mAh battery, which should provide plenty of power for a full day's use. It also supports OnePlus' proprietary 100W SuperVOOC fast charging, which can charge the battery from zero to 100% in just 30 minutes.
3. What is the camera performance like on the OnePlus Open?
The OnePlus Open features a triple camera system on the rear, including a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide sensor, and a 32MP telephoto sensor with 2x optical zoom. This versatile camera setup can capture stunning photos and videos in various lighting conditions.
4. Is the OnePlus Open durable?
OnePlus claims that the OnePlus Open's hinge has been rigorously tested and can withstand thousands of folds. However, we'll have to wait and see how it holds up in real-world use over time.
5. Can you use the OnePlus Open one-handed?
The OnePlus Open is a foldable smartphone, so it is not designed to be used one-handed. When folded, it is slightly thicker than a traditional smartphone, but it can still fit in your pocket. However, when unfolded, it's quite large and requires two hands to use.
Conclusion
The OnePlus Open is a significant step forward for the company, offering a premium foldable smartphone experience with impressive features and a powerful processor. It's a device that's sure to turn heads, but the high price tag might be a hurdle for some. Ultimately, whether or not the OnePlus Open is the right device for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.