For years, we’ve eagerly anticipated Samsung to drive innovation in the realm of foldable phones. However, the game has now shifted. OnePlus, with its unique approach, is poised to challenge the boundaries of innovation set by Samsung, Google, and other competitors.
The world of foldable Android phones was in need of a fresh perspective, a new tune, and an additional choice for consumers. OnePlus has now entered the foldable phone arena (it’s worth noting that their design is a book-style foldable, not a flip-fold), offering the most significant competition yet for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold phones. This is a remarkable achievement, especially considering that OnePlus is stepping into the world of foldables with its first-generation device, while Samsung has already fine-tuned five generations of refinement. OnePlus has managed to achieve slightly larger screens within a smaller footprint and with less weight, which is quite commendable.
Naturally, comparisons between the OnePlus Open and Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 are inevitable. OnePlus is taking the initial counteroffensive in this battle, starting with pricing. The OnePlus Open is priced at ₹1,39,999 for the 16GB RAM and 512GB storage variant, the only one available in India at the moment. In contrast, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 starts at ₹1,54,999, and there is no 16GB RAM option. To acquire the equivalent 512GB storage, you’d have to pay ₹1,64,999. It’s likely that Samsung will need to reconsider its pricing strategy in response.
OnePlus has left no stone unturned when it comes to the device’s specifications, which play a pivotal role in shaping the user experience. The device features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 chip with 16GB of RAM, two displays labeled as ‘ProXDR,’ and surprisingly capable cameras. Nevertheless, there are a couple of notable omissions, such as the absence of wireless charging and limited water resistance compared to Samsung’s IPX8 certification. The lack of wireless charging may not be a significant drawback, considering the device’s 67-watt wired charging, which is exceptionally fast.
Attention has been given to the use of proprietary materials, including cobalt molybdenum alloy, metal alloy, and titanium alloy. Moreover, both screens are protected by layers of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus. This sophisticated design is built on a foundation that combines experimentation with practicality, focusing on simplifying moving parts like the hinge for improved longevity. OnePlus has also revived the beloved alert slider.
One potential concern is dust resistance, particularly around the fold hinges. However, the OnePlus Open appears to have mitigated this issue effectively. The Flexion hinge employs a different design with fewer moving parts, contributing to long-term resilience and structural advantages.
As OnePlus dives into the world of open-book foldables, they exhibit a firm grasp of design and ergonomics. The OnePlus Open is not only shorter than the Galaxy Z Fold 5 but also feels thinner, whether folded or unfolded. These millimeters that have been shaved off, combined with significantly reduced weight (239 grams compared to 253 grams), provide a clear ergonomic advantage. The OnePlus Open, when unfolded, is merely 11.7mm thick, in contrast to the 13.4mm found in its major competitor.
The hinge mechanism requires some attention, as it locks at around 54 degrees when unfolded but snaps shut with any lesser degree. This feature offers protection against unintended folding when stored in a bag or pocket. However, folding the OnePlus Open requires a bit more effort and attentiveness. Leveraging the screen’s sides for folding is not an option as it’s detected as a long press by the Android system.
One aspect of the design that may not be well-received is the substantial camera module. While the camera system has its advantages, the module’s placement can be problematic. It often comes into contact with your fingers while holding the phone, leading to more smudges. Additionally, the phone becomes unbalanced when placed on a table in the unfolded state.
Both screens on the OnePlus Open are AMOLED, with adaptive refresh rates to reduce power consumption. The cover screen, in particular, offers significantly more real estate, making it much more usable than the vertical approach adopted by Samsung. Even when folded, the OnePlus Open feels comfortable to use and offers enough space to interact with most apps, similar to traditional Android phones. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with 16GB of RAM ensures smooth performance and ample storage space with 512GB. OnePlus has integrated smart software features into Oxygen OS to optimize the usage of the foldable screen, bridging the gap left by Android’s limited capabilities in this area.
One such feature is Open Canvas, which enhances app compatibility with the larger screen. Triple Splits is another useful feature that allows three apps to share the screen space. These features improve multitasking but may require some time to adapt and learn their nuances. The OnePlus Open’s camera system is notable, with pixel-stacked technology enhancing image quality and Hasselblad’s contribution in fine-tuning image processing algorithms. In good lighting conditions, the OnePlus Open captures detailed and visually appealing photos, competing with flagship smartphones like the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. However, there are situations where manual adjustments may be necessary, and capturing moving subjects remains a challenge.
Keep in mind that the OnePlus Open is a first-generation foldable, and it offers more power, refinement, and potential longevity than you might expect. Its competitive pricing compared to Samsung’s offering strengthens the case for choosing the OnePlus Open. While it does have some limitations, such as the absence of wireless charging and limited water resistance, the overall package makes it a compelling foldable Android phone.
To sum it up, the OnePlus Open competes well against the Galaxy Z Fold 5, and its first-generation status doesn’t deter its appeal. OnePlus has delivered a well-polished, likable foldable Android phone, and the camera system, in particular, stands out. As OnePlus ventures into the foldable market, it has the potential to drive innovation, challenging the established players like Samsung and Google to push the boundaries of foldable technology.
