OnePlus Open: A Bold Challenger to Samsung’s Foldable Throne?
The world of foldable smartphones is heating up, and while Samsung has reigned supreme for years, a new contender has emerged in the form of the OnePlus Open. This device marks OnePlus’ first foray into the ultra-premium, foldable market, and it’s clear they’re aiming high. With a design that emphasizes thinness and lightness, powerful hardware, and a camera system that promises stellar image quality, the OnePlus Open is looking to challenge Samsung’s dominance. But will it be enough to steal the show?
A Design That Exudes Premium
From the moment you lay eyes on the OnePlus Open, you’re struck by its premium design. The Voyager Black model, with its faux-leather textured back and slate-grey matte finished frame, evokes a distinct retro aesthetic that’s reminiscent of high-end compact cameras. The large, almost cookie-sized camera bump, which extends the phone’s thickness when unfolded, further underscores OnePlus’ focus on photography.
While the leather back adds a touch of nostalgia, the overall design remains modern and minimalist. The bezels surrounding both the outer and inner displays are incredibly thin, and both displays boast embedded hole-punch selfie cameras that are visible rather than hidden, unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Thin, Light, and Uncompromising on Performance
The OnePlus Open is truly a featherweight champion in the foldable arena. At just 11.9mm thick when folded (excluding the camera bump) and 5.9mm thin when unfolded, it’s astounding how slim OnePlus has managed to make this full-size foldable. It’s also remarkably light at just 239g, putting it in a different league compared to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5, which weighs a hefty 253g.
Under the hood, the Open packs serious power with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC found in Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, OnePlus has paired it with a whopping 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM (with up to 12GB of RAM expansion) and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring a seamless and lightning-fast experience.
Unparalleled Camera Capabilities
The OnePlus Open doesn’t shy away from its camera-centric ambition. The primary camera, utilizing a Sony LYT-T808 sensor with 48-megapixel resolution and OIS, promises exceptional light gathering capabilities thanks to its dual-layer transistor pixel technology. This advanced sensor enables OnePlus to achieve a slim design while maintaining impressive performance.
Equally compelling is the second camera, boasting an OmniVision IV64B sensor with 3X optical zoom and OIS. OnePlus claims up to 6x lossless zoom and a maximum range of up to 120x. The ultra-wide camera utilizes a Sony IMX581 sensor with 48-megapixel resolution and a 114-degree field of view. It also features autofocus, providing solid macro capabilities. Rounding out the camera setup are two fixed-focus selfie cameras, offering 20-megapixel and 32-megapixel resolutions, respectively.
A Battery That Keeps Up With Its Power
The OnePlus Open is fueled by a 4,805mAh dual-cell battery that supports 67W wired charging. The lack of wireless charging, while a potential drawback for some, likely contributes to the phone’s impressive slimness.
Software That’s Familiar Yet Innovative
Running OxygenOS 13.2, albeit a bit surprising considering the close proximity of Android 14’s release, the OnePlus Open offers a familiar and intuitive user experience. However, OnePlus has included a handful of clever features, like a Recents Folder in the taskbar that allows for seamless copying and pasting between apps, enhancing multitasking efficiency. Another intriguing feature, Open Canvas, enables you to run multiple apps simultaneously, further maximizing the foldable’s expansive screen real estate.
Some Compromises for Slimness
While the OnePlus Open boasts many impressive features, it does make a few concessions to achieve its slender design. Wireless charging is absent, which may be a dealbreaker for some. Also, stylus support is missing, potentially limiting the device’s appeal for those who rely on such input methods. Furthermore, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 on the horizon, the Open’s processor, while powerful, could be considered outdated in the near future.
A New Era for OnePlus in India
The OnePlus Open marks a significant shift for the brand in both India and the global market. It represents the company’s first venture into the ultra-premium segment, and its successful entry in this competitive field will be highly scrutinized. The missing features, like wireless charging and stylus support, might be a source of debate for potential buyers. Ultimately, the success of the Open will hinge on its overall performance, camera quality, and user experience.
With its standout design, powerful hardware, and innovative software, the OnePlus Open certainly has the potential to be a worthy challenger to Samsung’s foldable dominance. It remains to be seen whether it can truly dethrone the reigning champion or simply add another compelling option to the rapidly expanding foldable landscape.
