OnePlus Open Review: Is This the Best Foldable Smartphone?

OnePlus Open

OnePlus Open made its debut at MWC 2023, signaling the company's entry into the world of foldable smartphones. 

This long-anticipated device has been in the shadows of giants like Samsung, but OnePlus has taken a bold step to challenge the foldable market's status quo. 

As the market warms up to foldable devices, the OnePlus Open is poised to make a significant impact. In this review, we'll explore whether the OnePlus Open lives up to its promise and if it can stand tall against the competition.


OnePlus Open Specifications:

Specs OnePlus Open
Display 6.3-inch AMOLED cover screen
7.82-inch AMOLED inner screen
Camera 48MP, 64MP, 48MP
Waterproof Rating IPX4 (splash-resistant)
Hinge Durability Tested for 1 million folds
Operating System Android 13 with Oxygen OS 13.2
Charging 67W
Price Rs. 1,39,999
Available on  Amazon 


Design and Build:

OnePlus claims to have spared no effort in crafting the Open, and the result is immediately evident in its design and build quality. The OnePlus Open exudes confidence in the foldable form factor, a testament to the evolution of foldable technology.

Design and Build

Gone are the days when foldable devices needed to be handled with utmost care. The fragility that once defined these devices has given way to more robust, mature technology, thanks to the likes of Samsung and their continued investment in the segment.

The OnePlus Open arrives in an elegant package that includes the device itself, a protective bumper case that covers all sides, and an 80W SUPERVOOC charger along with a USB-A to C cable.


Displays:

The OnePlus Open features a 6.3-inch AMOLED LTPO 3.0 cover screen with a remarkable 120Hz refresh rate. This cover screen is not just a decorative add-on; it's a functional and practical feature that matches the brightness of the larger display. 

Boasting a peak brightness of 2800 nits and 1400 nits of high brightness, the cover screen is fortified with a 3-layer protection, featuring Ceramic Guard, which offers 20% more impact resistance than Gorilla Glass Victus.

OnePlus Open Display

What sets the OnePlus Open apart is its versatility. Unlike some foldable devices where the cover screen is often relegated to secondary tasks, the OnePlus Open's cover screen is genuinely useful. You'll find yourself using it more often, only resorting to the larger screen when you require additional screen real estate.

Inside the device, you're greeted with a vibrant 7.82-inch AMOLED LTPO 3.0 screen with the same 120Hz refresh rate. Notably, the crease, a common issue in foldable displays, is barely noticeable during regular use, ensuring an uninterrupted viewing experience.


Hardware:

OnePlus has paid meticulous attention to hardware details. The device feels premium from the moment you pick it up. What's surprising is how lightweight it feels despite its large form factor. 

The ergonomics are impeccable, and you can comfortably use the OnePlus Open with one hand, whether in the cover screen or fully open mode. It's evident that OnePlus has focused on a well-balanced weight distribution.

Hardware

The OnePlus Open is rated IPX4 for waterproofing, making it splash-resistant from all directions. Interestingly, it includes drainage holes on both sides of the hinge spindle, ensuring that any accidental spills won't harm the device.

OnePlus takes pride in its hinge's durability, subjecting it to a million folds, a testament to the device's longevity.

OnePlus has also managed to retain the iconic Alert Slider, proving that they're committed to providing a familiar and seamless user experience. Additionally, the inclusion of an IR blaster is a pleasant surprise, enhancing the OnePlus Open's utility.

The device boasts a triple spatial speaker setup, coupled with Dolby Atmos, delivering an exceptional audio experience.


Camera:

The OnePlus Open's camera system is nothing short of impressive. Leveraging Hasselblad camera technology, which is also present in OnePlus's Pro series, this foldable phone offers a versatile photography experience. 

The main camera, with a 48MP Sony LYT-T808 Pixel stacked sensor, sets a new standard for smartphone photography. The 64MP telephoto camera, equipped with an OmniVision sensor, delivers stunning optical and in-sensor zoom capabilities. 

The 48MP ultra-wide camera, using Sony's IMX581 sensor, provides a broad 114-degree field of view.

Camera

With these capabilities, the OnePlus Open captures exceptional shots, whether in well-lit or low-light conditions. It's evident that OnePlus has put thought into delivering a top-tier camera experience to its users.

The video capabilities of the OnePlus Open are equally impressive. The rear cameras can record 4K video at 60 fps and 4K in Dolby Vision at 30 fps. For selfies, there's a 32MP camera on the cover screen, and a 20MP camera on the inner screen, making it easy to capture video calls or selfies with ease.


Performance:

Under the hood, the OnePlus Open is a powerhouse. It runs smoothly without any hiccups, thanks to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, coupled with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. 

The device also offers 5G dual SIM support, an eSIM option, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Processor

In terms of heat management, the OnePlus Open impresses with its thermal design. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, based on the 4nm process, keeps the device cool even during resource-intensive tasks. 

OnePlus has developed a heat dissipation system tailored for foldables, targeting heat sources like the chipset, display, cameras, and modem. This technology helps maintain the device's temperature at a comfortable level.


Software:

The OnePlus Open runs on Android 13 with Oxygen OS 13.2. While Samsung's One UI has dominated the foldable space, OnePlus has introduced several features tailored for the foldable form factor. 

However, it could benefit from including a tutorial mode or guided tour for the multitasking features, as these might not be immediately apparent to first-time users.

Software

OnePlus's Oxygen OS allows multitasking on both the cover screen and the inner screen. You can run two apps simultaneously on the cover screen, while the inner screen accommodates up to three apps side by side, with the option to stack them horizontally. It's a significant boost to productivity.

It's worth noting that the OnePlus Open has been receiving regular software updates in the lead-up to its launch. OnePlus promises four years of major Android OS upgrades and five years of security upgrades, reinforcing its commitment to providing a top-notch user experience.


Battery Life:

The OnePlus Open is equipped with a 4805mAh dual-cell battery, and its charging capabilities are nothing short of remarkable. 

With 67W SUPERVOOC charging, the device reaches a full charge in approximately 42 minutes, making it one of the fastest charging foldable devices in the market. In comparison, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 5, with a 4400mAh battery, takes over 80 minutes to charge fully.

OnePlus and OPPO have long been leaders in fast-charging technology, and the OnePlus Open is no exception. With moderate usage, the device easily lasts a day, and it can handle resource-intensive tasks and 5G data without excessive battery drain.


OnePlus Open Pros and Cons:

Pros
Offers the best foldable experience in the market
Exceptional build quality and design
Smooth performance with no lag
Versatile camera setup
Voice Assistant
Superfast charging
Minimal bloatware
Cons
Oxygen OS could include more features
Lacks wireless charging
No IPX8 or IP68 rating


Verdict:

The OnePlus Open is a game-changer in the foldable smartphone market. OnePlus has demonstrated that they can challenge the giants and launch a full-blown foldable device that competes with the best. 

With a competitive price point, innovative features, and a commitment to the Indian market, OnePlus has made a significant impact with the OnePlus Open. As the fight for the best foldable smartphone continues, the OnePlus Open has firmly entered the ring.

The OnePlus Open is available for pre-order from various sources and will go on sale starting from October 27th. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the future of foldable smartphones.


FAQs:

Q: What is the price of the OnePlus Open foldable phone?
The OnePlus Open is priced at INR 1,39,999, with a bank discount bringing it down to INR 1,34,999.

Q: How fast does the OnePlus Open charge?
The OnePlus Open charges to 100% in just 42 minutes with its 67W SUPERVOOC charging.

Q: What kind of camera technology does the OnePlus Open have?
The OnePlus Open features Hasselblad camera technology for impressive photography.

Q: What's the display like on the OnePlus Open?
The OnePlus Open offers a 6.3-inch AMOLED LTPO 3.0 cover screen and a 7.82-inch AMOLED LTPO 3.0 inner screen, both with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Q: Is the OnePlus Open waterproof?
The OnePlus Open has an IPX4 rating, making it splash-resistant from all directions.

Q: How long does the OnePlus Open's hinge last?
The hinge on the OnePlus Open has been tested for 1 million folds, ensuring durability.

Q: What's the operating system on the OnePlus Open?
The OnePlus Open runs on Android 13 with Oxygen OS 13.2.

Q: Can the OnePlus Open multitask?
Yes, the OnePlus Open allows multitasking on both the cover screen and the inner screen, supporting up to three apps side by side.

Q: How long is OnePlus offering software updates for the OnePlus Open?
OnePlus promises four years of major Android OS upgrades and five years of security upgrades for the OnePlus Open.

Q: How does the OnePlus Open compare to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5?
The OnePlus Open is not only more affordable but also packed with innovative features, providing strong competition to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Q: What are the standout features of the OnePlus Open foldable phone?
The OnePlus Open impresses with a versatile camera setup, lightning-fast charging, and a robust build.

Q: How does the OnePlus Open's camera performance fare in low light?
The OnePlus Open excels in low-light conditions, delivering impressive results.

Q: What makes the OnePlus Open's hinge design stand out?
The OnePlus Open's hinge has been tested for a remarkable one million folds, ensuring long-term durability.

Q: Is the OnePlus Open priced competitively in the Indian market?
Yes, the OnePlus Open is priced significantly lower than its competitors, making it a strong contender in India.

Q: What are the cons of the OnePlus Open?
It lacks wireless charging and doesn't have an IPX8 or IP68 rating.

Q: Where can I purchase the OnePlus Open?
The OnePlus Open is available for pre-order on various platforms and will be on sale from October 27th.