OnePlus has been known for its no compromises philosophy, but with its first foldable phone, it seems like a few more compromises might have been necessary, particularly when it comes to the price. The OnePlus Open is priced at $1,700, which raises questions about whether it truly justifies such a high price point.
While the OnePlus Open has some appealing features, such as flat edges reminiscent of an iPhone, a thin profile for a foldable phone, and a nearly invisible crease in the inner screen, it faces stiff competition from devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold, which are just $100 more expensive and offer additional features like IP-rated water resistance and wireless charging.
This pricing and feature disparity might make it challenging for the OnePlus Open to stand out and compete effectively in the foldable phone market.
The OnePlus Open – A Well-Designed Device
The OnePlus Open boasts several hardware features that users can appreciate. It includes the signature alert slider and, notably, doesn’t have a remote control-like shape. Positioned between the Galaxy Z Flip 5’s portrait-first orientation and the Pixel Fold’s landscape-first design, the OnePlus Open offers a balanced format.
The phone’s external screen is 6.3 inches wide and has a 20:9 aspect ratio, which is larger than the Z Fold 5’s 6.2-inch, 23.1:9 cover screen. OnePlus labels it as a 2K resolution display with specific dimensions of 2484 x 1116. This LTPO panel offers a variable refresh rate ranging from 10 Hz to 120Hz. When unfolded, the OnePlus Open matches the Pixel Fold’s 5.8mm thickness, although the vegan leather black variant is slightly thicker by 0.1mm.
The camera module on the OnePlus Open is distinctive, featuring a raised circular design that occupies over a third of the back panel. It houses three camera lenses and includes a subtle Hasselblad H logo for added style. OnePlus emphasizes its design, aiming for light-catching properties like a CD. There’s a deliberate gap between the lenses and the cover glass, designed to evoke the face of a luxury watch. The camera module’s unique shape can also serve as a practical pop socket for one-handed usage.
The 7.82-inch internal display has a resolution of 2440 x 2268, which is sharp and clear. It features an LTPO panel with variable refresh rates from 120Hz down to 1Hz. OnePlus claims the screen can achieve a peak brightness of 2,800 nits in high brightness mode, making it exceptionally bright compared to most flagship phones that typically top out around 2,000 nits.
The OnePlus Open offers impressive display performance, with its high brightness mode allowing it to remain readable even in direct sunlight. It holds its high brightness longer than competitors like the Pixel 8 and iPhone 15 Pro, which tend to dim their displays after a few minutes to prevent overheating.
In terms of weight, the green OnePlus Open variant that was tested weighs 245g, while the black version is slightly lighter at 239g. Both versions are lighter than existing models, with the Z Fold 5 weighing 253g and the Pixel Fold at 283g. This lighter weight contributes to a more comfortable and familiar feel when holding the OnePlus Open in its closed position. Additionally, the wider format results in a more spacious cover screen compared to the Z Fold 5.
OnePlus has managed to minimize the crease effect, making it nearly imperceptible when the phone is fully unfolded. It’s less noticeable to the touch than on the Pixel Fold or Galaxy Z Fold 5, and it practically disappears unless you catch a specific reflection angle. Although many users don’t find the crease on competing devices bothersome, the OnePlus Open demonstrates that it’s possible to achieve a nearly creaseless foldable design, addressing a potential concern for some consumers.
OnePlus Open – Build Quality and Durability
The OnePlus Open features a build quality that feels less robust compared to the alternatives. Its hinge is slightly less stiff, requiring you to open it to around 45 degrees for it to stay open, and it snaps shut when opened less than that or flops fully open after exceeding approximately 135 degrees.
On the other hand, the Pixel Fold and Z Fold 5 have firmer hinges, holding the phone open at almost any angle between zero and 180 degrees. However, the OnePlus Open’s reduced flexibility didn’t pose any significant issues during use. OnePlus claims that the hinge has been tested to withstand one million folding cycles, significantly more than the 200,000 folds advertised by the Pixel Fold and Z Fold 5.
It’s essential to note that the Pixel and Galaxy foldables, despite being heavier and creasier, come with IPX8 ratings, meaning they can withstand full immersion in water. The OnePlus Open, in contrast, has an IPX4 rating, making it splash proof but not suitable for full water immersion. Additionally, long-term durability is a concern for any folding phone since the technology is still relatively new, and it’s challenging to predict how well they will hold up over time. Even Samsung and Google foldables with full water resistance have experienced issues. It’s unsettling to use a $1,700 device that could meet an untimely end if it encounters water.
For what it’s worth, I haven’t encountered significant problems during a week of using the phone. It can handle some rain, and there haven’t been any indications of dust causing display or hinge issues. OnePlus has implemented measures to reduce the risk, including drainage holes in the hinge and water-resistant treatments for internal components. A flimsy case is included in the box, but it may not offer substantial protection.
In terms of regular phone functions, the OnePlus Open performs well. It is equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 16GB of RAM for fast daily performance and handling processor-intensive tasks. The 8 Gen 2 chipset runs cooler than the Gen 1 models and manages battery life effectively.
I had no trouble getting through a full day of use with ample battery life to spare. Even with four hours of screen-on time and gaming, the battery only drained to 38% by the end of the day, and the always-on display was enabled throughout, without significant battery life penalties.
Fast Wired Charging, But No Wireless Charging in OnePlus Open
OnePlus remains committed to its reputation for fast wired charging, and the Open continues this trend by supporting 67W charging with the included cable and charging brick. While you can still enjoy fast charging by using different cables or bricks, you’ll need both the proprietary cable and brick to achieve the full 67W charging speed. This means you can achieve a full charge in well under an hour, offering the convenience of topping up your phone while you go about your morning routine.
However, the absence of wireless charging on the Open’s spec sheet is a notable drawback. In contrast, both the Z Fold 5 and Pixel Fold, as well as most other phones in 2023 priced above $700, offer wireless charging. While fast wired charging is appealing to some users, a smartphone in this price range should ideally include convenience features like wireless charging.
The OnePlus Open runs on OxygenOS 13.2, and the company has committed to providing four years of OS upgrades and five years of security updates for this device. This policy aligns with Samsung’s commitment to the Z Fold 5, signifying a positive shift in OnePlus’ support for its devices. OxygenOS 13.2 introduces several multitasking features designed to make the most of the expansive inner screen. Users can open two apps in a split view and add a third app that hovers partially visible on the side of the display for quick access. App pairs and trios can also be saved as home screen shortcuts. While not as flexible as Samsung’s four-app multitasking, it outperforms the split-screen option offered by the Pixel Fold. A taskbar displays recent apps and recent documents, and the device supports floating windows that can be positioned, resized, and minimized to a tab at the side of the screen for easy access.
App Split Screen and Camera Performance in OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open defaults to expanding apps to fill the whole screen when opened on the inner display. Unfortunately, opening a second app in a split-screen view doesn’t automatically resize the first app, leading to the first app being cut off partially, albeit it moves to make room for the new app. This behavior can be adjusted in settings, allowing users to dictate how each app should be displayed on the main screen. Options include 16:9, 4:3, or full screen, which can help ensure a more elegant multitasking experience.
Regarding the camera system, the OnePlus Open offers Hasselblad-branded hardware that includes a stabilized 48-megapixel main camera, a 64-megapixel 3x telephoto camera with optical image stabilization, and a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. OnePlus and Hasselblad claim that Hasselblad’s influence extends to the camera’s color science, and it produces vibrant and warm color tones that handle mixed lighting conditions effectively. It excels in capturing static scenes but struggles with moving subjects due to slow shutter speeds in moderate or dim lighting. Low-light shots of moving subjects are particularly challenging.
Portrait cutouts are generally convincing, with occasional errors. The 6x lossless crop zoom mode on the telephoto lens is suitable for non-moving subjects but may struggle with motion. Some artifacting issues have been reported in certain situations. The device features a standard 32-megapixel selfie camera on the front screen and a 20-megapixel camera on the inner display, mainly designed for video calls. The inner display camera is positioned at the corner, offering a preferable location over under-display cameras like the one on the Z Fold 5. However, users might occasionally lose track of its location, but it has an illuminated flashing ring when activated to help users locate it.
Video recording with the OnePlus Open’s main camera can capture footage at 4K 30 / 60p. However, users need to switch to 1080p resolution to access the more robust stabilization mode, which effectively smooths out jerky motion, especially while walking. The front-facing camera on the cover screen can record videos up to 4K resolution, but it exhibits a slight wobble when the camera is moved, indicating electronic image stabilization interference. This wobbling issue is not observed with the main camera. When recording selfie videos, users can achieve better results by unfolding the phone and using the rear camera with the image preview on the cover screen, which is considered one of the advantages of folding phones.
A Folding Phone for OnePlus Fans
The OnePlus Open offers a lot of positives but falls short of being a compelling choice, especially when forking out an extra $100 can get you superior water resistance, wireless charging, and, in the case of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, a more refined foldable software experience. The Open will likely satisfy OnePlus fans who’ve been eager for a folding phone, provided they’re willing to embrace OnePlus’ transition into its Oppo era.
What sets the Open apart is its unique form factor. It strikes a balance between the elongated Z Fold 5 and the wider Pixel Fold, resulting in a more practical design. The Open is lighter and feels more like a standard smartphone when closed. The device boasts strong performance, high-quality screens, and a commendable camera system. However, the $1,700 price point is a bit challenging, especially with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 available at $1,800.
OnePlus offers a $200 discount for trading in any old phone, which isn’t a limited-time promotion but a permanent offer. While this is a nice incentive, it raises the question of why not simply price the phone at $1,500 and forego the need for trade-ins. Furthermore, OnePlus’ competitors aren’t shy about offering promotional pricing. At the time of writing, Samsung is providing a $300 discount on the Galaxy Z Fold 5 with a trade-in, even if the device is damaged.
Pros and Cons of OnePlus Open
| No. | Pros | Cons |
| 1. | Slim and Lightweight: The OnePlus Open offers a foldable design that is remarkably thin and lightweight, enhancing portability and user comfort. | Limited Water Resistance: The device lacks full water resistance, potentially making it less durable in wet conditions. |
| 2. | Excellent Form Factor: When closed, the device resembles a regular smartphone, providing users with a familiar and convenient feel. | Absence of Wireless Charging: Wireless charging is not available on the OnePlus Open, which may be viewed as a drawback by some users. |
| 3. | Effective Multitasking: The OnePlus Open demonstrates strong support for multitasking, enabling users to efficiently manage multiple tasks. | High Price Point Considering Missing Features: The OnePlus Open’s pricing may be perceived as too high, especially in light of the absence of certain features like water resistance and wireless charging. |
The Verdict
The OnePlus Open has the potential to be a driving force in the smartphone market, urging giants like Samsung and Google to step up their game in terms of innovation. By presenting a foldable design that bridges the gap between the Galaxy and Pixel foldables, the OnePlus Open showcases a promising middle ground that has been received positively.
While the price difference between the Open and its competitors is relatively small, it still provides some price-conscious competition. More importantly, it places pressure on Samsung and Google to convince consumers that their premium devices are worth the extra investment. Currently, they offer compelling options, but OnePlus is paving the way for new possibilities and pushing the envelope in the smartphone industry.
