The OnePlus Open, OnePlus' first foldable smartphone, has expanded its Android 14 update rollout to the US, bringing firmware version CPH2551_14.0.0.501(EX01) and February 2024 Android security patch with a 2.54GB download requirement. The device features a 7.82" AMOLED folding display and a 6.31" cover screen, both with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The first image of Google's alleged next-generation foldable smartphone, the Pixel Fold 2, has leaked online, revealing a design reminiscent of the OnePlus Open with a narrower and taller body, an overhauled cover display, and four rear-facing cameras. The device is rumored to feature a Tensor G4 chipset, 16 GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and at least 256 GB of UFS 4.0 flash storage, and may be released in fall 2024 alongside other Google devices.
According to a poll conducted by 9to5Google, the top smartphones of 2023, as voted by readers, were the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8, followed by the Galaxy S23 Ultra and the foldable OnePlus Open. Other notable mentions included the Google Pixel 7a, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Nothing Phone (2), and OnePlus 11. The authors of 9to5Google had their own individual top five lists, with the Pixel 8 Pro and OnePlus Open being their favorite releases of the year.
Best Buy is offering a historic deal on the OnePlus Open foldable phone, with a $300 discount when purchased and activated through the retailer. Even without activation, customers can still get a $200 discount. The OnePlus Open is praised for its powerful performance, dual 120Hz AMOLED displays, smooth hinge, and four guaranteed Android OS updates. This deal is recommended for those seeking cutting-edge foldable technology, but not for those on a budget or in need of stylus support or wireless charging.
A teardown video of the OnePlus Open, OnePlus' first foldable phone, reveals that the "titanium alloy" build is misleading, as only the screws are made of titanium. The phone actually features a carbon-fiber backing for added support. The battery removal process is difficult and not ideal for long-term use. While the OnePlus Open is one of the favorite foldable phones of the year, the company's marketing strategy of using the titanium buzzword is seen as stretching the truth.
A recent teardown video of the OnePlus Open foldable phone reveals that while OnePlus marketed a titanium hinge, the titanium is actually used only in the hinge screws, not in the wider hinge construction itself. The teardown also highlights the carbon fiber screen backing and other weight-saving material choices used in the device. Despite the marketing discrepancy, the OnePlus Open is praised for its lightweight design, durability, and ability to mitigate the foldable screen crease.
The OnePlus Open, touted as one of the best foldable phones in the market, has proven its durability in a recent test by JerryRigEverything. Despite some bending and the glass slightly popping out, the phone survived well, outperforming the Pixel Fold. While the test may not reflect daily use, it showcases the OnePlus Open as one of the more durable options available.
Amazon is offering a $200 discount on the OnePlus Open foldable phone for Cyber Monday, with no special requirements or trade-ins necessary. The unlocked device can be purchased in either "Voyager Black" or "Emerald Dusk" colorways, but it remains more expensive than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 or Google Pixel Fold. However, the OnePlus Open has been praised as one of the best foldable phones of 2023, with its attractive design, impressive charging capabilities, long battery life, and convenient alert slider.
The Google Pixel Fold, despite its initial disadvantages, is now worth considering at its Black Friday price of $1,399, which is where it should have been priced from the beginning. The device offers excellent hardware, a strong hinge, and impressive cameras, although it struggled with a too-strong hinge, an outdated display crease, and heat issues with its Tensor G2 processor. With a $400 discount, the Pixel Fold becomes a more compelling choice compared to other high-priced foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and OnePlus Open. While the OnePlus Open may still be the preferred choice for some, the $1,399 Pixel Fold is a tempting option.
As competitors invest in alternative form factors, particularly folding phones, Apple is urged to join the trend. The recent release of the OnePlus Open, which received positive reviews, highlights the growing popularity of foldable devices. The OnePlus Open, along with other mature and promising options like the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold, has prompted the author to switch from an iPhone to a foldable phone. The folding display has evolved from a novelty to a utility feature, garnering interest and appreciation. Apple's hesitation to enter this category may be due to its successful tablet business and reluctance to cannibalize sales across its product lines. However, Apple's reputation for turning good ideas into mass adoption suggests that it should embrace folding phones sooner rather than later to avoid falling behind competitors and maintain innovation in design.
OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus Open foldable phone is compatible with the Oppo Pen stylus, allowing users to enjoy stylus input on both the main display and the outer screen. However, the OnePlus Stylo designed for the OnePlus Pad does not work with the OnePlus Open. While the availability of compatible stylus pens is limited, users can import the Oppo Pen Stylus for Find N2 and N3. OnePlus has not announced any plans to launch its own stylus for the OnePlus Open.
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is rumored to feature a 5x zoom camera instead of the iconic 10x optical snapper that has been a standout feature of the Ultra model for the past three years. The decision to switch to a 5x zoom camera may be influenced by the competition, as phones like the OnePlus Open have demonstrated that shorter zoom lenses can produce comparable or even better results. The 5x zoom camera is expected to have better optics and sensor quality, potentially offering improved performance in low-light conditions and long-range Portrait mode photography. While the removal of the 10x zoom camera may initially face criticism, the switch to a 5x zoom camera with enhanced capabilities could prove to be a smart move for Samsung.
The OnePlus Open, despite being more affordable than the Google Pixel Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, offers comparable specs and supports stylus input, contrary to what OnePlus initially claimed. The OPPO Pen, originally designed for the OPPO Find N2, works with the OnePlus Open, making it a desirable feature for users. While the Fold 5 also supports stylus input, the S Pen only works on the inner screen. The OnePlus Open lacks wireless charging and water protection but is priced $100 lower than the Fold 5.
The OnePlus Open, a rebranded version of the Oppo Find N3, supports stylus input thanks to its compatibility with the Oppo Pen. While the Galaxy Z Fold lineup offers a superior stylus experience with its specialized S Pen, the OnePlus Open provides a more affordable option with a wider outer screen and faster wired charging. However, the Oppo Pen may be difficult to obtain, limiting the stylus experience for OnePlus Open users. Overall, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 remains the top choice for those seeking the best stylus experience in a foldable phone.
The OnePlus Open, which is identical to the OPPO Find N3, supports a stylus on both of its displays, unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 5 which only supports the S Pen on its inner foldable display. OnePlus had initially denied stylus support during press briefings, but it turns out that the OnePlus Open does indeed support a stylus. This gives the OnePlus Open an advantage over the Galaxy Z Fold 5, leaving Samsung with only two advantages (wireless charging and IP68 rating) at a higher price tag. The compatible OPPO Pen is not officially sold globally, but it can be used with the OnePlus Open if obtained.