OnePlus, known for its “no compromises” approach, has ventured into the realm of foldable phones with the OnePlus Open. While it strikes a harmonious balance in terms of size between the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5, the biggest point of contention is its price, set at a hefty $1,700. This review delves into whether the OnePlus Open justifies its premium cost.
The device has some undeniable merits. Its flat edges draw parallels with the iPhone in all the right ways. It manages to stay remarkably thin for a foldable phone, avoiding the bulkiness associated with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. When you unfurl it, the crease down the center of the inner screen is virtually imperceptible, making it a truly delightful gadget to handle and use.
However, the competition isn’t far behind. Both the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold come in at just $100 more but offer significant advantages. They are IP rated for full-immersion water resistance and include wireless charging, which OnePlus, interestingly, still treats as an optional feature for its high-end devices.
OnePlus Open Hardware:
Despite this, the OnePlus Open boasts some commendable hardware features. It retains the handy alert slider and avoids the unwieldy shape often seen on foldable phones, positioning itself as a happy medium between the portrait-first orientation of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the landscape-first format of the Pixel Fold.
The OnePlus Open’s outer screen measures 6.3 inches with a 20:9 aspect ratio, wider than the Z Fold 5’s 6.2-inch, 23.1:9 cover screen. It features a 2K resolution screen with precise measurements of 2484 x 1116, and it’s an LTPO panel equipped with a variable refresh rate ranging from 10Hz to 120Hz. Unfolded, the OnePlus Open matches the Pixel Fold’s thickness, measuring 5.8mm. The “vegan leather” black variant is slightly thicker, by just 0.1mm.
One notable design feature is the camera “bump,” which is more like a raised mountain, taking up over a third of the back panel. This distinct bump houses three camera lenses and a subtle Hasselblad H emblem for added style. OnePlus has emphasized the design, which is intended to catch the light like a CD. There’s a gap between the lenses and the cover glass, reminiscent of the face of a luxury watch. While it certainly grabs attention, its practical utility becomes apparent when it’s used as a pop socket to prop the phone on a finger when operating it one-handed.
OnePlus Open is Awesome – What’s Happening with Folding Phones?
Moving to the inside, the display stretches to 7.82 inches with a resolution of 2440 x 2268. It’s another LTPO panel with variable refresh rates ranging from 120Hz down to 1Hz. OnePlus claims that the screen can achieve a remarkable peak brightness of 2,800 nits in high brightness mode, surpassing the standard peak brightness of most flagship phones, which generally tops out at around 2,000 nits.
Screen Features:
In real-world usage, the screen’s brightness performance shines, especially in direct sunlight. It remains readable even on bright days and manages to sustain its brightness levels for a longer duration compared to competing devices like the Pixel 8 or iPhone 15 Pro, which often dim their screens after a few minutes to prevent overheating. The OnePlus Open stands out in this regard, delivering an impressive display experience.
In summary, the OnePlus Open introduces an exciting foldable phone option in terms of design and size, but its price tag might be a significant hurdle for prospective buyers, especially when considering the extra features offered by competing devices in a similar price range. Nonetheless, its captivating design and display capabilities are noteworthy, making it a compelling choice for those who value these aspects in a smartphone.
