OnePlus Open: A Game-Changer in the Foldable Smartphone Arena

Samsung remains the leading and clear frontrunner in the foldable smartphone market within India. Whether it’s the robust features of Samsung’s foldables or its established reputation as a premium brand, it’s undeniable that Samsung has maintained a steady pace in introducing each of its foldable devices to the Indian market. This also highlights Samsung’s dedication to critical aspects of foldable technology, such as ongoing software updates and after-purchase support.

For several years, OnePlus has been striving to catch up with Samsung in the high-end market. Originally a brand focused on bringing innovation in software and hardware through affordable “flagship killers,” OnePlus has now evolved into a strong competitor with premium devices that challenge top players like Samsung and Motorola. Beyond providing excellent value, OnePlus products emphasize a well-refined software experience. Over the years, this Chinese manufacturer has created its own ecosystem, encompassing audio gear, tablets, and TVs, bringing it closer to the likes of Samsung and even Apple.

But what happens when an ambitious brand like OnePlus decides to venture into a domain where Samsung has excelled for four years? Can it surpass Samsung’s expertise in foldables? Will consumers be willing to invest in a smartphone category largely controlled by Apple and Samsung? Keep reading for insights!

OnePlus Open pricing in India

The OnePlus Open comes with a price tag of Rs. 1,39,999 in India, featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. Available in two finishes, Emerald Dusk and Voyager Black, I received the Voyager Black model for evaluation. Inside the box, OnePlus includes an 80W charger, a dual-piece polymer protective case, and a USB Type-A to Type-C cable for charging and data transfer.

OnePlus Open Review: Design

OnePlus smartphones are generally recognized for their sleek and rounded aesthetics. The budget-friendly Nord series is the only line recently given a more angular design to attract younger customers. The Open marks a significant shift from the standard design we associate with high-end OnePlus smartphones.

The Voyager Black finish of the OnePlus Open features a faux leather back

 

I am particularly fond of the camera-like design of the Voyager Black variant, evoking nostalgia for retro cameras. The faux leather texture on the back not only provides a unique aesthetic but also enhances grip. The soft-touch grey metal frame resembles that of high-end cameras, and the prominent camera module at the rear completes the stylish feel. The flash positioned outside the camera assembly is a distinctive touch. Overall, the OnePlus Open exudes a premium feel, unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5, which looks more like an ordinary smartphone.

As is typical with foldable devices, the hinge is positioned on the left when the phone is closed. While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 effectively conceals it due to its rounded design, the hinge on the OnePlus Open (despite its polished finish) is noticeable and can be slightly uncomfortable when held in the left hand, though it feels fine when held in the right.

The button arrangement is another aspect that might take some adjustment. When folded, the upper section houses the signature Alert slider, while the lower part includes the power button and volume controls. Generally, OnePlus places the Alert slider and power button on the right, with the volume rocker on the left.

The button arrangement on the OnePlus Open is atypical compared to standard OnePlus phones

 

Despite using this device for several weeks, I still occasionally struggle to locate the volume button, which is positioned a bit high on the right side. Additionally, once you unfold the Open, the Alert slider shifts to the left side of the device. OnePlus could have benefited from maintaining its conventional layout for these buttons instead of opting for a new configuration, even if I recognize that the Open isn’t a standard OnePlus device.

Weight is another crucial factor worth discussing when considering foldables. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold has often tipped the scales at over 250 grams (253g specifically). The Google Pixel Fold is even heftier at 283g, making its weight noticeable even with thinner designs (which they lack). In this aspect, OnePlus has done remarkably well. Weighing between 239 to 245g (depending on the finish), it feels significantly lighter when unfolded and is comparable to last year’s iPhone 14 Pro Max (240g), which is impressive given the more substantial weights we’ve seen from Samsung’s foldables in recent years.

The OnePlus Open features a distinctive hinge that contributes to a sleek and compact design

 

However, it’s important to note that in comparison to other foldables, OnePlus has opted not to include wireless charging, a feature available in both Samsung and Google’s devices. This omission likely contributes to the Open’s slimmer and lighter design.

Finally, considering the high price of the Open and how slim it feels, it’s commendable that OnePlus has at least provided a minimal level of IP certification. The OnePlus Open is rated at IPX4, sufficient for light splashes but offering only basic water resistance. Samsung, in this respect, has the advantage with its IPX8 rating.

OnePlus Open Review: Specifications and software

It’s encouraging to see OnePlus stretching its hardware capabilities with the Open foldable. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 SoC, coupled with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. There’s no option for expandable storage in the SIM card slot, though there is room for dual SIM cards, which many power users will appreciate.

The main 7.82-inch AMOLED display boasts a resolution of 2,268 x 2,440 pixels, featuring an aspect ratio of 1.0758:1 (almost square) and a 120Hz refresh rate with LTPO 3.0 support. It is safeguarded by an ultra-thin glass (UTG). The external cover display measures 6.31 inches, has a resolution of 1,116 x 2,484 pixels, and features a 20:09 aspect ratio, also an AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate supported by LTPO 3.0. Notably, OnePlus includes a 240Hz touch sampling rate, which is advantageous for gaming.

The fingerprint sensor is integrated into the power button and functioned reliably during my testing. Connectivity options encompass Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, and compatibility with various GPS systems. Additionally, there’s a USB Type-C port with USB 3.1 capabilities and an infrared sensor on the top for controlling other gadgets.

Thanks to Open Canvas, the Open can accommodate three apps in a triple-split layout, plus a fourth app in a floating window

 

Being OnePlus’ inaugural foldable, I was eager to explore OxygenOS 13, tailored specifically for this device. It’s disappointing that OnePlus has yet to roll out OxygenOS 14, based on Android 14, while Samsung has already begun its Android 14 rollout for its Galaxy Z Fold 5 and newer devices.

Interestingly, the user interface customizations resemble those on their recently introduced premium tablet, the OnePlus Pad (Review). The app layouts share similarities, but OnePlus offers a new feature named Open Canvas, allowing for three apps to be opened side by side in a split-screen format.

While Samsung’s counterpart offers similar functionalities, it typically allocates half of the main display to the first app, with the remaining half split between two apps. Open Canvas allows two apps to occupy equal halves of the main display while simultaneously creating space for a third app, which can be accessed in a dual-split layout. Tapping on the side strip moves the display to fully reveal the second and third apps.

I can even execute a four-finger pinch to view all three apps (or four, if there’s an additional windowed app) simultaneously, and perform a four-finger spread out gesture to exit Full View mode. Open Canvas certainly enables a seamless multitasking experience, effectively utilizing the main foldable display, despite its unconventional aspect ratio.

The Recent Folder enables dragging and dropping files into compatible apps

 

Another practical software feature is the Recent Folder located in the taskbar at the bottom. Tapping on it displays recent photos, screenshots, files, and other items that can be easily dragged into apps that support this feature. The triplet app layouts, combined with the Recent folder, create a desktop-like experience while maximizing the use of the main display.

OnePlus Open Review: Performance

The remarkable aspect of the OnePlus Open’s multitasking capabilities is their smooth operation. I encountered no lag or interruptions throughout my usage.

Some applications like Google’s Keep need the device to be oriented horizontally to enter tablet mode

 

A small downside relates specifically to how Android functions. Most tablet-friendly apps (including Google’s Keep) generally only display in that mode when the device is rotated to landscape orientation. The Google Pixel Fold opens directly into landscape mode thanks to its wider cover display and main display design. The Open, however, can be a bit tricky to determine which orientation you are in; you may need to realign the device to figure it out and ensure apps function in the tablet or foldable mode, which enables a split-screen or multi-instance interface. Fortunately, many messaging apps allow a split-screen format even in vertical orientation, displaying chat threads on one side and an active conversation on the other.

Movies made for widescreen formats exhibit considerable letterboxing on the Open’s square display

 

When watching Netflix shows (generally shot in 16:9 wide format), there’s an advantage to utilizing the main display since the content appears larger than on the cover display. However, this isn’t the case for platforms like YouTube that host films or content made in broader formats (typical for theaters), where varying aspect ratios can look awkward with substantial letterboxing. These generally appear better on the cover display or a standard 19.3:9 to 19:5:9 aspect ratio found on most flagship smartphones. I appreciated the similarity to Samsung’s Flex-mode in some video apps, allowing half of the main display to rest upright while the other half supports the device, making it easier to view videos without needing a kickstand case.

As for the cover display, it is wide enough (20:9) and functions almost like a typical smartphone when compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which has a lower resolution cover screen resembling a TV remote (23.1:9). However, it isn’t as expansive as a standard smartphone (19.5:9), potentially leading to a cramped typing experience for some users. Nevertheless, I found the Open’s cover display large enough and comfortable for gaming.

The cover display on the OnePlus Open is sufficiently spacious and functions like a conventional phone

 

While the device performed well in standard benchmarking tests comparable to other smartphones with the same processor, gaming performance proved to be outstanding. The 240Hz touch sampling rate significantly outperforms Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5. The phone is equipped with various optimizations and features a gaming console that includes a Pro Gamer mode (for maximum display and processor performance) and a Championship mode to eliminate distractions. The OnePlus Open is the first foldable I’ve encountered that genuinely caters to mobile gamers, and all my gaming experiences were seamless.

The faint crease formed by the hinge is nearly invisible

 

Both displays support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision formats, making them ideal for streaming on platforms like Netflix. The unusual tri-speaker arrangement delivers impressive audio quality, providing a good spatial sound experience with decent bass, which is commendable in a device this slim. Additionally, the display offers stylus support (Oppo Pen), although OnePlus has yet to release an official accessory for it.

Concerns around battery life have often plagued foldables, yet Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 made strides by delivering over a day’s worth of usage on a single charge. The OnePlus Open takes battery performance to the next level.

With casual use, I consistently achieved over a day and a half of battery life without needing to recharge. Under heavy usage—which included half an hour of gaming, an hour of video streaming, plus 15 minutes of recording—I typically ended my day with around 40 percent of battery life remaining, which often meant I didn’t feel the need to charge overnight. I was confident the phone would last until noon the following day. Truly, the OnePlus Open is the first foldable I’ve used that performs like a flagship phablet in terms of battery longevity.

The OnePlus Open only supports wired charging

 

As previously mentioned, the device lacks support for wireless charging, which is a feature available on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, it compensates with 80W wired charging, remarkably quicker than what its competitor offers. The charger was able to bring the device to 67 percent in just 30 minutes and fully charge it in 53 minutes, significantly outpacing the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

OnePlus Open Review: Cameras

The OnePlus Open includes an impressive camera system tailored for a foldable device. It has a 48-megapixel primary camera (with OIS), a 64-megapixel telephoto camera for 3X optical zoom (also with OIS), and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide camera boasting a 114-degree field of view. As with any horizontal foldable, two selfie cameras are present: a 32-megapixel camera on the cover display and a 20-megapixel camera on the main folding display. The sensor behind the primary camera is a part of Sony’s new LYTIA series, boasting enhancements over its previous ExmorRS sensors, featuring larger photodiodes that capture twice the amount of light. Its compact stacked architecture allows it to fit within the slender design of this foldable while delivering the performance typically expected from larger sensors.

The OnePlus Open features an impressive rear camera configuration

 

Video recording capabilities peak at 4K 60fps, with the device also supporting Dolby Vision recording, albeit restricted to 4K 30fps. The camera interface remains characteristically OnePlus, featuring customizable shooting modes and the benefit of the brand’s partnership with Hasselblad, which adds a unique color treatment to photographs. The XPan mode allows for wider-than-standard 35mm panoramic shots, and with the main display accessible while shooting, one can preview photos in a split-screen view (instead of thumbnails) during the capture process.

OnePlus Open daylight camera samples. From top to bottom: Primary camera, telephoto camera, macro mode (tap images to expand)

 

The image quality across various scenarios has been commendable, particularly following recent software updates that have enhanced the portrait mode and telephoto performance. The primary camera captures impressive photos characterized by good contrast and abundant detail in diverse lighting conditions. Images often display slightly vibrant colors with enhanced contrast, thanks to Hasselblad’s influence. While I typically prefer more natural color representation, I found Hasselblad’s contribution to this camera system satisfying.

OnePlus Open daylight zoom camera samples. (tap image to expand)

 

The telephoto camera notably stands out within this camera configuration. It captures photos at 3X optical zoom and is capable of reaching 6X in-sensor zoom, which purportedly maintains lossless quality. Images taken at the native 3X zoom exhibit sharpness and substantial detail, regardless of lighting conditions. There can be challenges with quickly moving subjects, like pets or children, but the outcomes are stellar when subjects remain still, displaying appealing natural bokeh. Photographs taken using the 6X in-sensor zoom are also quite good, maintaining quality up to 10X before experiencing deterioration beyond that point.

OnePlus Open low light camera samples. Top: Primary camera (night mode) bottom: Ultra-wide-angle camera (night mode)

 

Ultra-wide-angle captures provide good detail and dynamic range, although I observed considerable purple fringing in the brighter areas of images. In low-light scenarios, this camera’s output tends to be somewhat soft.

Utilizing the rear cameras to take selfies (using the cover display as a viewfinder) yielded crisp selfies in various lighting situations. Results from both the cover display and the main display selfie cameras were decent.

OnePlus Open low-light selfie camera sample (using primary camera)

 

Videos are sharp without noise in well-lit conditions, though low-light filming does reveal some noise, even in optimally lit indoor settings. Enabling Dolby Vision recording can lead to a notable reduction in video quality, far from what an Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max can achieve. Low-light video recorded in 4K at both 30fps and 60fps remains usable, although I’ve observed that standard premium smartphones outperform this device at comparable price points in similar environments. The telephoto camera delivers high-quality video with stable output and minimal noise in daylight.

OnePlus Open Review: Conclusion

With the Open, OnePlus has shifted my viewpoint on foldables. Horizontal foldables no longer come with subpar cameras, average battery life, slow charging, or excessive weight. This is the first foldable that challenges the shortcomings that have become common in this category.

OnePlus has truly elevated the scope for foldables. The Open boasts minimal compromises compared to top-tier flagship smartphones, underscoring how far OnePlus has distanced itself from Samsung. The OnePlus Open features a high-resolution cover display functioning like a standard smartphone, a spacious foldable display backed by optimally designed software, performance equivalent to that expected from premium flagship devices, and for the first time, a quality camera system in a foldable.

In addition to delivering superior displays, camera performance (on paper), faster charging capabilities, and extended battery life, it is also more affordably priced than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 (Review). What’s not to love?

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