Highlights

• OnePlus Open offers the best folding display with high brightness and color accuracy.
• Outshines competitors with advanced camera sensors and great images.
• Enhanced gaming experience with 240Hz touch sampling rate.
• Offers Open Canvas software and extended Android update support.

Folding phones have become something of an enigma now.

Everyone wants to try something different and every day it feels that new OEMs emerge who have perfected the complex manufacturing of folding hardware.

But there are always problems.

Samsung took 5 generations to figure it out.

A couple of Chinese makers have now a few iterations of their respective folding devices under their belt.

However, there was never that perfect folding phone, something you would recommend buying outright, no matter the outlandish cost.

Until now, when OnePlus became the latest entrant into the folding phone market with a breath of fresh air that they termed: OnePlus Open.

Not the best name, granted. The OnePlus Open sounds more like a live event than the name of Rs 1,40,000 smartphone.

Yes, that is the price.

There’s nothing budget about this device.

But perhaps that’s what OnePlus wanted.

Showcase its absolute premium hardware, wrap it up in a folding screen, and present it to the world as a technological marvel.

I have been using this device for a few weeks now and I have some thoughts.

In this review of the OnePlus Open let’s find out if this is the best folding phone in the market.

OnePlus Open: Pros and Cons

OnePlus Open: Key Specs

• Display: 7.82-inch inner, 6.3-inch cover screen; 120Hz refresh rate.
• Camera: 48MP primary, 64MP telephoto, 48MP ultra-wide; Hasselblad tuning.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2.
• Memory: 16GB RAM, 512GB storage.
• Battery: 4805mAh with 67W fast charging.
• OS: Oxygen OS 13.2 with up to Android 17 update support.
• Design: Emerald Dusk colour, IPX4 water resistance.
• Audio: Quad-speaker setup, Dolby Vision, Cinematic ‘Reality’ Audio.

OnePlus Open: Design and Build

What instantly stands out about the OnePlus Open is the design.

It deviates from the taller dimensions of Samsung’s Galaxy Fold series and avoids the shorter, passport-like dimensions seen in some other foldables in the global market.

Instead, it finds a middle ground, potentially appealing to users who are looking for a balance between size and portability.

Apart from that, the phone’s physical aspects also contribute significantly to its overall user experience.

The Emerald Dusk colour variant, with its matte finish, offers a less slippery grip and added protection against scratches and fingerprints.

However, there is a protective case inside the OnePlus Open box, a feature omitted by competitors like Samsung and Google.

Durability is understandably a concern when people talk about folding devices.

OnePlus’s claim that the device survives at least a million folds (approximately 547 folds per day over five years) should definitely alleviate some concerns.

In practice, the device held up well during a two week testing period despite the form factor being generally conspicuous and attracting attention.

Furthermore, the OnePlus Open’s IPX4 rating for water resistance, while not as high as the Galaxy Z Fold5’s IPX8, still provides a degree of durability assurance.

The final touches on the device include the power button on the side along with the volume rockers that are positioned just above it.

I will talk about the extremely large camera hump on the back as well, later in the review.

OnePlus Open: Display Proficiency

OnePlus has ensured that both the cover and main screens are of top quality.

The cover screen of the OnePlus Open, often referred to as the external screen measures 6.3-inch in size that not only offers a super-smooth 120Hz refresh rate but also achieves a remarkable peak brightness of 2600 nits.

What’s more it’s almost in the perfect aspect ratio to operate it without unfolding the display, a trick many OEMs have yet to master.

But coming now to the main attraction, which is definitely the phone’s inner display, a massive 7.82-inch screen, that matches the cover screen in quality and performance.

The immediate difference you will notice with contemporary foldable devices is the lack of crease in the middle.

It was basically imperceptible until you were directly looking for it.

In fact, it didn’t even feel it when gliding my fingers over it.

The display is fine in all regards, be it colour accuracy, brightness levels, or contrast ratios.

I watched so much content on the device that I was more or less giddy with joy everytime the device touched my hand.

It’s no exaggeration to say that this is the best folding display to ever grace the markets. OnePlus has done a stellar job despite its novice nature in the world of folding devices.

However, the screen does get dinged pretty easily, being made of plastic and all, so advise caution when using it too extensively.

The inclusion of a quad-speaker setup, support for Dolby Vision, and the Cinematic ‘Reality’ Audio feature make this the ideal portable video streaming companion.

Sure the aspect ratio is 1:1, not very ideal for most content that is shot in 16:9. However, just a tap and those black borders on the top and bottom are reduced by half.

It isn’t too much of a stretch to say that the OnePlus Open is a multimedia master.

A Complete Camera Overview

The OnePlus Open’s camera system is not an afterthought and in fact, can be considered a standout feature.

It boasts an array of lenses that cater to a variety of photographic needs, elevating the device’s camera capabilities above many of its competitors in the foldable segment.

The primary 48MP camera, equipped with a Sony LYTIA 808 sensor, utilizes stacked-sensor technology to enhance light capture and processing.

This results in faster and more efficient photography, especially in well-lit conditions. Crisp visuals and excellent dynamic range were given in sunny outdoor conditions.

That much is expected from nearly Rs 1,50,000 devices.

The 64MP telephoto lens, with its 3X optical zoom, is particularly noteworthy for its large sensor size, unprecedented in foldable phones.

In my day-to-day usage, it produced sharp, natural images with rich bokeh effects, maintaining clarity even at higher zoom levels like 6x.

Additionally, the 48MP ultra-wide camera and the 32MP and 20MP selfie cameras on the outer and inner displays, respectively, offer versatility and quality, suitable for various photographic scenarios.

Even the colour temperature settings are quite optimised so that they are at par with the primary LYTIA sensor, which is commendable.

OnePlus has made a proper effort to optimize the camera experience on the OnePlus Open, particularly with the long-standing integration of Hasselblad’s tuning and colour science.

This partnership is evident in the camera’s performance, with images displaying Hasselblad’s signature colour accuracy and vibrancy.

In my analysis of photos captured, the handset’s ability to snap scenes with a natural colour balance and avoid over-saturation while maintaining detail and clarity, is quite extraorindary.

Apart from that, the telephoto lens especially shines in low-light conditions, bringing out depth and detail that rival even traditional flagship cameras.

The camera app’s default settings, offering magnifications like 0.6x, 2x, 3x, and 6x, are thoughtfully chosen to suit most photographic needs, from wide landscapes to detailed portraits.

As for the video shooting skills, the device does a more than decent job with its 4K@120 fps footage but it still is little match for the iPhone’s prodigious ability to capture cinema-grade footage

The overall camera performance of the OnePlus Open, particularly in broad daylight, is impressive.

It captures scenes with stunning colour accuracy, depth, and clarity, a testament to the device’s advanced sensor technology.

However, the camera’s performance in low light and its capability to reduce noise while retaining details, however, are areas where it slightly lags behind flagship models from brands like Samsung, Apple, and Google.

Nevertheless, the OnePlus Open represents a significant step forward in addressing the common issue of subpar camera quality in foldable phones.

With its warm and punchy tones, versatile lens options, and Hasselblad’s unique filters and XPan mode for panoramic shots, the OnePlus Open not only competes with but in some aspects, surpasses its counterparts in the foldable smartphone market.

OnePlus Open: DayLight Samples

OnePlus Open: NightLight Samples

OnePlus Open: Performance and Features

The OnePlus Open demonstrates exceptional performance, largely attributed to its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, identical to the one found in several other high-end Android flagships this year.

Coupled with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, this configuration ensures a robust and efficient operational experience.

In benchmarking tests, the OnePlus Open performs on par with other devices using the same processor.

You can check out our test scores on the top and you will find that whatever the task thrown at the OnePlus Open, the device performs exceptionally well.

Its gaming performance stands out, particularly with its 240Hz touch sampling rate, offering a more responsive experience than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

However, a minor increase in temperature is noticeable when using the camera app for prolonged periods, a common trait in modern smartphones but not a significant concern.

During my routine use, the device exhibited seamless performance across various applications, from app-switching to gaming and media consumption.

The device’s 120Hz display on both the cover and main screens contributes to a fluid and responsive user experience.

However, the phone’s orientation sensitivity, a trait inherent to Android’s design, can be a minor inconvenience.

Apps that support a tablet-like layout often require the device to be in landscape mode for optimal display, and determining the correct orientation on the OnePlus Open can sometimes require readjustment.

This contrasts with devices like the Google Pixel Fold, which opens directly into landscape mode.

Other features on the device of course include the quad-speaker setup, an exceptionally loud implementation that makes audio consumption quite a joy to behold.

The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is also solid and unlocks the device in a jiffy. No problems were faced from my side with the phone’s network capabilities.

OnePlus Open: Software Support and UI

The OnePlus Open operates on Oxygen OS 13.2, which brings a slew of app enhancements and features tailored to maximize the utility of the phone’s large inner display.

It borrows heavily from the interface and customizations seen in the recently launched OnePlus Pad, offering a familiar user experience with added functionalities.

A standout feature is the Open Canvas software, which allows users to open and use up to three apps side by side in a split-screen format.

This feature is particularly user-friendly, offering intuitive gestures like a four-finger pinch to view all open apps simultaneously and a spread-out gesture to exit Full View mode.

Also, OnePlus has very carefully thought out the UI with its integration of a floating taskbar for enhanced usability.

The ability to split apps on the main screen is of course well received leveraging the foldable format for increased productivity.

In terms of software support, OnePlus promises four years of major Android updates. This means the OnePlus Open is expected to receive updates up to Android 17 by 2027.

Additionally, security support extends a year longer, ensuring the device remains protected from vulnerabilities until 2028.

While this extended support window is commendable, it is worth noting that the industry trend is shifting towards even longer support periods, as evidenced by Google’s recent promise of seven years of software support for its Pixel 8 series.

OnePlus Open: Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a significant aspect of the OnePlus Open’s overall performance, especially considering the demands of its dual screens.

Equipped with a 4805mAh battery, this foldable phone does well in terms of battery longevity, consistently lasting over a day on a single charge under mixed usage.

Staying true to the OnePlus brand’s reputation for quick recharge times, the OnePlus Open packs in a 67W fast charging support, allowing it to recharge from empty to 100% in approximately 50 minutes.

This rapid charging capability means minimal downtime, ensuring users can quickly return to full battery capacity without long waiting periods.

Unlike many flagship phones, the OnePlus Open also includes a fast charger in the box.

In practical use, the OnePlus Open’s battery performance holds up admirably against traditional candybar phones.

My day-to-day with the device included browsing, gaming, streaming, and work-related tasks, on both the displays.

However, intensive usage, especially watching HDR videos on a larger inner screen, can impact battery life more significantly.

OnePlus Open: Final Verdict

The OnePlus Open, priced at Rs 1,39,999, is arguably the best foldable smartphone currently available.

This premium device justifies its high price tag through a combination of cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance.

Surpassing its competitors in several key areas, the OnePlus Open is a compelling package for those seeking the pinnacle of foldable phone technology.

No phone is without its flaws and while there are some drawbacks on the Open, such as the 1:1 aspect ratio which may not suit all types of content, and the higher susceptibility to screen damage due to its plastic composition, these are overshadowed by its strengths.

The phone excels with its superior camera setup, featuring Hasselblad tuning and high-end sensors, excellent software, powerful performance, and premium design.

Additionally, the audio and display quality is more than remarkable, enhancing the overall multimedia experience.

The OnePlus Open checks all the boxes for what a premium foldable phone should offer: innovative design, a brilliant display, robust performance, and a versatile camera.

It’s not a device for the casual user due to its price and advanced features, but it comes highly recommended for power users with deep pockets who demand the best foldable technology.

Reasons to Buy the OnePlus Open

Innovative Design: The OnePlus Open’s design is a blend of innovation and practicality.

It steers away from the conventional designs of foldable phones, offering a size and form factor that is both portable and user-friendly.

Exceptional Display Quality: The phone features a 6.3-inch cover screen and a 7.82-inch main display, both boasting high brightness levels and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.

The displays deliver crisp, clear visuals, making everything from reading texts to watching videos a pleasure.

Advanced Camera System: With Hasselblad tuning, the camera setup in the OnePlus Open is quite amazing.

It includes a primary 48MP camera with a Sony Lytia 808 sensor and a 64MP telephoto lens, among others, delivering superior photo and video quality that rivals traditional flagship smartphones.

Robust Performance: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and supported by 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the OnePlus Open offers powerful and efficient performance.

This makes it capable of handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming without a hitch.

Enhanced Software Experience: Running on Oxygen OS 13.2, the device comes with various software enhancements.

The Open Canvas feature, for instance, allows effective multitasking by enabling the use of multiple apps in a split-screen format, leveraging the large display for productivity and ease of use.

Reasons Not to Buy the OnePlus Open

High Price Point: At Rs 1,39,999, the OnePlus Open is a significant investment.

This high cost makes it a less feasible option for budget-conscious consumers or those who might not require the advanced features that this premium device offers.

Unique Aspect Ratio: The 1:1 aspect ratio of the main display, while innovative, might not be ideal for all types of content, especially those designed for more standard aspect ratios.

Durability Concerns: The use of a plastic screen, while common in foldable phones, raises concerns about the device’s long-term durability.

This necessitates careful handling and might deter users who prefer more rugged or durable smartphones.

Top Alternatives to the OnePlus Open

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5: This foldable device is a strong competitor with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and triple camera setup. It offers a 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display and a 4400 mAh battery, combining high performance with a premium foldable design.

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: Known for its powerful performance with the Apple A17 Pro chip, this phone features a 6.7-inch OLED display and a 4422 mAh battery. Its triple camera system is ideal for high-quality photography.

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G

• Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G: A high-end non-foldable option, it comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x display, and a 5000 mAh battery. The quad camera setup includes a 200MP primary sensor. 

Tecno Phantom V Fold

• Tecno Phantom V Fold: An affordable foldable phone with MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Plus processor, it boasts a 7.85-inch LTPO AMOLED display and a 5000 mAh battery. Its camera setup includes a 50MP primary sensor.

OnePlus Open Key Specs

GENERAL

DESIGN

DISPLAY

MEMORY

CONNECTIVITY

EXTRA

CAMERA

TECHNICAL

MULTIMEDIA

BATTERY

FAQs

How does the OnePlus Open’s display quality compare to other foldables?

The OnePlus Open sets a new standard in foldable displays with its large 7.82-inch inner screen, featuring minimal crease and high brightness levels. Its 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth visual experience, making it a leader in this segment.

What makes the camera of OnePlus Open stand out?

The OnePlus Open boasts a versatile camera setup, including a 48MP primary sensor and a 64MP telephoto lens. What sets it apart is the integration of Hasselblad’s color science and advanced sensors, providing exceptional image quality and dynamic range.

Is the OnePlus Open suitable for gaming?

Absolutely. With its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 240Hz touch sampling rate, the OnePlus Open delivers a responsive and immersive gaming experience, rivaling other high-end smartphones.

What are the software capabilities of the OnePlus Open?

Running on Oxygen OS 13.2, the OnePlus Open offers a user-friendly interface with features like Open Canvas for multitasking. Its promise of up to Android 17 updates ensures longevity and up-to-date software experience.

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