The OnePlus Open stands out as an exceptional foldable phone, offering a non-compromising experience. Its appearance and usability resemble a standard smartphone. Moreover, its camera quality surpasses other foldables.
While the Galaxy Fold 5 offers more features, the OnePlus Open excels in elegant multitasking and a satisfying folding mechanism, meeting essential needs. However, some areas like performance and battery life require enhancements.
Notably, the OnePlus Open prevails over competitors and boasts a more affordable price tag.
Pros:
- Larger screens inside and out
- A design that mirrors traditional smartphones
- The best foldable phone camera
Cons:
- Fewer features compared to the Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Slightly heavier than the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Noticeable camera bump.
ONEPLUS OPEN: Quick Overview
The OnePlus Open revolutionizes the foldable phone concept. Unlike its predecessors, such as the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the recent Pixel Fold, it boasts the right proportions when closed, addressing a critical concern.
Opening it unveils a display that is not only the largest but also the brightest and most enjoyable among foldables. The crease is barely visible and tactilely imperceptible.
The OnePlus Open excels in the ease of opening, unlike the Galaxy or Pixel Fold, which can feel stiff or resistant. It springs to life gracefully.
Compared to other foldable tablets, the OnePlus Open reigns supreme. It excels in size when closed and ease of opening. Furthermore, it introduces something others have shied away from exceptional cameras.
While this leads to a substantial camera bump, the trade-off is worthwhile, enhancing versatility for various camera angles.
The OnePlus Open stands out for its thinness when closed and open, offering larger displays and extended battery life while remaining remarkably lightweight.
Navigating the OnePlus Open is a pleasure, with its straightforward and elegant software design, omitting the bloat found in Galaxy Z Fold 5.
However, there are drawbacks, notably in water resistance and durability. Its IPX4 rating means it can handle splashes but not a deep dive and dust could pose a problem.
OnePlus includes a simple bumper-frame case, though using it sacrifices the phone’s aesthetics. Safety first.
The OnePlus Open is priced at $1,699 / £1,599. In the US, a trade-in deal shaves off at least $200, making it the most budget-friendly large foldable phone in the market.
Sold directly by OnePlus or through major online retailers like Amazon and BestBuy, it’s not tied to carrier contracts, giving users more freedom.
The OnePlus Open isn’t just the best foldable, it redefines the category. With its larger display and superior cameras, it’s hard to return to a traditional smartphone.
This is the future of mobile tech. Embrace the OnePlus Open; I won’t be going back to my flat Galaxy S23 Ultra after this review.
ONEPLUS OPEN REVIEW: PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The OnePlus Open comes in at $1,699 / £1,599 for the 512GB / 16GB model. Notably, there’s an enticing trade-in offer, with at least $200 for any phone, regardless of its condition in the US.
You can find it on sale through OnePlus, BestBuy, and Amazon, but curiously, no carriers are selling it. We all anticipated OnePlus’ pricing strategy, hoping for an under-$1,000 / £1,000 foldable.
However, OnePlus sets the price at $1,699 / £1,599, which, while not breaking the bank, remains relatively steep. Nevertheless, they sweeten the deal with a promise of at least $200 off for any phone trade-in throughout the device’s lifespan.
This trade-in offer applies to any phone in any condition, a surprisingly high-end move, and you can net up to $1,000 off with a premium trade, though it’s doubtful anyone will swap an iPhone 14 Pro Max for it.
In the UK, pre-ordering the OnePlus Open gets you a free pair of OnePlus Buds Pro 2, with additional discounts on various other OnePlus products for future buyers.
While the OnePlus Open is still pricey, its value becomes evident when you consider its capabilities. Its external display outshines the iPhone 15’s, and its internal display nearly matches an iPad mini. Purchasing these Apple devices separately with similar storage would cost more than the OnePlus Open.
Speaking of storage, there’s only one option: 512GB storage and 16GB of RAM, making it the memory powerhouse and storage champion among foldables. The device is available in Emerald Dusk green and Voyager Black. Interestingly, the choice of color affects the phone’s weight, as the Voyager Black features vegan leather on the back, reducing its heft compared to the glass-backed option.
The uniformity of color choices across various OnePlus products is a commendable touch for fans, offering a cohesive and appealing collection. It’s a distinct feature, even compared to Samsung’s diverse lineup.
Value score: 4 / 5
ONEPLUS OPEN REVIEW: SPECS
For a detailed look at the OnePlus Open’s specifications, see the table below:
| OnePlus Open specs | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (Open/Closed) | 153.4 x 143.1 x 5.8mm / 153.4 x 73.3 x 11.7mm |
| Weight | 239g (black) / 245g (green) |
| Screen (Internal/External) | 7.82 inches / 6.31 inches |
| Resolution (Internal/External) | 2440 x 2268 / 2484 x 1116 |
| Refresh rate (Internal/External) | 1-120Hz / 10-120Hz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| OS | Android 13 with Oxygen OS 13.2 |
| Rear Cameras | 48MP (wide); 64MP (3x telephoto); 48MP (ultrawide 114°) |
| Front Camera | 48MP (wide); 64MP (3x telephoto); 48MP (ultrawide 114°) |
| Battery | 4,805mAh |
| Charging | 67W SUPERVOOC (proprietary) |
| Colors | Emerald Dusk (green); Voyager Black |
ONEPLUS OPEN REVIEW: DESIGN
Is the ideal tablet foldable? One that mimics a standard smartphone when closed and transforms into a mini tablet when opened. The OnePlus Open nearly achieves this.
Its cover display’s aspect ratio closely matches top phones, avoiding the too-thin or too-squat pitfalls of competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Pixel Fold. It’s an inconspicuous foldable.
Although thicker when closed, the OnePlus Open’s thickness serves a purpose – supporting its spacious internal screen. The big camera bump, while noticeable, is a trade-off for exceptional cameras on a foldable.
The internal display boasts a barely visible crease that’s almost imperceptible to the touch. Opening the device is a satisfying experience, in stark contrast to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Pixel Fold.
The OnePlus Open’s hinge is accommodating, opening and closing with ease. There are no usage barriers like with other large foldables. It features an efficient fingerprint scanner, excellent face unlock, and a convenient three-stop mute switch.
The device offers two color options – the textured black “vegan” leather or the eye-catching green. Both are appealing and fit well with other OnePlus products.
Design score: 5 / 5
ONEPLUS OPEN REVIEW: DISPLAY
The OnePlus Open offers a visual feast with its dual displays, rivaling flagship phones and tablets. The cover display measures 6.3 inches, featuring LTPO 3.0 tech for a power-efficient, always-on mode.
Inside, you’re treated to a colossal 7.82-inch screen, comparable in size to the iPad Mini (2021). Both screens support refresh rates of up to 120Hz and can scale down to 10Hz and 1Hz, respectively.
OnePlus excels in display quality, surpassing competitors in brightness. While the Pixel Fold peaks at 1,450 nits, the OnePlus Open shines at an impressive 2,800 nits. Even Google’s bright Pixel 8 Pro maxes out at 2,400 nits.
In terms of screen real estate, the OnePlus Open reigns supreme. Its inner screen boasts 30.4 square inches, surpassing the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5 by two square inches. The difference may not feel massive, but it complements the enhanced external display.
The OnePlus Open’s external screen, though only slightly larger in diagonal measurement, provides a more enjoyable experience than the Galaxy Z Fold 5’s tall, narrow display.
In terms of square inches, the OnePlus Open’s external display outperforms the iPhone 15, offering 14.9 square inches compared to the iPhone’s 14.15 square inches. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 falls short, providing less screen space than both.
Display score: 5 / 5
ONEPLUS OPEN REVIEW: SOFTWARE
The OnePlus Open’s Oxygen OS interface mirrors Google’s clean style, ensuring a seamless user experience with no hiccups.
Transitioning from a closed to an open phone while using an app poses no issue for the OnePlus Open, unlike the Pixel Fold, which often falters. Apps adapt well to both screens.
In contrast, Samsung’s feature-rich software is a formidable opponent. Features like DeX for desktop use, Bixby as a virtual assistant, and precise pen support set Samsung apart.
Nevertheless, the OnePlus Open covers the essentials of a great tablet foldable. It allows easy side-by-side app usage and pop-up windows, all without the complexity of excessive menus.
OnePlus excels in creating an ecosystem, where devices like the OnePlus Pad seamlessly interact with the OnePlus Open. Photos and clipboard data sync automatically, akin to Samsung and Apple’s offerings.
Software score: 4 / 5
ONEPLUS OPEN REVIEW: CAMERAS
Fitting top-notch cameras into a foldable phone is challenging due to limited depth. OnePlus utilizes Sony’s stacked sensor technology, aiming to rival or surpass the OnePlus 11’s excellent camera capabilities.
The camera bump is quite prominent, but we’ve covered that. The OnePlus Open offers an array of shooting modes, possibly overwhelming for most users. Modes like Long Exposure, Slo-Mo, and Time-Lapse may confuse, while XPAN and Movie modes stand apart from basic video shooting.
An isolated Action mode remains a mystery in its functionality. Tapping an enigmatic circular button on the screen produces uncertain effects.
Settings fail to clarify matters and lack comprehensive tutorials. Adjusting photo resolution proves cumbersome, except for a 10-bit color mode for storage efficiency.
Unfortunately, the OnePlus Open underutilizes its foldable design for photography. While it allows you to use the main camera for selfies on the smaller display, it lacks the fun features found in clamshell foldables like the Motorola Razr Ultra, limiting its potential.
Camera Score: 4 / 5
ONEPLUS OPEN REVIEW: PERFORMANCE
The OnePlus Open boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, the last major phone of the year to feature this processor. OnePlus has come full circle, as the OnePlus 11 was the first to embrace it.
However, its performance won’t hold the top spot for long, with Qualcomm’s next-gen chip looming on the horizon. While the OnePlus Open is swift, even in transitioning between its displays, it faces competition from speedier phones.
Intensive gaming reveals minor stutters compared to top Androids like the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The iPhone 15 surpasses it, thanks to Apple’s potent chips.
Nonetheless, the OnePlus Open excels at gaming, offering an immersive experience on its expansive internal display.
Performance score: 4 / 5
ONEPLUS OPEN REVIEW: BATTERY LIFE
The OnePlus Open delivers a day of battery life with moderate usage. Extensive gaming on the larger screen can deplete it faster, despite innovative battery solutions.
Using two cells totaling 4,805mAh enables OnePlus’s rapid SUPERVOOC charging, reaching a full charge in about 30 minutes.
Regrettably, the OnePlus Open lacks wireless charging, a potential drawback for users accustomed to it.
Battery score: 3 / 5
SHOULD YOU BUY THE ONEPLUS OPEN?
| Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
| Value | It’s pricier but offers the most affordable tablet foldable with extensive screens. (Rating: 5 / 5) |
| Design | Outstanding design; it’s the only tablet foldable worth considering. Feels like a regular phone when closed. (Rating: 5 / 5) |
| Display | Outstanding displays are among the brightest available with an almost invisible crease. (Rating: 5 / 5) |
| Software | Elegant software that does its job, though it lacks many extra features. (Rating: 4 / 5) |
| Camera | Reliable performance for two displays, but is not as potent for gaming compared to the base iPhone 15. (Rating: 4 / 5) |
| Performance | Outstanding displays, are among the brightest available with an almost invisible crease. (Rating: 5 / 5) |
| Battery | Decent battery life and rapid charging but could use more power for all-day use. Lacks wireless charging. (Rating: 3 / 5) |
Buy it if…
- You desire a phone and tablet in one.
- Previous foldable camera disappointments led you to search for a better option.
- You appreciate the cohesive green color theme in the OnePlus product range.
Don’t buy it if
- You exclusively seek the best single-purpose phone and can compromise on the two-in-one concept.
- Cameras are your top priority; alternatives like the Galaxy S23 Ultra or iPhone 15 might suit you better.
- Your tech ecosystem revolves around Apple or Samsung products, benefiting from their seamless integration features.
