Samsung continues to dominate the foldable smartphone market in India, maintaining its position as the leader in sales. The brand’s consistent launch of each foldable model reflects its commitment to quality, particularly in software support and after-sales service, which resonate strongly with consumers looking for premium devices.
In recent years, OnePlus has aimed to capture a share of the premium segment, transitioning from its origins as a provider of “flagship killers” to offering devices that compete directly with established brands like Samsung and Motorola. OnePlus emphasizes value and a seamless software experience, complemented by a growing ecosystem of devices that rival those of major competitors, including Apple.
This raises an intriguing question as OnePlus steps into foldable territory: Can the company successfully contest Samsung’s expertise in this niche category? Are consumers willing to explore a new contender in a market traditionally dominated by Samsung and Apple? This review will provide insights into OnePlus’s new offering, the OnePlus Open.
OnePlus Open Price in India
The OnePlus Open retails for Rs. 1,39,999 in India, featuring 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It is available in two stylish finishes: Emerald Dusk and Voyager Black. The Voyager Black model was provided for review and comes with an 80W charger, a two-piece protective case, and a USB Type-A to Type-C cable.
OnePlus Open Review: Design
OnePlus has a reputation for creating premium, rounded designs, reserving more angular aesthetics for its budget Nord series to appeal to younger audiences. The Open marks a significant change from the expected design language of premium OnePlus smartphones.
The OnePlus Open’s Voyager Black finish features a unique faux leather back.
The camera-like design of the Voyager Black finish evokes nostalgia for vintage cameras, enhanced by a textured faux leather back that not only looks distinct but also provides a firm grip. The soft-finish metal frame is reminiscent of high-end cameras, complementing the prominent camera module. The uniquely positioned flash unit adds to the smartphone’s premium feel, which contrasts with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 that resembles a typical smartphone.
When folded, the hinge is situated on the left side. Unlike the Galaxy Z Fold 5, which has a rounded design that conceals the hinge, the OnePlus Open’s hinge, although polished, can be somewhat uncomfortable during use in certain grips.
Another aspect that takes some adjustment is the repositioned buttons. When closed, the upper half contains the iconic Alert slider while the lower half holds the power button and volume controls. This layout differs from the typical OnePlus configuration, affecting ease of use.
The OnePlus Open’s button layout deviates from standard OnePlus designs.
After several weeks of use, locating the volume button remained a challenge due to its higher placement. Opening the device shifts the Alert slider to a new location, leading to some confusion. A consistent layout across the entire device would enhance usability.
The OnePlus Open weighs between 239-245g, offering a slimmer profile compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. However, it lacks wireless charging, contributing to its reduced weight and slim design.
The OnePlus Open has an IPX4 rating for splash resistance, which is modest compared to Samsung’s IPX8 rating for superior water resistance.
OnePlus Open Review: Specifications and Software
OnePlus has equipped the Open with high-end specifications, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of non-expandable storage, while facilitating dual SIM support.
The main 7.82-inch AMOLED display boasts a resolution of 2,268 x 2,440 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, while the cover display measures 6.31 inches at a resolution of 1,116 x 2,484 pixels, also with a 120Hz refresh rate. Both displays feature a 240Hz touch sampling rate, ideal for gaming.
The fingerprint scanner embedded in the power button is reliable, and the device supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC, along with a USB Type-C port for fast data transfers.
The Open Canvas feature allows for a triple-split layout of applications.
Excitement surrounded the introduction of OxygenOS 13 tailored for the foldable experience, although the absence of OxygenOS 14 was a letdown given Samsung’s earlier rollout. Open Canvas, a notable feature, allows users to run multiple apps in a split-screen format, being user-friendly and effective.
Using the Recent Folder feature, users can effortlessly access recent photos and files, integrating them into compatible applications, further enhancing the multitasking experience.
OnePlus Open Review: Performance
The Open’s multitasking capabilities impress with smooth, lag-free operation. Nonetheless, the functionality of certain apps may still require orientation adjustment to achieve a tablet-like experience.
Some apps require horizontal orientation for optimal functionality.
Viewing experiences vary based on content; for instance, Netflix content benefits from the larger display, while wider-format content may feel limited. The device does feature a functionality reminiscent of Samsung’s Flex mode for video streaming.
While the Open delivered impressive benchmark scores, its gaming performance, supported by a high touch sampling rate, stood out. OnePlus has included gaming-focused optimizations, making it a strong contender for mobile gamers.
The crease created by the hinge is subtle and barely noticeable.
Both displays support HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, enriching the viewing experience. The device’s three-speaker setup offers impressive audio quality despite its compact size. However, the absence of an official stylus accessory is noted.
Battery performance on the OnePlus Open exceeds many expectations for foldables. Moderate usage often results in a battery life surpassing a day and a half, with rapid charging capabilities providing a full charge in about 53 minutes, which bests many competitors.
The OnePlus Open relies solely on wired charging.
OnePlus Open Review: Cameras
The OnePlus Open features a robust camera system comprising a 48-megapixel primary camera with optical image stabilization, a 64-megapixel telephoto lens with 3X optical zoom, and a 48-megapixel ultra-wide angle camera. Selfie options include a 32-megapixel cover display camera and a 20-megapixel main display camera.
The rear camera setup of the OnePlus Open is impressively capable.
The camera can record videos in 4K at up to 60fps, with an option for Dolby Vision capture at 30fps. An array of customizable shooting modes, bolstered by a partnership with Hasselblad, enhances the color output of photos, while unique features like XPan mode provide broader photo views.
Sample daylight images captured with the OnePlus Open, displaying the capabilities of its primary and telephoto cameras.
Image quality has seen marked improvements, particularly after software updates that fine-tuned the telephoto and portrait modes. Photos exhibit good contrast, detail, and a slight saturation, enhancing the overall viewing pleasure.
Zoomed images captured with the OnePlus Open highlight the effectiveness of its telephoto lens.
While low-light photography demonstrated some challenges, the main camera captured satisfactory images. The ultra-wide shots had decent detail but showcased purple fringing in brighter areas. The selfie cameras produced sharp images across various lighting conditions.
Selfie captured in low light using the primary camera on the OnePlus Open.
In terms of video quality, the phone performs well in bright conditions but struggles slightly in low-light scenarios. While Dolby Vision recording was available, it did not match the video quality potential of some of its competitors, particularly in low-light shoots.
OnePlus Open Review: Verdict
The OnePlus Open introduces a refreshing approach to foldable smartphones, defying past expectations regarding performance, battery life, and camera quality. This device proves that a foldable can deliver the standards we anticipate from premium flagships.
OnePlus has successfully distinguished the Open from the competition, providing an excellent cover display, a spacious foldable screen, well-optimized software, robust performance, and quality cameras, all at a more attractive price point than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5. It blends advanced features with practicality, challenging traditional perceptions of foldables.
