OnePlus is set to enter the foldable phone market with its first-ever foldable device, the OnePlus Open. With rumors circulating for over a year, the anticipation for the OnePlus Open has been steadily increasing. Leaks and reports suggest that the device could go on sale this month, making its debut sooner rather than later.
To provide users with a sneak peek, OnePlus collaborated with YouTuber Unbox Therapy to release an official first look at the OnePlus Open from different angles. The video highlights the device’s gapless hinge, which allows it to shut completely flat without leaving any gap between the folding panel. This tight and secure hinge has impressed many, with YouTuber Lewis Hilsenteger calling it the “tightest hinge” he has seen on a folding smartphone. To demonstrate its strength, he even managed to dangle the device using a piece of paper stuck between the folding display, and it never slipped.
Furthermore, the OnePlus Open’s hinge is expected to be highly durable, with reports suggesting that it could withstand twice as many folds as the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5. This durability will be a significant selling point for users who prioritize sturdiness and longevity in their devices.
OnePlus CEO Pete Lau revealed that the hinge of the OnePlus Open uses significantly fewer components compared to its counterpart, the Oppo Find N2, and is about 37% smaller. This reduction in size and components will contribute to a lighter overall weight for the device. Additionally, the video showcases OnePlus’ iconic alert slider, which has a textured feel and is located on the left edge of the phone.
In terms of design, the OnePlus Open appears slim and handy for a foldable device, distinguishing itself from bulkier options like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold. OnePlus seems to have prioritized practicality and user comfort in its foldable design.
Interestingly, OnePlus CEO Pete Lau confirmed that the OnePlus Open and Oppo Find N3 are essentially the same devices. This indicates a collaborative effort between OnePlus and Oppo in creating their respective foldables, which will launch simultaneously. However, Lau also stated that OnePlus has no plans to release a flip-style foldable, indicating their focus on a specific design concept.
While an official release date has not been announced, the OnePlus Open is expected to debut on October 19. Recently, the device was even spotted in the wild, thanks to a marketing stunt by OnePlus collaborating with Indian actress Anushka Sharma.
Rumors suggest that the OnePlus Open will feature a 6.3-inch OLED cover screen and a 120Hz 7.8-inch internal foldable panel. It is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a 4,800mAh battery that supports 67W fast charging. If priced competitively, the OnePlus Open has the potential to make a significant impact in the foldable market, currently dominated by Samsung.
As OnePlus prepares to enter the foldable market with its exciting OnePlus Open, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike eagerly await the official launch. It will be interesting to see how OnePlus’s foldable performs and if it can compete against Samsung’s established dominance in this evolving market segment.