Matthew Cooper 
Dec 20, 2023
Marking its entry into the foldable phone market, OnePlus introduces the innovative OnePlus Open, a foldable device aiming to rival the Samsung and Google counterparts.
The Open is priced at $1,699.99, positioning it as a premium offering that's double the cost of OnePlus's regular smartphones yet cheaper than Samsung and Google foldable. This pricing strategy aims to strike a balance between ultra-premium gadgetry and top-standard models.
Its 6.31-inch external screen mirrors the size and shape of a standard flat phone, maintaining a sleek profile with just a 3mm increase in thickness compared to a regular OnePlus device. Notably, the rear of the Open showcases a substantial camera module that offers grip and covers a portion of the back glass when folded.
Upon unfolding the device, users are greeted with an almost-square 7.82-inch internal screen, ideal for applications but slightly less conducive for widescreen content like movies. Display quality is exceptional, boasting sharpness, high brightness, and a 120Hz refresh rate. Notably, the crease at the fold, a common issue in foldable devices, is minimally visible, presenting a slight indentation but remaining inconspicuous during regular use.
The OnePlus Open boasts a slim hinge that unfolds smoothly and securely, enabling the internal screen to maintain various viewing angles without any discernible gap between the halves when closed. It offers enhanced durability, rated for 1 million folds — five times more than the latest Samsung and Google foldables. However, it only provides splash water resistance, lacking official dust resistance, posing potential issues if exposed to water.
Similar to other foldable devices, the Open's screen uses ultra-thin glass and plastic to facilitate folding. It requires cautious handling to prevent damage, as pressing hard enough can leave marks on the screen.
OnePlus Open specs
The device's specifications include a 7.82-inch 2K 120Hz AMOLED flexible display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage. The Open showcases impressive performance and robust battery life, lasting approximately 46 hours between charges.
OxygenOS 13.2, a custom Android 13 version, powers the Open, incorporating a unique multitasking system known as "canvas." This system allows for expanded app views beyond the physical screen limits, enhancing the usability of multiple apps simultaneously. However, the software lacks some advanced features present in Samsung's implementation.
On the camera front, the device boasts a significant camera bump housing a 48MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 64MP telephoto camera. The Open delivers commendable imaging capabilities, rivalling the Pixel Fold but slightly trailing in a certain aspect.
Pros
- Fusion of phone and tablet functionalities
- Minimal fold crease when open
- Excellent performance and battery life
- Strong camera capabilities
- Intriguing software features
Cons
- Limited water resistance
- High repair costs and fragility
- Software lacks sophistication compared to top competitors
- Limited software support with five years of updates from the release
While the OnePlus Open presents an enticing combination of phone and tablet functionalities, offering a seamless transition between closed and open states, it faces durability concerns, limited water resistance, and a software suite that falls short of top rivals. Despite these drawbacks, the device stands as a promising third-generation product in the foldable market, showcasing OnePlus's commitment to innovation.
