OnePlus Open: A Compelling Alternative in the Foldable Smartphone Market

 OnePlus Open: A Compelling Alternative in the Foldable Smartphone Market

OnePlus has introduced its first foldable phone, the OnePlus Open, which offers an alternative and compelling option in the foldable smartphone market. In contrast to Samsung and Google, who have labeled their foldable devices as "Fold," OnePlus has taken a practical approach, naming it the OnePlus "Open."

The OnePlus Open distinguishes itself from the competition in various aspects, from unboxing and form factor to multitasking capabilities, charging options, and pricing. This innovative approach brings unique strengths and some noteworthy compromises.

One of the key factors in foldable phones is their weight. An ideal foldable device should provide high performance, flexibility for phone and tablet functions, and ease of use, whether on the outer or inner screen. The OnePlus Open is a standout in this regard, weighing in at 245 grams, making it the lightest large-screen foldable device in the US market. In comparison, the Google Pixel Fold weighs 283 grams, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is 253 grams. The difference in weight is immediately noticeable, offering a more comfortable and contemporary experience.

However, the OnePlus Open does have a significant design flaw – its camera bump, which occupies a considerable portion of the back panel. This design choice, intended to highlight the importance of mobile photography, compromises the device's overall ergonomics and doesn't get concealed by the included case.

Additionally, the button placement might pose some challenges. The volume rocker on the OnePlus Open is located relatively high on the device, requiring users to reach closer to the upper corner of the phone to adjust the volume. This can make the device more susceptible to accidental drops.

In terms of software, OnePlus introduces Open Canvas, a split-screen feature allowing users to open up to three apps at once. This feature streamlines multitasking and transitions between apps, providing an edge over Samsung and Google's software.

While the OnePlus Open delivers an excellent software experience, some minor OxygenOS issues persist, such as aggressive app power management and battery drain notifications. These can affect the day-to-day usability of the device, despite its impressive 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

The OnePlus Open stands out in the camera department, offering better photo quality than its Samsung and Google counterparts. The OnePlus device's camera system includes a 48-megapixel main lens, a 64MP telephoto, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. This, along with Hasselblad tuning, contributes to outstanding color science and image processing, making subjects stand out more and offering a natural separation between foreground and background.

OnePlus offers a competitive price for the OnePlus Open, selling it for $1,699, undercutting Samsung and Google's foldable phones by $100. There's also a trade-in option, which can reduce the price by at least $200, bringing it to $1,499.

However, potential buyers should note that the OnePlus Open won't be available through carrier stores, limiting installment plan options. Another omission is wireless charging, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. OnePlus argues that adding wireless charging would make the device thicker and heavier.

In summary, the OnePlus Open presents a compelling and competitive choice in the foldable smartphone market. Its unique features, lightweight design, impressive camera system, and more accessible pricing make it an attractive option for those considering a foldable device.

If multitasking, camera performance, form factor, and charging speed are among your top priorities, the OnePlus Open may emerge as the best choice in the current foldable smartphone landscape.

While it doesn't shy away from a few design quirks, like the prominent camera bump and the positioning of physical buttons, the OnePlus Open compensates with a refreshing approach to foldable design. Its lightweight build and practical aspects, such as the Open Canvas split-screen feature, enhance the user experience. 

Camera enthusiasts are likely to appreciate the OnePlus Open's camera system, which offers high-quality photos, thanks to Hasselblad tuning, a 48-megapixel main lens, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens.

Furthermore, the competitive pricing of the OnePlus Open at $1,699, which can be further reduced through trade-ins, positions it as an appealing choice in the foldable smartphone market. However, potential buyers should be aware that the device won't be available through carrier stores, and it lacks wireless charging.

In conclusion, the OnePlus Open is a noteworthy addition to the foldable smartphone landscape. It successfully addresses various aspects of user experience while offering a competitive price point. For those seeking an alternative to the established foldable offerings, the OnePlus Open's combination of form, function, and affordability makes it a compelling choice.