Talking about foldable, this year, the European market offers three standout devices: the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, the OnePlus Open, and the Honor Magic V2. Each embodies a unique approach to the foldable concept, collectively creating what I call the “Fold Paradox.” But the OnePlus Open is much interesting, because promises groundbreaking hardware with a few caveats.
OnePlus Open: our tops&flops
I admit it, I’ve never been a big fan of foldables. I prefer flips—they’re more practical. But the OnePlus Open is different. While it remains a bit cumbersome, especially due to the large camera module (which is also one of its strengths), it proves to be ideal for those seeking productivity in an ultra-compact format. Powerful in terms of hardware, smooth in terms of software, and now even more functional with Oxygen OS 15, the OnePlus Open is perfect for just about everything—from gaming to watching videos, taking selfies, writing articles (it can comapre with the keybord of OnePlus Pad 2). Furthermore, it features the same Hasselblad camera setup as the OnePlus 12, making it the first foldable cameraphone on the market.
What we like:
- Outstanding display;
- The only foldable where the crease is almost invisible;
- Top-notch cameras.
What we don’t like:
- The thick camera module makes it uncomfortable at times;
- It’s quite heavy;
- There’s no support to stylus
Prices in Scandinavia
- Denmark – 14.999 DKK (11.249 DKK with Black Friday offers);
- Sweden – 22.999 SEK (17.999 SEK with Black Friday offers);
- Norway – not available
Hardware without compromises… Almost
The OnePlus Open is essentially a rebranded Oppo Find N3, sharing both its hardware and ColorOS software foundation. It’s a foldable powerhouse featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, and a robust 4,805mAh battery with 67W fast charging. Its dual displays boast industry-leading brightness, peaking at 2800 nits, and support for HDR10+.
However, this device deviates from the compact form factor of its predecessor, the Find N2. It is bulkier than the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and lacks key features like wireless charging and IP certification. Despite these omissions, its camera system steals the show, rivaling top-tier devices like the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro, and doing even better thanks to a well-developed AI system (even better after Oxygen OS update).
The OnePlus Open is undeniably stunning. Its premium metal frame, matte-finished back, and sleek, flat-edged design exude sophistication. It’s also robustly engineered, with a hinge rated for one million folds, matching the durability of Samsung’s Z Fold 5. Yet, the design has its flaws.
The rear camera module, while impressive in functionality, adds significant bulk, making the device awkward to hold. At 11.7mm thick when folded (16mm if you include the camera bump), it’s noticeably heftier than competitors. Ergonomics suffer as the phone feels top-heavy, and the hinge design, while solid, lacks the flexibility of Samsung’s, which stays open at a wider range of angles.
The display is stunning
The OnePlus Open boasts two exceptional LTPO AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates. Both screens deliver sharp visuals, vibrant colors, and excellent sunlight readability, thanks to their peak brightness. However, the dynamic refresh rate could use refinement. Despite claims of 1-120Hz adaptability, it mostly stays fixed at 120Hz, which diminishes its energy-saving potential.
The audio experience on the OnePlus Open is top-notch, offering rich stereo sound through cleverly engineered speakers. It excels in connectivity, supporting Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, dual SIMs, and eSIM, along with a USB-C 3.1 port for video output.
Battery life is decent but varies depending on usage. With mixed usage of internal and external screens, the device manages around 5.5 hours of screen time on a full charge. The proprietary 67W charger replenishes the battery quickly, but third-party chargers deliver slower results, capping at 23W.
Software: multitasking redefined
Running ColorOS based on Android 13, the OnePlus Open reimagines multitasking with innovative features. The dynamic app positioning system allows users to shift apps across an invisible canvas, creating flexible layouts. It supports up to three app windows, offering both vertical and horizontal splits. The desktop-style navigation bar is another highlight, enabling drag-and-drop functionality for seamless multitasking.
Despite these innovations, the software isn’t perfect. The inability to customize the external and internal home screens separately feels restrictive, and some multitasking features can be unintuitive for new users.
Camera is the best-in-class
OnePlus Open’s cameras are its crown jewel. Equipped with Hasselblad-tuned optics, it offers superior photography performance, outshining other foldables. Portrait shots are stunning, with natural depth and color accuracy. The main sensor and telephoto lens deliver consistent results across various lighting conditions, rivaling flagship smartphones.
Night photography is solid, though the ultrawide lens struggles in low light. For enthusiasts, the 120x zoom is a fun, if niche, addition.
