The OnePlus Open—the foldable smartphone redefining innovation in 2023. Explore its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 power, Hasselblad cameras, and sleek design, all at a competitive price. Is it the future of mobile tech? Find out here.
The smartphone industry is undergoing a revolution, and foldable devices are leading the charge. Once considered a niche novelty, foldables have evolved into powerful tools that blend portability with tablet-like productivity. Enter the OnePlus Open—the brand’s debut foldable smartphone that promises to disrupt the market with its sleek design, cutting-edge specs, and competitive pricing. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what makes the OnePlus Open a standout contender in 2023.
Unboxing the Future: Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Open greets users with a premium aesthetic that stays true to the brand’s “Never Settle” ethos. Crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and reinforced glass, the device feels sturdy yet surprisingly lightweight at 239 grams—lighter than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5. Its hinge, dubbed the “Flexion Hinge,” is a marvel of engineering. Through over 200 precision components, it enables a seamless fold without the dreaded crease plaguing earlier foldables. The hinge also allows the phone to stay open at multiple angles, perfect for hands-free video calls or photography.
Durability is a key focus here. The OnePlus Open boasts Ceramic Guard protection on both its 6.3-inch AMOLED cover screen and 7.8-inch foldable display, offering scratch resistance and improved drop resilience. While it lacks an official IP rating, OnePlus claims rigorous testing ensures resistance to dust and splashes—a cautious approach that keeps costs down without sacrificing real-world reliability.
Displays That Adapt to Your Life
The OnePlus Open shines with its LTPO 3.0 AMOLED displays, which dynamically adjust refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz for buttery-smooth scrolling and energy efficiency. The outer screen (6.3 inches) is ideal for quick tasks, while unfolding the device reveals a expansive 7.8-inch canvas with 2440×2268 resolution—perfect for streaming, gaming, or multitasking.
What sets it apart? Ultra-HDR Brightness peaking at 2,800 nits ensures crisp visibility even under direct sunlight. Combined with Dolby Atmos-tuned speakers, the Open transforms into a portable theater, offering an immersive experience that rivals compact tablets.
Performance: A Powerhouse Under the Hood
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (4nm architecture) and up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the OnePlus Open handles everything from 4K video editing to graphics-heavy gaming with ease. Storage options go up to 512GB UFS 4.0, ensuring lightning-fast app launches and file transfers.
Thermal management is critical for foldables, and OnePlus delivers with a 3D cooling system featuring a vapor chamber and graphite layers. During testing, the device maintained stable performance during extended gaming sessions, avoiding the throttling issues seen in some competitors.
Camera Mastery, Courtesy of Hasselblad
OnePlus’s partnership with Hasselblad continues to bear fruit. The Open features a triple-camera setup headlined by a 48MP main sensor with OIS, a 64MP 3x periscope telephoto lens (6x in-sensor zoom), and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. The result? Stunning detail, vibrant colors, and exceptional low-light performance.
Unique to the Open is Foldable Flexi-Frame, a software enhancement that uses the hinge’s flexibility for steadier long-exposure shots. The 20MP front camera (on both screens) supports 4K video, while Hasselblad’s Pro Mode lets photography enthusiasts tweak ISO, shutter speed, and more.
OxygenOS: Tailored for Foldables
Running on OxygenOS 13.1 (Android 13), the Open offers a fluid, intuitive interface optimized for multitasking. Features like “Taskbar 2.0” let users pin frequently used apps, while “Split-Screen Genie” allows three apps to run simultaneously. App continuity is seamless—start an email on the cover screen and finish it unfolded without missing a beat.
OnePlus promises four years of OS updates and five years of security patches, a commitment that extends the device’s lifespan significantly.
Battery Life: All-Day Stamina, Blazing Speeds
A 4,800mAh dual-cell battery powers the Open, delivering up to 8.5 hours of screen-on time. While heavy users may need a midday top-up, 80W SuperVOOC charging refuels the device from 0% to 100% in just 42 minutes. (Note: Wireless charging is absent, a trade-off for slimmer design.)
Pricing and Availability: A Competitive Edge
Starting at **1,499∗∗(16GB+512GB),theOnePlusOpenundercutstheGalaxyZFold5by300 while offering comparable—or superior—specs. Pre-orders include free Buds Pro 2 earbuds, sweetening the deal. Available in Emerald Dusk and Onyx Black, it’s a compelling option for early adopters seeking value.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the OnePlus Open?
The OnePlus Open isn’t just another foldable—it’s a statement. By combining flagship performance, Hasselblad cameras, and a refined hinge design at a competitive price, OnePlus has crafted a device that appeals to professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts alike. While the lack of wireless charging and IP rating may deter some, the Open’s strengths far outweigh its compromises.
In a market hungry for innovation, the OnePlus Open proves that cutting-edge technology doesn’t have to come at a premium. It’s not just a phone; it’s a glimpse into the future of mobile tech.