Review: OnePlus Open – Getting Many Things Right

OnePlus gets credit for launching a Galaxy Z Fold competitor outside of China – and delivers a great “first gen” device, enhanced with an interesting user interface and cameras that are closer to flagship camera systems on non-foldables. All, for a price that should help move the segment ever closer to mass market users.

Camera: Big improvements

The OnePlus Open cameras are the next step in OnePlus’ path to catching up to the competition in photography. Boasting a versatile setup, it captures detailed and vibrant images and doesn’t have an obvious detracting factor that would turn a user off. The multiple lenses cater to different photography styles. There are fewer instances where users will feel like they could have been better off with a different phone. AI enhancements, and the Hasselblad partnership, further contribute to better low-light performance and overall image quality.

While testing the device, there initially were several instances where the shutter took multiple seconds to react to a trigger on the screen, resulting in a few blurry shots. Over time, and software updates, this problem seems to have been addressed and the camera now functions as intended.

The zoom capabilities on the Open are an improvement over previous OnePlus flagships. However, I would prefer to have an optical 6x zoom vs. the currently implemented in-sensor zoom/crop, or at a larger jump from the 3x optical. In personal use, the 10x optical zoom on the Galaxy S23 Ultra remains one of the key camera features I return to frequently. Given the size of the camera housing, OnePlus should be able to improve on this in future generations.

Display: Unobstructed viewing

Design and dimensions of handsets are always based on personal preference. In the case of the Open, the wider external screen, while overall shorter dimensions, enables a better front-screen user experience. The device boasts a sleek and slim profile when unfolded and is not too thick when folded, with the exterior clad in premium materials that give it a sophisticated feel. The hinge mechanism ensures smooth and reliable folding, feeling secure and not loose. The 7.8-inch foldable AMOLED screen stands out with its distinct lack of crease along the fold line. Only the Mate Xs2, with its outward folding screen features a similar unobstructed view – at least in the author’s experience.

Open Canvas UX: Seamless Transitions

OnePlus benefits from the experience the Oppo team has had, developing multiple generations of the Find N series. For Open users, this becomes most apparent with “Open Canvas,” an interface for the main screen to make better use of the larger screen. With Open Canvas, users can “extend” the screen and multitask, by having a third app open which is pushed to the side yet easily accessible with a swipe. Other multi-tasking features include the desktop taskbar and a folder which houses recent images, documents and other content. That feature makes it easy to drag and drop content without leaving an app. The transition between folded and unfolded modes is seamless and functions as expected. The interface is not new as Oppo implements its “Boundless View” interface on Find N series devices.

Competition: A Challenger outside of China

Regardless of actual sales numbers, OnePlus' Open launch should be considered a success as the company brought a form-factor foldable to markets outside of China, officially. Other Chinese OEMs have so far not focused on international markets for its larger foldables, with Oppo focusing on the clamshell Find N Flip series and Motorola challenging Samsung with its 2023 razr lineup.

Pricing is a key part of the allure of the Open. In the US, the 16GB RAM/512GB storage configuration starts at $1,699.99, but OnePlus is effectively lowering the price by at least $200 with an on-going trade-in promotion, which can reach up to $1,000. OnePlus appears to be committed to running the base line trade-in offer throughout the lifecycle of the device. The brand must have struck a chord with its pricing, even though the device is not available from wireless carriers in the US directly, as Samsung has re-introduced higher trade-in offers for its own foldables after the 5th generation of the Fold and Flip launched earlier in the year. Buyers stand to benefit from the increased competition in the US.

Unfortunately OnePlus, and Oppo, continue to face an uncertain future in Western Europe, another key market for this type of premium device. While the Open is available in some markets, the brand cannot run a uniform campaign to support the device across Europe, essential to counter Samsung dominance in those markets.

Conclusion: A great “first gen” competitor with enough tweaks and changes to challenge the status quo

In conclusion, the OnePlus Open has successfully positioned itself as a noteworthy player in the Western foldables market. Its sleek design, powerful performance, and competitive pricing make it an attractive choice for consumers looking beyond Samsung. However, the dynamics of the foldables market vary across regions, and OnePlus faces unique challenges in markets like China, where local players continue to dominate and some Western European countries. As the smartphone landscape evolves, OnePlus has demonstrated its ability to innovate and compete globally, yet the road ahead involves navigating the nuanced preferences of different markets. The OnePlus Open is getting many things right, but the true success of the launch is likely to manifest itself only with the launch of Open 2, or a clamshell sibling.

OnePlus Open front screen, source: Gerrit Schneemann