OnePlus has ventured into the foldable smartphone market with the launch of its first foldable device in India, known as the OnePlus Open. This move pits OnePlus directly against Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold5, a significant rival in the foldable phone segment.
The OnePlus Open is positioned as a premium, flagship-grade device, and it doesn't come cheap. It's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring top-tier performance. This Snapdragon chip is one of the most advanced in the market, promising smooth and efficient operation.
The device features two striking color options: Emerald Dusk and Voyager Black. While OnePlus is renowned for its high-quality smartphones that often offer great value for money, the OnePlus Open is priced significantly higher than its standard flagship model, the OnePlus 11 5G. With a starting price of Rs 1,39,999, this foldable device is placed in the upper echelons of the smartphone market.
To make this device more accessible, OnePlus offers buyers various incentives. These include a Rs 5,000 instant discount for those using ICICI Bank debit and credit cards, as well as a similar discount for One Card users. Additionally, OnePlus provides a 12-month no-cost EMI option, allowing buyers to spread the cost over time. Pre-order customers are also rewarded with a free PU case, which is a nice extra.
In terms of its physical attributes, the OnePlus Open boasts two AMOLED displays. The primary, internal display is sizable at 7.82 inches, delivering a 2K resolution and exceptional visual quality with a high 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,800 nits. It's worth noting that the internal display is protected by ultra-thin glass, which is a combination of glass and plastic, enhancing its durability. The external display, measuring 6.31 inches, mirrors the internal display's resolution and refresh rate and is safeguarded by a material called Ceramic Guard.
The OnePlus Open's camera system is equally impressive. It includes a 32MP camera on the cover screen, making it perfect for quick snapshots and selfies. For video calls and more detailed front-camera usage, there's an additional 20MP in-display camera.
On the rear, OnePlus has equipped this device with a powerful camera array. It consists of a 48MP primary camera, ensuring high-quality photos in various lighting conditions. There's also a 64MP telephoto zoom camera with a 3X optical zoom, which enhances the device's photography capabilities, especially when capturing distant subjects. Completing the rear camera setup is a 48MP ultrawide angle lens, perfect for wide shots or landscapes.
Regarding software and performance, the OnePlus Open runs on Android 13-based OxygenOS 13.2, which brings a host of new features and optimizations to the OnePlus ecosystem. The device is powered by the aforementioned Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, ensuring snappy performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. It's paired with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and offers 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage, providing plenty of space for apps, media, and files. What's interesting is that this device supports RAM expansion, allowing users to virtually extend it by an additional 4, 8, or 12GB for a more versatile experience.
Battery life is crucial for any smartphone, and the OnePlus Open is no exception. It comes with a 4,805mAh battery, ensuring that you can use the device throughout the day without constantly searching for a charger. Although it ships with an 80W charger, this device supports fast charging at speeds up to 67W, so you can quickly recharge it when needed.
This device also packs several other features and capabilities. There's an alert slider, making it easy to switch between different sound profiles. The OnePlus Open is 5G-ready, offering fast data speeds when you're in an area with 5G coverage. It's equipped with Wi-Fi 7, the latest and fastest Wi-Fi standard, ensuring a stable and quick internet connection. Bluetooth 5.3 provides connectivity for various accessories and devices. A USB-C port simplifies charging and data transfer. To elevate the audio experience, the device features Dolby Atmos sound technology. Finally, it includes a side-mounted fingerprint reader for quick and secure unlocking.
OnePlus aims to make the OnePlus Open a flagship contender in the foldable phone market by delivering top-notch performance, camera capabilities, and a user experience that OnePlus users are accustomed to. By venturing into the foldable category, OnePlus takes a significant step towards keeping up with industry trends and providing its customers with innovative and forward-looking devices.
The OnePlus Open's launch and its reception in the market will be a key moment for OnePlus as it seeks to broaden its product lineup and cater to consumers looking for cutting-edge technology in the world of foldable smartphones.
