For quite some time, I’ve been a bit of a cynic when it comes to foldable phones. The awe and excitement they generate amongst my friends and colleagues seemed justified until the moment the price tag was revealed. That’s when the enthusiasm dwindled. Foldable phones have always been associated with hefty price tags and the dreaded “crease” in the display. I couldn’t fathom how a smartphone manufacturer could overcome these issues to deliver a truly satisfying experience.
Unveiling the OnePlus Open
OnePlus has surprised me with their latest creation – the OnePlus Open. This device marks their foray into the foldable phone arena. Available in two eye-catching variants, the glass-backed Emerald Dusk Green and the sophisticated vegan leather Voyager Black, the OnePlus Open starts at $1,700. I had the privilege of testing it for a week before it became available for pre-order. The OnePlus Open turned my skepticism about foldables on its head.
The Crease Conundrum
One of my primary concerns with foldable screens has always been the prominent crease in the middle of the display. It significantly hampered the overall experience, making tasks like watching content and using apps far from enjoyable. OnePlus has managed to come closest to resolving this issue. Their hinge and screen design offer a promising “phablet” experience.
OnePlus’ Bold Entry into the Foldable Market
OnePlus, a subsidiary of the Chinese tech giant Oppo, has made its debut in the foldable market. While Oppo has its own flip-style foldables, OnePlus delayed its entry and has positioned itself to make a strong impression at the end of the year. OnePlus Open’s screen design is likely to set a new standard that other companies may emulate in the coming year.
Pricing and Promotions
Pricing remains a sticking point for the OnePlus Open. At a base price of $1,700, it’s a bit more affordable compared to Google and Samsung’s latest foldables, but it’s still a significant investment. OnePlus is banking on aggressive promotional deals to lure potential buyers. They claim you can get anywhere from $200 to a whopping $1,000 off the OnePlus Open with a trade-in, regardless of your old phone’s age or condition. This is a bold move, and its success remains to be seen as pre-orders are open until October 25. OnePlus promises that this deal will be available for as long as the Open phones are up for sale.
Manufacturing Defects
While I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the OnePlus Open, I couldn’t ignore some glaring manufacturing defects. It appears OnePlus has fallen into a trap similar to Samsung’s earlier foldables. The exterior screen protector on the OnePlus Open seems to be peeling off with a small air bubble forming in the top right corner. Additionally, there’s a noticeable line of air bubbles on the interior screen. While these defects didn’t significantly disrupt my experience, they raise concerns about the phone’s long-term durability.
The Verdict
The OnePlus Open is a significant step towards cracking the $1,500 price barrier for foldable phablets. However, it still comes at a premium compared to most flagship phones, even those made by OnePlus themselves. You can grab exceptional devices like the iPhone 15 Pro or the Pixel 8 Pro for $1,000, leaving some extra cash in your pocket. But if you’ve been yearning for a foldable phone and have been deterred by the infamous crease, the OnePlus Open offers the best foldable experience available.
In short, OnePlus’ entry into the foldable market with the OnePlus Open is an exciting development, albeit with some teething problems. It’s a promising step towards more accessible foldable technology, but potential buyers should be aware of the manufacturing issues. If OnePlus can iron out these wrinkles, they might just have a game-changer on their hands.