OnePlus Open: A Fresh Look at Yesterday's Delight
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Over the years, some devices have left an indelible mark on the tech landscape and on my memory. Apple’s iPhone 3GS kick-started my love story with smartphones, while jailbreaking paved the way for my foray into Android and rooting. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 was my first foldable phone, but it was the OnePlus Open that I couldn't leave home without.
I had been eagerly waiting for Google to unveil a foldable phone, but their initial offering, the Pixel Fold, didn't quite meet my expectations. My heart, however, was stolen by the OnePlus Open. Released a year before the Galaxy Z Fold 5, it boasted a sleek design, larger screens, exceptional battery life, faster charging, better cameras, and everything else one could ask for.
Although it lacked wireless charging and having the right stylus could be a struggle, it was a small price to pay for the overall package. I was so smitten with it that I didn't mind upgrading to newer phones, even as they arrived on the scene. Alas, dreams do not always come true, and the OnePlus Open 2 never saw the light of day in 2025.
Disappointed, I began wondering if my fond memories of the Open were simply rose-tinted. Fast forward a week, and I find myself in a conundrum. From a hardware perspective, the OnePlus Open and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are in a tight race. Both devices are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and impress with their performance and design.
The software, however, is a different story. The Open's software offers a seamless user experience, courtesy of Android 15, but multitasking could be a challenge. On the other hand, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold benefits from Google's Tensor G4 chip, offering cutting-edge AI features, though results may vary.
One area where the OnePlus Open falls short is battery life. Initially, I thought it was due to the transition from a newer phone. But as time wore on, I found myself needing to recharge by late afternoon, despite having ample charge in the morning.
After a week of using the Open, I found myself torn between the past and the present. While it holds up in many ways, the spark I felt for it is nowhere to be found. I've even started missing the idea of a user-replaceable battery, something I'd never thought I'd say in 2025.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Open was undoubtedly a game-changer when it was released. But times have moved on, and advancements have been made. As I look forward, I find myself yearning for the next big thing – be it the OnePlus Open 3 or the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
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Insights:
- Hardware: The OnePlus Open, introduced in 2023, features a large main display, customizable ringer switch, and powerful hardware. However, it lacks stylus support and wireless charging, and has an IPX4 water-resistant rating.
- Software: The OnePlus Open runs Android 15 and offers a smooth user experience. Multitasking, however, can be challenging.
- Battery Life: While there's no specific information on the OnePlus Open's battery life, it is generally praised for its overall performance and durability. However, some users have reported less than satisfactory battery life when compared to newer devices.
- Competitor: The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, introduced in 2025, offers a comfortable exterior display, superlative camera system, and thin design. However, it is expensive and lacks dust resistance. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold runs on the latest AI-powered features thanks to Google's Tensor G4 chip, but some AI-driven features may deliver mixed results. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also boasts improved battery and charging capabilities compared to its predecessor.
- Popularity: Both the OnePlus Open and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold have gained popularity for their unique features and performance, making them staples in the foldable phone market. The choice between the two depends on prioritizing affordability and hardware capabilities over enhanced AI-driven features and superior camera performance.
The OnePlus Open, a groundbreaking device introduced in 2023, has been a significant gadget in my tech journey, marking my first foray into the world of smartphones and foldables. Despite its limitations such as inferior battery life and lack of wireless charging, the OnePlus Open offered a sleek design, larger screens, exceptional battery life, faster charging, better cameras, and everything else one could ask for, leaving an indelible impact. In the present, I find myself comparing it with the latest smartphones, like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as I continue to explore the evolving landscape of technology.
