Overview

When the OnePlus Open launched, it challenged the established foldable hierarchy by solving two of the biggest complaints with book-style smartphones: awkward cover screen dimensions and severe crease visibility. By opting for a wider, standard-feeling front display paired with lightweight materials, OnePlus built a device that works as a regular smartphone when shut and a high-performance tablet when unfolded.

Evaluating the OnePlus Open reveals a phone that holds up remarkably well in everyday usability, though its specialized hardware demands extra care over multi-year ownership. From its versatile cameras to its clever Open Canvas windowing system, the hardware remains competitive, but potential owners must respect the physical realities of owning an ultra-thin flexible display.

Design and build

Hardware design is where the OnePlus Open makes its strongest statement. The 6.31-inch outer screen uses an optimal 20:9 aspect ratio, preventing the cramped typing experience found on narrower foldables. Unfolding the device reveals a large 7.82-inch fluid AMOLED panel with a barely noticeable center crease, achieved through a proprietary teardrop-style Flexion Hinge built with titanium alloy and carbon fiber components.

The rear panel features a prominent circular camera bump developed alongside Hasselblad. Despite housing substantial camera sensors and dual internal batteries, the device feels surprisingly thin and balanced in the hand. However, structural protection is skewed toward everyday liquid splashes rather than dust; the IPX4 rating means the internal gear mechanisms lack dust-tight sealing against sand and grit.

Everyday performance

Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor combined with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM provides ample headroom for heavy multi-tasking. OnePlus’s Open Canvas software remains a masterclass in foldable interface design, allowing users to run up to three apps simultaneously in a fluid, sliding arrangement that expands beyond the physical borders of the inner screen.

The camera system is similarly capable. The 48MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 64MP 3x optical periscope lens deliver vibrant photos with strong dynamic range and natural background blur. Unlike early foldables that sacrificed optical zoom to keep profile thickness down, the OnePlus Open functions as a full-fledged camera flagship.

Battery, durability, and longevity

Power is supplied by a split dual-cell battery setup totaling 4805 mAh. Even with heavy use across both displays, the phone reliably powers through a standard work day. When power runs low, the included 67W SUPERVOOC fast charging replenishes the cells from empty to full in around 40 minutes, minimizing downtime.

Long-term mechanical durability is generally solid, with the hinge retaining smooth resistance through tens of thousands of folding cycles. However, overall longevity is dictated by how carefully the soft inner display is treated. Sharp objects, aggressive fingernails, or closing the display on hard crumbs can permanently damage the flexible OLED panel underneath.

Common issues owners hit

As the device ages, several predictable pain points tend to emerge:

• Inner Screen Protector Lifting: The factory-applied protective film near the center hinge crease frequently begins bubbling or peeling off after 12 to 18 months of continuous folding.
• Crease Micro-Cracks: Over prolonged usage, the extreme stress point on the flexible display can manifest hairline stress lines along the hinge axis.
• Hinge Grit Accumulation: Dust or fine debris entering the hinge assembly can cause faint grinding sounds or prevent the device from opening perfectly flat (180 degrees).
• Display Cable Wear: Rare internal ribbon cable fatigue can cause vertical lines or partial screen blackouts on the inner panel.

For technical documentation and teardown references regarding these failure modes, explore our OnePlus Open device page or review general troubleshooting guides in our DIY guides hub.

Who it's for

The OnePlus Open is tailored for power users, productivity professionals, and mobile enthusiasts who want genuine tablet-style multitasking without carrying two separate devices. If you frequently split your screen between documents, messaging apps, and media, the hardware software integration is hard to beat. Conversely, individuals working in high-dust environments or those who prefer simple, rugged, single-panel phones should look elsewhere.

Bottom line

The OnePlus Open represents a landmark achievement in foldable smartphone design, delivering exceptional display ratios, excellent software, and impressive camera capabilities. While high repair complexity and delicate inner display layers require mindful handling, its sheer versatility makes it a standout choice for high-end smartphone ownership.

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