OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold | Comparing the Foldable Phone

Kevin Nether @techninjaspeaks

March 13, 2024

Android has witnessed an intriguing shift in the ever-evolving realm of technology, especially smartphones. A name that has significantly resonated among tech aficionados is OnePlus, a brand synonymous with innovation and quality in the Android ecosystem. Yet, as various industry players scurry to master the art of foldable phones, one pioneer stands notably ahead in this race — Samsung. In their 5th generation of foldable devices, Samsung's expertise and continuous innovation beg for an in-depth, head-to-head comparison with OnePlus, which is just beginning to explore this foldable journey.

If you're new here, let's dive into how we do things. We're not about inundating you with specs; we focus more on real-world usage and how these devices meet everyday tasks and challenges. So, buckle up as we pit the OnePlus Open against the Samsung Z Fold 5 in a head-to-head contest that examines everything from design to performance, camera quality, and value for money.

Pricing and Trade-In Deals

Straight off the bat, there's a noticeable difference in the pricing and offerings of the two. The Z Fold 5 retails at $1,800 for the 256GB version, while the OnePlus Open offers a whopping 512GB at $1699. Both have trade-in offers, but OnePlus takes the lead with its generous $200 offer for ANY phone in ANY condition — making even that $25 eBay find a valuable asset.

Design and Display

In terms of design, the Z Fold 5 boasts a thinner frame, lending it a taller and top-heavy feel. The OnePlus Open, on the other hand, is wider in the hands and, therefore, easier to use, especially for tasks like texting without having to unfold the device. The cover displays are competitive, but the OnePlus Open edges forward with a brighter screen capable of a 10-120hz variable refresh rate. However, if you're a night owl, you might appreciate the Z Fold's ability to go dimmer, reducing that blinding effect in low-light conditions.

Unfolding Experience

Upon unfolding, the OnePlus Open impresses with a hinge mechanism that feels just right, snapping open with satisfying ease, compared to the somewhat stiffer movement of the Z Fold 5. While both phones feel premium, there's something about the Z Fold that gives it an extra touch of luxury.

Screen Quality

Both phones boast excellent display quality, but OnePlus deserves applause for minimizing the visibility of the crease to the point of being almost invisible. While the Z Fold impresses with its under-display camera, the OnePlus Open takes the cake with its vibrant, realistic colors and less visible crease.

Camera Quality

Both devices showcase quality specs in the camera department. While I won't dive too deep into tech specs, it's worth noting that OnePlus has sported its best camera system yet (so they claim). In contrast, Samsung has yet to employ a flagship camera system for the Z Fold 5.

Software and User Interface

While this review might be a pre-software update for the OnePlus, I can't help but admire the Open Canvas feature in the OnePlus's OXYGEN 13.2. It revolutionizes multitasking, offering a desktop-like experience that outshines the Z Fold's simultaneous app display. Both phones, however, share similar Flex mode capabilities and offer seamless performance whether gaming, editing videos, or just hopping between apps.

Battery and Charging

Here, the OnePlus Open gains another point with its slightly superior battery life and the inclusion of a fast-charging brick, enabling a full charge in about 40 minutes compared to the Z Fold's 85-minute charge time — and you have to provide your charger for the latter.

Final Verdict

The OnePlus Open exceeded my expectations and challenged the Samsung Z Fold 5. Offering better value, a potentially superior user experience, and an impressive list of features, OnePlus has introduced itself as a formidable contender in the foldable phone realm.

In conclusion, while Samsung continues to be a dominant force in the foldable market, OnePlus has shown that it's more than capable of joining the race and pushing the boundaries of what users can expect from a foldable phone.