OnePlus Open is Awesome - What's Happening with Folding Phones?!

The video opens with the host addressing folding phones and why OnePlus finally entered this space with the OnePlus Open, emphasizing that it marks a significant step forward for a first gen foldable. He breaks down the exterior design, noting the 6.3 inch cover display with bright HDR-like brightness and a thin bezel, which helps the phone feel flagship even when closed. The host cites practical design choices such as flat sides, a prominent alert slider at the top, and a dual-purpose power button with an integrated fingerprint sensor, all of which contribute to a premium impression. He also discusses the back panel materials and the large camera module, acknowledging fingerprint resistance and how the design feels natural when held closed. As he opens the device, he highlights the 7.8 inch inside display with LTPO 3.0, peak brightness around 2800 nits, and an almost invisible crease, comparing favorably to prior foldables and to OPPO Find N3 in terms of hinge quality and screen continuity. The review moves into performance and software, praising OxygenOS 13.2 and its power-user oriented multitasking features, including seamless continuity between the closed and open states, automatic home screen mirroring, and a robust multi-app layout with a dock for quick access. The host emphasizes the hardware being top-tier, with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, 120Hz LTPO displays, and a 4800 mAh battery with 67W charging. He notes the lack of wireless charging as a minor quirk. When discussing cameras, the device is described as having a new stacked primary sensor, a 3x telephoto, and an ultra-wide, delivering solid results with caveats about motion freezing and ISO noise in low-light or fast-moving subjects, though the overall camera performance is pleasing. The central question of the video is why folding phones have not achieved broad mainstream adoption despite strong hardware, and the host identifies three main barriers: price, durability concerns, and the power-user nature of the form factor. He provides concrete price comparisons, placing the Open at $1700 in the US and noting it sits in the same range as its folding rivals like the Pixel Fold and Samsung Z Fold 5, while stressing that price remains the primary obstacle for mainstream adoption. Durability is treated with nuance, acknowledging IPX4 water resistance and hinge durability tests, but pointing out observed dead pixels near the hinge in his unit and suggesting that durability remains a risk factor for many buyers. The discussion then broadens to market dynamics, arguing that folding devices are still seen as niche products despite ongoing improvements, referencing competing devices like HONOR Magic V2 as exemplars of thin, feature-rich hardware. The host ultimately frames folding phones as exciting and future-proof for enthusiasts and power users, yet not yet mainstream due to price, durability uncertainties, and the inherently power-user position of the category. In closing, he reiterates that folding innovation is compelling, but consumer adoption will lag until pricing and durability align more closely with standard flagships, and teases future coverage on how the category evolves.

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