We now know more about OnePlus’s upcoming “OnePlus Open”. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau recently spoke with tech YouTuber Unbox Therapy to show off an early version of the company’s upcoming foldable smartphone.
The Youtube video doesn’t provide details on the hardware specs or software features the rumored “OnePlus Open” will have at launch. The company remains tight-lipped. Instead, it focuses solely on one specific aspect of the device: the hinge. Focusing solely on the hinge may sound a bit strange, but that’s for good reason as they apparently put a lot of work into it. You see, when closed, the OnePlus foldable case will have a thin, seamless design, similar to the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Lau explains that OnePlus has “35 patents” on the hinge alone, ensuring a flat form factor. The video demonstrates the part’s strength by having a tester fold the phone onto a piece of paper and then suspend the phone in the air by holding the sheet. It does not shift or slip. Lau states that OnePlus has further refined the hinge design over the years. Compared to the Find N2 from sister brand Oppo, the phone’s new hinge has 31 fewer components and is “37 percent smaller.”
Perfectly balanced
One thing we noticed during Unbox Therapy’s interview is that it doesn’t seem like any compromises have been made on the outer screen of the smartphone. One of our criticisms of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is that the cover screen is narrow. The slimmer screen is a compromise Samsung made to ensure their device ‘still feels comfortable in the hand’. At first glance, however, it seems that OnePlus has managed to find a good balance with its foldable device. The outer screen doesn’t look too wide or thin, and the overall design doesn’t look heavy either.
Pete Lau apparently has a lot of confidence in this device and boldly states that the brand is investing in “delivering the best foldable phone for users.” We’re not sure if it will break records or make it onto our list of the best foldables, but it has certainly piqued our interest.
Remarkable information
That’s about it for the bulk of the sit-down interview, although there are a few other things we should mention.
First, while watching the video, you may notice that the rear camera is covered in cardboard. As mentioned earlier, OnePlus keeps certain hardware specifications secret. However, a video has surfaced showing the back of the foldable phone. We’re pretty sure we can tell it’s a OnePlus device as the circular lens array is reminiscent of what you’ll find on other models. So much for discretion. Additionally, the textured alert slider on the OnePlus 11 is back.
At the end of the video, Unbox Therapy asks if the company has plans or is developing a flip phone like the Galaxy Z Flip 5. Lau says they are not working on it because they don’t have a large enough audience to to want that. a device with the clamshell design.
It is unknown when “OnePlus Open” will launch, although there is speculation online that it could be this month. Until then, check out TechRadar’s list of the best OnePlus phones for 2023.