Folding smartphones (also called foldables) are incredibly expensive. Let's face it, these things cost a fortune! That's just one of several reasons why I'm looking at the fancy devices from the sidelines these days.
Added to this: slimmed-down cameras, less robustness, weight and uncertainty about durability – foldable smartphones are (still) compromises.
Nevertheless, the OnePlus Open 2 currently piques my interest. This is not just due to the hardware specifications that are currently making the rounds. The clever software of the first generation has already shown how well it fits the concept.
OnePlus Open 2: hardware specs that are impressive
It's no surprise that OnePlus equips its latest model with the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Qualcomm's latest SoC delivers impressive performance and efficiency values, just like oursshows.
Like the portalAndroid Authorityreported that the first people have looked at the smartphone up close. Accordingly, the OnePlus Open 2 is said to be the thinnest foldable in the world and is made of titanium. Both should have a positive effect on the weight of the device.
The »almost 6000 mAh battery« also provides anticipation., which together with the Qualcomm chip could ensure a very long runtime. The battery is based on silicon-carbon anode technology. To put it simply: The higher energy density of silicon means that larger battery capacities can be accommodated in comparably small housings. Wireless charging is also provided.
Last but not least, there is speculation about an IP68 certification, as the manufacturer's focus is probably on "robustness". So far, no foldable has come onto the market that is completely dustproof. Therefore, I think it is more likely that OnePlus will at least catch up with the competition and advertise the phone with an IPX8 or at best an IP48 certification (like this).
Finally, the camera should be mentionedwill take over:
- Main sensor: 50 megapixels, f/1.6, 1/1.43 inch, 23mm, Sony LYT-808
- Telephoto lens: 50 megapixels, f/2.6, 1/1.95 inch, 73mm, 3x optical zoom, Sony LYT-600
- Ultraweitwinkel: 50 Megapixel, f/2.0, 1/2.75 Zoll, 15mm
Conversely, this means: no compromises when it comes to the camera in a folding smartphone.
OnePlus Open: The multitasking is awesome
I only had the OnePlus Open in my hand for a short time. The software of the device is definitely my highlight. Not only does ColorOS come very close to stock Android, I also particularly like the multitasking approach.
Apps can be extended beyond the screen to take advantage of the large display and not necessarily squeeze several apps next to each other (which is also possible).
A tap on the edge of the page is enough to switch to the second (or third) app. With the additional app bar at the bottom of the screen, at least for me, I get the feeling of wanting to be productive on my smartphone (even if I'm not). Of course, the app bar is also available on Samsung's Fold series.
Apropos Samsung.
Competition for Samsung
My introduction to the world of foldable smartphones was the Galaxy Z Fold 3 from Samsung. When I picked up the Fold 6 last year, I realized that not much has changed.
Sure, the slow progress in smartphones has also made its way into foldables. But other manufacturers like Honor or Huawei show what is still possible: thinner, lighter and more durable with little to no compromises compared to “normal” flagships.
Don't get me wrong: Samsung's Folders are excellent devices, but the competition is passing them by.
OnePlus is represented in Germany again and it can be expected that the OnePlus Open 2 will come to us. This creates a lot of competition for popular brands like Samsung and Google.
It is rumored that the foldable smartphone will be launched between February 1st and 28th. Possibly even at MWC 2025, which starts on March 3rd.
Why I will still refrain from buying it
I currently generally avoid buying flagship smartphones, which, apart from the price, is due to my very compact camera. The OnePlus Open 2 doesn't change that, which is already making my eyes happy.
For me, the OnePlus Open 2 at least offers the potential to be the best folding phone in 2025. The basis here offers a combination of hardware and software that could make the purchase worthwhile for absolute smartphone enthusiasts. At least if the rumors are true.
On the competition side, an answer can be expected from Honor, but not from Samsung, as evidence suggests.
The South Korean manufacturer is apparently planning, on the one hand, only minor improvements compared to the Z Fold6 series, and on the other hand, a reduction in production by almost 40 percent (viaTom‘s Guide). At the same time, the manufacturer shows what it is ready for with the Z Fold6 Special Edition. Too bad.
A problem that affects all manufacturers
I have already addressed the main problem with all foldables: the price. As long as we're talking about astronomical sums that approach the 2,000 euro mark, foldable smartphones won't reach the masses.
Fantastic spec sheets also change that. The OnePlus Open was launched with a price of around 1,800 euros (RRP). The manufacturer will probably continue this with the second generation.
This would mean the price is below Samsung and Google, but still significantly more expensive than many other flagship devices from various manufacturers. And OnePlus itself shows with its latest device what you can get for comparatively little money.
So the OnePlus 2 remains the (perhaps) most promising foldable of 2025, but it will not solve the main problem of this type of smartphone, namely entering the masses.
