I’ve been using the OnePlus Open all year – why is it still a foldable phone in 2025
Key points of ZDNET
- OnePlus Open costs $1,300
- OnePlus also offers various trade-in deals on many existing phones, saving up to $900
- This foldable phone has a large vibrant home screen, customizable ringer switch, ample RAM and storage, and three powerful rear cameras
- Although the hardware supports the stylus, OnePlus does not provide access to the stylus; it only supports IPX4 waterproof rating; and no wireless charging capability.
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In 2019, after driving eight hours to buy my first one Samsung Galaxy FoldI was immediately drawn to foldables. A phone that could turn into a mini tablet proved perfect for my train and business trips. After buying a few other Samsung Folds over the years, in October 2023 I decided to give it a try OnePlus open. Since then — in 16 months — I haven’t found a single reason to move on from this adorable foldable marvel of engineering.
Also: Best Android Phones 2025: Tested by experts (including foldables)
Because I encountered the error shown with Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 — and since this is OnePlus’ first foray into foldables — I decided to buy a one-year crash protection plan for the Open. I’m happy to report that $199 was a waste of money as the Open ran flawlessly and remained in near mint condition. OnePlus has had success off the field with Open; In addition to hardware durability, the device runs Android 15 flawlessly.
I should start by highlighting the OnePlus Open feature I use the most: Open Canvas. Samsung has spent a lot of time marketing its various multitasking features on the Z Fold, Open Canvas has served me well for almost a year and a half. I like to simply pull up an app icon to open it side by side, or tap once on an app pair to launch two apps at the same time within seconds. With Samsung, I often have to go through too many steps to get many apps to display correctly.
One big difference between the OnePlus Open and the Samsung Fold is that the Open doesn’t explicitly support a stylus. While the OnePlus Open does support the Oppo Find N2 stylus (on the case and home screen), there’s no easy way to buy this in the US; My stylus order was eventually canceled and refunded after I waited several months for delivery.
I don’t believe I’ll be using the stylus that much on the Open, but it would be nice if OnePlus offered it in the US since its hardware and software support stylus input.
Creases on the Open’s main screen are nearly non-existent (something Samsung has yet to address) and the anti-reflective coating makes the large screen a total pleasure to use on a daily basis while commuting on the train and working in office.
Normally, I use my phone with a flip cover when traveling and doing basic communications. I open it on the train and during office meetings. The wide screen mimics a standard smartphone so it doesn’t affect usage at all. However, a quick transition to mini tablets is key to improving productivity.
Also: The best foldable phones you can buy: Tested by experts
Samsung has set the standard when it comes to foldable devices and using multiple apps at once, but OnePlus has perfected it with the Open. I absolutely love using apps like Outlook, Telegram, Messages, and Weather that show a list of items on the left and then detailed information about those messages on the right. Gmail required me to rotate the OnePlus Open to enjoy this display orientation, so there were some exceptions, but overall, it was a great experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (left), Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (middle) and OnePlus Open (right).
Kerry Wan/ZDNET
The OnePlus 13 is available now, and rumors suggest the OnePlus Open 2 will launch this spring. The new model may use titanium material with a thinner design, add wireless charging, integrate Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and may provide larger battery capacity.
Also: I replaced my Google Pixel 9 Pro with the OnePlus 13 – and it sets a new standard for me
Since OnePlus included IP68 and IP69 in the OnePlus 13 and put a lot of focus on durability in that phone, we could see increased durability in the Open 2. I’ll keep an eye out for trade-in offers, but not for now. there’s no compelling reason for me to upgrade, and the OnePlus Open is one of the few phones that’s kept me happy for over a year.
ZDNET Buying Tips
OnePlus Open, now available for 1,300 USDis said to be the best folding screen phone today, even after 16 months since its launch. There’s still more than three years of security updates and two other major Android updates (Android 16 and 17), which is enough for most users — but doesn’t set any industry standards.
The multitasking experience is great, the camera works well and the battery lasts at least a full day. Pay attention: When the next model is released, you can find even better deals on the original OnePlus Open.
