Tag: OnePlus Open

  • OnePlus Rolls Out OxygenOS 15.0.0.610 for OnePlus Open with UI Updates

    OnePlus Rolls Out OxygenOS 15.0.0.610 for OnePlus Open with UI Updates

    Key Takeaways

    1. OnePlus is rolling out the OxygenOS 15.0.0.610 update for the OnePlus Open foldable smartphone, enhancing fluid animations and customization options.
    2. The update features a new graphics engine for smoother animations and improved multitasking performance, along with refreshed icons and standardized interface elements.
    3. A new Flux Themes feature allows users to customize their devices with unique themes, including personal images and system wallpapers.
    4. Live Alerts now display notifications centrally for better visibility, while new gestures for Floating Windows improve app management.
    5. The notification panel and Quick Settings have been redesigned for improved layout and animations, enhancing overall user experience.


    OnePlus has begun a gradual release of the OxygenOS 15.0.0.610 update for the OnePlus Open foldable smartphone in North America. This upgrade transitions devices from OxygenOS 14 to 15, emphasizing more fluid animations, a unified aesthetic, and enhanced customization possibilities.

    Update Highlights

    The update features a revamped system graphics engine aimed at boosting rendering efficiency and ensuring smooth animations, even during multitasking. The animations for widgets, folders, and system components have been polished, while swipe gestures have been reworked to offer a more consistent experience with third-party applications.

    Visual Enhancements

    Regarding the visual aspects, the icons on the Home screen and system have been refreshed, adopting new proportions and color schemes. Additionally, there’s been a push to standardize the rounded corners across interface elements. The introduction of the Flux Themes feature allows users to customize their device’s look with system wallpapers or personal images. The transitions between the Always-On Display, Lock screen, and Home screen have also been refined for added smoothness.

    Notifications and Productivity Features

    For alerts and notifications, Live Alerts are now implemented, showcasing notifications in a simplified fashion right at the center of the screen. New productivity features include gestures for Floating Windows that assist users in managing mini-apps, while the notifications panel and Quick Settings have been split apart. Improvements have also been made to the layout and animation of the Quick Settings panel.

    In photo editing, a global edit reversal feature has been introduced, enabling users to revert to previous settings while making changes. The update brings new OxygenOS app icons and enhances overall system stability. This rollout will occur in phases, starting in North America, with plans for wider access in the future. The official changelog is provided below.

    OnePlus OxygenOS 15.0.0.610 Changelog

    Animations
    A state-of-the-art system graphics engine is now available, providing excellent rendering and animation capabilities. Its novel parallel drawing architecture guarantees smooth visuals, even when switching between multiple applications or pushing the system hard. Stability and fluidity are assured under all conditions.

    Visual Effects
    The Home screen has been reimagined with newly designed icons that bring a more appealing look with balanced proportions and enhanced colors for sharper visuals. Many system function icons have also been revamped for better visual consistency across the platform.

    Themes
    The new Flux Themes feature offers a wide selection of high-quality themes, enabling customization using system wallpapers or personal photographs for a unique touch. The transitions among the Always-On Display, Lock screen, and Home screen have become more fluid and consistent visually.

    Live Alerts
    The redesigned Live Alerts focus on efficient information presentation, positioned centrally for a balanced display. Tapping on the capsules allows them to expand into detailed cards, providing quick access to various live actions by swiping down on the status bar. The animation of Live Alerts has been updated to feature a fluid, elastic design with dynamic blurring effects in real time, enhancing visual appeal.

    Photo Editing
    The new globally reversible photo editing function saves previous settings, making subsequent edits smooth and ensuring a continuous creative process.

    Floating Window and Split View
    With the new Floating Window gestures, users can swipe down a notification banner to open a floating window, swipe down again to enlarge it, swipe up to close it, and swipe sideways to hide it.

    Notifications & Quick Settings
    The new Split mode allows users to access the notification drawer separately (top-left swipe) and Quick Settings (top-right swipe), switching by swiping left or right. Quick Settings has been redesigned with a more attractive and consistent layout, along with improved animations.

    More
    New exclusive app icon designs for OxygenOS have been integrated for a fresh visual experience. Users can check for updates by navigating to Settings > System > System Update. This update aims to enhance animation fluidity and overall user interface consistency, taking into account user feedback.

    Source:
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  • OnePlus 14 Launch: Fans React to New Action Button Feature

    OnePlus 14 Launch: Fans React to New Action Button Feature

    Key Takeaways

    1. OnePlus is increasingly aligning with its parent company, Oppo, as seen in models like the OnePlus Open, which is similar to the Oppo Find N3.
    2. The OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R will be the last flagship models to feature the Alert Slider, which is being replaced by a ‘Customisable Button’ for a more personalized experience.
    3. The removal of the Alert Slider allows for new design possibilities and improved use of space in future devices.
    4. OnePlus previously faced backlash for removing the Alert Slider in the OnePlus 10T, leading to concerns about the brand’s identity.
    5. Despite efforts to innovate, the company’s decision to eliminate the Alert Slider has not been well received by fans.


    In latest years, OnePlus has gotten closer to its parent company, Oppo. A good example of this is the OnePlus Open (curr. $1,019.99 – renewed on Amazon), which is essentially the Oppo Find N3 with a different name. However, the OnePlus 13 has changed the game with its unique design, setting it apart from the Find X8 Pro that Oppo markets worldwide.

    End of an Era for OnePlus Flagships

    OnePlus has officially stated that the OnePlus 13 and OnePlus 13R will be the final models of their type. From now on, future flagship devices from OnePlus will not feature the Alert Slider, a feature that few other Android manufacturers have tried to copy. In a message on their community forums, OnePlus mentioned that the Alert Slider will be substituted with a ‘Customisable Button’, described in this way:

    The new smart button is created for the future, providing a more personalized experience.

    A Shift in Design Philosophy

    This alteration enables better usage of the device’s space, allowing for exploration of new layouts and structural enhancements while maintaining high performance.

    We’re not simply getting rid of the Alert Slider; we’re changing it, keeping the best elements while opening up new possibilities that weren’t achievable before.

    OnePlus has faced a similar situation previously, having launched the OnePlus 10T almost three years ago without an Alert Slider. Pete Lau acknowledged that the community’s backlash against this was mainly about the identity of the OnePlus brand, which prompted the company to “rethink everything.” Nevertheless, it seems they are determined to move forward this time. Not surprisingly, the response from fans has not been very favorable.

    Source:
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  • OnePlus Open Gets Hasselblad Camera Update and Security Patch

    OnePlus Open Gets Hasselblad Camera Update and Security Patch

    Key Takeaways

    1. OnePlus introduced its first foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Open, in 2023 but has not released new hardware in 2025.
    2. The OnePlus Open continues to receive software support, with the latest update enhancing the stock camera app with customizable watermarks.
    3. Videos captured with the OnePlus Open can also include custom watermarks, and the update raises the security patch level to February 2025.
    4. The OnePlus Open lags behind newer flagship models like the OnePlus 13 but remains a competitive option against devices like the Google Pixel Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5.
    5. The OnePlus Open maintains a starting price of $1,699.99 and offers high-end specifications, with consistent software updates expected until January 2025.


    OnePlus introduced its first foldable smartphone in 2023, but it has chosen not to release any new hardware for the second time in 2025.

    Software Support Remains Strong

    While the Open may not be getting any hardware enhancements, it is still receiving software support, which is a plus. The recent update, OxygenOS 15.0.0.610, may not have the longest list of changes, but it does improve the stock camera app by adding customizable watermarks. Users can now replace the standard camera info next to the Hasselblad logo with their own text, providing a personalized touch to their photos.

    Enhanced Video Features

    Additionally, videos captured with the OnePlus Open can also feature these custom watermarks. This firmware update is still built on Android 15, but it raises the security patch level to February 2025. The rollout has begun in India and Europe, and it appears to be reaching some North American devices, although the manufacturer has not officially confirmed this yet.

    Competing in a Crowded Market

    The Open is now behind by two generations when compared to new flagship models like the OnePlus 13, which features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It seems that OnePlus has left the Open without a successor for now. Nonetheless, it still stands as a strong alternative to competitors like Google’s Pixel Fold or the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 in many parts of the globe, maintaining its starting price of $1,699.99 on Amazon. This includes high-end specifications such as a vivid ~2K LTPO3 Flexi-fluid AMOLED main display, 16GB of RAM, and even an IR blaster, not to mention regular discounts that are worth keeping an eye on.

    In the meantime, the Open continues to receive consistent software updates, with its second-to-last update arriving in January 2025. This means that OnePlus fans with foldable devices can keep using their phones while they wait to see if a new version will eventually be released.

    Source:
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  • Oppo Find X8 Ultra May Feature Dual Periscope Telephoto Cameras

    Oppo Find X8 Ultra May Feature Dual Periscope Telephoto Cameras

    Key Takeaways

    1. Oppo is set to unveil the Find N5 soon, while OnePlus will not launch a direct successor to the OnePlus Open.
    2. Oppo aims to compete with major brands like Samsung and Xiaomi in Europe with a new ‘Ultra’ flagship device.
    3. The Find X8 Ultra is expected to maintain a dual periscope camera setup and may feature an innovative LED flash design.
    4. The Find X8 Ultra is rumored to include a 50 MP primary camera and three additional 50 MP sensors with telephoto capabilities.
    5. The release date for the Find X8 Ultra remains unknown.


    Oppo is just a few days away from unveiling the Find N5. On the other hand, OnePlus has confirmed that it will not be launching a direct successor to the OnePlus Open, which currently retails for $1,199.99 (refurbished on Amazon). While the Find N5 is expected to be available globally in some form, the future of the Find X8 Ultra is still uncertain.

    Oppo’s Ambitions in Europe

    Oppo’s return to the European market and beyond indicates that the brand might aim to compete with giants like Samsung and Xiaomi with a new ‘Ultra’ flagship outside of China. Recent leaks suggest that the Find X8 Ultra could retain the dual periscope camera setup seen in its predecessor. Additionally, Oppo is likely to place the LED flash array outside of the camera module, likely to free up space for camera technology.

    Camera Features and Specifications

    This time, the Hasselblad branding might be positioned at the center of the housing due to limited space on the top, bottom, and sides. According to earlier rumors, the Find X8 Ultra is set to feature the Sony LYT-900 as its primary camera, which offers a 1-inch optical format and a native resolution of 50 MP. Reportedly, this camera will also include three additional 50 MP sensors, which consist of 75 mm and 150 mm telephoto lenses. At this moment, the release date for Oppo’s upcoming ‘Ultra’ smartphone is still a mystery.

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  • OnePlus Open 2: No New Foldable Phone Release This Year

    OnePlus Open 2: No New Foldable Phone Release This Year

    Key Takeaways

    1. OnePlus has decided not to release a follow-up model, the OnePlus Open 2, in 2024.
    2. The OPPO Find N5 will not be rebranded as the OnePlus Open 2 globally.
    3. OnePlus is still interested in the foldable market but is holding off on new releases for now.
    4. The decision to not launch a new foldable may impact OnePlus’s market share in the foldable segment.
    5. Public sentiment towards the OnePlus Open and OPPO Find N5 has been positive.


    OnePlus introduced its first foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Open, in 2023. However, the company has decided not to release a follow-up model in 2024. Many had speculated that the upcoming OPPO Find N5 would simply be rebranded as the OnePlus Open 2 globally, but a recent official announcement has put a stop to that idea.

    No OnePlus Open 2 This Year

    In a statement from Vale Gu, the Product Manager for OnePlus’s Open division, it was made clear that there are no plans for a OnePlus Open 2. At least not this year.

    “OnePlus is all about pushing boundaries and redefining norms across all our products,” Gu shared. “Considering the timing and our strategy for foldable devices, we’ve thoughtfully decided against launching a foldable this year.”

    Future Possibilities and Current Options

    As it stands, the OnePlus Open 2 will not be released this year, leaving eager fans with the option to purchase the OPPO Find N5 upon its launch. On a positive note, OnePlus has not ruled out the idea of future foldable devices.

    “Our choice to hold off on foldables for now doesn’t mean we’re stepping away from this market,” Gu added. “The OPPO Find N5 showcases impressive advances in foldable tech, utilizing innovative materials and intricate engineering. We are determined to integrate these advancements into our upcoming products.”

    Market Impact and Consumer Sentiment

    The reasoning behind OnePlus’s decision remains unclear. All signs point to the OnePlus Open being well-received, and public sentiment toward the Find N5 has also been notably positive. By opting not to launch the Find N5 as the OnePlus Open 2, OnePlus may have missed a chance to secure a larger share of the foldable market.

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  • Tips for Thinnest Foldable iPhone: 12.2″ Display & Dual Cameras

    Tips for Thinnest Foldable iPhone: 12.2″ Display & Dual Cameras

    A folding Apple iPhone has been rumored for a while, aiming to compete with devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the soon-to-be-released OnePlus Open. Recent leaks from the supply chain suggest that this folding iPhone could debut as early as 2026, and more details from the Bill of Materials (BOM) give insights into its expected features.

    Key Features Revealed

    The information shared by @QQ_Timmy on X highlights some important aspects of the folding iPhone. To kick things off, the internal display is expected to be around “the size of two 6.1-inch” screens placed side by side, making it a tad larger than the 11-inch iPad Pro M4, which currently retails for $890.82 on Amazon. Additionally, the leak hints at its thickness: when closed, the device should measure about 9.2 mm, with each side maintaining a thickness of 4.6 mm.

    Comparisons with Other Devices

    For comparison, the Oppo Find N5 and the future OnePlus Open 2 will be only 4.2 mm thick when opened, placing the folding iPhone among the slimmest foldable devices available. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is popular in Western markets, measures 12.2 mm when folded and 5.6 mm when opened.

    Another significant point, backed by recent posts from well-known leaker Ross Young, indicates that Samsung Display will be the primary supplier for the OLED panel of the foldable iPhone, while BOE is considered a potential secondary supplier.

    Design and Material Insights

    The leak also suggests that the hinge will be uniquely designed by Apple, which is in line with the company’s usual approach. The internal frame of the folding iPhone is expected to be constructed from aluminum. It remains uncertain if this aluminum frame will include the external rails of the device. However, it seems improbable that Apple will opt for stainless steel for any major structural parts, considering that foldable phones generally face weight concerns. Therefore, the likely materials for the device include aluminum, titanium, and possibly carbon fiber, though the last one may not be practical due to its complex manufacturing process and environmental impacts.

    Camera and Battery Specs

    Finally, the leaks indicate that the new foldable iPhone will come equipped with just two rear cameras and one front-facing selfie camera. Specifically, the report mentions a standard wide-angle camera and an ultra-wide lens, showing that Apple plans to align with the trend where folding phones typically have somewhat lesser camera quality compared to flagship smartphones.

    The expected battery capacity is around 5,000 mAh, and the folding iPhone is projected to be launched towards the end of 2025 or in early 2026.

    Source:
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  • OnePlus Open 2: 80W Charging, Satellite Connectivity, Snapdragon 8 Elite

    OnePlus Open 2: 80W Charging, Satellite Connectivity, Snapdragon 8 Elite

    Various sources have shed light on the Oppo Find N5, which is set to launch in numerous markets as the successor to the well-received OnePlus Open (currently priced at $1,699.99 on Amazon). To summarize, Oppo has recently revealed that the Find N5 will feature top-tier water resistance and wireless charging capabilities, all while being roughly half the thickness of an iPhone 16 Pro.

    Performance Specifications

    The Find N5 has been seen on Geekbench using the SM8750-3-AB, which is Qualcomm’s new but less robust version of the Snapdragon 8 Elite. Oppo’s executive Zhou Yibao confirmed this on Weibo, highlighting that it will be the very first foldable phone to utilize a “new generation” of the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

    As per Yogesh Brar, Oppo’s upcoming foldable is expected to demonstrate the capabilities of the SM8750-3-AB, which sacrifices one Performance core to enhance power efficiency and thermals. However, the exact launch date for the Find N5 is still not known, nor is the release date for the OnePlus Open 2.

    Charging and Connectivity Features

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite (SM8750-3-AB) will come with 80 W wired charging, which has been confirmed in recent 3C certification documents. These documents also indicate that the Find N5 will have an optional satellite connectivity feature, for which Oppo required separate regulatory approval. It remains unclear if OnePlus will make this second version available worldwide.

    Source:
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  • OnePlus Open: Android 15 and OxygenOS 15 with AI Boosts

    OnePlus Open: Android 15 and OxygenOS 15 with AI Boosts

    OnePlus has launched OxygenOS 15 for its newest foldable device, the OnePlus Open. The update is currently being rolled out in India and is expected to be available globally by next week.

    Key Features of OxygenOS 15

    One of the standout features is the ultra animation effects. This update brings the first parallel processing architecture in the industry, which enhances app switching to a higher level. Even during heavy usage, the display stays smooth and stable. The update also introduces parallel animations for various scenarios like widgets, components, and folders, ensuring fluid animations even with interruptions. Moreover, it adds a system-level swiping curve for third-party apps, including WebView, for consistent scrolling experiences.

    AI Enhancements

    OxygenOS 15 enhances photo quality with AI Retouch features. The Enhance clarity tool boosts the quality of cropped or low-res images. With the AI Reflection Eraser, blurred photos become sharp and true to their original color and lighting, capturing special moments with pets or family beautifully. The update also introduces a feature to easily remove glass reflections, making photos taken through windows clearer and more authentic.

    New AI Writing Tools

    The new AI writing suite includes features like continue writing, polish, and optimize style, which help you draft and refine content quickly. There’s also a Format tool that organizes scattered information into visually appealing content. The Clean up feature aims to remove filler words from voice notes, making sentences clearer while keeping the original audio intact.

    Visual Improvements

    The rounded corner design has been optimized to ensure a consistent curvature across the interface. Additionally, new flux themes have been added, featuring a large collection of high-quality themes that can be customized with system wallpapers. You can now personalize the Always-On Display, Lock screen, and Home screen, with features such as clock color blending and blurred wallpapers.

    Enhanced Notification System

    The update includes a redesigned Live Alerts system that focuses on better visual information display. Live Alerts are now centered for a balanced appearance, and users can interact with Live Alerts capsules more easily by tapping to expand them. The animation for Live Alerts has also been improved, featuring dynamic real-time blur effects for better visuals.

    Extended Live Photos and Photo Editing

    The duration of live photos has been extended to 3 seconds, capturing more of life’s important moments. The photo editing capabilities now allow for globally reversible edits, remembering previous settings for smoother editing in the future. The integration between the Camera and filters has been enhanced, allowing you to edit or remove filters applied at the time of taking photos.

    Multi-Tasking Features

    New gestures for Floating Window allow for easy management of notifications and full-screen displays. Resizable Split View windows can be adjusted by simply dragging a divider for improved multitasking. The notification drawer and Quick Settings now support a Split mode for easier access.

    Sharing and Battery Management

    OnePlus Share now allows users to transfer files easily between OnePlus and iOS devices, including sharing live photos. A battery protection reminder has been introduced to alert users when their device has been charging for an extended period.

    Additional Features

    The update includes a resizable Home screen clock widget and a hidden “1+” easter egg in the Calculator app. More wallpapers have been added to customize your device, alongside exclusive OxygenOS app icon styles. The ability to switch contacts to a floating window has also been introduced, along with improved search options for notes.

    Privacy and Wi-Fi Enhancements

    The Private Safe feature has been upgraded with categorized browsing for easier management of private data. A new entry for hidden apps has been added to the Home screen, requiring a privacy password for access. Additionally, the multi-network experience has been optimized, allowing for smoother transitions between networks.

    For users wanting to revert to a previous version (available for Indian and European users only), OnePlus provides a guide for local OTA updates. However, this will erase all data, so backing up the device is highly recommended before proceeding.

    Source: Link

  • Leaked Images Show Different Design for Oppo Find N3/OnePlus Open

    Leaked Images Show Different Design for Oppo Find N3/OnePlus Open

    During the development of a smartphone, many versions are created before a final model is chosen. Occasionally, some discarded designs become public, showing us what could have been. The latest example is the Oppo Find N3 (known as the OnePlus Open in certain regions), with images of a rejected design appearing online.

    Design Insights

    The pictures, shared on Weibo, indicate that the Oppo Find N3 might have been released with a two-tone appearance, differing from the single color/material design that ultimately reached consumers. The Find N3 is available in four colors with two different material finishes: Green and Gold feature a glass back, while Black and Red come with a vegan leather finish.

    These new visuals suggest that the phone could have had a combination of metal/glass and leather. They also indicate that the device would have included Oppo and Hasselblad branding along the vertical stripes.

    Similarities to Final Product

    Aside from the color variations, the overall design remains unchanged from the final product. The rounded corners of the frame and the large circular camera module on the back show that the phone’s design was mostly completed at this point.

    We can only guess why Oppo opted for a single color/material finish in the end. Nonetheless, both the Oppo Find N3 and OnePlus Open (currently available on Amazon for $1,299) have garnered positive feedback for their design. For those who prefer a two-tone finish, the Oppo Find X7 Ultra offers a faux leather and frosted glass design.

    Cai Zuxuan on Weibo via ITHome


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  • Why OnePlus and Oppo Aren’t Joining the 2024 Foldable Phone Race

    Why OnePlus and Oppo Aren’t Joining the 2024 Foldable Phone Race

    The foldable phone market has really heated up in 2024. Samsung and Motorola have released new versions of their foldable, refining hinge designs and addressing durability concerns.

    Meanwhile, Chinese brands like Vivo, Honor, and Xiaomi are pushing the boundaries by creating slimmer, more portable foldables without sacrificing flagship features. However, two major players, OnePlus and its parent company Oppo, are notably absent from the foldable frenzy this year.

    Oppo entered the foldable market in 2021 with the Find N, a book-style device similar to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. In 2022, they launched their first flip phone, the Find N2 Flip, and the original Find N successor, the Find N2. Both models were updated in 2023 as the Find N3 Flip and Find N3, respectively. 

    OnePlus Open

    OnePlus, leveraging its relationship with Oppo, launched the global version of the Find N3 as the OnePlus Open in 2023, marking its official entry into the foldable market.

    As essentially the third iteration of Oppo’s foldable, the OnePlus Open received praise for its strong hardware and refined software experience. However, there has been no official announcement about a successor—the OnePlus Open 2—or any new foldable plans from Oppo for 2024. 

    Unless you’ve been closely following tech news, it’s unlikely that a OnePlus Open 2 or Oppo Find N5 will launch in 2024. Here’s what we know about the matter so far. 

    Why the OnePlus Open 2 and Oppo Find N5 Will Not Be Released in 2024

    The rumor about the Find N5 not launching this year started with a leak in February. This was later corroborated by another leak in May from the usually reliable tipster Digital Chat Station. Since the OnePlus Open 2 is expected to be a rebranded version of the Find N5 for the global market, this means there will be no new entry in OnePlus’s foldable lineup for 2024 either. That is not to imply that Oppo or OnePlus are parting ways from the foldable scene; rather rumors suggest the brands will launch their new foldable in 2025.

    Although details are scarce about the reasons behind the delay, the Chinese tech giants are likely focusing on making significant upgrades to their upcoming foldable. These improvements could include a lighter, more refined hinge mechanism, and a thinner overall design.

    The foldable market is still in its early stages, with manufacturers continually refining designs and addressing challenges like durability and user experience. 

    The Honor Magic V3, for instance, has set a high bar for slimness and performance. It is the world’s slimmest foldable, yet have all the top-of-the-line features you would expect from a flagship phone — including a 5,150mAh battery that supports 66W wired and 50W wireless charging.

    Given this fierce competition, a delay from OnePlus and Oppo could be a strategic decision to avoid rushing a product that might struggle to compete in the market. 

    Regarding the expected launch, rumors from China suggest that the Oppo Find N5 will debut in Q1 2025 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset. Consequently, the global release of the OnePlus Open 2 is likely to follow in the second quarter of 2025, as it typically takes 2 to 3 months for a Chinese product to launch internationally.

    Find N5 Flip Delayed or Canceled?

    It’s not just the book-style foldable that’s facing delays from Oppo. The Find N5 Flip, which was expected to be the successor to the Find N3 Flip, has also experienced a delay. In fact, some reports suggest that Oppo might have canceled the Find N5 Flip altogether.

    While there isn’t strong evidence to confirm this, the research firm TrendForce reports that alongside Oppo, Vivo also has no plans to release a flip phone in 2024. Vivo has already launched its foldables for the year—the X Fold 3 and X Fold 3 Pro—without mentioning any flip models.

    According to the firm, the high cost of clamshell vertical foldable phones is impacting the profitability of these Chinese brands. Oppo Find N3 Flip was the best-selling clamshell foldable in China in 2023, but the financial pressures might lead the company to reconsider its flip phone offerings. 

    This is similar to how Apple discontinued the iPhone Mini series in favor of the Plus line with the iPhone 14. Oppo’s flip phone could face a similar fate if profitability concerns persist.

    New OnePlus Open Apex Edition

    While there’s been no official word from OnePlus or Oppo about a new foldable, OnePlus did launch a new version of the OnePlus Open, called the Apex Edition, earlier this week.

    It shares the same internal specs as the original Open but features a premium vegan leather back cover in a gorgeous Crimson Red color. The alert slider has also been accented in red to complement the new design.

    Beyond aesthetics, the Apex Edition introduces a “VIP Mode” which can be activated via the alert slider. When enabled, this mode disables the camera and microphone, restricts app tracking, and shows a special splash screen along with a customized always-on display to ensure you’re aware that VIP Mode is active.

    I’m not sure if this level of protection is necessary on a consumer device, but OnePlus included it anyway to make the Apex Edition stand out from its regular sibling. 

    The new design and features come at a price of Rs 149,999 in India. It’s available in a sole 16GB RAM and 1TB storage variant. If you’re wondering, the regular OnePlus Open with a 16GB/512GB configuration costs Rs 139,999 in India.

    Latest Foldable Alternatives

    If you’re looking to try out a new foldable in 2024 with the latest hardware, there are some solid options available. While the global market isn’t as crowded as the Chinese one—since brands like Vivo and Xiaomi have yet to release their foldables globally—there are still exciting choices.

    Honor is set to launch the Magic V3 globally soon, so that’s one to watch. Samsung offers the Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Google is gearing up to release the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at their event next week. These are great alternatives if you’re interested in a book-style foldable. If you prefer something more pocketable, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Motorola’s Razr 2024 are worth considering.