Tech Blog #128 | OnePlus Open: Unconventional Marketing and First Impressions

OnePlus, a brand renowned for its innovative strategy to smartphones, is about to enter into the foldable device market with the OnePlus Open. The company is set to make its mark with a foldable design similar to the likes of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold5 and Vivo's X Fold2, while its marketing strategy takes an uncommon twist.

In the world of smartphones, marketing is often about teasers and announcements on social media platforms, but OnePlus has chosen a different path. The OnePlus Open marketing campaign kicked off uniquely as the brand handed an Open to Indian actress Anushka Sharma, who unintentionally revealed it to paparazzi. This unusual approach seeks to create intrigue and generate buzz about the device. By showing the device to the public through an influential figure, OnePlus has set the stage for an unconventional launching.

The device's design is almost a carbon copy of the upcoming Oppo Find N3, although the OnePlus Fold will be available internationally, bringing this innovative foldable technology to a broader audience. The unique external folding design not only reflects the competition but also promises the potential for a seamless shift between a compact form and an expansive display.

On the design front, the OnePlus Open features a striking circular camera island on the back, taking clues from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and bearing Hasselblad branding. The sleek metal sides and a textured back with a leather-like finish add to its premium aesthetics, making a strong visual statement. OnePlus maintains its fan-favorite alert slider, a feature its users appreciate, and integrates the fingerprint scanner into the power button for added convenience.

In terms of specifications, the OnePlus Open holds its own in the foldable arena. The device comes with a 6.31-inch AMOLED cover screen featuring a Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The main 7.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display boasts a high-resolution panel with a pixel density higher than 440PPI and a matching 120Hz refresh rate. These high-quality displays promise immersive visuals and smooth interactions.

Under the hood, the OnePlus Open is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This robust hardware ensures the device can handle demanding tasks with ease. The camera setup is equally impressive, with a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP 3x optical zoom camera. The Hasselblad branding adds credibility to the camera capabilities, promising remarkable photography experiences.

Battery life is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, and OnePlus addresses it with a 4,800mAh battery and 67W charging support. While it's slightly smaller than the OnePlus 11's battery, it ensures the device keeps up with your daily usage. But it lacks wireless charging. With the hefty price bracket, it should be there in the device.

As for pricing and availability, leaks suggest that the OnePlus Open could be priced at around $1,699, making it competitive in the foldable market. Its international availability means more users worldwide can get their hands on this innovative device.

In summary, the OnePlus Open stands as OnePlus' first invasion into the foldable smartphone market. Its unique design and unconventional marketing approach set it apart, and with powerful hardware, impressive camera capabilities, and competitive pricing, it's ready to make a significant impact. As the device unfolds in this month, it brings the promise of a new era for OnePlus and its users, expanding its horizons while retaining its commitment to innovation and quality.