OnePlus Open 2: A Foldable Phone That Never Was
The OnePlus Open, released in 2023, was a highly anticipated foldable phone that impressed reviewers and consumers alike. Based on the Oppo Find N3, it offered excellent hardware, cameras, and software, challenging Samsung's dominance in the foldable market. Its success led to high expectations for a sequel.
The Missing Sequel
Despite the OnePlus Open's success, OnePlus confirmed it won't release a new foldable in 2025. The company's stated reason is to "set new benchmarks and challenge the status quo." However, this explanation seems contradictory, given the advancements in foldable technology showcased by the Oppo Find N5, a device rumored to be the basis for the "Open 2."
The Find N5 boasts a remarkably thin design and improved features, setting new benchmarks in the foldable phone category. By releasing a device based on the Find N5 globally, OnePlus could have challenged Samsung's position, especially with Apple's potential entry into the foldable market. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and other competitors would have faced significant competition.
A Missed Opportunity
OnePlus's decision not to release a new foldable is puzzling. It benefits Samsung, which now faces less pressure in the foldable market. The lack of global availability for innovative foldable phones like the Find N5 limits consumer choice and potentially hinders market growth. This decision also raises questions about the future of OnePlus's foldable phone ambitions. Perhaps they are waiting for Pixel Fold's advancements to mature.
While OnePlus focuses on other product categories, the foldable market loses a potential innovator. Consumers eager for a true competitor to Samsung's foldables are left disappointed. The future of the "Open" line remains uncertain, leaving a gap in the market for a foldable phone that can truly challenge the status quo. For those interested in exploring other options, Samsung DeX offers a unique mobile desktop experience.