Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsOnePlus Open vs Z Fold and Pixel Fold
Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024
I have owned the Samsung Z Fold 3, 4, and 5. There were so few substantial changes in those releases that I sold the Z Fold 5 within three months of ownership. I never enjoyed using the outer screen for anything, especially if I needed to enter data, because it was too narrow. The cameras were too much of a downgrade from their S-series phones. Although they had pen support, carrying one required a thicker case on an already large and heavy phone. I wear pants with large pockets, but the long skinny foldable would occasionally fall out while sitting down.
While the Z Fold interface can be very good, there were too many duplicated apps that added little additional functionality, including their voice assistant. This unnecessarily increased overall complexity when using the phone.
I also purchased the S24 Ultra with AI built in, but only for the Samsung apps. Since I don't use their browser, voice assistant, messaging, or mail I didn't have access to much AI on that phone. Plus, I had become accustomed to the larger inside screen and missed that part of the foldable experience.
I then tried the Pixel Fold, but did not like its inability to easily lay flat, many apps did not display correctly on the large inside screen, it had heat issues when doing everyday things, and Google's pitiful history of pixel phone support (I have owned several early Pixel phones). I loved the outer screen aspect much better than the Z Fold.
I read several reviews for the OnePlus Open that were so good I purchased one and these are my notes so far.
Pros
- the outer screen is the perfect height and width for typing with my larger thumbs
- face unlock is more accurate and faster
- it is lighter than the Z Fold and much lighter than the Pixel Fold
- it charges in 42 minutes from 0%, so I do not miss or need wireless charging
- its larger battery lasts longer than the Z Fold 5
- while I am not a phone camera expert, my pictures are noticably better
- the interface is much simpler and streamlined with minimal app duplication
- I am surprised how much I like their Open Canvas multi-tasking implementation
- the crease on the phone is much closer to being invisible than all Z Folds or the Pixel Fold
Cons
- not water or dust proof, just splash resistant
- not a wide selection of good cases