OnePlus Open Six-Month Review: Still the best foldable smartphone

When I first laid my hands on the OnePlus Open, I was smitten. In my original review, I waxed eloquent about how thin, how beautifully crafted, how well-thought out it was — and of course how truly amazing the cameras were. Six months to the day since the launch, my opinion has not changed, The OnePlus Open still remains the best book-style foldable smartphone in the Indian market.

With smartphones, one tends to fall into a rut once the novelty has worn off — the smartphone becomes increasingly utilitarian, with one using it to check emails, watch videos, take the occasional photograph and, of course, answer phone calls and texts.

Not so with the OnePlus Open. Six months on, I'm still as much in awe of this device as when I first used it. Never has my SIM card spent so much time on a phone that wasn't my personal device. Never has my iPhone been so neglected. The OnePlus Open is more than just a foldable smartphone. It's a way of life, at least for me.

All the good things I said in my original review stand. The only concern I had at first was the durability, and roughly 180 days later, I'm happy to report that the Open has more than held up to the rigours of daily use.

With time, what struck me about the OnePlus Open was its exceptional design. While it may not boast the title of the thinnest or lightest foldable on the market, it more than compensates with its attention to detail. The absence of a visible gap when folded, coupled with its durability and comfortable one-handed usability, contributed to a premium experience that surpassed my expectations.

Another aspect of the OnePlus Open that deserves praise is its high-end cover display. Unlike some competitors, which opt for awkwardly proportioned screens, the OnePlus Open delivers a familiar smartphone feel with its 20:9 aspect ratio. Whether you're using the cover display or the inner screen, you're treated to a seamless experience, thanks to features like a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support.

One of the most compelling features of the OnePlus Open is its versatility. Unlike other foldables that force users to rely primarily on the inner display due to limitations of the cover screen, the OnePlus Open allows for effortless transition between the two. Whether you're browsing social media on the cover display or immersing yourself in multimedia content on the inner screen, the experience remains consistent and intuitive.

Opening — pun intended — the Open has become second nature for me. I don't event notice it any more.

The camera setup on the OnePlus Open remain impressive. I consistently found myself blown away by the quality of photos and videos it produced. Whether capturing everyday moments or special occasions, the OnePlus Open never failed to deliver stunning results.

Of course, like many premium smartphones, the OnePlus Open comes with a hefty price tag — ₹1,39,999. However, as the hardware aspect continues to evolve and improve, there's hope that the cost of entry into the foldable market will become more accessible. With continued innovation and refinement, devices like the OnePlus Open have the potential to redefine the smartphone landscape and bring premium experiences to a broader audience.

As I reflect on my journey with the OnePlus Open, one thing becomes abundantly clear: This device represents a new era in smartphone design and functionality. From its innovative foldable hardware to its seamless user experience, the OnePlus Open has set a new standard for what a modern smartphone can achieve. As we look towards the future, it's exciting to think about the possibilities that lie ahead for foldable technology and the impact it will have on our daily lives.