“ Wow , it really pops out , ” is what rang up in my fountainhead as I approached my desk where the newOnePlus Open‘s Apex Edition lay . Admittedly , this was n’t my first impression of the speech sound , and I only make it a few hour after having toy with it , endeavor to inspect it for divergence from the inglorious random variable I have been using since the launching last class . But given the spontaneousness of the sense , I assume it as reliable . Perhaps that ’s what OnePlus aims with this phone : to make heads turn and eyes fixate .
The OnePlus Open is one of thefinest foldables to buy in the U.S. , other than the Samsung Galaxy Fold . It has in effect ergonomics than other sideways - open foldables , and it is backed by ranking Hasselblad cameras and quicker wired charging . Most importantly , the OnePlus Open can be told apart by its design , which is primarily made of imitation leather and a large , round photographic camera module .
With the newGalaxy Z Fold 6launching last month andGoogle ’s Pixel 9 Pro Foldset to make it next workweek , emptor in the U.S. have more options than they did last year when the Open primitively launch . So , OnePlus is adding another standout offer to keep buyers from being drawn toward the newer choice .
New skin for an old spirit
OnePlus ’ latest speech sound comes in the form of a extra variation of the OnePlus Open . The brand name is name it Apex Edition , heralding its belonging among other top - level foldables . The telephone set is enclothe in a saturnine vino - like Bourgogne or loss ( based on how you perceive colors ) . However , OnePlus officially calls the color “ Crimson Shadow ” but you could safely call it violent . For the sake of simplicity , I will refer to this color as red for the rest of the article , though it starkly dissent from the hallmark loss that the brand used to color in its boxes and USB cables ( as you could see above ) .
Red evokes a myriad of emotions , from passion and love to fervor and effectiveness . In China , OnePlus ’ home country , red typify dear fortune and happiness . OnePlus says the color “ exudes a sentience of enduring power , subdued elegance , and vibrant luxury . ” The best comparison that my mind can draw is to the people of color of red wine .
The phone itself is nearly superposable to the senior version , so I will refrain from cut into into the similarity and instead highlight the changes .
A head-turning color
The back of the OnePlus Open ’s Apex Edition employ the same false leather material as the black variant . A chrome cut-in visually sort out the logotype from the rest of the back , but you have to strain really hard to find the difference with touch . OnePlus also include a two - part case in the same colouring material , which is something I missed with thewhite OnePlus 12 .
Notably , the semblance is pep up by a collectors ’ version of an original Hasselblad 503CW “ 60 Years Victor Red Edition ” parallel motion picture camera , which itself was a homage to the tv camera firebrand ’s laminitis , Victor Hasselblad . The OnePlus Open Apex Edition deservedly transport the italicized “ H ” branding on the tv camera stack . Unfortunately , though , it could also be the last OnePlus phone to have it ifrumorsabout both make terminate their partnership this class twist true .
The camera itself is identical to the original OnePlus Open from last year . And so is the vacuum cleaner - seal intention of the module inspired by sumptuousness watch . What change , though , is the metallic closed chain that circumvent the camera and is now dye in a shade resemble the back .
Unlike the green variant that uses the same color and finish for this ring and the alloy anatomy around the edge , the Apex Edition goes for a gloss - electroneutral ( though morose than ash grey ) chrome finish . This creates a severe contrast from the rest of the red elements on the new variant .
Another change OnePlus brings is in the cast of the three - way alert slider , which has an orangish groove . The function of the alert slider has also transfer somewhat ; while the ringing and silent status remain the same , promote it to the topmost emplacement broach a “ dignitary musical mode , ” which deserves a longer description .
Since the Apex Edition is made for in high spirits - ending users , the VIP mode is design to ensure their privateness . Toggling the VIP mode blocks apps from using the cameras or mike . So long as the alert skidder is in the topmost billet , the Open is physically unequal to of using these sensing element , and the setting are impossible to override without physically tinkering with the gimmick .
OnePlus articulate the feature works in tandem with the phone ’s security department chip , which stores biometry in an isolated vault . Notably , the same chip is found on the standard variation , though OnePlus has certified it by an international auditor called Common Criteria for EAL5 + grade shelter . In childlike term , the certification means the chip is extremely resistant to attempt to retrieve data .
These are reassure touch for people who deal out with super sensitive information and experience fraught their phones might be used to spy on them . For people with simpler life , it can institute the peace of mind that plaguy societal medium apps are being block up from incessantly prize on our conversations .
Fine old wine in a new bottle
aside from these nonaged changes , there is another under the hood in the form of upgrade storage . The circumscribed Apex Edition make out with a massive 1 TB of memory board , which puts it in the same conference as foldables such as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 . The chipset and the RAM , however , are retained from the premature contemporaries , which mean the phone still pass theSnapdragon 8 Gen 2 . I would n’t on the dot fret over the chipset , which is still powerful , but the lack of sufficient computer software living could nark some users .
Despite increase the storage , OnePlus also refrain from add up more class of software financial support , and the Open still stand eligible for three Android updates . That ’s one year less than the other colour options , and the disparity is unmanageable to explicate .
Despite melt the same generation of Android from last year , OnePlus has obviate most of the bug and issues the phone had over the initial six month . Despite its powerful hardware , the user interface would glitch sometimes . These government issue have since been correct . WithAndroid 15 in its final beta stages , we can look to see the next version of OxygenOS ( with an identity that blurs with Oppo ’s ColorOS ) .
Talking about its similarities to Oppo ’s headphone , the OnePlus Open is also repackaged as Find N3 in sure region . Interestingly , that also supports a stylus that the OnePlus Open lack , and the novel version does n’t unsex this — despite two generations of “ Stylo ” pencil sold withOnePlus ’ premium tablets .
On the positive side , the Apex Edition retains the same 67W fast charging as the previous variants , seduce it the quickest charging foldable in the U.S. regrettably , there is no wireless charging if you do n’t year for blazing - fast charging speeds .
Making an already great phone even better
The OnePlus Open is a passably alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 , though it ca n’t equalize Samsung ’s promise of longer software or stylus support . Among the positives , it has a somewhat capable camera system of rules , and the big 1 TB depot intend you could take virtually unlimited photos — all while retaining HDR metadata . fast charging is a bonus , too !
In accession to these features , the newly add VIP modes sum a sense of assurance . Withrumorsof OnePlus retard the second - propagation Open ( or the fourth propagation of foldables from Oppo ) , the OnePlus Open Apex Edition is a good option for anyone who has continually shown faith in the brand . The titillating look and a design that is more handy than other book - style foldables are cerise - flavored salad dressing , a very o.k. vino . The only remaining caution is the price .
The OnePlus Open ’s Apex Edition is expectedly more expensive than the 512 GB variant , which currently sell for $ 1,700 . It comes for $ 1,900 and is presently up forpre - orders , and to make the deal somewhat lucrative , OnePlus will be befuddle in itsmechanical keyboardfor free . Despite the OnePlus Open Apex Edition ’s polarizing looking , you would need some determination and a solid heart .
