The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 are fresh off the factory, and have launched just today. While we don’t typically see discounts on newly released products, OnePlus is one of the few that make some exceptions. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 actually hit the shelves with a $30 discount on day one. This brings the price down to $150.

Get the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 for just $150

This offer is available straight from OnePlus’ website. The discount applies to both color variants: Midnight Opus and Lunar Radiance, otherwise known as black and white.

OnePlus is known for offering good-value earbuds at a lower price than most of its competitors. Such is the case with the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. These earbuds deliver a dual-driver design, as each earbud has an 11mm woofer, a 6mm tweeter, and two DACs per unit. They are also tuned by the famous music studio Dynaudio.

The case is small, with a lovely matte finish that makes it feel more premium than the price would suggest. It looks and feels much like leather, which also gives it a touch of elegance. OnePlus has added gesture controls, allowing you to swipe and tap on the earbud stems to control audio playback.

The battery life is excellent, at about 43 hours, counting the charge in the case. You’ll also get cool features like Google Fast Pair, dual device connection, wireless charging, and an IP55 rating for water resistance. These even come with spatial audio and noise canceling that is upgraded.

Want in on this sale? You should probably sign up sooner rather than later. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 earbuds are brand-new, which makes us think this may be a launch offer that will disappear in due time.

Of course, if you want other options, we have a list of the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now. There are plenty of alternatives there!

OnePlus’s earbuds have occupied a key spot in the hearts of Android fans. OnePlus has a few options across price points, and they are good value earbuds that pair well with your Android flagship. After launching the OnePlus Buds 3 earlier in the year, the company is now launching the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 as the latest product in its Pro-tier earbud lineup.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 has a dual-driver design, with an 11mm woofer and a 6mm tweeter in each earbud. OnePlus has also added two DACs (BES2700ZP) per earbud, focusing individually on the woofer and tweeter. The Buds Pro 3 also feature Dynaudio branding on the case and the earbud, reminding you that the earbuds are tuned by the famous music studio.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 also features up to 50dB of active noise cancelation alongside an Adaptive mode that automatically adjusts the noise cancelation level. The company also claims better performance in canceling out voices.

Another highlight of the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is the new design. OnePlus had been reusing the same design on its past earbuds for some generations. The new Buds Pro 3 changes it up completely with a new case design that houses the earbuds in a vertical position, much like AirPods. However, the CMF (Color Material Finish) on the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 is superior to the AirPods Pro 2, making OnePlus’s earbuds feel more premium than their price tag.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3’s plastic case has a great matte finish for the holding surface, a leather-like finish for the front and back surfaces, and a glossy finish on the inside.

The earbuds themselves do not change much in shape, though they also have a matte finish on the head and a glossy finish on the stem.

More importantly, the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 now let you swipe on the stem to control the volume and tap to control playback. OnePlus has also switched to Google’s Spatial Audio technology, opening up compatibility with the wider Android ecosystem.

With their case, these earbuds promise up to 43 hours of total listening time. They also support Google Fast Pair, dual device connection, Bluetooth 5.4, and wireless charging and have an IP55 rating. Interestingly, these also support new neck health features to help you not slouch for extended periods of time.

OnePlus Buds Pro 3 pricing and availability

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 comes in Midnight Opus (black) and Lunar Radiance (cream) colors. The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 costs $179.99 / £199 / €199 / Rs. 11,999 and can be purchased through OnePlus’s website and other retail partners.

We’re in the second half of the year and we’ve already seen plenty of leaks about next-generation flagship phones. Now, a long-time leaker has posted images showing what these new-generation phones could look like.

Digital Chat Station posted drawings showing off numerous upcoming flagship phones from various Chinese manufacturers. For starters, the tipster posted images of what appears to be the OPPO Find X8 Ultra and vivo X200 series.

The Hasselblad logo and alert slider suggest we’re indeed looking at the Find X8 Ultra. Meanwhile, the logo in the center of the apparent vivo phone has the same shape as the ZEISS logo used on vivo X series devices.

Digital Chat Station also posted an image showing four upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 flagship phones from various sub-brands. Check out the picture below.

The tipster didn’t dish out any names, but some followers have surmised that we’re looking at devices from Redmi, Realme, Iqoo, and OnePlus, respectively. Other followers have swapped Realme and OnePlus, which makes sense as there doesn’t appear to be an alert slider on the fourth phone. Nevertheless, Iqoo also makes sense as the third phone given the brand’s propensity for squircle-shaped camera housings.

In any event, Qualcomm and MediaTek are tipped to launch their next-generation flagship processors in October. Digital Chat Station claimed that a variety of OEMs will launch phones powered by these chips in October and November. They specifically pointed to the Redmi K80 series, vivo X200 range, OPPO Find X8 family, Xiaomi 15 series, Iqoo 13, OnePlus 13, Realme GT7 Pro, and HONOR Magic 7 phones. Global availability is another story, though.

The market for foldable smartphones has exploded, with every major manufacturer offering its own take on the concept. While Samsung led the pack when it first introduced the Galaxy Z Fold to the world, things have gotten a lot more competitive recently, with brands like OnePlus offering better value for money with the OnePlus Open for people looking to make the leap to a foldable device. Now, months after its initial launch, the new OnePlus Open Apex Edition is here, and even in this competitive market, it manages to hold its own as a great option for people looking to make a foldable phone their next investment.

Starting things off, the OnePlus Open Apex Edition is a special version of the OnePlus Open inspired by the iconic Hasselblad 503CW 60 Years Victor Red Edition. It features a premium vegan leather back with a diamond pattern, complemented by bold orange accents on the Alert Slider. The changes don’t stop there, though; it also features 1TB of storage, compared to the 512GB on the standard edition, and will feature VIP Mode, a special mode that also allows you to cut off access to the camera and microphone, at the same time you mute sound.

First and foremost, even though this is the top-of-the-range edition of the OnePlus Open, the Apex still manages to match Samsung’s $1,899.99 price tag for their base model of the latest Z Fold 6. If you can do without the special extras the OnePlus Open Apex offers, the standard edition with 512GB of storage will set you back $1,699, $200 less than Samsung’s base model. That’s no small chunk of change, especially when you consider that the Open comes standard with 512GB of storage, compared to the Fold6’s 256GB. More bang for your buck right from the start.

The differences only grow from there, because the Open isn’t just about being cheaper. OnePlus has packed this thing with some seriously impressive hardware that, for most of what you do on your phone, rivals Samsung’s offering. The foldable inner screen is a gorgeous 7.82-inch OLED panel, which is brighter and sharper than the 7.6-inch screen on the Fold6. When unfolded, you’re treated to a mini-tablet experience that feels more expansive and immersive.

“The OnePlus Open Apex Edition is a special version of the OnePlus Open inspired by the iconic Hasselblad 503CW 60 Years Victor Red Edition.”

Even the display on the outer cover is impressive: at 6.31 inches, it’s a hair bigger than the Fold 6’s and has a more traditional smartphone aspect ratio. This makes the Open feel much more like a ‘normal’ phone when folded. No more awkwardly stretched apps or cramped typing. As someone who has bigger hands, this has made it possible for me to actually use the OnePlus Open, while I found the Z Fold tedious and annoying for doing quick tasks. 

Turning to the SoC, this is the one area where the OnePlus Open falls a little behind Samsung’s Fold6, but not by much. It’s powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip—the same silicon found in early 2023 flagships, including the Z Fold5 (which is currently priced at $1919.99 USD for the 512 GB model, a $220 difference). It’s not quite as cutting-edge as the Fold6’s Gen 3 processor, but real-world performance is still blazingly fast, with gaming and productivity comparing very well for most tasks. Couple that with a generous 16GB of RAM (4GB more than the Fold6), and you’ve got a multitasking powerhouse that can be used for everything from content creation to gaming with little issue. 

Even with the slightly less modern SoC, battery life is another area where the Open manages to keep pace and even surpass Samsung’s foldable flagship. Its 4,805 mAh cell edges out the Fold 6’s 4,400 mAh battery, but the real kicker is the charging speed. The Open supports 67W fast charging, juicing up from empty to 100% in just 42 minutes. The Fold 6, meanwhile, is still stuck at 25W charging speeds that feel downright sluggish by comparison.

“The OnePlus Open boasts a versatile triple lens setup, headlined by a 48MP main shooter.”

For creators, OnePlus brings one of the best foldable camera systems to the party, with three solid rear cameras all ready to take on a variety of tasks. The OnePlus Open boasts a versatile triple lens setup, headlined by a 48MP main shooter. Early reviews praise its image quality as being on a par with, if not better than, the Fold 6 in many scenarios. The 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom is particularly impressive, offering more reach than Samsung’s 3x telephoto.

To be fair, the OnePlus Open falls short in a few areas, even if it excels in others. Samsung still has a few tricks up its sleeve with the Fold6. Its IPX8 water resistance rating trumps the Open’s IPX4 splash resistance. The Fold6 also supports the S Pen stylus, which could be a big draw for productivity-minded users. There’s no denying that Samsung has more experience in folding games, which could translate into better long-term durability.

“For those on the fence about taking the foldable plunge, the OnePlus Open Apex is an enticing proposition, especially with the new additions the phone brings to an already great device.”

Even with that, OnePlus makes a solid case for the Open Apex, thanks to the advantages the phone brings to the market, especially if you want your phone to be more than a device you show off at parties. OnePlus has crafted a device that feels like it was built from the ground up to be a foldable, rather than a regular phone that happens to bend in half. The hinge mechanism is smooth and sturdy, with a barely perceptible crease when unfolded.

For those on the fence about taking the foldable plunge, the OnePlus Open Apex is an enticing proposition, especially with the new additions the phone brings to an already great device. It delivers flagship-level specs and performance in an innovative form factor, while undercutting the competition on price. The OnePlus Open proves that you don’t have to empty your wallet or make major compromises to get in on the foldable action.

Of course, personal preference will always play a role in smartphone choice. Some users may prefer Samsung’s more established ecosystem, the Fold 6’s specific feature set, or even its new AI capabilities. But purely from a value and capability perspective, it’s hard to deny that the OnePlus Open has set a new standard for what we should expect from a premium foldable device.

The OnePlus Open Apex is undoubtedly a stunning piece of technology, offering some solid additions to an already impressive package. As the foldable phone market continues to heat up, competition like this can only be good news for consumers. It pushes manufacturers to innovate faster and offer better value for money. The OnePlus Open isn’t just a great phone in its own right; it’s a wake-up call to other companies to do better, and the Apex only pushes this further. 

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 leaked in a big way a few days ago, as renders and specs were posted online. Now, a veteran source has revealed apparent pricing information for the new wireless earbuds.

OnePlus has confirmed that it will launch a new version of its flagship foldable on August 7. In the days leading up to the launch, the company revealed that the OnePlus Open Apex Edition will come in a new Crimson Shadown colorway with a faux leather finish, feature enhanced storage, and offer new AI image editing capabilities. In addition, OnePlus has now confirmed that the upcoming model will come with a new VIP mode.

OnePlus recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that the OnePlus Open Apex Edition will offer a new VIP mode for enhanced privacy. Although the company has not shared any details about this mode, we believe it will likely be the same as the VIP mode on the OPPO Find N3 and Find X7 Ultra.

Top-tier privacy at the tip of your finger with the VIP Mode #OnePlusOpen Apex Edition.

Know more: https://t.co/QKe7XVjmDf pic.twitter.com/DZMkDRumQR

— OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) August 2, 2024

The video included in OnePlus’ post confirms this, as it’s a clip of the VIP mode animation from the aforementioned OPPO devices. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the VIP mode on the OnePlus Open Apex Edition will allow users to easily disable the camera, microphone, and location access using the alert slider.

We don’t expect to see any major hardware improvements on the Apex Edition model. OnePlus is likely reserving those for the OnePlus Open 2, which is slated to arrive sometime next year.

The OnePlus Buds Pro 3 leaked in a big way a few days ago, as renders and specs were posted online. Now, a veteran source has revealed apparent pricing information for the new wireless earbuds.

OnePlus has confirmed that it will launch a new version of its flagship foldable on August 7. In the days leading up to the launch, the company revealed that the OnePlus Open Apex Edition will come in a new Crimson Shadown colorway with a faux leather finish, feature enhanced storage, and offer new AI image editing capabilities. In addition, OnePlus has now confirmed that the upcoming model will come with a new VIP mode.

OnePlus recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that the OnePlus Open Apex Edition will offer a new VIP mode for enhanced privacy. Although the company has not shared any details about this mode, we believe it will likely be the same as the VIP mode on the OPPO Find N3 and Find X7 Ultra.

Top-tier privacy at the tip of your finger with the VIP Mode #OnePlusOpen Apex Edition.

Know more: https://t.co/QKe7XVjmDf pic.twitter.com/DZMkDRumQR

— OnePlus India (@OnePlus_IN) August 2, 2024

The video included in OnePlus’ post confirms this, as it’s a clip of the VIP mode animation from the aforementioned OPPO devices. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the VIP mode on the OnePlus Open Apex Edition will allow users to easily disable the camera, microphone, and location access using the alert slider.

We don’t expect to see any major hardware improvements on the Apex Edition model. OnePlus is likely reserving those for the OnePlus Open 2, which is slated to arrive sometime next year.

Only weeks ago, OnePlus held its Summer Launch Event, during which it unveiled four new products. Before the event, it was thought that one of the announcements would be for the OnePlus Buds Pro 3, but the company launched the Nord Buds 3 Pro instead. If you were disappointed by the OnePlus Buds Pro 3’s absence, then this new wireless earbuds leak is for you.

The folks over at Smartprix have divulged a slew of new information and images for the OnePlus Buds Pro 3. According to the outlet, the flagship earbuds will come in two colors: Midnight Opus (black) and Lunar Radiance (gold).

We can see from the images that the case appears to have a leather texture in the front, with a pairing button on the side. The earbuds seem to mimic the case’s style with a glossy stem and matte finish for the earbuds and ear tips. Additionally, the case has a USB-C port on the bottom and the earbuds have an engraved L and R for easy identification.

Speaking of the case, its dimensions are 6.5 x 5.2 x 2.6cm with a weight of 61 grams. Together with the case, earbuds are said to last up to 43 hours, which is a four-hour increase compared to the current generation. Additionally, you’ll get five hours of playback after just 10 minutes of charging. Other notable specs include an IP55 rating and Bluetooth 5.4.

In regards to sound, the earbuds reportedly come with a dual driver setup that features an 11mm woofer and 6mm tweeter. These buds have a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) and support an LHDC 5.0 audio codec with 24-bit/192 kHz audio. Meanwhile, these earbuds are said to have a slight improvement in noise cancelation, moving up to 50db from 49db. Finally, OnePlus has fit in a Dynaudio EQ, which will provide EQ presets tuned for specific music genres.

The last part of the leak mentions dual connection support. This means the earbuds will be able to connect with two different devices at the same time.

The outlet predicts that the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 will cost around ₹12,000 in India. Converted in US currency, this would be about $143. It’s important to note that the price in India could be different than the price that will be listed in the US. For comparison, the OnePlus Buds Pro 2 launched at $179 in the US.

Although the OnePlus Open remains one of the best foldable phones on the market, many of us have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the OnePlus Open 2. Recent leaks hinted that the Open 2 might not debut until 2025, and it seems OnePlus might have just confirmed this delay. To keep the original model in the spotlight a bit longer, the company is launching a fresh variant of the OnePlus Open, ensuring it stays relevant while we wait for the next big thing.

The OnePlus Open Apex Edition, set to launch officially on August 7, is primarily a cosmetic refresh. The most notable change is the new “Crimson Shadow” colorway, a classy red hue with a faux leather texture that OnePlus claims was inspired by the iconic Hasselblad 503CW 60 Years Victor Red Edition camera. Combined with the phone’s large black camera island, the new colorway gives off a strong Deadpool vibe, which I’m absolutely down for.

Beyond the eye-catching exterior, OnePlus is teasing “enhanced storage” and “AI image editing features” on the Apex Edition. The former could be hinting that the Apex Edition will surpass the already generous 16GB/512GB configuration of the standard OnePlus Open by offering more RAM and/or storage space. The AI image editing features likely point toward the upcoming OxygenOS features, which may eventually be available on the standard OnePlus Open as well.

Interestingly, the official product page lists the Apex Edition’s software update policy as “3 years of OS upgrades,” while the standard OnePlus Open enjoys “4 years.” This could be an indication that the Apex Edition will come with Android 14 pre-installed, whereas the original OnePlus Open came with Android 13 out-of-the-box (though it has since been updated to Android 14).

As for pricing, we’ll have to wait for the official launch on August 7 to find out. But since the regular OnePlus Open () is mostly selling at discounted prices currently, there’s a chance the Apex Edition could launch at the OnePlus Open’s original $1,799 price tag.

This new variant of the OnePlus Open will definitely reignite interest in the original model for a while. However, we’re still crossing our fingers that the OnePlus Open 2 isn’t too far off. In the meantime, if you’re eager for a fresh foldable option this summer, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is set to make its debut in just a few days.

OnePlus launched a powerful Android tablet in the form of the OnePlus Pad 2. Features like the famous Open Canvas multitasking system make it a smart choice for anyone looking for a versatile tablet for entertainment, productivity, and even gaming. The device has recently gone on sale, and if you have picked one up or are planning to, you’d be glad to know that OnePlus is now rolling out the first update for the device, fixing a bunch of annoying bugs.

Changelog for Oxygen OS 14.1.0.229 for the OnePlus Pad 2

Here is the official changelog for this new update:

• Camera
  • Improves camera performance for a better user experience.
• System
  • Improves the experience of using some apps in landscape mode.
  • Fixes an audio noise issue to improve the audio experience.
  • Fixed an issue where some apps cannot be opened in Split View.
  • Fixes some issues with the keyboard to improve the typing experience.
  • Fixes an issue where the Adaptive Sleep feature might not work in some scenarios.
  • Fixes a connection issue with Multi-Screen Connect.
  • Fixes some known issues and improves system stability.

A bunch of these fixes sound crucial to the tablet experience. Users claim that the tablet is still missing HDR and Dolby Vision functionality for Netflix, and you can expect these to arrive in a future update.

Download Oxygen OS 14.1.0.229 for the OnePlus Pad 2

Given how important this update is to the tablet experience, if you’d like to sideload the update on your OnePlus Pad 2, you can download the official update file below:

• For Europe
• For Global
• For India

Thanks to 1NormalUsername for the tip and download links!

OnePlus has just launched the Nord CE 4 Lite in global markets, but one major difference between the European model and other variants is the battery capacity. Other models, such as the Indian device, have a 5,500mAh battery, but the European variant brings a 5,110mAh battery instead.

Now, OnePlus has explained this disparity in an emailed statement, and it turns out that European regulations are to blame:

OnePlus is known for its impressive flagships and foldables, but it also makes some pretty good budget Android phones. The company is refreshing its budget phone lineup with the launch of the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite 5G, packing in an even bigger battery and faster charging than before. Previous devices, like the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite, have entered the US market as the OnePlus Nord N30. While we don’t know of such rebranding plans for the Nord CE 4 Lite, it’s still a device worth looking at.

The processor on the OnePlus Nord CE 4 Lite is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695, which was also used on the CE 3 Lite and even the CE 2 Lite. Qualcomm itself has rebranded the Snapdragon 695 into the Snapdragon 6s Gen 3, so there is nothing fundamentally flawed here by OnePlus. A newer SoC (one that is not merely a rebrand) would have been better, but that would have messed around with the pricing and value proposition. Customers looking for more performance can climb higher up OnePlus’s product lineup to devices like the Nord CE 4 and even the main Nord series.

OnePlus’ first attempt at an Android tablet, the OnePlus Pad, was a hit thanks to its excellent balance of price and performance. But over a year has passed since its release, and everyone’s been itching to know what’s next. Well, it looks like OnePlus might have just given us a clue.

In a Weibo post, OnePlus announced the launch of the OnePlus Pad Pro in China, marking the brand’s first tablet release in the Chinese market. We can safely assume that this new tablet, or a variant of it, will also make its way to the US, possibly under the name OnePlus Pad 2.

As translated from Chinese, OnePlus is calling the Pad Pro ‘the most powerful Android tablet,’ strongly suggesting that it will come with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This would be a significant upgrade from the Dimensity 9000 chip found in the original OnePlus Pad and would make it the first Android tablet to feature the 8 Gen 3 chip.

The official teaser image also reveals a glimpse of a new keyboard cover accessory, complete with a laptop-style touchpad. We can also see a new black-colored stylus pen along with the tablet.

While we don’t have confirmation of any other specs so far, leaker Digital Chat Station has shared real-life images of the alleged OnePlus Pad Pro, which indicate that the tablet might not differ much physically from the original OnePlus Pad.

Unfortunately, it appears that the screen will still be an LCD panel. While the original OnePlus Pad’s LCD was impressive for its price, boasting Dolby Vision support and a 144Hz refresh rate, an OLED display is generally preferred for the ultimate multimedia experience.

Nevertheless, we can expect OnePlus to continue its tradition of competitive pricing for the OnePlus Pad Pro (or Pad 2) if and when it launches in the US. The price is expected to be higher than the original OnePlus Pad ( ), but if OnePlus can undercut the upcoming Galaxy Tab S10 series, it could have another winning tablet on its hands.

A new OnePlus Watch 2?

Alongside the OnePlus Pad Pro, OnePlus also confirmed the launch of the OnePlus Watch 2 in China. From the image, it seems like this watch would be slightly different in terms of physical design compared to the OnePlus Watch 2 that’s available in the US.

This could be the alleged OnePlus Watch 3 that has been surfacing online in recent weeks. However, since the OnePlus Watch 2 launched just a few months ago, it’s uncertain whether OnePlus will release a new version in the US so soon.

These product launches, including the OnePlus Ace 3 Pro, are scheduled for June 27. The Ace 3 Pro is set to debut with the innovative Glacier Battery technology, promising significant improvements in battery performance and efficiency.

OnePlus is likely working on an upgraded version of the OnePlus Watch 2, which could address one of its main shortcomings: the lack of LTE support.

MySmartPrice has spotted an unreleased OnePlus smartwatch with the model number OPWW234 in a certification filing submitted to China’s regulatory body TENAA. The filing includes a render showcasing a smartwatch that looks strikingly similar to the OnePlus Watch 2 with a circular dial and two buttons on the right side.

While the upcoming model might not feature major design changes, the listing adds that it will include LTE connectivity via eSIM and support eSIMs from China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile. Like the OnePlus Watch 2, it will also include Bluetooth, GPS, BeiDou, NFC, GLONASS, and WLAN support.

The international variant of the unreleased smartwatch with the model number OPWWE234 appeared on India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification site and in the TUV Rheinland database earlier this month. As per those listings, the model will bear further similarities with the OnePlus Watch 2, like a 500mAh battery. A 3C certification listing of the Chinese model has also highlighted the same 10W charging capability.

Due to these similarities, we suspect that the device could just be an LTE variant of the OnePlus Watch 2. Add to that the fact that it has only been a few months since the OnePlus Watch 2 hit the market, it’s highly unlikely for the company to release a full-fledged successor.

We might not have to wait too long to know for sure, as companies generally submit regulatory filings close to launch. OnePlus will likely release the watch in China and India. We don’t have any indication of a wider global launch.

While we haven’t tested the new OnePlus Buds 3 yet, the consensus among those who have seems to be that they’re a solid choice at their $100 retail price point. OnePlus is giving you a chance to get the wireless earbuds even cheaper today, with a 20% discount dropping them to just $79.99.

OnePlus Buds 3 for $79.99 ($20 off)

The OnePlus Watch 2 is one of the best smartwatches currently on the market, and it appears that OnePlus is gearing up for another wearable release.

91Mobiles has spotted a new OnePlus Watch model on India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification site. The model number for this device is OPWWE234, strikingly similar to the OnePlus Watch 2’s OPWWE231. This close resemblance in model numbers suggests that the upcoming device could be very similar to the Watch 2.

The OnePlus 12 currently stands as the company’s best flagship to date. While we hear talks about the upcoming OnePlus 13, the company is here ...

The post OnePlus 12 Gets a New Glacier White Color Option appeared first on Gizchina.com.

While Europe and parts of Asia have experienced a variety of excellent foldable phones, the US had limited options beyond Samsung for years. Fortunately, this is no longer the case, as 2023 brought several compelling alternatives from Google, Motorola, and, more recently, OnePlus. The OnePlus Open, launched late last year, received a reasonably solid critical reception. As the first official foldable device to bear the OnePlus name, the Open is an outstanding product and feels much more polished than one might typically expect from a first-generation device. This is largely thanks to the brand’s association with OPPO. Of course, nothing is perfect, so here’s what I’d like to see improved with the OnePlus Open 2 when it hopefully arrives later this year.

Improved durability would be nice

Update: May 10, 2024 (06:05 AM ET): We’ve updated the OnePlus 13 rumor hub with an early outline depicting the phone’s rear camera placement.

Original article: April 24, 2024 (5:17 AM ET): The OnePlus 12 launched globally back in January, but we’ve already seen some OnePlus 13 leaks and rumors start to trickle in. So what do we know about the upcoming flagship phone? Read on to find out all the major details and leaks we’ve managed to gather.

OnePlus has released some great Android smartphones recently, including premium flagships like the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Open. I like what OnePlus has done on these devices, with standout features like Open Canvas on the OnePlus Open and the amazing battery life on the OnePlus 12. But lately, these devices have received updates that have added third-party apps (aka bloatware), and we’ve found evidence of more bloatware possibly coming soon to these premium flagships.

The bloatware problem on the OnePlus 12

Content creator Gauraang Arora spotted that the “Review additional apps” screen presented during the setup process on the OnePlus 12 now includes some new apps. This screen allows users to deselect four pre-selected apps, which have been mentioned under the “From OnePlus” header, meaning that OnePlus made the decision to push these third-party apps through the Google Play Store. The third-party apps are LinkedIn, Policybazaar, Block Blast!, and Candy Crush Saga.

Update: May 10, 2024 (06:05 AM ET): We’ve updated the OnePlus 13 rumor hub with an early outline depicting the phone’s rear camera placement.

Original article: April 24, 2024 (5:17 AM ET): The OnePlus 12 launched globally back in January, but we’ve already seen some OnePlus 13 leaks and rumors start to trickle in. So what do we know about the upcoming flagship phone? Read on to find out all the major details and leaks we’ve managed to gather.

OnePlus has released some great Android smartphones recently, including premium flagships like the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Open. I like what OnePlus has done on these devices, with standout features like Open Canvas on the OnePlus Open and the amazing battery life on the OnePlus 12. But lately, these devices have received updates that have added third-party apps (aka bloatware), and we’ve found evidence of more bloatware possibly coming soon to these premium flagships.

The bloatware problem on the OnePlus 12

Content creator Gauraang Arora spotted that the “Review additional apps” screen presented during the setup process on the OnePlus 12 now includes some new apps. This screen allows users to deselect four pre-selected apps, which have been mentioned under the “From OnePlus” header, meaning that OnePlus made the decision to push these third-party apps through the Google Play Store. The third-party apps are LinkedIn, Policybazaar, Block Blast!, and Candy Crush Saga.

Update: May 10, 2024 (06:05 AM ET): We’ve updated the OnePlus 13 rumor hub with an early outline depicting the phone’s rear camera placement.

Original article: April 24, 2024 (5:17 AM ET): The OnePlus 12 launched globally back in January, but we’ve already seen some OnePlus 13 leaks and rumors start to trickle in. So what do we know about the upcoming flagship phone? Read on to find out all the major details and leaks we’ve managed to gather.

OnePlus has released some great Android smartphones recently, including premium flagships like the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Open. I like what OnePlus has done on these devices, with standout features like Open Canvas on the OnePlus Open and the amazing battery life on the OnePlus 12. But lately, these devices have received updates that have added third-party apps (aka bloatware), and we’ve found evidence of more bloatware possibly coming soon to these premium flagships.

The bloatware problem on the OnePlus 12

Content creator Gauraang Arora spotted that the “Review additional apps” screen presented during the setup process on the OnePlus 12 now includes some new apps. This screen allows users to deselect four pre-selected apps, which have been mentioned under the “From OnePlus” header, meaning that OnePlus made the decision to push these third-party apps through the Google Play Store. The third-party apps are LinkedIn, Policybazaar, Block Blast!, and Candy Crush Saga.

MediaTek is one of the biggest smartphone chip makers, powering an array of mid-range and even some flagship phones internationally. The company recently announced its flagship Dimensity 9300 chipset, which is a worthy rival to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Gen 3 chipset.

However, the company’s flagship offerings have been largely absent from the US market. This may be about to change, with MediaTek hinting at a “premium segment” Android smartphone launch in the US later this year, equipped with a MediaTek chipset. (h/T: 9to5Google)

OnePlus users are treated to some new useful features via the latest OxygenOS update.

The OxygenOS 14.0.0.700 for the OnePlus 10T includes minor tweaks to existing features as well as some new features, while OnePlus 10 Pro users got mostly minor quality-of-life updates.

OnePlus offers Ace Pro phones in its home market of China, but the original Ace Pro actually came to global markets as the OnePlus 10T back in 2022. Now, a long-time leaker has revealed details about the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3 Pro.

OnePlus offers Ace Pro phones in its home market of China, but the original Ace Pro actually came to global markets as the OnePlus 10T back in 2022. Now, a long-time leaker has revealed details about the upcoming OnePlus Ace 3 Pro.

The OnePlus 12 is a great smartphone from OnePlus, and the company seems to have tuned its rhythm to what customers want. We’re just a few months into the product lifecycle of this phone, and leaks have begun emerging of its successor, the OnePlus 13. Previous leaks have mentioned that the next flagship from OnePlus could come with a new design and micro quad-curved panel, and now, a new leak has shared more specifications.

According to Yogesh Brar, the OnePlus 13 will retain a few key specifications from the OnePlus 12 while introducing a new design.

As for what will be new, the OnePlus 13 is expected to come with a micro quad-curved display that will be different from the bi-curved display currently on the OnePlus 12. We can also expect a new camera island styling and arrangement. The other big change on the phone is expected to be the upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, which isn’t surprising as OnePlus has used the latest flagship SoCs from Qualcomm on every iteration.

Beyond that, the OnePlus 13 could stick with the OnePlus 12’s 5,400mAh battery, the 100W fast wired charging, and the same camera setup. The OnePlus 12’s battery and charging capabilities are excellent, so we aren’t complaining. Even the 50MP + 48MP + 64MP camera setup is pretty good, but some users would have appreciated some more upgrades on this end, perhaps with newer and better sensors. Even the 32MP front camera could remain the same.

This isn’t a comprehensive list of changes year-on-year, as we are still quite early in the leaks phase. The OnePlus 13 could bring other changes, especially as we focus more on AI experiences in 2024. Still, some key areas could remain unchanged, indicating that we could see only a modest upgrade with the OnePlus 13. OnePlus 12 users can stay happy with their purchase for longer.

After surprising the market with a strong debut in the well-received OnePlus Pad, OnePlus could be setting its sights on Samsung’s dominance in the high-end Android tablet space. If early hints hold true, the upcoming OnePlus Pad 2 could finally fill the void for a true Galaxy Tab competitor in the Android tablet market.

Tech journalist Max Jambor, who previously hinted at a second-half 2024 launch for the OnePlus Pad 2, has now revealed that the upcoming tablet will be running on Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. This powerhouse processor drives 2024’s top-tier smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and will also be powering the upcoming Galaxy Tab S10 series.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 represents a significant leap from the capable MediaTek Dimensity 9000 found in the original OnePlus Pad. A flagship chipset could pave the way for other exciting upgrades, such as a possible switch from an LCD to an AMOLED panel — a hallmark of Samsung’s premium tablets.

While these upgrades might lead to a higher price for the OnePlus Pad 2, the company could still find a way to offer compelling value compared to Samsung’s offerings. Alternatively, OnePlus might mirror its smartphone strategy and release a more budget-friendly “R” variant of the OnePlus Pad 2. For now, we can only speculate.

The OnePlus Pad 2 is anticipated to launch in the second half of 2024, potentially hot on the heels of Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S10 series, which should be announced in July.

Aftermarket tinkering on Android phones isn't as prominent as it once used to be. That's not to say you can't root your Android phone or install a custom ROM like LineageOS on it. You can still tinker and customize your phone to a large extent as long as you have the interest and the technical know-how. Most — if not all — aftermarket tinkering requires you to connect your Android smartphone to a computer using a USB cable, so you can use tools like the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to interact with the device.

Should you buy the OnePlus 12?

To reinvent or to refine, that is the question. At least, that’s the question if you’re an Android OEM gearing up to challenge the best phones on the market. In this case, OnePlus chose to refine, introducing a OnePlus 12 that looks and feels quite a lot like the previous OnePlus 11. However, its refinements come in just the right places, righting several of the OnePlus 11’s wrongs and pushing some of its better specs just a bit further.

The first change you’ll notice — or rather won’t notice — is the OnePlus 12’s updated design. There’s no question as to the phone’s lineage, sporting an almost identical circular camera bump to its predecessor, familiar green and black finishes, and a massive curved display that inches closer and closer to the 7-inch mark. More specifically, the OnePlus 12 now sports a 6.82-inch panel of curved Gorilla Glass Victus 2 with a variable 120Hz refresh rate that can drop to 1Hz as needed and a blinding 4,500 nits of peak brightness. You’ll almost never reach said peak outside of using ProXDR processing in bright sunlight, but it’s still an impressive mark.

It may not look much different, but the OnePlus 12 takes the best parts of the OnePlus 11 and pushes them even further.

As for the rest of the OnePlus 12’s premium build, well, everything is where you’d expect. The power button and volume rocker sit on the right side — much closer together this time, small-handed folks rejoice — while the alert slider sits on the edge of the camera bump. The Silky Black and Flowy Emerald (black and green) finishes come with color-matched glossy frames, which pick up fingerprints but offset the matte glass nicely. We received the Flowy Emerald version, which adds a bit of a marbled texture to OnePlus’ usually shiny green glass.

Unfortunately, we have to knock the OnePlus 12 for skipping a full IP68 rating. Instead, it offers IP65 protection, which means it’s safe from jets of water from all sides. There’s a chance that this is another case of OnePlus deciding not to pay for the extra certification, but when you’re spending $800 on a smartphone, I’m not going to take the chance. I took the phone out for a few runs in the rain and snow but rarely felt confident pulling it out to grab camera samples in adverse conditions.

Despite its relatively minor changes, the OnePlus 12 feels much better in the hand than its predecessor ever did. The slight texture of the rear glass keeps it from slip-sliding out of your hands, while the camera bump itself offers a comfortable grip when gaming in landscape orientation. Mentioning gaming, I think it’s the OnePlus 12’s secret power. It simply shines in just about any title you pick up, thanks to a massive dual vapor chamber design and graphics performance that leaves very little to chance. The cooling setup, which OnePlus ostentatiously calls Dual Cryo-velocity, essentially pairs a smaller vapor chamber that pulls heat away from key components like the chipset with a much larger chamber that actually tackles the hard work of cooling the phone. It results in a surprisingly cool customer, with the OnePlus 12 only warming slightly around the camera bump after nearly an hour of bouncing between titles like Railbound and Warhammer 40,000 Tacticus.

The OnePlus 12 works well outside of the gaming realm, too. Its combination of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with up to 16GB of RAM offers more than enough power to breeze through a full day of use. During my testing, it handily managed a split between doom-scrolling on Instagram, responding to emails ahead of MWC, and using Google Maps to navigate the ever-evolving construction in downtown Baltimore. I never once felt like I had to quit some apps to free up memory for others, nor did the OnePlus 12 warm up under daily loads like streaming or navigating.

However, some of the OnePlus 12’s benchmarking scores might try to convince you otherwise — especially its CPU performance. Surprisingly, the OnePlus 12 handed in a single-core Geekbench 6 score nearly 33% lower than that of the previous OnePlus 11, then turned around and delivered a multi-core score 12% higher than the older chipset. The OnePlus 12 is also dwarfed by the Galaxy S24 series and the iPhone 15 series in both metrics, though it easily set the pace in a graphically intensive 3DMark gauntlet of stress tests. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen a OnePlus device (or an OPPO device, for that matter) put up modest benchmarking scores only to blitz through day-to-day tasks.

We also put the OnePlus 12 through the same set of paces in its overclocked Performance Mode to see if the battery sacrifice is worth the power reward. The switch made a massive difference in the OnePlus 12’s Geekbench 6 score — both single and multi-core — bringing it right in line with the Samsung devices it previously struggled against and within striking distance of the iPhone 15. However, Performance Mode had almost no impact on the OnePlus 12’s graphics performance peak, picking up a fraction of a percentage point in each of the 3DMark tests. It did provide better sustained performance, however, raising the average score across our stress tests. Granted, that bump came with a related increase in temperature, so you’ll want to be careful how much you put the OnePlus 12 through in Performance Mode. Personally, I’d say it’s probably not worthwhile for most users, given the OnePlus 12’s already good performance outside of the benchmarking arena.

Although the OnePlus 12’s circular camera bump looks quite a lot like its predecessor, it actually has one key change to bring up — more megapixels. Like Samsung, OnePlus decided to give its telephoto shooter a major bump in resolution, jumping from 32MP to 64MP and shifting from 2x optical zoom to 3x. The new periscope telephoto sensor drops to a slightly narrower f/2.6 aperture, though the sensor itself is larger, meaning it can capture more light. OnePlus also swapped its primary sensor, adopting Sony’s stacked LYT-808 in hopes that it will keep the OnePlus 12 among the best camera phones. It stayed at an even 50MP, but the deeper photo sites mean that the OnePlus 12 can capture more light and a shallower depth of field at its f/1.6 aperture without needing a larger sensor. Around the front, the punch hole selfie shooter now sits centrally on the 6.82-inch display, and it, too, picked up a few extra megapixels. OnePlus swapped from a 16MP sensor to a 32MP one with smaller individual pixels that bin down to 8MP images by default.

The continued partnership with Hasselblad seems to be paying off for OnePlus, with all four cameras using an updated HDR algorithm to segment images and locate subjects. It still features a portrait mode that’s tuned against Hasselblad’s premium prime lenses at 1x, 2x, and 3x zoom, and the manual controls now reside under what OnePlus calls Master Mode. I’ve been pleased with most images from the OnePlus 12 so far, with solid details and much-improved color science from previous generations. I’ll pull out some specific examples below to talk through some issues I found with the OnePlus 12’s camera suite, but be sure to check out our full-res gallery, featuring shots taken by myself and some colleagues who also tested the OnePlus 12, in this Google Drive folder to get a feel for the phone’s overall photography chops.

Zoom is typically an area where more affordable flagship phones fall down, and while I don’t have any issues with the 10x or 20x samples below, the 30x shot has some noticeable chromatic aberration around the edges of the ship and even up the side of the building. The 60x and 120x images suffer the same fate, with chromatic aberration galore and the loss of detail to the point where low-poly Lara Croft would be right at home. Sure, you can still see the large shapes of the ship, but you wouldn’t use either shot for social media or anything else — not that any camera phone really does well once you start hitting triple digits.

The OnePlus 12 fares far better for everyday snaps. You can see plenty of detail in the images below, especially in the pathway of cobblestones at golden hour. I also like the shot of the tall grasses in front of the row of houses, though it’s tricky to find which stalks are in focus at first. Rather than pick out the first row, the OnePlus 12 seems to have grabbed the second and softened both the foreground grasses and parts of the buildings in the background. I probably would have preferred a wider focal plane to get all of the grasses in focus, but I’m still pleased with the color profile, which nicely matches the evening conditions.

The next shot, taken facing toward the dock, however, is extremely soft once you zoom in even a little bit. Individual tree branches look a bit too smooth, and the light poles seem to be missing textures in favor of sharper edges (especially the one to the right). This, unfortunately, seems to be a common thread with the OnePlus 12 — it’s not so good when the lights get low.

Though this isn’t a true night-mode photo, and I’ll admit that I struggled to capture any worth saving, it illustrates where the OnePlus 12 comes up short. The phone is a bit too quick to trade fine details for brightness, trading its high-resolution sensors for low-light photos that often look overexposed. It’s a similar effect to what I saw on the OnePlus Open, where I had to drop the exposure almost as low as it would go in order to get a usable image. Despite the struggle with details, I can’t argue with the colors in the image, as nothing feels particularly oversaturated, and you can still easily identify the different browns in the boardwalk, the grasses, and the trees.

Oxygen OS has gone through a few different phases in recent years, swinging from nice and light to Color OS-lite, but now it seems to be back in a good place, with its own identity while retaining some stylistic tweaks from parent company OPPO. OnePlus’ Android 14 skin doesn’t feel massively different from its Android 13 version, and I continue to enjoy having the ability to turn off the OnePlus Shelf — an extra dropdown menu that I rarely ever intend to open. OnePlus has also extended the software policy for its latest flagship, tacking on an extra year of Android and security coverage to bring the OnePlus 12 to four and five years, respectively. It’s an improvement, sure, but it’s behind both Google and Samsung with their seven years of support.

Unlike Google and Samsung, OnePlus doesn’t seem interested in jumping on the AI train, at least not in the US. Right now, the OnePlus 12 doesn’t offer access to photo editing features like Magic Editor or Photo Assist, nor does it pack search options like Circle to Search. Some AI features seem to be trickling out in China on the Color OS version, but we’ll have to wait and see if they come to OnePlus’ skin stateside.

Unlike Google and Samsung, OnePlus doesn't seem interested in jumping on the AI train... yet.

Perhaps the most impactful upgrade to hit the OnePlus 12 centers around its battery and charging setup. OnePlus boasted about the potential for a true two-day battery, and the 5,400mAh cell largely delivers. That’s right, a full 400mAh over both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 8 Pro. I was regularly able to push the OnePlus 12 pretty close to its 48-hour claim, which I’m pretty happy with. I leaned heavily on the phone for gaming thanks to its graphics prowess but had no trouble rolling through social media or long Spotify playlists, either. It wasn’t the clear winner when put under artificial stress in our battery test suite, however, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra still dominating in most categories, with the stark exception being general camera use and Zoom call minutes — if you want a phone for lengthy video calls, this is a good bet!

Upon draining the battery, you face a long-awaited choice between wired and wireless charging. On top of its 80W wired speeds, OnePlus finally brought back 50W AirVOOC charging as an option. Both speeds are impressive, with the former filling the massive battery in less than half an hour. Of course, you’ll need a SuperVOOC or AirVOOC charger to hit the top speeds, but OnePlus still includes a charger in the box.

What are the best OnePlus 12 alternatives?

If you decide that the OnePlus 12 isn’t for you, the Android world is your oyster. There are plenty of other options worth considering, including the best from Google and the very latest from Samsung. Here are just a few options:

• Google Pixel 8 Pro ( ): If you’re interested in the OnePlus 12’s powerful cameras but wish it had more AI-powered features, the Pixel 8 Pro might be for you. Google’s top-tier flagship offers an update commitment that OnePlus doesn’t match, as well as the lightest Android skin you’ll find in 2024. It’s slightly smaller than the OnePlus 12 and doesn’t charge nearly as quickly, but it’s worth a look for features like Magic Editor and Now Playing.
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro ( ): Looking outside of the OnePlus 12 doesn’t mean you have to stick with Android. If you’re considering iOS, the iPhone 15 Pro is your best bet. Yes, it’s smaller than the OnePlus 12 at just 6.2 inches, but it packs a powerful trio of rear cameras that shine when shooting video, and the Dynamic Island is still coming into its own.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ( ): Should you decide that you want the most capable Android phone on the market, it’s tough to look past the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It’s far more expensive than the OnePlus 12 (a whopping $500 difference), but it carries four rear cameras with several Galaxy AI features like Samsung’s version of Magic Editor and the ability to summarize webpages or rewrite text messages to change their tone.
• OnePlus 12R ( ): Although the OnePlus 12 has plenty of power in its corner, some buyers might decide that it costs more than they want to spend. In that case, the OnePlus 12R is a great alternative and marks the first time the OnePlus R series has come stateside. It hangs onto a few specs from the OnePlus 11, like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, but pairs them with a massive 5,500mAh battery and the same powerful cooling system as the OnePlus 12.
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus ( ): We already put forth Samsung’s top flagship as an alternative, but its non-Ultra flagship, the Galaxy S24 Plus, is excellent too. The OnePlus 12 offers a larger battery and faster charging, but Samsung’s cameras are more refined, and its software commitment is best in class.

OnePlus 12 specs

OnePlus 12 review: FAQ

We’re finally seeing more foldable smartphones arrive in the US market. Samsung has dominated the US with its Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, and only recently did we get the Google Pixel Fold. Now, OnePlus has arrived with the OnePlus Open, heating up the competition with its superior spec sheet. But which foldable should you buy? We compare the OnePlus Open vs the Galaxy Z Fold 5 to find out.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Specs

The OnePlus Open and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 are book-style foldables that have a full-sized outer display and open up to reveal an even larger inner display. Both foldables have two incredible displays, but the OnePlus Open edges out the Galaxy Z Fold 5 for the top spot.

Not only are both displays on the OnePlus Open better on the spec sheet than the Fold 5, but they are more useful, too. OnePlus has gone with a wider cover display that is akin to a regular smartphone, so you will find yourself quite content keeping the Open closed.

The OnePlus Open's cover display is like a normal smartphone, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5's is taller.

On the other hand, the Fold 5’s outer display is usable, but since it is fairly tall, you may find it constricted in certain situations, like two-hand typing.

We found the OnePlus Open’s hinge to be a bit snappy, completing the closing action if you reach under a certain angle. In comparison, the Fold 5’s hinge is rock solid at all angles and does not have a mind of its own. Both felt premium and sturdy, so no concerns in that regard.

Inside, both the OnePlus Open and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 are powered by a similar processor. OnePlus offers more RAM at 16GB, but also defaults to a single 512GB storage variant, whereas the Fold 5 has a lower RAM at 12GB but storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

One key area where the Galaxy Z Fold 5 retains the upper hand is the IP rating. The Fold 5 is IPX8-rated for water resistance, surviving being submerged in up to 1.5m freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The OnePlus Open is IPX4-rated for water resistance, which means it will be okay if you splash a little water on it.

The Fold 5's IPX8 water resistance is significantly better than the Open's IPX4 rating.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 also supports the S Pen Fold Edition, which is sold separately and housed externally. This means you’ll probably need an appropriate Galaxy Z Fold 5 case to keep it safe. You can use the stylus on the inner foldable display. The OnePlus Open supports the OPPO Pen active stylus, though this is not officially sold as a compatible accessory. It will work if you can manage to import one, and it will work on both the inner and the outer display.

As for software, Samsung has been in the foldable game for a while, and it shows in the maturity of One UI’s foldable optimizations. There are plenty of features — like app pairs, the ability to open a very large number of apps in floating windows, Flex mode, and more — that work tremendously well to take advantage of the large inner display. The Open is the first attempt from OnePlus at a foldable, and while Oxygen OS does have a few foldable-centric features, we found some room for improvement.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched with Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1. The OnePlus Open launched with Android 13 and Oxygen OS 13.2. Both phones are promised to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Size comparison

This is where things get interesting and in favor of OnePlus. Both phones use typical glass and metal materials we see on foldables, though the camera hump on the Open is considerably larger than that on the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

When folded, the OnePlus Open is wide enough to be comfortable to use. In comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a taller stance, which can feel unnatural and cramped.

When you unfold the phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 becomes quite pleasant to use, while the Open manages to retain its comfortable characteristics.

Opening the Open isn’t required to use it as a daily driver smartphone, while you will find yourself opting to unfold the Fold 5 in more instances, comparatively speaking.

What further helps the OnePlus Open is its thin profile, which is over 1.5mm thinner than the Fold 5. It’s a relatively small difference, but it made a noticeable difference when we held it in our hands.

Combine it with the lower 239g (Black)/245g (Green) weight, as compared to the 253g weight of the Fold 5, and the OnePlus Open wins a lot of points for being the more practical smartphone to use daily.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Camera

The cameras are the biggest point of difference between the two phones. While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a good camera setup that is practical and performs well across several scenarios, it does not compete against advanced camera setups that we see on glass-slab smartphones. In fact, the Fold 5 has the same camera setup as the Fold 4 before it. On the other hand, the OnePlus Open has significantly better hardware that comes very close to glass-slab smartphones.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5’s primary sensor is a 50MP Samsung GN3 sensor, while the OnePlus Open has the new 48MP LYTIA LYT-T808 sensor that gathers more light in a smaller footprint.

The OnePlus Open has a significant advantage over the Galaxy Z Fold 5 when it comes to cameras.

The differences widen for the ultrawide sensor (48MP on the Open vs 12MP on the Fold 5), telephoto (64MP vs 10MP), and exterior selfie camera (32MP vs 10MP). The inner selfie camera on the OnePlus Open is a 20MP conventional camera, while the Fold 5 opts for a 4MP under-display camera, which is technologically impressive but produces poor results.

We were very impressed with the photography chops of the OnePlus Open in our review. Check out our camera deep dive to learn more, but suffice it to say that it performed well in a variety of lighting conditions, giving Samsung a run for its money.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Battery life and charging

The OnePlus Open comes with a bigger 4,805mAh battery that supports 67W wired fast charging, which OnePlus claims charges from 0-100% in 42 minutes. The company also includes a compatible charger in the box. There’s no wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, though. In our testing, we got a solid six hours of screen on time between charges, easily lasting a full day and then some. It charged from 0-100% in just 41 minutes using the included charger.

The OnePlus Open has a bigger battery and charges faster, though the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has wireless charging.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a smaller 4,400mAh battery that supports 25W charging. In our Fold 5 battery life and charging tests, we found that the Fold 5 lasts for barely a day, even when you rely more on the outer display. If you use the larger inner display more, then you’d cut some more hours out. The charging speed is also sluggish, taking an approximate 85 minutes for a 0-100% charge. There is also no charger in the box, so you have to buy a charger separately.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 does have 15W wireless charging through proprietary wireless chargers, 10W Qi wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

In short, the OnePlus Open will last longer on a charge and will charge much more quickly when it does run out. However, if you are a fan of wireless charging, then the Fold 5 is your only choice.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Price and availability

The OnePlus Open has a lower starting price than the Galaxy Z Fold 5, marking the Open to be $100 cheaper. If you compare it against the equitable 512GB version of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the OnePlus Open is $220 cheaper.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched on July 26, 2023, and went on open sale on August 11, 2023, in the US. Samsung regularly has discounts and trade-in deals to keep the Fold 5 exciting for potential buyers.

The OnePlus Open has launched on October 19, 2023. It is available for pre-orders right now and will go on open sale on October 26, 2023, in the US. OnePlus will accept any phone in any condition for a trade-in and give you at least $200 in credit towards the Open.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Which should you buy?

The OnePlus Open has several distinct advantages over the Galaxy Z Fold 5, and its lower price tag also makes it all the more appetizing.

The OnePlus Open is better and cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

For folks looking to make the jump onto a foldable, the OnePlus Open offers a comparable experience where they won’t be missing their old phone all that much.

The only few areas where the Galaxy Z Fold 5 makes sense are if you really need wireless charging, the better IPX8 water resistance, or if you want active stylus support (and don’t want to bother with importing one). The Fold 5’s software also has more tricks up its sleeve to take advantage of the large display. Samsung’s ecosystem is also better populated with laptops and wearables, and the integrated experience is good. If you’re already a Samsung fan, you probably won’t be disappointed.

But if these reasons don’t hold sway over you, the OnePlus Open is hands-down the better foldable against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

OnePlus is not new to brand crossovers. In fact, the company did a crossover with game developer HoYoverse last year for the OnePlus 11. While that crossover featured the popular Genshin Impact character Xiangling, this latest crossover will be for the OnePlus 12R and is focused on the Electro, Liyue native Keqing.

Unlike last year’s collaboration that offered a Xiangling collector’s box with a normal OnePlus 11, this OnePlus 12R has a Keqing-inspired design in addition to the collectibles that are coming with it.

Specifically, the phone features a violet colorway similar to the color used for the Electro element. That violet handset is adorned with feather motifs, flowers, her signature lighting stiletto, and Keqing etched on the back top. The stiletto design was also used for the SIM card tray ejector. Also included is a violet charger with the Electro symbol, stiletto logos, and a violet LED light.

The customization extends past the hardware as well. OnePlus says it has customized Oxygen OS 14 to offer themed system app icons, an Electro element charging animation, an exclusive always-on display design, and personalized power-on and fingerprint unlock animations. If that wasn’t enough, OnePlus says those who pick this phone up will get an exclusive Keqing visual and live wallpaper.

As for the collector’s box, you’ll find a plethora of Keqing-themed items. This ranges from pins and stickers to a phone cover and more.

If you’re a Genshin Impact fan and this sounds too good to pass up, it is available in the US and Canada from March 21, 2024. The handset will sell for $649.99 (US) and $869.99 (CAD) on OnePlus.com. You can pre-order this special edition OnePlus 12R starting today. OnePlus is also offering $100 (US)/$150 (CAD) off for trade-ins in any condition.

Oppo already has a good number of smart wearables in its portfolio. There’s also one with Wear OS, one of the most flexible and feature-packed ...

The post Oppo Watch X Debuts With Wear OS, onboard GPS, and Stainless Steel Frame appeared first on Gizchina.com.

The OnePlus Watch 2 is getting ready to make its debut at MWC 2024. While OnePlus has already shown us what the smartwatch looks like, and an FCC listing has revealed some of its features, we still don’t know details about its availability.

The OnePlus Watch 2 is only days away from its February 26, 2024, launch. As expected, the device dropped by the FCC ahead of the release. That FCC filing, however, reveals some new interesting details about the smartwatch.

In the FCC listing, we see the OPWWE231 model number, confirming this is the OnePlus-branded global variant. We first learned about this model number back in October last year via a leak. In addition to the model number, we learn that OnePlus’s next wearable will sport a 500mAh battery.

OnePlus recently began teasing its next smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 2, aiming to compete against other top smartwatches. The company has now practically announced the new smartwatch, revealing its design in official renders alongside several key details.

The OnePlus Watch 2 will launch on February 26, 2024, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. OnePlus is claiming the “best-ever battery life” with up to 100 hours offered through a full Smart Mode. The Watch 2 claims to come with a design that “epitomizes both elegance and durability,” using a stainless steel chassis and a sapphire crystal watch face.

Interestingly, the OnePlus Watch 2 has a design language similar to the OnePlus 12, and we can see the resemblance between the watch’s protruding chassis and the phone’s camera island.

As we can see, the Watch 2 will come in two colors: Black Steel and Radiant Steel. The Radiant Steel variant has a green strap that complements the OnePlus 12’s Flowy Emerald color.

The OnePlus Watch 2 could run on Wear OS. OnePlus does not mention this explicitly, but the company does say that it is “returning to the high-stakes flagship smartwatch market,” which to us is very clearly aiming to compete against the likes of the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Pixel Watch 2. The watch is expected to come with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, so it is already shaping up to be a decent competitor.

The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, for example, have full band support for all three major US carriers. However, the OnePlus 12 apparently has allowlist status with Verizon, while the 12R does not appear to enjoy that same status, as we’re learning today. This would mean that, for now, the OnePlus 12R will not work on the Verizon network, even though it has the proper band support.

We discovered this through a user on the XDA-Developer forums. This user bought some OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R phones for family members and was miffed to find the OnePlus 12s worked fine on Verizon, but the 12Rs didn’t. According to this user’s investigation, a Verizon “VP” confirmed to them that the 12 is allowlisted on the network, but the 12R isn’t. We reached out to OnePlus to find out the scoop, and sure enough, the company confirmed that the 12R is facing connection issues at Verizon. It didn’t confirm or deny the allowlist theory, but something is definitely broken.

Thankfully, OnePlus is currently working with Verizon to rectify this. Here’s a statement from OnePlus, per a company spokesperson:

The OnePlus 12R is able to work with all major carriers and on all major 5G networks in the US, including Verizon. We are currently investigating unexpected cases that users may be having with Verizon’s network, and are working with the carrier to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the company didn’t give us any specifics on how long this might take. Theoretically, Verizon just needs to “switch on” support for the 12R, which isn’t too tricky. When this might happen, though, is anyone’s guess.

For now, if you are a Verizon subscriber and looking at the 12R, we’d advise you to wait or buy the OnePlus 12 ( ) instead, as that will work with Big Red straight out of the box.

Also, for the record, this connectivity issue shouldn’t affect using the 12R on T-Mobile or AT&T. This is a Verizon-specific problem.

Android users have a lot of smartwatch options, but there’s always room for more competition. OnePlus has been rumored to launch a new smartwatch at MWC 2024, presumably called the OnePlus Watch 2, and the company has finally begun teasing the product.

OnePlus has posted a teaser image in the OnePlus community (h/t 1NormalUsername), asking users to wrongly guess what the product is. You can see the teaser image above, and it’s definitely not subtle in indicating what it is.

If you need some more help figuring it out, here is the same image, edited to bring out a few key details:

The teaser image flatly aligns with the leaked renders of the OnePlus Watch 2. The button housing, especially, is unmissable. You can check out the renders that leaked last year, showing off the protruding edge on the right side of the device.

Obviously, the official teaser image has more polish and character than the leaked renders. But the leaked renders give us a good look at the device, which is expected to be showcased at MWC 2024, scheduled to be held at the end of this month.

Leaker Max Jambor alludes that the OnePlus Watch 2 could be launched on February 26, 2024.

The original OnePlus Watch that launched in 2021 was a more simplistic fitness tracker with a large display rather than a proper smartwatch, as it lacked a smart OS with an app store. It ran on a proprietary OS that is comparable to RTOS. With the OnePlus Watch 2, OnePlus is expected to use Wear OS for a proper smartwatch experience that compares against the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Pixel Watch 2, presuming it sells in the same markets. The watch is expected to come with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, so it is already shaping up to be a decent competitor.

Intel had a rough few years a while back, when the company struggled to meet its original goals for moving from 14nm to 10nm and wound up shipping multiple generations of processors manufactured on a 14nm node while competitors were moving to smaller and more efficient processes. But Intel says its Foundry business is back […]

The post Lilbits: Intel Foundry’s new roadmap, Google Pixel Fold 2, and the OnePlus Watch 2 appeared first on Liliputing.

OnePlus phones have long been a favorite among Android enthusiasts thanks to their flagship specs at affordable prices. While we struggled to recommend the OnePlus 9 and 10, the company has recently begun to offer fantastic value phones again, starting with the OnePlus 11.

OnePlus recently began teasing its next smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 2, aiming to compete against other top smartwatches. The company has now practically announced the new smartwatch, revealing its design in official renders alongside several key details.

The OnePlus Watch 2 will launch on February 26, 2024, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. OnePlus is claiming the “best-ever battery life” with up to 100 hours offered through a full Smart Mode. The Watch 2 claims to come with a design that “epitomizes both elegance and durability,” using a stainless steel chassis and a sapphire crystal watch face.

The OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R, for example, have full band support for all three major US carriers. However, the OnePlus 12 apparently has allowlist status with Verizon, while the 12R does not appear to enjoy that same status, as we’re learning today. This would mean that, for now, the OnePlus 12R will not work on the Verizon network, even though it has the proper band support.

We discovered this through a user on the XDA-Developer forums. This user bought some OnePlus 12 and OnePlus 12R phones for family members and was miffed to find the OnePlus 12s worked fine on Verizon, but the 12Rs didn’t. According to this user’s investigation, a Verizon “VP” confirmed to them that the 12 is allowlisted on the network, but the 12R isn’t. We reached out to OnePlus to find out the scoop, and sure enough, the company confirmed that the 12R is facing connection issues at Verizon. It didn’t confirm or deny the allowlist theory, but something is definitely broken.

Thankfully, OnePlus is currently working with Verizon to rectify this. Here’s a statement from OnePlus, per a company spokesperson:

The OnePlus 12R is able to work with all major carriers and on all major 5G networks in the US, including Verizon. We are currently investigating unexpected cases that users may be having with Verizon’s network, and are working with the carrier to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the company didn’t give us any specifics on how long this might take. Theoretically, Verizon just needs to “switch on” support for the 12R, which isn’t too tricky. When this might happen, though, is anyone’s guess.

For now, if you are a Verizon subscriber and looking at the 12R, we’d advise you to wait or buy the OnePlus 12 ( ) instead, as that will work with Big Red straight out of the box.

Also, for the record, this connectivity issue shouldn’t affect using the 12R on T-Mobile or AT&T. This is a Verizon-specific problem.

Android users have a lot of smartwatch options, but there’s always room for more competition. OnePlus has been rumored to launch a new smartwatch at MWC 2024, presumably called the OnePlus Watch 2, and the company has finally begun teasing the product.

OnePlus has posted a teaser image in the OnePlus community (h/t 1NormalUsername), asking users to wrongly guess what the product is. You can see the teaser image above, and it’s definitely not subtle in indicating what it is.

If you need some more help figuring it out, here is the same image, edited to bring out a few key details:

The teaser image flatly aligns with the leaked renders of the OnePlus Watch 2. The button housing, especially, is unmissable. You can check out the renders that leaked last year, showing off the protruding edge on the right side of the device.

Obviously, the official teaser image has more polish and character than the leaked renders. But the leaked renders give us a good look at the device, which is expected to be showcased at MWC 2024, scheduled to be held at the end of this month.

Leaker Max Jambor alludes that the OnePlus Watch 2 could be launched on February 26, 2024.

The original OnePlus Watch that launched in 2021 was a more simplistic fitness tracker with a large display rather than a proper smartwatch, as it lacked a smart OS with an app store. It ran on a proprietary OS that is comparable to RTOS. With the OnePlus Watch 2, OnePlus is expected to use Wear OS for a proper smartwatch experience that compares against the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Pixel Watch 2, presuming it sells in the same markets. The watch is expected to come with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, so it is already shaping up to be a decent competitor.

OnePlus’s next step into the wearable market will be given on February 26. The company will launch the OnePlus Watch 2 next week on February ...

The post OnePlus Watch 2 Launch Date Confirmed – Reservations Are Now Open appeared first on Gizchina.com.