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.

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.

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.

The OnePlus Open has quickly become a favorite in the foldable phone market, impressing users with its sleek design, powerful performance, and innovative software features. However, choosing the right screen protector for a foldable phone is inherently more complex than for a standard smartphone.

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.

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.

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.

Despite its limitations, OxygenOS 14 on the OnePlus Open offers one of the best Android foldable experiences on the market. However, the OnePlus Open's software is marred by a large number of preinstalled apps. While some are useful, others should be uninstalled instantly to avoid negatively affecting your experience.

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.

Part of what makes Android such a great option for smartphone users is the sheer number of choices to pick from. Of course, in the United States, there are far fewer options than in other parts of the world. But choices remain. Regardless of your budget or phone needs, there is a device that can check those boxes. That's not even accounting for the folding phones, of which there are options in both brand and form factor.