The world of foldable smartphones has been evolving rapidly since Samsung's groundbreaking Galaxy Fold in 2019. While the initial excitement was palpable, the pace of innovation has slowed. Samsung, the dominant player in the foldable market, seems to have settled into a comfortable rhythm, iterating on existing designs with minor improvements rather than pushing boundaries. The Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 5 are solid devices, but they lack the "wow" factor that once defined this category.
Meanwhile, other brands, primarily in China, are experimenting with bolder designs and features. The Honor Magic V3 boasts an incredibly slim profile, while the Xiaomi Mi Mix Flip offers a compelling combination of a large battery and a flip-phone form factor. However, these devices often remain confined to the Chinese market or face challenges with software or pricing that limit their global appeal.
OnePlus Open - A Glimmer of Hope
In 2023, OnePlus, known for its "Never Settle" motto, entered the foldable arena with the OnePlus Open. Based on Oppo's Find N3, the Open impressed with its exceptional hardware, top-notch cameras, and surprisingly polished software. It was a legitimate contender to Samsung's foldable crown, offering a superior experience in almost every aspect. The Open was a commercial success, with reports of record sales and rapid sellouts.
The Curious Case of the Missing OnePlus Open 2
Despite the Open's success, OnePlus recently announced that it won't release a new foldable in 2025. The company's reasoning? To "set new benchmarks and challenge the status quo." This explanation seems baffling, especially considering the Oppo Find N5, the presumed basis for the "Open 2." The Find N5 is a technological marvel, boasting the title of the world's thinnest foldable phone. It embodies innovation and pushes the boundaries of what's possible in the foldable space.
OnePlus's decision not to release a Find N5-based "Open 2" is perplexing. It deprives consumers outside of China of experiencing a cutting-edge foldable device and allows Samsung to maintain its dominance without facing significant competition.
The absence of a OnePlus Open 2 in 2025 leaves a void in the foldable market. With Apple's rumored entry into the foldable space looming, competition and innovation are needed now more than ever. Hopefully, Google's Pixel Fold and other contenders will step up to challenge Samsung and deliver the exciting foldable experiences that consumers deserve.
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