For a few years, Samsung has had a rule of the foldable market globally, though folding phones have been available in China. That will change with OnePlus Open (Rs 139,999). We have been using the phone for a few days and we will give you an in-depth look at the device in a few days. Before that, I have some thoughts.

First, OnePlus has done a good job with a first-generation folding phone and that too at a time when such devices are becoming popular. OnePlus waited a few years to deliver a device that’s up to scratch and has sorted out a few problems that come with folding phones.

The phone is sleek and the dimensions feel good in the hand (7.82-inch when the phone is unfolded and 6.31-inch folded). It’s slightly different from Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 which is slightly tall when folded. Plus, the outer screen is very bright.

The cover screen can get extremely bright (which is great)!

Second, when the phone is unfolded, there is a slight crease down the middle. Is it a lot? No, and the eyes get used to it after 10 minutes. The same can be said for Samsung’s Fold. The hinge too is quite smooth and the phone can be kept open at different angles.

The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader, which we’ve seen with lots of these folds as well. It's awesome.

What I feel uncomfortable with is the camera bump at the back. It’s big. When the phone is folded, my fingers are resting on the camera bump, which is slightly uncomfortable but it’s not a deal breaker. Further, the LED flash is outside the camera bump and that could have been avoided.

There is a big camera module on the back

The software is also impressive. The phone is running on OxygenOS 13.2 based on Android 13. The phone is for power users, who want three apps open at the same time. You can do that. Multitasking is great and apps that are not natively built for the phone, can be stretched (but it looks good).

The phone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which is a nimble processor and the phone will be usable for a few years (thank God). Camera performance too is quite good, thanks to Hasselblad association. More than the association, I like the presence of a 3X telephoto lens.

The 7.82-inch display (when open) is gorgeous

The thing I miss: Stylus support, which is available on the Samsung Fold. Foldable phones are for power users, and having a stylus would have helped.

After initial usage, battery life has been excellent. And even though it’s 4,805mAh battery, I am getting a day out of it.

OnePlus Open is a good choice when it comes to folding phones and it will make Samsung innovate further.