If the rumors are true, OnePlus will launch its first foldable smartphone, OnePlus Open, sometime this month.
Today, the company officially begins its promotional campaign for the next device, after the event in which an Indian actress was seen with the Open in her car.
OnePlus Boss Pete Lau Talks About the Device’s Hinge Design
A video from Unbox Therapy features OnePlus boss Pete Lau discussing the hinge design of the OnePlus Open. The company apparently holds 35 patents related to the design.
A Gapless Hinge Design
As expected, the OnePlus Open will have a hinge design without any gap between the hinges. This was demonstrated in a test where a sheet of paper was «trapped» inside the phone and then lifted without it sliding.
A Sneak Peek at the Hardware
During the video, a huge piece of what appears to be cardboard covers the giant camera bump, making it difficult to see the hardware details.
Compact and Lightweight
The OnePlus Open’s hinge has 31 fewer components compared to the Oppo Find N2, resulting in a 37% smaller size and reduced weight. OnePlus CEO Pete Lau claims that despite not being among the first to enter the foldable race, they are bringing the best phone to the market. He promises a fast and fluid experience, similar to other OnePlus devices, and highlights the inclusion of the physical alert switch.
A Collaboration Between OnePlus and Oppo
Lau reveals that the OnePlus Open has been jointly developed by the OnePlus and Oppo teams, with each contributing their unique experience to the project.
Multiple Market Strategies
Lau mentions that there will be multiple «go-to-market» strategies, indicating that the same device will be marketed as OnePlus Open internationally and Oppo Find N3 in China. This aligns with previous rumors that have been circulating for months.
No Flip Type OnePlus Folding Phone
Contrary to expectations, Lau confirms that a «Flip» type OnePlus folding phone will not be released at this time. He believes that the target audience for a «Flip» phone is not the same as the OnePlus user base.