MWC 2023: OnePlus joins the foldable phone market. What we know so far
By ForGeeks OnePlus, a subsidiary of Oppo, has declared its intention to release a foldable device in the second half of 2023, which will make it another competitor in the burgeoning foldable phone market. Companies such as Samsung, Motorola, and Oppo have already started offering folding phone alternatives to consumers. In this piece, we’ll delve into what we know so far about the OnePlus foldable phone.
Oppo, OnePlus’ parent company, has already released two foldable phones in China, and the Find N2 Flip, the most recent addition to their lineup, is scheduled for release in Europe in a few days. While none of Oppo’s folding phones have yet been introduced to the US market, OnePlus has established sales networks in North America, giving us hope that their upcoming folding phone will be accessible in the US.
OnePlus’ foldable phone’s primary unknown factor is whether it will be in the clamshell-style form factor like the Find N2 Flip, or if it will follow the more traditional folding form factor like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold line. While Kinder Liu, the President of OnePlus, has provided only a vague explanation of the device as a “flagship phone that doesn’t compromise on its folding form in terms of mechanical technology, industrial design, and other aspects,” it is a reasonable assumption that the company is focused on delivering a high-quality product.
OnePlus’ foldable phone’s design may have similarities with Oppo’s existing folding phones. However, the company is well-known for its minimalist and elegant smartphone designs, indicating that we can expect its foldable phone to be the same. OnePlus may choose to use the clamshell-style foldable design like Samsung’s Z Flip series due to the popularity of such designs.
OnePlus has made a name for itself by delivering high-end specs and features at a low price point. Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that their foldable phone will follow this trend, with cutting-edge hardware and software features available at a competitive price. The foldable phone is expected to have a large, high-resolution screen with a high refresh rate, high-end processors, and plenty of storage options. The phone may also have a stylus like Samsung’s Galaxy Fold line.
OnePlus may distinguish itself from its competitors by providing unique software features. The firm has a reputation for providing a clean, intuitive user interface with its OxygenOS skin, and it’s possible that its foldable phone will follow suit. OnePlus may also create new software features that are specifically tailored to the foldable form factor, such as multi-window support or an optimized split-screen mode.
With the foldable phone market still in its early stages, OnePlus’ entrance could have a significant impact. With well-established distribution channels in North America and a reputation for delivering high-quality products at an affordable price point, OnePlus’ foldable phone may put pressure on Samsung, the leading player in the US foldable phone market. If OnePlus delivers on its promises of a high-end foldable phone with a competitive price point, consumers may choose the company’s offering over Samsung’s more expensive devices.
In conclusion, while there isn’t much information available about OnePlus’ upcoming foldable phone, we may expect the company to provide a quality product that adheres to its tradition of providing high-end specs and features at an affordable price point. OnePlus’ entry into the foldable phone market may shake things up and force Samsung to reduce its prices, thanks to the company’s established sales channels in North America and reputation for producing outstanding smartphones.
