OnePlus has been teasing a foldable smartphone since MWC back in February, and as Pete Lau holds senior roles at both OnePlus and OPPO, it’s not entirely unsurprising that OnePlus and Oppo are going to launch the same foldable smartphone. Both companies are part of the BBK empire and I think we can assume that the different brands will play to their strengths and sell in separate territories.
OPPO already has two foldable smartphones, the pocket-sized Find N2 Flip and the larger China-only Find N2, though OnePlus touts its lineage on the new device with the presence of the much-loved alert slider. I think it would be fair to see this as co-development rather than simply rebadging, as each company brings its strengths and experience to the new phone. OPPO with the hardware, OnePlus with the software?
An image has been released and you can see the slider on the side of the phone in the top right. It’s pretty hard to see much else in the photo – maybe volume and power on the other side?
Foldable devices are new and I think everyone worries about the hinge and screen, so OnePlus and OPPO have been at pains to explain all the work, technology and patents that have gone into perfecting the experience. It’s entirely gapless when the phone is closed and 35 patents arose from the development of the hinge mechanism, which built on the foundation of the Find N2’s hinge.
As to a name, the money’s on OnePlus Open and perhaps the OPPO Find N3. No details on price at this time but for comparison, the smaller N2 Flip sold for UK£849. I think we can look forward a folding flagship in the not-too-distant future.