OnePlus’ inaugural foldable smartphone has just made it onto Zach Nelson’s YouTube channel, pressed into service as a point-of-view camera during a session of Holiday Light Hanging with Jerry (exhibiting wild variability compared to a Panasonic Lumix GH6 in low light in the process: could that be the Hasselblad color science at work?) as well as serving as the latest victim of the familiar battery of smartphone weakness tests.
The Open’s appreciably-sized cover display did about as well as any other OnePlus AMOLED display during the famous “scratches at a level 6, with deeper grooves at a level 7” stage, its new Ceramic Guard marketing notwithstanding. By contrast, its main 7.82-inch screen did not really get past level 2; then again, its flexible nature earns it a pass in that respect.
Then again, this version of the JerryRigEverything Mohs hardness test does highlight the ease with which a foldable screen can pick up permanent damage from even a fingernail (not to mention the heat from a lighter, as was proven later in the video) – something for those who want to test the OnePlus Open’s reputation for low-key stylus support to keep in mind.
Nevertheless, the device also handled the by-now standard foldable-specific dirt-bath portion of the JerryRigEverything test admirably, not even seeming to get any grit in its new Flexion hinge. It also lasted through the ultimate torture of being bent from the back, even though its normal satisfying snap on closing was lost.
All in all, it seems OnePlus’ lofty claims of “apex” foldable smartphone resilience may have been upheld to a degree. Then again, it seems the IPX8-rated Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 might still have the edge in everyday durability.
I became a professional writer and editor shortly after graduation. My degrees are in biomedical sciences; however, they led to some experience in the biotech area, which convinced me of its potential to revolutionize our health, environment and lives in general. This developed into an all-consuming interest in more aspects of tech over time: I can never write enough on the latest electronics, gadgets and innovations. My other interests include imaging, astronomy, and streaming all the things. Oh, and coffee.
