The rumor mill is churning with whispers of the OnePlus Open 2, the successor to OnePlus’s first foray into the foldable phone market. Leaked renders have surfaced online, giving us a tantalizing glimpse of what to expect from this next-generation device. While the overall design language seems to echo its predecessor, the OnePlus Open, these renders hint at some significant refinements and upgrades. Let’s dive into the details and see what’s new and what’s staying the same.
OnePlus made a splash with the OnePlus Open, a foldable phone that dared to challenge the dominance of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold series. Now, it seems the company is gearing up to launch its successor, tentatively named the OnePlus Open 2, sometime in late 2024 or early 2025. While OnePlus has remained tight-lipped about the device, leaked renders have emerged, painting a picture of a sleeker, more polished foldable. These renders, coupled with rumors circulating in online communities like Reddit and tech forums, provide a compelling preview of what OnePlus might have in store for us.
Design Evolution: Slimmer Profile, Refined Aesthetics
One of the most striking changes apparent in the renders is the slimmer profile of the OnePlus Open 2. When folded, the device appears noticeably thinner than its predecessor, potentially making it one of the slimmest foldable phones on the market. This reduction in thickness could significantly improve portability and in-hand feel, addressing a common complaint about bulkier foldables.
The renders also showcase a refined camera module. While the distinctive circular housing remains, the arrangement of the lenses seems to have been tweaked. This suggests potential camera upgrades, possibly incorporating new sensors or improved optics. Some rumors point towards a triple 50MP camera setup, similar to the one found on the OnePlus 13, promising a significant boost in imaging capabilities.
Interestingly, the renders indicate that OnePlus might be rounding the edges of the Open 2. This subtle design shift could contribute to a more comfortable grip and a more premium look and feel.
Display: Larger and More Immersive?
Rumors suggest that the OnePlus Open 2 might feature a slightly larger inner display, potentially measuring around 8 inches diagonally. This would provide an even more expansive canvas for multitasking and media consumption. The outer display is also rumored to be slightly larger, offering a more usable screen when the device is folded.
While the exact specifications remain unconfirmed, it’s safe to assume that OnePlus will continue to use a high refresh rate AMOLED panel, likely with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and fluid animations.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Under the Hood?
Leaked information indicates that the OnePlus Open 2 could be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the rumored successor to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2. This would place the Open 2 among the most powerful foldable phones available, capable of handling demanding tasks and high-end gaming with ease.
Coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, as suggested by some leaks, the Open 2 could deliver a truly flagship-level performance, rivaling even the most powerful conventional smartphones.
Battery and Charging: Bigger Battery, Faster Charging
Battery life is a crucial aspect of any smartphone, especially foldables with their larger displays. Rumors suggest that OnePlus is addressing this with a larger battery in the Open 2, potentially around 5,900mAh. This would be a significant upgrade from the 4,800mAh battery in the original Open and could translate to a noticeable improvement in usage time.
In addition to a larger battery, the Open 2 is rumored to support faster charging speeds. Leaked information points to 80W wired charging and, for the first time in a OnePlus foldable, 50W wireless charging. These upgrades would make topping up the battery quicker and more convenient.
Durability and Water Resistance: A More Rugged Foldable?
One area where the original OnePlus Open fell short was water resistance. It seems OnePlus is rectifying this with the Open 2. Rumors suggest that the new foldable will boast an IPX8 rating, meaning it can be submerged in water up to a certain depth for a specified time. This would make the Open 2 significantly more durable and resistant to accidental spills and splashes.
Software: OxygenOS 15 Based on Android 15
The OnePlus Open 2 is expected to launch with the latest version of OnePlus’s custom Android skin, OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15. This should bring a host of new features, performance improvements, and UI refinements to the foldable experience.
My Thoughts and Expectations
As someone who has closely followed the evolution of foldable phones, I’m excited about the potential of the OnePlus Open 2. The rumored upgrades, particularly in terms of slimness, performance, and battery life, address some of the key shortcomings of the original Open.
I’m particularly interested in seeing how OnePlus implements the larger inner display and whether it introduces any new software features to enhance multitasking and productivity. The addition of 50W wireless charging is also a welcome upgrade, bringing the Open 2 in line with other flagship foldables.
However, I’m also curious about the pricing strategy for the Open 2. OnePlus has traditionally positioned its phones as “flagship killers,” offering high-end specs at more competitive prices. It remains to be seen whether they can maintain this approach with the Open 2, considering the high cost of foldable display technology.
Overall, the OnePlus Open 2 appears to be a promising refinement of its predecessor. If the rumors hold true, it could be a strong contender in the foldable phone market, challenging Samsung’s dominance and offering consumers a compelling alternative.
