OnePlus Open Apex Review: Foldable Phone Experience in 2024

As the foldable phone market evolves rapidly, OnePlus continues to innovate and push boundaries with its OnePlus Open Apex Edition. This collector’s edition smartphone, priced at £1,799, is a refined version of the original OnePlus Open, but with added performance, a stunning new design, and some intriguing feature enhancements. The Apex Edition goes head-to-head with foldables like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and others, yet it offers something truly unique to fans of the OnePlus ecosystem.

This blog post will dive deep into everything you need to know about the OnePlus Open Apex Edition—from its design and display to its performance, camera system, and battery life. Whether you’re considering a foldable for work, productivity, or photography, this review will help you decide if the OnePlus Open Apex Edition is the right choice for you.

Why the OnePlus Open Apex Edition Is a Game-Changer

Before we get into the details, it’s essential to understand why the OnePlus Open Apex Edition stands out. OnePlus has a reputation for producing premium devices that offer cutting-edge technology at competitive prices. However, with the Apex Edition, OnePlus is targeting a very niche audience that demands the ultimate foldable smartphone experience. It combines high-end specs, stunning design, and innovative software features, setting a new standard for foldable devices in 2024.

Here are a few reasons why the OnePlus Open Apex Edition is a top-tier foldable:

• Enhanced display technology with minimal crease visibility.
• Innovative privacy features like the new VIP mode.
• Stunning design with a color-changing Crimson Shadow finish.
• A 48MP Hasselblad-tuned camera system, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts.

Now, let’s break down each aspect of the phone in more detail.

Design: A Masterpiece of Color and Form

The OnePlus Open Apex Edition excels in its design. The first thing you’ll notice is the Crimson Shadow finish, a truly premium color that shifts between burgundy and purplish hues as light hits it. This kind of design is not only visually appealing but gives the phone a high-end feel that’s hard to match. Competitors like Samsung or Huawei have foldables, but none with such an innovative color scheme that changes dynamically.

Slim and Sleek Build
One thing that OnePlus nails in the Apex Edition is its slim design. It’s noticeably thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, making it easier to hold and use with one hand. This is crucial for users who find the bulkier foldable designs inconvenient for everyday use. The soft-touch finish on the back adds comfort, ensuring the device is easy to grip without worrying about it slipping out of your hand.

Enhanced Alert Slider with VIP Mode
A long-time hallmark of OnePlus phones is the alert slider, and with the Apex Edition, they’ve added a twist. The slider now includes a VIP mode, a privacy feature that disables the microphone, camera, and app tracking, giving users total digital seclusion. This is perfect for those who value privacy, making the OnePlus Open Apex Edition a unique option for professionals and tech enthusiasts concerned about data security.

Design Takeaways:

• Crimson Shadow: A color-shifting finish that looks premium.
• Slim profile: Easier to hold compared to competitors like the Galaxy Z Fold 6.
• VIP mode: Enhanced privacy settings for users who want ultimate control over their data.

Unboxing Experience: What’s Inside?

The unboxing experience is often overlooked by many smartphone manufacturers, but OnePlus has paid attention to this with the Apex Edition. It comes packed with high-quality accessories that enhance the user experience from day one. Here’s what you get:

• 67W SuperVOOC Charger: Fast charging that ensures minimal downtime.
• Protective case: A premium case designed to match the Crimson Shadow finish.
• Red USB-C cable: The signature OnePlus red cable adds to the overall brand identity.
• Red Cable Club Membership Card: Exclusive perks for OnePlus customers.

Although the unboxing experience is satisfying, there is one minor letdown: there is no exclusive branding on the packaging to signify the collector’s edition status. A bit more branding on the box could have further solidified the Apex Edition as a premium offering.

Pro Tip for Enthusiasts: To maximize the phone’s longevity, use the protective case immediately to avoid any scratches or fingerprints on the beautiful Crimson Shadow finish.

Display: Immersive and Crease-Free

One of the most significant challenges with foldable phones is the display, particularly the crease in the middle. With the OnePlus Open Apex Edition, however, this problem is nearly eliminated. The internal 7.82-inch AMOLED display and the external 6.31-inch AMOLED panel both provide exceptional brightness and vivid colors, making the phone perfect for watching content, gaming, or working on the go.

Unlike some foldable phones, the Apex Edition avoids the “skinny screen” issue seen in competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, giving users a more balanced aspect ratio. Whether you’re scrolling through social media, reading articles, or watching videos, the experience feels more natural and less cramped.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the displays:

Performance: A Powerhouse for Multitaskers

The OnePlus Open Apex Edition is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which is still a beast when it comes to handling intensive tasks. While the Gen 3 chipset powers the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Gen 2 still holds its own, making this phone a multitasking powerhouse.

The real kicker here is the 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. If you’re a power user who stores a lot of data—be it photos, videos, or apps—the Apex Edition ensures you have more than enough space and speed to keep things running smoothly. Switching between apps is effortless, and gaming performance is stellar, thanks to Adreno 740 GPU.

Here’s why the OnePlus Open Apex Edition excels in performance:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2: Though not the latest, it’s still more than enough for demanding users.
• 1TB storage and 16GB RAM: Ideal for users who store large files and run multiple apps simultaneously.
• No bloatware: A clean software experience enhances performance.

Battery and Charging: All-Day Power

Battery life is often a concern for foldable smartphones due to their large displays. But with the 4,800mAh battery on the OnePlus Open Apex Edition, you’ll enjoy all-day usage without worrying about running out of power. Even with the larger displays, the battery holds up exceptionally well, thanks to efficient power management by OxygenOS.

The 67W SuperVOOC charger ensures that you can quickly top up the battery in just 20-30 minutes, giving you several hours of use in no time. If you’re always on the go, this fast-charging capability will be a lifesaver.

Battery Highlights:

• 4,800mAh: Lasts more than a day with regular use.
• 67W fast charging: Quick top-ups when needed.

Camera System: The Hasselblad Partnership Continues to Shine

The camera system on the OnePlus Open Apex Edition is one of the most impressive features of the device. Co-engineered with Hasselblad, the 48MP main sensor provides exceptional image quality with true-to-life color reproduction. Whether you’re shooting in broad daylight or low-light conditions, this camera delivers crisp, detailed photos every time.

The phone also includes a 48MP ultra-wide camera and a 64MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, giving you the flexibility to shoot in a variety of scenarios. If you’re a photography enthusiast, the Apex Edition is designed for you.

Camera Features:

• 48MP main sensor: Stunning detail and sharpness in all lighting conditions.
• Ultra-wide and telephoto lenses: Flexibility to capture wide-angle shots or zoomed-in photos.
• 5-axis OIS: Ensures stable videos and sharp images.

Final Verdict: The Best Foldable of 2024?

While the OnePlus Open Apex Edition comes at a premium price of £1,799, it offers unparalleled design, strong performance, and a remarkable camera system. The VIP mode and Crimson Shadow design add an extra layer of sophistication and uniqueness, ensuring that this phone will turn heads wherever you go.

Pros:

• Stunning Crimson Shadow design.
• VIP mode for enhanced privacy.
• 1TB storage and 16GB RAM for power users.
• Hasselblad-tuned camera delivers professional-grade images.

Cons:

• High price point may be out of reach for some users.
• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 is not the latest chipset.

If you’re in the market for a foldable phone that combines design, privacy, and performance, the OnePlus Open Apex Edition should definitely be at the top of your list in 2024.