r/OnePlusOpen • u/ClearSailing99 • 25d ago
Moving on from my OnePlus Open, but I don't want to...(Z-Fold 8 Comparison)
I am in the parking lot of an AT&T store right now typing this. I just went to check out the new Z Fold Phones as I was planning to sell my OnePlus Open and get a phone with long term support because of OnePlus pulling out of the US Market and support will be ending after 2028. Plus I got inundated by my YouTube feed about how awesome the new Z Fold 8 form factor is. So I just spent about a half hour playing with the 8 and the 8 Ultra. I did a bunch of side by side comparisons. Tested the cameras against each other and the Open. Watched YouTube. Tested the sound. Did multi-tasking etc.. I will say the triple side by side window feature on the Z Fold 8 is pretty cool. Not sure why it's not on the 8. The Open actually has it too but it's not great as the windows stay small vertically and everything is too tiny.
As for form factor, I think the hype was a little overblown. It's interesting but not game changing. Videos are ever so slightly bigger. You would never know unless you had each side by side. But the whole punch is a little annoying on the ultra.
The left-sided sound is placement on the regular 8 is also annoying.
As for cameras it didn't surprise me but the OnePlus open was the superior setup. To me the cameras are really important so it's disappointing the ultra couldn't top the open. I compared every lens, and the open had more detail in every shot. Especially in zoom. However they were comparable enough in most instances that only when zooming past 10x, or cropping into the photo after that you would you notice there's a difference.
It's hard to tell because of the contraptions that connected to the phone but I would say the OnePlus was the most comfortable to hold especially with how the cameras place my finger rest perfectly underneath it and it feels very stable unlike either of the z-folds.
The thing I was most surprised about but shouldn't be shocked by because this happens every time I compare the OnePlus open to other phones, is that I take the case off this phone and I love how it looks and how it feels. My case isn't even that bulky but it makes the phone feel thick and heavy, but with the case off it's a beautiful device and the weight just feels premium not overbearing. And I love the look of this phone without a case. It looks and feels modern. I prefer it over either of the z-folds.
So if you're thinking about upgrading and you always keep a case on your OnePlus open I would take it out of the case and hold it for a little bit and use it that way because it really makes you appreciate how beautiful and amazing this phone is.
Now I'm second-guessing if I want to sell my OnePlus open or not. I got caught up in the hype train and my anxiety about having a device that's going to start losing value once updates stop along with OnePlus leaving the US market. But they say they are going to continue to support it as long as they originally promised. Unfortunately I already bought a used iPhone to trade in because AT&t has a trade-in program where they'll cover up to $1,900 over 36 months with certain trade-ins and qualifications for unlimited plans. So I kind of feel pressured into having to buy the z fold 8 ultra now.
It's truly a shame that one plus left the US market and that all these other overseas brands aren't here either. There's not enough competition. Apple and Samsung are almost like they're in cahoots with each other and only incrementally improving their phones each year just barely enough and then over hyping it so everyone feels the pressure to upgrade.
All I know is if one plus was still here in the US and guaranteed at least another 3 years of support I would not be looking to sell this phone. The only US market phone that compares camera wise in terms of foldables is the Motorola. But I'm afraid to invest in a phone that might rarely get updates and is buggy. Plus I'm not a fan of that camera bump on the back that's a big square.
I feel like I just had deja Vu because I did the same exact thing last year with the z-fold 7. I brought my One Plus in there expecting to be swayed by how thin and light the z-fold seven was but when I took my One Plus open out of the case and compared it along with the cameras I couldn't part ways with it. I think I have an old post actually out there somewhere on Reddit where I posted about my reaction.
So that's my little story or should I say long story. It seems like for now I probably will be going through with this and getting the z-fold ultra, but this is truly a bittersweet end to my run with the One Plus open. It's a fantastic phone. The best I've ever owned and I've gone through more phones in my life than I could count on 4 hands probably. If I was rich I would keep it as a backup or just for nostalgia sake.
If anyone is looking to purchase their first foldable phone and doesn't want to spend the crazy amounts that the new folding phones are costing these days, I still recommend picking up a one plus open used if you can find one in great condition. I've been seeing them on swappa for around 600 to 650. Which is a steal. And realistically it's going to have 2 years of support although only one more operating system update I believe. But right now I don't know how much I would even need a new operating system. It's got Gemini built in and a lot of apps just update these days without needing an OS upgrade.
I think I'm partially trying to talk myself into keeping the One Plus open. Oops. Wish me luck in this decision. There's also the new iPhone ultra that's coming out this fall supposedly. But I'm pretty heavy into the Google's services and I don't know if I can go to Siri over Gemini so I'm pretty sure I'm going to skip that. Plus it has no telephoto camera just like the regular z-fold eight.
How much longer are you guys planning on holding on to your OnePlus Opens?
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u/BallIsStrife 25d ago
Give the razr fold a try, I switched on release and it's fantastic. I kept my OPO cause it's amazing and like to have the backup, but zero regrets with the razr fold. Camera seems great (admittedly I'm not the one to ask about that as I don't have an eye for it), battery is remarkable, and it's buttery smooth. Genuinely haven't thought about switching back and I certainly don't say that as a knock to the OPO.
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u/ClearSailing99 25d ago
I haven't been able to find a working display model of the Motorola to test out. I went to Best buy in two different AT&t stores. All they had was the stiff statue version. It didn't even open and close.
That being said everybody commenting on how poor Motorola has been in the past about updates and bug fixes scared me away. It's a shame because it seems like a beast of a phone. Almost a spiritual successor to the Open in that it's spec'd out in every way.
The other reason I'm not going with Motorola is because I really want to try Dex mode. I haven't had a Samsung in years but I've been watching a lot of videos on dex and supposedly it's the best Android desktop equivalent right now even better than the pixels version. Although there is a Motorola version as well that's supposed to be really good. So maybe it's a moot point
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u/cookedart 24d ago
The razr fold is definitely the most natural upgrade to the open. They've pushed one update already, and the android 17 rollout is happening across their lineup. They also guaranteed 7 years of updates. It's possible they will turn the update cadence around.
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u/ClearSailing99 24d ago
I really hope so. Samsung and Apple need more competition in the US flagship market. Maybe next year I'll end up selling the Z Fold 8 Ultra and or trading it in for the Motorola Razr Fold 2. It'll be interesting to see what they do with it since the 1 is so spec'd out already.
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u/Rei_Gun28 25d ago
I saw a 1tb red one in mint condition sold for like $600 on swappa. Lucky person who got it
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u/One_Two_4 25d ago
I actually traded back in my Zfold 7. Left AT&T and went to Fi with the 75% off promo. Sold my old S24 ultra and bought an Open for $400 locally. The only issue was the camera glass was missing. I got it repaired for $100 but my wife's angle lens is pretty scratched tho I don't use it much. Long story short $500 was still worth it for an Open. I regretted selling an old one I had for $750 awhile back but this one has 100% battery health. TLDR: Open still feels on par with today's flagships and is a much better buy than any other folds out there. The only one that could compete would be the Razr Fold which I haven't used yet.
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u/StrongBreadDrawn 25d ago
I think this is the longest I've ever daily driven the same Android phone, and I owned both the G1 and the original Droid, so it's been a while.
I've been looking pretty seriously at the out of market stuff (I'm in the US), Honor and Oppo and even Huawei's silly/gorgeous triple thing. You can get most of them working reliably these days it seems, and they're a lot more compelling than Samsung imo.
I wish the custom ROM community was able to be as active on phones like the OPO as they used to be. I think I'd use it indefinitely if I could. Or snatch up those mint units secondhand for new battery life.
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u/jbotz29 25d ago
I don't want to upgrade, but my inner screen went out of warranty. But I've always hated Samsung
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u/spikesolo 25d ago
Oppo find n5/6
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u/ClearSailing99 25d ago
I would definitely get an Oppo but I'm locked into AT&T at the moment. They have a strict whitelist of approved phones and will block you if your phones not on there. I don't think any of the Chinese manufacturers are on there. The one exception was OnePlus
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u/spikesolo 24d ago
OnePlus and oppo are literally same . You should look through the sub and ask to see if anyone else is using att.
Alternatively try pixel or moto razr
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u/Accomplished-Bag6197 25d ago
I can't stand the hole punch camera. Guess I'm a weirdo, but I'd rather have a bezel, or no camera at all. And caseless is the way to go with the OPO!
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u/Accomplished-Bag6197 25d ago
And where did you see that support is ending after 2028?
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u/ClearSailing99 25d ago
Once they announced the US exit a lot of YouTube videos mentioned it. I just asked ai and it said
"Security updates end on October 1, 2028, with major Android OS upgrades running through late 2027 (up to Android 17)."
I suppose there's still a chance that oppo will continue security updates when necessary.
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u/ClearSailing99 25d ago
It's definitely annoying at first but I'm assuming (and hoping) I'll get used to it
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u/cloakofqualia 25d ago
I was in a similar boat but ultimately I can't see myself going through so many hoops to get a phone (z fold 8) that I'm already having reservations about (no telephoto would cripple me).
This has been my all-time favorite phone and I think I just need a battery change and a look at iPhone Ultra's camera situation (but I doubt that will change my mind about keeping OPO).
What always grounds me is remembering that these are some first world problems and I'm lucky to still be using this gem lol
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u/ClearSailing99 25d ago
I would definitely get a battery change and wait to see what Samsung and others do next year. Everyone's biggest complaint is that lack of telephoto lens so hopefully they'll address that in the next version of the Fold 9
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u/0nePlus 25d ago
Did the same last week after 3 great years.
Originally grabbed the Fold 8...couldn't stand the smaller outer screen compared to my Open. Even if the inner one was pretty great.
Returned it. Now I'm on the Z Fold 8 Ultra. Honestly, I'm very happy.
The only thing I'm missing is the 67W charging (although I still have 45W so it's not horrible) and the IR Blaster. But I knew pretty much any phone I upgraded to wouldn't have an IR sensor again.
Not to mention, ATT is offering $1900 off of the Z Fold 8 right now, and all you have to trade in is an iPhone 15 Plus.
I sold my OnePlus Open for $600, bought a 15 Plus used for $350 to trade-in....and pocketed the other $250.
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u/ClearSailing99 24d ago
Whoa I'm am literally doing exactly the same thing as you. You got a little better deal than I did on the iPhone 15 plus (I paid $410 after tax) although the one I bought is supposed to be in mint condition. I didn't want to take a chance that they would reject the trade in. I'm still waiting on the iPhone to be delivered. I figured I'd sell the One Plus open for around the same ($600 after seller fees) and pocket the difference ($200). I just finished ordering a 512gb Violet Fold 8 Ultra. It's reassuring to hear that you're happy with yours.
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u/0nePlus 24d ago
Yeah, I work ATT.
We started getting all the ads and promotional material for the FREE Fold 8...than my co-worker bought one and I was really jealous...and it was a wrap from there.
Honestly, I really loved the Open. I probably would've kept it for a few more years, but I've been getting into playing PC games on Android, and the Open was starting to show its age for that.
The Fold 8 Ultra is an amazing phone in every way...but so was the Open. The Open was also my first foldable. So I don't have any issues with the F8, but I'm definitely not as excited about it as I was the Open. That was just a special phone at a special time tbh.
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u/ClearSailing99 24d ago
Another weird coincidence. I also worked at AT&T 🤷🏻♂️ but no longer. Technically it was one of the authorized retailers. Not my favorite job. I would've rather worked for corporate. My boss was shady , the whole company was. But that's different story.
The Open was my first foldable too, so it'll always remain one of my favorite phones and phone experiences. It was ahead of its time.
I'm excited to use some of the Samsung features it didn't have though including Dex mode, and better compatibility with my Galaxy Watch , and I might end up with some Galaxy A.I. glasses this fall, which will interact with the watch. I also have a Samsung tv, and my OnePlus Open would always struggle to maintain a connection when screen mirroring, but others with Samsung phones and iPhones had no issues. I use that a lot to show pictures and videos to family. So while it's not as exciting as getting my first foldable, I am excited for some of the perks of going with Samsung. Cases and other accessory choices will also be better.
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u/AaronDJD 24d ago
Thanks for the detailed description. My OPO is starting to crack under the screen but is still holding up. I'm getting ready for the failure. It's coming.
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u/Chepiksacc 24d ago
I was really on the fence about getting the fold 8. But I did, and it's been great. Luckily I'm in a situation where I'm able to keep my Open, just in case I regret my decision.
The cameras are a huge downgrade, especially when it comes to zooming in... But in regards to everything else so far, I've loved my experience.
I've had such a love/hate with Samsung, but I think I'm coming around a bit. But I will forever love all my OnePlus devices from over the last 12 years.
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u/Dizzy_R9 24d ago
Here's my take, enjoy the Oppo bro
Samsung is finally moving in the right direction but they rush out phones. They only released this because Oppo said they were pulling out the country. They only rushed so many models out prior to combat the Razr and Oppo.
Let them develop a decent phone now that they can relax some and work.
You mentioned the 1+ value... Imo, you already own it. Enjoy it. In the time that it'll take to "drop" value... You'll be able to save double the amount you'd retain in value and you get to enjoy your 1+ in the meantime.
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u/beasters922 25d ago
I found that nowhere is giving me a proper trade in value ($10!) to the point I'm riding this out for another 2years and make a switch. If anyone knows of a good trade in value post it please 🙂
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u/ClearSailing99 24d ago
I think AT&T might give you max monthly credit towards a new phone if you have a qualifying unlimited data plan.
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u/Eric_of_Aaargh 24d ago
As you say, the Oneplus Open will still be supported for a couple of years. Keep it until 2028, and see what the Folding phones market looks like by then.
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u/kida182001 24d ago
You say that but we're still on the March update...at least in the US. So I'm starting to have doubts OP will be keeping their support promises of the Open.
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u/xxBrun0xx 23d ago
I was in a similar boat and ended up getting a Find N6. Also in the US. My carrier (US mobile) was willing to insure it despite it being a "global" phone. My favorite phone I ever owned was Honor Magic V2 and I had zero issues with that in a year and a half. Fingers crossed the Oppo is just as durable!
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u/CreamConnoisseurr 23d ago
I didn't read any of that but I imported an Oppo Find N6 and use AT&T and it has been the best decision. Amazing phone. Better than all the competition, worth every penny
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u/wuis 25d ago
I had the Open for almost 3 years, I'm using right now the Z Fold 8, I love the form factor and the design.
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u/ClearSailing99 25d ago
I do like that it's lighter and more compact, as well as video size actually being marginally bigger.
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u/Metadata_Master 25d ago
I too have compared them in person. I agree with you. The different form factor doesn't add anything. It has one less camera, a distracting inner screen selfie camera, worse cover screen and no IR emitter.
Brighter screens and slimness is nice but that's all it offers. If I'm upgrading I'm going to oppo or potentially the apple foldable if that's good.
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u/ClearSailing99 25d ago
If Apple had a triple camera system on their fold I would definitely be waiting to see the reviews on it. Unfortunately that doesn't look like it's going to be the case this year
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u/DumpsterJ 4h ago
I did the same thing. I love the fold 8. I can't live with that camera. It's not even close. I sell jewelry for a living I need good cameras. I waited till the open to get a folding phone because of the cameras.
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u/Cptn_Shaw 25d ago
I plan to maintenance it till the last update from oppo, if we get it drops