Seems it’s not only the Big G, Google, that will be welcoming their first foldable. We have another Android OEM, OnePlus, with their very first foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Fold, and it’s to debut this year.
A OnePlus Fold?
OnePlus teased that it will have another launch in Q3 of this year during its first launch event of 2023 earlier this month. The brand provided little context at the time, but it was evident what was on the way – foldable. OnePlus has now clearly said that its first foldable smartphone(the OnePlus Fold) would be released in 2023.
OnePlus stated today at MWC in Barcelona that it will introduce a foldable smartphone in the “second half of 2023,” most likely referring to the previously anticipated Q3 schedule. The brand provided no other information beyond stating that more information will be shared in the coming months.
OnePlus’s Chief Operating Officer says “Our first foldable phone will have the signature OnePlus fast and smooth experience. It must be a flagship phone that doesn’t settle because of its folding form, in terms of industrial design, mechanical technology, and other aspects. We want to launch a device that aims to be at the pinnacle experience of today’s foldable market.”
It’s worth noting that OnePlus is referring to this as a single device, even though many expected the firm to release both “book” and “clamshell” foldable. The brand registered the titles “OnePlus V Fold” and “OnePlus V Flip” at one time, advancing the concept of two gadgets. It makes sense, given that OnePlus’ parent company, Oppo, also offers two foldable.
OnePlus hasn’t confirmed whether this first foldable will be a “book” like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 or a “clamshell” like the Galaxy Z Flip 4, but based on previous leaks, it appears to be the former. Last week, a rumor indicated the smartphone will have less in common with Oppo’s Find N2 than expected, lending credence to the notion that OnePlus is going for that form factor first.
Whatever the case, it’s undoubtedly interesting, since a OnePlus foldable(OnePlus Fold, OnePlus Flip, or even both) would give Samsung additional competition, especially if it launches in North America.
