OnePlus initially stated that its first foldable phone did not support stylus input, giving the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, one of its main competitors, an advantage. However, it has come to light that the OnePlus Open does indeed support stylus input, thanks to the fact that the Oppo Find N3 supports it.
For those unaware, the OnePlus Open is essentially a rebranded version of the Oppo Find N3, with the primary difference being the software used (Find N3 comes with Oppo’s ColorOS, while the Open runs on OxygenOS). Since the Find N3 is compatible with the Oppo Pen introduced for the Find N2, the OnePlus Open also extends support for stylus input.
Notably, unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup, both Oppo and OnePlus foldables allow for stylus input on both the inner and outer screens. Samsung offers a specialized S Pen designed for the Galaxy Z Fold with a softer tip suitable for the plastic foldable display, but it doesn’t work on the cover screen, and a regular S Pen is not compatible.
While Samsung’s stylus-related features are unmatched in the Android landscape, the OnePlus Open, not officially designed for stylus use, offers a comparatively inferior experience.
Additionally, OnePlus Open customers may face challenges in acquiring the Oppo Pen, as it is only available in select markets. If you prioritize a foldable phone with the best stylus experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the device to consider. Keep in mind that the S Pen is a separate purchase and is not bundled with the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Moreover, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 boasts advantages such as a proper water-resistant design and wireless charging, which the OnePlus Open lacks. While some of the OnePlus Open’s specs, like battery capacity and display brightness, may seem superior on paper, real-world tests have shown that Samsung’s foldable still outperforms the OnePlus Open.
The OnePlus Open does offer its own set of benefits, including a wider outer screen, significantly faster wired charging, a lower price point, and a more substantial retail package. It also includes many of the same software features found in Samsung’s One UI. However, it may not pose a significant challenge to Samsung’s dominance or diminish the experience offered by the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
