Why Doesn’t the Best Foldable of 2025 Exist? 

Published: Jul 13, 2025, 7:17 AM 

As a long-time fan of this smartphone brand, my journey began alongside its inception here at PhoneArena. Through highs and lows, standout releases and disappointing launches, I’ve always appreciated the devices produced by this brand. While it may not have achieved the widespread recognition its founders envisioned, it remains a notable competitor in the Android market, standing strong against Samsung, Google, and Apple.

Yet, the company still hasn’t produced the device that could easily outshine the competition in the U.S.

I’m talking about OnePlus and the elusive OnePlus Open 2, a dream phone that, unfortunately, doesn’t exist—though I would be over the moon if it did.

The OnePlus Open: A Solid Foundation

When it launched, the original OnePlus Open was among the top foldable phones available in the U.S., providing a compelling alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold and the Pixel Fold. Reflecting on it from mid-2025, it had its rough edges and room for improvement, but it was still one of the best options in late 2023—foldable or otherwise.

The OnePlus Open’s design wasn’t particularly groundbreaking; it borrowed heavily from its parent company Oppo’s Find N3 foldable. However, it combined excellent hardware with OnePlus' clean OxygenOS, making it one of the more user-friendly custom Android interfaces available.

With a decent camera, a minor display crease, and many redeeming features, the primary drawback was its higher price—though still more affordable than its competitors like the Galaxy Z or the first Pixel Fold. Overall, it was a successful adaptation of a strong Oppo phone into a flagship OnePlus device, setting the stage for what many hoped would be a refined successor in the future.

The Disappointment of the OnePlus Open 2

Regrettably, the anticipation for a successor to the OnePlus Open, likely inspired by the impressive Oppo Find N5, has been dashed with news that OnePlus will not release a foldable phone in 2025. The disappointment is palpable; I still recall the day I read that announcement, and since then, I've felt a sense of loss. The OnePlus Open 2 was my most awaited device of the year, one that could have easily taken center stage in 2025.

Imagining it, the OnePlus Open 2 would have been outstanding: under 9 mm thick when folded, featuring vibrant OLED displays, the Snapdragon 8 Elite, a robust 6,000 mAh silicon-carbon battery, and an excellent camera—all the impressive elements that make the Oppo Find N5 a standout.

The Oppo Find N5: A Missed Opportunity

In essence, the Oppo Find N5 embodies what the OnePlus Open 2 could have been. However, while it has gone global, it’s unavailable in key markets like the U.S. and might not support all carrier bands. This creates a risk for anyone considering importing the device, as it may not function as reliably as a OnePlus phone would.

This lack of availability makes it more of a curiosity for tech reviewers and dedicated fans than a practical choice for the average consumer browsing options at retailers like Walmart, T-Mobile, or Best Buy.

There are also subtle but significant differences in user experience. Although OxygenOS and ColorOS are fundamentally similar, OnePlus's interface offers an additional level of polish that makes it feel more refined.

The Broader Implications for OnePlus

Another potential device that could have kept OnePlus relevant is the hypothetical OnePlus 13 Ultra, which also remains non-existent. The OnePlus 13 is primarily a slightly downgraded version of the Oppo Find X8 Pro, lacking features like the advanced periscope camera. The China-only Oppo Find X8 Ultra could have served as a solid foundation for a OnePlus 13 Ultra, a phone that could have easily competed with top flagships in the U.S.

Sadly, like the OnePlus Open 2, it appears that OnePlus is gradually being sidelined in the premium segment—not due to external competition, but rather due to internal strategies stemming from Oppo.

Given the geopolitical landscape, Oppo seems hesitant to invest heavily in the U.S. market. While its global models and OnePlus devices remain mostly viable in the U.S., the recent scaling back of flagship efforts hints at a troubling trend.

The Rise of the Galaxy Z Fold 7

With the Galaxy Z Fold 7 now officially unveiled and facing minimal competition, its dominance in the U.S. foldable market seems assured. This is unfortunate, as a lack of competition often leads to complacency, and Samsung has certainly exhibited signs of that over the past few years. Without other devices to challenge it, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may represent the most significant upgrade we’ll see in this series for quite some time.

If only the OnePlus Open 2 were a reality…