OnePlus has stated that its inaugural foldable phone lacks support for stylus input, which might seem to give Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5, one of its direct competitors, an advantage. However, it turns out that the OnePlus Open does indeed support stylus input, thanks to its connection with the Oppo Find N3.
For those unaware, the OnePlus Open is essentially a rebranded Oppo Find N3, with the primary distinction being the software – the Find N3 runs on Oppo’s ColorOS, while the Open utilizes OxygenOS. Given that the Find N3 is compatible with the Oppo Pen, which was initially designed for the Find N2, the OnePlus Open also offers stylus support.
Unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold lineup, both Oppo and OnePlus foldables permit stylus input on both the inner and outer screens. Samsung has a dedicated S Pen tailored for the Galaxy Z Fold, featuring a softer tip suitable for the foldable plastic display, yet it doesn’t function on the cover screen, nor does a standard S Pen.
Nevertheless, it’s undeniable that Samsung’s stylus-related features outshine those of any other manufacturer in the Android ecosystem. The OnePlus Open, on the other hand, isn’t officially optimized for stylus use, resulting in a less impressive user experience.
Prospective OnePlus Open customers may also encounter challenges in acquiring the Oppo Pen, as it’s only accessible in specific markets. Therefore, if you’re in search of a foldable phone offering the finest stylus experience, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is the device that should pique your interest. Just bear in mind that the S Pen is sold separately and is not included with the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
Additionally, aside from stylus support, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 boasts other advantages, including a robust water-resistant design and wireless charging, both of which are absent in the OnePlus Open. While certain specifications of the Z Fold 5, such as battery capacity and display brightness, might appear less impressive on paper compared to the OnePlus Open, real-world tests have demonstrated that Samsung’s foldable still outperforms the Open.
The OnePlus Open does have its own merits, including a larger outer screen, significantly faster wired charging, a lower price point, and a more generous retail package. It also offers many of the same software features found in Samsung’s One UI. Nevertheless, it’s unlikely to cause Samsung any sleepless nights or pose a threat to the user experience offered by the Galaxy Z Fold 5.
