The year 2023 promises significant advancements in foldable phone technology, and surprisingly, it’s not Samsung leading the charge. Instead, Oppo, along with its sister brand OnePlus, is poised to disrupt the market with the upcoming Find N5. Recent images shared by OnePlus founder and Oppo product chief, Pete Lau, showcase a near invisible crease on the Find N5 compared to a prominent ridge on a Samsung Galaxy foldable, sparking excitement and anticipation.
A Crease-Less Future?
Lau’s declaration, “No crease detected,” highlights a significant achievement. While manufacturers like Samsung have made strides with Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) technology, the visible crease remains a persistent issue on most foldable phones. This crease is not only an aesthetic flaw, especially noticeable against dark backgrounds or low brightness, but also a potential point of failure. Pixel damage often originates along the crease line, impacting the phone’s longevity. The Oppo Find N5 appears to address this long-standing concern, though its long-term crease resistance remains to be seen.
More Than Just a Smooth Display
Beyond the crease-less design, the Find N5 boasts several impressive features. Set to debut globally in two weeks, it will be the first foldable phone with full IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9 waterproofing certifications, offering robust protection against water damage.
Power and Portability
The Find N5 is also packed with powerful hardware, including Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC and 50W wireless charging. Furthermore, leaks suggest it will be the world’s slimmest foldable phone at just 4.2mm unfolded, thinner than even Apple’s M4 iPad Pro.
A Shift in the Foldable Landscape
While the Find N5 won’t launch in the US, it’s expected to be rebranded as the OnePlus Open 2 for the American market. In contrast, Samsung appears to be taking a more conservative approach with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, rumored to be a rebranded Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition with limited upgrades. Meanwhile, the slim Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge will soon challenge Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air, further intensifying the competition in the slim smartphone segment.
The Future of Foldables
The Oppo Find N5’s potential to eliminate the crease, coupled with its impressive specifications and slim profile, signifies a major step forward for foldable phone technology. It will be interesting to see how this device performs in the real world and whether it truly delivers on its promise of a crease-less future. This innovative approach from Oppo could set a new standard for the industry, pushing other manufacturers to refine their foldable offerings and accelerate the evolution of this exciting technology.
