Oppo is poised to challenge Samsung’s foldable phone supremacy with the global launch of its Find N5 in just two weeks. This aggressive move signals Oppo’s ambition to compete directly with Samsung on the international stage, particularly with the Find N5’s impressive features and durability. An Oppo executive confirmed the global launch on Weibo, hinting at a US release as the OnePlus Open 2, mirroring the Find N3’s trajectory.
A New Standard in Foldable Durability
The Oppo Find N5 boasts a remarkably slim 4.2mm profile, surpassing the Honor Magic V3 as the world’s thinnest foldable. However, its resilience is the true standout. Oppo is emphasizing durability with full-grade IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9 waterproofing, showcased by promotional videos demonstrating the phone’s submersion capabilities. This robust design, crafted from titanium-based material, addresses a key vulnerability of foldables: their susceptibility to water and dust damage.
Images depicting the side profile of the Oppo Find N5.
Previous investigations have highlighted durability issues with Samsung’s foldable hinges and screens, a weakness Oppo seems determined to exploit. The Find N5’s rugged construction aims to set a new benchmark for foldable phone durability, putting pressure on Samsung to improve its offerings.
Person using the Oppo Find N5 underwater.
Powerful Performance and Fast Charging
Beyond its robust build, the Find N5 packs powerful internals, featuring Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. It also supports 50W fast wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, surpassing even the wired charging speeds of some flagship Samsung and Apple devices. This combination of performance and charging convenience further strengthens the Find N5’s competitive edge.
Samsung’s Innovation Lag
In contrast, Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to be a rebranded Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition, offering minimal upgrades beyond a slightly slimmer design. This lack of significant innovation could leave Samsung vulnerable to Oppo’s aggressive push into the global foldable market.
Official renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 Special Edition.
The Foldable Battle Begins
The Oppo Find N5’s global launch presents a serious challenge to Samsung’s dominance. With its durable design, powerful performance, and fast charging capabilities, the Find N5 has the potential to attract consumers seeking a more robust and feature-rich foldable experience. The coming months will reveal whether Oppo and OnePlus can capitalize on this opportunity and reshape the foldable phone landscape.
