The Case for Less Frequent Smartphone Upgrades: Learning from the OnePlus Open 2

The smartphone market is often characterized by a relentless cycle of yearly releases. However, the upcoming OnePlus Open 2, virtually identical to Oppo’s Find N5, suggests a compelling alternative: meaningful upgrades infrequent releases. This approach prioritizes substantial improvements over incremental changes, potentially benefiting both consumers and manufacturers.

The OnePlus Open 2 and Oppo Find N5: A Tale of Two Foldables

Later this month, Oppo will unveil the Find N5, its latest foldable phone. Interestingly, this device is nearly identical to the OnePlus Open 2, anticipated later this year. Both phones boast significant upgrades over their predecessors, highlighting the possibility of delivering substantial improvements without annual releases.

A Longer Development Cycle, More Meaningful Upgrades

The original OnePlus Open launched in October 2023. Initial rumors predicted a 2024 successor, but the OnePlus Open 2’s targeted July launch represents a nearly two-year gap. The Oppo Find N5, launching this month, also follows a year-long hiatus in Oppo’s foldable phone releases. This extended development time has resulted in noticeable improvements in both devices.

The OnePlus Open 2: Substantial Upgrades After a Two-Year Wait

The OnePlus Open 2 (essentially the Oppo Find N5) promises several key improvements:

Unmatched Thinness and Extended Battery Life

The phone is poised to become the world’s thinnest foldable, eclipsing the Honor Magic V3’s unfolded thickness of 4.4 mm. This is a significant achievement, considering the original OnePlus Open measured 5.8 mm when unfolded. The reduction in thickness is remarkable, especially considering that the OnePlus Open 2 reportedly boasts a much larger 5,900 mAh battery compared to the 4,800 mAh battery found in its predecessor and the Find N3. Achieving these improvements is further testament to the benefits of a longer development cycle.

This increase in battery capacity is partly attributed to the adoption of silicon-carbon batteries, technology leading to significantly higher energy density within the same physical space as lithium-ion batteries.

Wireless Charging and Enhanced Durability

Remarkably, the OnePlus Open 2 introduces wireless charging, a feature notably absent in previous generations. With 50W wireless charging speeds, it significantly outpaces competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (15W) and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (7.5W). Furthermore, the phone is rumored to feature an improved IP rating (IPX8 and IPX9), surpassing previous foldable standards in water resistance. Leaks also suggest a markedly less visible crease in the display.

Advanced Camera System

The OnePlus Open 2 is anticipated to feature a triple 50MP rear camera system with telephoto macro capabilities, a feature often absent in flagship phones. While front cameras remain at 32MP and 20MP, the rear camera upgrade is a significant jump in image quality. Under the hood, the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset guarantees top-tier performance.

The Usual Incremental Upgrades: A Contrast to the OnePlus Open 2 Approach

The improvements in the OnePlus Open 2 stand in stark contrast to the largely incremental updates seen in many recent flagship releases.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Series: Minimal Advancements

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series showcases incremental upgrades over the S24. Except for the new 50MP ultra-wide camera on the S25 Ultra, and the improved chipset, there are only marginal improvements, and largely feature parity in displays, batteries, and general camera functionality.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Subtle Refinements

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 presents minor design refinements and a commendable 7-year software update promise. However, the overall functional improvements over the Z Fold 5 appear incremental and minimal.

The Apple iPhone 16: More of the Same

The iPhone 16 includes upgrades like a new chipset, additional buttons, AI features, and increased RAM. However, the battery, camera system, charging speeds, and display seem largely unchanged from its predecessor.

These examples emphasize the trend of yearly releases offering only subtle improvements. The OnePlus Open 2 effectively challenges this norm, demonstrating that a longer development cycle can culminate in truly substantial changes.

Exceptions to the Norm: When Yearly Upgrades Make Sense

While the OnePlus Open 2 model establishes a strong case for less frequent releases, there are exceptions where significant year-over-year upgrades may still be justified.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: A Significant Leap Forward

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, launched a year after the original Pixel Fold, represents a significant exception. Its updated design aligns with other Pixel 9 devices, incorporating advancements in aspect ratio, camera, and overall dimensions. This demonstrates that, in certain situations, significant yearly changes are indeed possible.

Conclusion: A Call for Meaningful Upgrades over Annual Releases

The OnePlus Open 2 and Oppo Find N5 suggest a shift away from the relentless yearly upgrade cycle in the smartphone industry. By prioritizing substantial improvements over incremental changes, manufacturers can potentially deliver greater value to consumers. This approach is more sustainable and can encourage a more thoughtful approach to product development, leading to more substantial, long-lasting technological advancements. Ultimately, the focus should be on delivering meaningful updates that truly justify an upgrade, rather than simply releasing a new model every year.