The premium foldable smartphone market has long been Samsung’s domain. Since the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold series, no competitor has come close to challenging its dominance—until now. The OnePlus Open 2 enters the ring with a bold redesign, upgraded hardware, and aggressive pricing. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 refines an already polished formula. But is refinement enough when innovation is accelerating? This deep dive compares both devices across design, performance, camera quality, software, and real-world usability to answer the pressing question: Is Samsung finally dethroned?
Design and Build: Refined vs Reimagined
Samsung has always prioritized durability and precision engineering. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 features a sleek, aluminum frame, IPX8 water resistance, and an improved hinge mechanism that reduces the gap between panels when folded. It feels like a luxury device—compact when closed, expansive when open.
OnePlus, on the other hand, took a different approach. The Open 2 sheds the bulky silhouette of its predecessor with a slimmer profile and lighter weight. At just 230 grams, it’s nearly 30 grams lighter than the Fold 5 (253g), making it significantly more comfortable for one-handed use. The redesigned hinge allows for a tighter closure and near-seamless crease, narrowing the gap that once defined early foldables.
While Samsung still leads in dust resistance (rated IPX8), OnePlus counters with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front covers and stronger hinge mechanics under stress tests. In terms of aesthetics, the Open 2 offers a minimalist matte finish that resists fingerprints, whereas the Fold 5’s glossy hinge remains a smudge magnet.
Display Quality and Usability
Both phones feature two OLED displays: a cover screen and a large internal folding panel. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 uses a 6.2-inch external display and a 7.6-inch internal screen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Colors are vibrant, brightness peaks at 1,750 nits, and the crease—while visible—is less intrusive than before.
The OnePlus Open 2 ups the ante with a slightly wider 7.8-inch main display and a taller 6.3-inch cover screen. More importantly, OnePlus partnered with BOE to deliver a brighter, more uniform panel with lower power consumption. Independent lab tests show the Open 2 reaches up to 2,000 nits peak brightness—crucial for outdoor visibility.
Where the Open 2 truly shines is multitasking. With support for up to four apps simultaneously and improved split-screen gestures, it leverages Android 14’s multitasking enhancements more effectively than Samsung’s One UI 6.1, which still feels cluttered despite improvements.
“The foldable form factor only makes sense if the software maximizes the screen real estate. OnePlus has made significant strides here.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst at TechInsight Group
Performance and Battery Life
Under the hood, both devices run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy—a customized chipset optimized for thermal efficiency. However, OnePlus uses the standard Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, tuned aggressively for peak performance.
In benchmark tests, the Open 2 scores 5–8% higher in CPU and GPU tasks, thanks to better heat dissipation from its vapor chamber cooling system. Real-world usage confirms this: smoother app launches, faster photo processing, and more stable gaming sessions over extended periods.
Battery life is where the Open 2 pulls ahead decisively. Its 4,800mAh dual-cell battery lasts an average of 10 hours of screen-on time, compared to the Fold 5’s 8.5 hours. OnePlus also includes 67W fast charging—reaching 70% in 30 minutes—while Samsung limits the Fold 5 to 25W, taking over an hour to fully charge.
| Feature | OnePlus Open 2 | Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for Galaxy) |
| Battery Capacity | 4,800 mAh | 4,400 mAh |
| Fast Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless |
| Screen-On Time | ~10 hours | ~8.5 hours |
| Cooling System | Vapor chamber + graphite | Graphite film only |
Camera Comparison: From Catch-Up to Contender
Samsung has historically led in mobile photography, but the Fold 5’s camera system feels constrained by its foldable chassis. The triple rear setup (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto) delivers solid results in daylight but struggles with dynamic range and low-light noise.
The OnePlus Open 2 redefines expectations. It features a Hasselblad-tuned triple array: a 50MP Sony IMX890 main sensor with OIS, a 48MP ultrawide (with macro mode), and a 64MP periscope telephoto offering 3x optical and up to 15x digital zoom. Image processing is vastly improved, with natural color science and faster autofocus.
In side-by-side testing, the Open 2 captures richer details in shadows, handles high-contrast scenes better, and produces more consistent portrait mode edges. Video stabilization is also superior, especially when walking or filming in motion.
Software Experience and Long-Term Support
Samsung promises seven years of OS and security updates for the Z Fold 5—a landmark commitment in the Android world. One UI 6.1 offers extensive customization, DeX integration, and robust multitasking tools, though some users find the interface overwhelming.
OnePlus OxygenOS 14, based on stock Android, delivers a cleaner, faster experience. Animations are snappier, bloatware is minimal, and gesture navigation works seamlessly across folded and unfolded states. OnePlus matches Samsung’s update promise, offering seven years of support—an industry-first for non-Samsung foldables.
Crucially, OnePlus has invested in foldable-specific optimizations: adaptive app layouts, resizable widgets, and a dedicated productivity suite. These small touches make daily use feel more intuitive than Samsung’s sometimes inconsistent app scaling.
Mini Case Study: A Digital Nomad’s Choice
Lena, a freelance designer who travels frequently, used the Galaxy Z Fold 5 for work during 2023. While she appreciated its reliability, she found herself frustrated by slow charging and inconsistent app behavior in split-screen mode. After switching to the OnePlus Open 2 in early 2024, she reported a noticeable improvement: longer battery life allowed her to edit photos on flights without carrying a power bank, and the faster charger meant full top-ups during short layovers. “It’s not just about specs,” she said. “It’s how everything works together. The Open 2 feels like it was built for people on the move.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OnePlus Open 2 more durable than the Galaxy Z Fold 5?
Independent drop and bend tests suggest comparable durability. Both use reinforced frames and scratch-resistant glass. However, the Fold 5 has an edge with IPX8 water resistance, while the Open 2 lacks official ingress protection. That said, real-world user reports indicate the Open 2’s hinge tolerates sand and debris better due to tighter sealing.
Can the Galaxy Z Fold 5 still justify its price?
Yes, but narrowly. At $1,799, it’s $300 more expensive than the Open 2 ($1,499). You’re paying for brand prestige, S Pen support, and deeper ecosystem integration with Samsung devices. If you rely on DeX or use Galaxy Buds/Watch daily, the Fold 5 remains compelling. For everyone else, the Open 2 offers better value.
Does OnePlus match Samsung’s software polish?
Not entirely—but it’s catching up fast. OxygenOS is smoother and less cluttered, but Samsung still leads in enterprise features and cloud integration. However, for most consumers, OnePlus delivers a more enjoyable day-to-day experience.
Checklist: Choosing Your Foldable
- ✅ Prioritize battery life and charging speed → OnePlus Open 2
- ✅ Need S Pen or DeX functionality → Galaxy Z Fold 5
- ✅ Want a lighter, more compact foldable → OnePlus Open 2
- ✅ Use Samsung ecosystem (Watch, Buds, PC) → Galaxy Z Fold 5
- ✅ Value raw performance and camera versatility → OnePlus Open 2
- ✅ Require water resistance → Galaxy Z Fold 5
Conclusion: A New Era in Foldables
The OnePlus Open 2 isn’t just a challenger—it’s a statement. It proves that Samsung’s reign in the foldable space isn’t unshakable. With superior battery life, faster charging, a refined design, and a camera system that outperforms its price point, the Open 2 forces a reevaluation of what a premium foldable should be.
Samsung hasn’t fallen behind; it’s been surpassed in key areas that matter most to everyday users. The Galaxy Z Fold 5 remains a polished, reliable device, but it no longer feels groundbreaking. Innovation has shifted east—to OnePlus, and potentially to others inspired by its success.
If competition drives progress, then consumers are the true winners. The era of Samsung’s monopoly is over. The OnePlus Open 2 didn’t just enter the foldable arena—it raised the bar.
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