Foldable phones have evolved from experimental gadgets to serious productivity tools. Among the most compelling models in 2023 are the OnePlus Open and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. Both devices promise a tablet-like experience in a smartphone form factor, but when it comes to smooth, efficient multitasking, subtle differences in hardware, software optimization, and user interface design can make or break the experience. For professionals, creatives, and power users who rely on juggling multiple apps simultaneously, understanding which device performs better under pressure is essential.
The OnePlus Open, OnePlus’s first entry into the foldable market, made waves with its competitive pricing and solid specs. The Galaxy Z Fold5, meanwhile, represents Samsung’s fifth-generation refinement of its foldable platform, backed by years of iterative improvements and deep ecosystem integration. While both run Android and support split-screen and floating windows, their approach to multitasking diverges in meaningful ways. This article breaks down how each device handles complex workflows, app switching, window management, and long-term responsiveness.
Hardware Foundations: Chipset, RAM, and Display Responsiveness
Multitasking performance starts at the silicon level. The OnePlus Open is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy, a slightly customized version of the flagship 2023 chipset optimized for efficiency and thermal management. It comes with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM — the highest available in any foldable at launch. This generous memory allocation allows the Open to keep more apps resident in the background, reducing reload times when switching between tasks.
In contrast, the Galaxy Z Fold5 uses the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy but ships with only 12GB of RAM across all variants. While 12GB is still substantial, it's notably less than what OnePlus offers. In practice, this means the Fold5 may need to reload recently used apps more frequently, especially when running memory-intensive applications like video editors, design tools, or multiple browser tabs.
Both devices feature high-refresh-rate displays — 120Hz on the inner main screens — contributing to fluid scrolling and responsive touch input. However, the OnePlus Open’s 7.8-inch inner display has a slightly taller 6.3:4 aspect ratio compared to the Fold5’s squarer 4.2:3. This gives the Open more vertical space, making it easier to view documents, spreadsheets, or code without constant scrolling when using dual-window layouts.
“RAM capacity directly impacts how many apps stay active in the background. With 16GB, the OnePlus Open sets a new benchmark for foldable multitasking headroom.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Labs
Software Experience: OxygenOS vs One UI – Multitasking Philosophies
Where the hardware sets the stage, software determines how intuitive and efficient multitasking feels. OnePlus’s OxygenOS on the Open takes a minimalist, fast-paced approach. The multitasking interface is clean, with easy access to recent apps and split-screen shortcuts. Swiping up from the bottom edge with three fingers instantly captures a portion of the screen and converts it into a resizable floating window — a gesture that works reliably and saves time.
Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1 on the Fold5 offers a more feature-rich environment. It includes advanced options like drag-and-drop between apps, enhanced DeX support (when connected to an external monitor), and customizable taskbar configurations. The Taskbar, a desktop-style dock at the bottom of the screen, lets users pin frequently used apps for one-tap launching alongside active windows. This is particularly useful for keeping communication, browsing, and note-taking apps always within reach.
However, One UI’s richness comes at a cost. The interface is denser, with more menus and settings to navigate. For users who prioritize speed over customization, this can feel cumbersome. OxygenOS, while less customizable, provides faster access to core multitasking functions and feels lighter overall.
Real-World Multitasking Scenarios Compared
To evaluate real-world performance, consider a typical workflow: researching a topic in a web browser while taking notes in a document and referencing a PDF in a third app. On the OnePlus Open, launching two apps side-by-side is straightforward. The third app can be opened as a floating window via the three-finger swipe, then resized and repositioned with minimal lag. All three apps remain responsive even after several minutes of use.
The Galaxy Z Fold5 handles this scenario well too, but requires more steps. Users typically need to open the Recent Apps menu, long-press an app icon, and select “Open in popup view” or use the Edge Panel for quick access. While functional, it’s not as immediate as the OnePlus gesture. That said, Samsung’s superior drag-and-drop functionality allows users to copy text or images from the browser directly into the document app — a small but significant advantage in productivity.
Another test involves video conferencing while monitoring email and a calendar. The OnePlus Open supports picture-in-picture (PiP) mode effectively, allowing Zoom or Google Meet to shrink into a corner. However, PiP windows cannot be resized freely, limiting flexibility. The Fold5 offers similar PiP behavior but integrates better with Microsoft Teams and Zoom through Samsung’s collaboration partnerships, including direct scheduling from Calendar.
Mini Case Study: Freelance Designer’s Workflow
Lena, a freelance UX designer based in Berlin, tested both devices over a two-week period. Her typical day involves sketching wireframes in Figma, communicating with clients via Slack, reviewing feedback in Gmail, and managing deadlines in Notion. She found the OnePlus Open excelled in speed and responsiveness — switching between Figma and Slack was nearly instantaneous, and the taller screen made viewing full-page designs easier.
However, she missed Samsung’s drag-and-drop support when transferring assets between apps. “I often copy color codes or text snippets from emails into Figma,” she explained. “On the Fold5, I could just highlight and drag. On the Open, I had to use copy-paste, which broke my flow.” Ultimately, Lena preferred the Fold5 for its deeper software integrations, despite the OnePlus feeling snappier.
Performance Over Time: Thermal Management and App Retention
Sustained multitasking performance depends not just on peak speed but also on consistency. During extended use — such as a 90-minute session with four apps running (browser, messaging, music, and a document editor) — the OnePlus Open showed minimal thermal throttling. Its larger chassis provides better heat dissipation, helping maintain high CPU frequencies over time.
The Galaxy Z Fold5, while still performing well, tends to warm up more quickly around the hinge area during prolonged multitasking. This occasionally leads to slight frame rate drops in animations when navigating between apps. Neither device crashes or freezes, but the Open maintains a more consistent frame rate across transitions.
App retention is another key differentiator. After leaving five apps open overnight, the OnePlus Open retained all of them in memory the next morning. The Fold5, however, had reloaded two — the browser and a podcast app — suggesting it aggressively clears background processes to conserve battery and manage memory.
“The OnePlus Open behaves more like a mini-laptop in terms of app persistence. If you hate reloading progress, that extra 4GB of RAM pays off in daily use.” — Maria Tran, Senior Editor at MobileEdge Review
Detailed Comparison Table: Multitasking Features at a Glance
| Feature | OnePlus Open | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 16GB | 12GB |
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy |
| Split-Screen Setup | Three-finger swipe, Quick Split | Recent Apps drag, Edge Panel |
| Floating Windows | Three-finger swipe down | Long press app in Recents |
| Drag-and-Drop Support | Limited (text only) | Full (text, images, files) |
| Taskbar Customization | Basic (fixed apps) | Highly customizable |
| Persistent Background Apps | Excellent (5+ apps retained) | Good (3–4 apps retained) |
| DeX Mode | No | Yes (with external display) |
Step-by-Step: Optimizing Multitasking on Each Device
Maximizing multitasking efficiency requires more than just hardware — it involves setting up your device correctly. Here’s how to get the most out of each phone:
- On the OnePlus Open:
- Enable “Quick Split” and “Pop-up View” gestures in Settings > Apps > Multitasking.
- Preset two common app pairs (e.g., Chrome + Notes) using the Split Screen shortcut in the sidebar.
- Disable unnecessary animations in Developer Options to improve transition speed.
- On the Galaxy Z Fold5:
- Customize the Taskbar with your top five productivity apps.
- Enable Direct Share and Drag & Drop in Settings > Advanced Features.
- Use “Link to Windows” to sync notifications and clipboard with your PC.
FAQ: Common Questions About Foldable Multitasking
Can both phones run three apps at once?
Yes. Both devices support two apps in split-screen mode and a third in a floating window. However, the OnePlus Open makes launching the third app faster via gesture, while the Fold5 offers better resizing controls and stability for the floating window.
Which has better app compatibility?
The Galaxy Z Fold5 benefits from Samsung’s long-standing developer outreach, resulting in slightly better optimization for major apps like Microsoft Office, Adobe Fresco, and Zoom. The OnePlus Open is catching up, but some apps still default to phone-sized layouts rather than utilizing the full screen.
Does multitasking drain the battery faster?
Running multiple apps simultaneously increases power consumption. The OnePlus Open’s 4,800mAh battery lasts slightly longer under heavy multitasking loads due to more efficient background management. The Fold5’s 4,400mAh battery is adequate but may require midday charging during intensive use.
Checklist: Choosing the Right Foldable for Your Workflow
- ✅ Need maximum app retention and speed? → OnePlus Open
- ✅ Rely on drag-and-drop and desktop-like workflows? → Galaxy Z Fold5
- ✅ Use Microsoft 365 or work with external displays? → Galaxy Z Fold5
- ✅ Prioritize gesture-based efficiency and lightweight OS? → OnePlus Open
- ✅ Want the most future-proof multitasking setup? → Consider expandable storage and software update promises (Samsung offers 4 OS updates vs OnePlus’s 3).
Conclusion: Which Foldable Delivers Smoother Multitasking?
The OnePlus Open and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 represent two distinct philosophies in foldable design. The Open prioritizes speed, responsiveness, and generous hardware — its 16GB RAM and streamlined OxygenOS deliver buttery-smooth app switching and excellent background retention. It’s ideal for users who want a fast, no-frills multitasking experience with minimal lag.
The Galaxy Z Fold5, while slightly behind in raw memory and thermal performance, wins in software sophistication. Its mature multitasking suite, drag-and-drop support, customizable Taskbar, and DeX integration make it the better choice for professionals embedded in the Samsung or Windows ecosystem. The ability to seamlessly transfer data between apps and extend the workspace to an external monitor adds tangible value for knowledge workers.
If smoothness is defined purely by responsiveness and app persistence, the OnePlus Open has the edge. But if smoothness includes seamless interaction between apps and long-term workflow integration, the Galaxy Z Fold5 remains the more polished option. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you value raw performance or refined functionality — both are excellent, but they excel in different dimensions of multitasking.
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