The OnePlus Open Apex Edition immediately caught my eye with its striking crimson red color. This special edition of the OnePlus Open stands out with its unique design and enhanced privacy features, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a premium foldable experience.
The Apex Edition is a bold departure from the standard black variant, boasting a luxurious faux leather back with a chrome insert that separates the OnePlus logo from the rest of the design. This striking red hue, officially called “Crimson Shadow,” draws inspiration from a collector’s edition Hasselblad 503CW “60 Years Victor Red Edition” analog film camera, paying homage to the camera brand’s heritage. The back of the phone features the iconic italicized “H” Hasselblad branding on the camera module, though rumors suggest this might be the last OnePlus phone to carry it if the two companies part ways this year.
While the camera itself remains identical to the original OnePlus Open, the metallic ring surrounding the camera module is now dyed in a shade that matches the red back, creating a striking contrast against the chrome finish of the phone’s frame. This color scheme also extends to the three-way alert slider, which now features an orange groove. The slider’s functionality has been slightly modified, introducing a “VIP mode” when pushed to the topmost position. This privacy-focused feature disables the phone’s cameras and microphone, preventing unwanted access from apps.
The Apex Edition is packed with 1TB of storage, making it a formidable competitor to high-end foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 6. While it retains the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset from the standard model, the Apex Edition only receives three Android updates, which is one year less than other color variants. However, OnePlus has addressed the software glitches and bugs that plagued the original OnePlus Open, offering a more refined user experience. Despite the lack of a stylus, the Apex Edition maintains the same 67W fast charging technology as its predecessors, making it the fastest charging foldable on the market.
The OnePlus Open Apex Edition offers a compelling alternative to the Galaxy Z Fold 6, boasting an elegant design, exceptional performance, and a generous amount of storage. The newly added VIP mode provides a welcome layer of privacy protection, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize security. While the lack of stylus support and limited software updates may be drawbacks for some, the Apex Edition’s striking design, fast charging capabilities, and enhanced privacy features make it a worthy contender in the foldable phone market.
