Looking for the latest software on your swanky new OnePlus Open foldable phone? The wait is finally over for users in the US and Canada! After a rollout in India back in February, the Android 14 update with OxygenOS 14 is now gracing North American shores. But is it a case of “better late than never,” or should you have held out for Samsung’s Z Fold 5 update instead? Let’s dive in and see what OnePlus has been cooking up.
A Long-Awaited Update Lands (With a Few Caveats)
US and Canadian OnePlus Open users can breathe a sigh of relief – the Android 14 update is finally here! However, it’s important to note that this update comes almost a month after Indian users received it. This delay has raised some eyebrows, especially considering Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 5 got its Android 14 treatment back in November.
What’s New (and What’s Not So New)
While the update bumps your OnePlus Open to the latest Android version, don’t expect a revolution in foldable-specific features. Most of the goodies seem borrowed from Oppo’s ColorOS 14 and the recently launched OnePlus 12.
Here are some of the key features you can look forward to:
- Fluid Cloud: This nifty addition brings a dynamic capsule to your status bar, displaying live updates from select apps.
- Smart Suggestions: Your lock screen’s always-on display (AOD) just got smarter! Now, it can show live updates from specific third-party apps.
- File Dock: Remember the Recent Folder from Android 13? It’s back with a new name – File Dock – to keep your essential files organized.
- AI Enhancements: OnePlus throws in some light AI features like Smart Image Matting (say goodbye to unwanted backgrounds in photos!) and Smart Touch for effortless text extraction from screenshots.
- Performance Boost: Several users have reported experiencing smoother performance after the update.
OnePlus Open vs. Galaxy Z Fold 5: A Quick Recap
The OnePlus Open, despite its delayed update, still holds its own against the competition. Here’s a quick comparison to refresh your memory:
| Feature | OnePlus Open | Galaxy Z Fold 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Display (Inner/Cover) | 7.82-inch / 6.31-inch | Unconfirmed (expected similar size) |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Likely the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2+ |
| RAM | 16GB | Unconfirmed (expected similar or higher) |
| Storage | 512GB | Unconfirmed (expected similar or higher) |
| Battery | 4,805mAh | Unconfirmed (expected similar or higher) |
| Charging | 80W wired (no wireless) | Unconfirmed (expected similar) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | Unconfirmed (expected similar) |
| Software Update Timeline | February 2024 (US/Canada), January 2024 (India) | November 2023 |
The Verdict: Update or Wait?
The Android 14 update for the OnePlus Open brings some welcome improvements, especially the performance enhancements and AI features. However, the lack of dedicated foldable functionalities might leave some power users wanting more.
If you’re happy with your OnePlus Open’s performance currently, you might consider waiting for a future update that focuses more on the foldable experience. But if you’re itching for the latest software and the new features sound appealing, then go ahead and hit that update button!
Remember, this update is still rolling out, so it might take a few days to reach your device. Keep an eye out for the notification and enjoy the fresh new experience!
