The OPPO Find N, released in December 2021, marked the company’s entry into the competitive foldable smartphone market. Unlike many competitors that opted for a tall, narrow unfolded form factor, the Find N took a unique approach, prioritizing a wider, more tablet-like experience. This review delves into the key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of this innovative device.
Design and Build:
The Find N boasts a sleek and sophisticated design with a glass front and back, an aluminum frame, and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. When folded, it feels remarkably compact and pocket-friendly, measuring just 132.6 x 73 x 15.9 mm and weighing 275g. The innovative hinge, dubbed the “Flexion Hinge,” minimizes the crease in the unfolded display, offering a smoother viewing experience compared to some rivals.
Displays:
The Find N features two distinct displays: a 5.49-inch AMOLED outer display with a standard 18:9 aspect ratio and a 7.1-inch LTPO AMOLED inner display with a unique 8.4:9 aspect ratio. This wider aspect ratio makes the unfolded experience feel more natural for activities like watching videos, gaming, or reading ebooks, eliminating the need for frequent screen rotations. Both displays offer excellent brightness, vivid colors, and smooth refresh rates, making them ideal for various multimedia tasks.
Performance and Hardware:
The Find N is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 888 processor, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This combination delivers powerful performance, handling demanding applications and multitasking with ease. The phone also boasts a capable triple-camera system on the back, featuring a 50MP main sensor, a 16MP wide-angle lens, and a 13MP telephoto lens. While not the absolute best in the market, the camera system captures decent photos and videos in most lighting conditions.
Software and Features:
The Find N runs on ColorOS 12 based on Android 11, offering a user-friendly interface with various customization options. OPPO has also optimized several apps to take advantage of the foldable form factor. For example, the camera app offers unique features when the phone is half-folded, and specific apps can adapt their layout to utilize both halves of the unfolded display.
Strengths:
Unique and user-friendly unfolded experience: The wider aspect ratio of the inner display makes it ideal for various tasks and feels more natural compared to tall, narrow foldable phones.
Compact and pocketable folded form factor: The Find N folds neatly into a compact size, making it easy to carry around.
Powerful performance: The combination of the Snapdragon 888 processor and ample RAM ensures smooth performance for demanding users.
Innovative hinge design: The Flexion Hinge minimizes the crease in the unfolded display, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
Potential Drawbacks:
Higher price point: As with most foldable phones, the Find N comes with a premium price tag that may not be accessible to all users.
Limited software optimization for foldables: While some apps are optimized, there may still be instances where apps don’t fully adapt to the unique form factor.
Battery life: The battery capacity may not be as impressive as some non-foldable flagships, especially with heavy use of the larger unfolded display.
Conclusion:
The OPPO Find N stands out in the foldable market with its unique approach to the unfolded form factor. It prioritizes a wider display, offering a more natural and immersive experience for various tasks. While the price tag may be high, and there are some limitations in software optimization and battery life, the Find N is a compelling option for users seeking a refined and innovative foldable experience.
