Super-Thin Foldable You Can’t Buy in the U.S. Has Me Smitten

For the first time since the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 4 in 2022, I have chosen to explore a different foldable device, the Oppo Find N5. Since its arrival a few weeks ago, I have found it to be a delightful alternative that caters to my needs. This book-style foldable features an impressive 8.12-inch inner screen and a 6.6-inch outer display, which makes it larger than the current Galaxy Z Fold 6 and even Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Its relative thinness compared to other foldable options makes it a comfortable choice despite the larger screen sizes. This leads to speculation about whether Oppo might have similar ambitions for its U.S. brand, OnePlus, which hasn’t updated its well-received foldable since 2023.

That said, the Oppo Find N5 isn’t without its flaws. Starting at $2,500 Singapore dollars (approximately b,880 USD), it still grapples with the challenges inherent to devices of this form factor, particularly for users with smaller hands. It can feel cumbersome, especially when held with just the fingers! As someone with medium to small hands, I can attest that they aren’t suited to serve as phone holders. However, the expansive inner screen has made me realize that my ideal device is actually a foldable tablet phone. I prefer a device that doesn’t just masquerade as a phone but offers ample screen real estate for reading, browsing, or immersing myself in niche topics wherever I go. This is precisely why I find the Find N5 appealing; it allows me to embrace larger, thinner foldable technology.

The Ultimate Foldable Experience Awaits You

Let’s delve deeper into what the Oppo Find N5 offers, particularly if you’re considering importing it due to your fascination with this international release. Notably, it ranks among the thinnest folding devices available today, measuring just 4.2mm thin when fully opened, which is slimmer than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold at 5.1mm, often considered one of the leading thin designs in the U.S. foldable landscape.

When it comes to charging, wireless capabilities are robust, thanks to Oppo’s proprietary technology that supports up to 80W SuperVooc for wired charging and 50W for wireless, but only with compatible cables from the brand. The battery is quite substantial, boasting 5,600 mAh, which exceeds the capacities of many foldable competitors, including Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, which has a 4,400 mAh battery. While I haven’t conducted a full battery test, anecdotal evidence suggests that the battery life is promising. This holds true even when the Find N5 is connected to a mobile network, actively receiving notifications from news and chat apps, and syncing workouts with the OnePlus Watch 3. For context, I’ve been using the Find N5 with a SIM card on the Mint network, and the experience has been quite satisfactory.

In terms of performance, the Find N5 is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, making it a formidable device for multitasking and demanding applications. You can choose to purchase the Find N5 with configurations offering up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, but it also starts off with a generous 256GB of storage and 12GB of RAM. Among its unique features, the Find N5 includes a convenient mute switch on the side and a fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button, a design element that has become common in today’s foldable smartphones. Samsung has already adopted this feature, and there are whispers that Apple may follow suit with its own foldable offerings.

The Find N5’s impressive 8.1-inch inner display truly enhances user experience. I’ve utilized this expansive canvas to read various books and magazines via the Libby app, coordinate with fellow hobbyists on Discord, and quickly skim through headlines in my preferred newspaper applications. On another occasion, I simply propped it halfway on my belly and indulged in episodes of The Anna Nicole Show on YouTube, which seamlessly adapts to a device that can be folded in half.

The widescreen aspect is where this device truly shines. While Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 is excellent for those seeking a more traditional phone-like foldable experience, Oppo positions the Find N5 in a way that acknowledges users’ desires for something larger. It caters to the notion that if you’re opting for a foldable, you might as well make it substantial and tablet-like. Reminiscing about my fondness for the 7-inch Android tablet, the Nexus 7, I find that the larger screen of the Find N5 significantly enhances productivity and enjoyment.

Discover the Reasons Behind the Buzz Surrounding This Phone

The Oppo Find N5 may not be readily available in the U.S., which could prompt questions about its relevance in our discussion. However, it’s important to note that Oppo is the parent company of OnePlus, a brand that actively sells in the U.S. market. As I previously mentioned, OnePlus devices often exhibit traits derived from their successful Oppo counterparts. Currently, the Find N5 is receiving rave reviews, primarily for its slim design, lightweight feel, and impressive screen size.

What makes the Oppo Find N5 particularly intriguing is not solely its sleek profile, but also what it reveals about manufacturers’ perceptions of essential features for users. A thin device invariably comes with its own set of compromises that users should consider.

For example, the camera system on the Find N5, while boasting dual 50-MP sensors—one for primary photography and another for telephoto capabilities—along with a third 8-MP ultra-wide sensor, is somewhat underwhelming in practice. Although it appears promising on paper, the primary camera tends to overexpose images unless you manually focus on a specific point. Similarly to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, it is limited to a 3x optical zoom.

Regarding software support, Oppo’s commitment falls short of what Samsung and Google offer. While Samsung and Google pledge up to seven years of software updates and security patches, Oppo and OnePlus only guarantee a four-year timeline. This is a crucial factor for buyers looking for long-term support and updates.

Durability is another concern; the protective case provided with our review unit covers only the back, leaving the front screen exposed. Although it does cover the hinge, it leaves the entire cover screen without protection. At least the Find N5 offers water resistance, achieving an IPX6, IPX8, and IPX9 rating. This means it can endure various water conditions, including exposure to rain and high-pressure water jets, similar to the durability offered by Google and Samsung devices.

Sound quality is another area where the Find N5 falls short, especially for a smartphone priced in this range. The audio experience lacks the richness and depth found in devices like the iPhone 16, which is known for its powerful bass, even the iPhone 16e offers impressive sound quality in a compact form.

Why This Phone is Not Available for Purchase in the U.S.

The competition for the title of the thinnest folding smartphone is intensifying, although many manufacturers seem to be in a holding pattern, trying to integrate artificial intelligence into their already compact devices. This is promising news for enthusiasts excited to see the future of technology unfold before us. The Find N5 provides a comfortable foldable experience; its robust hinges allow it to stand on its own. If you’re still on the fence about the allure of foldable smartphones, the Oppo Find N5 may inspire some confidence in this innovative market. Personally, I appreciate this device for its functionality as a dedicated reading tool, and it includes all the same software features found in Samsung’s One UI on its foldables, making my transition seamless.

However, I regret to inform that those of us in the U.S. cannot purchase this phone directly. I remain hopeful that this signals good news for both OnePlus enthusiasts and those seeking a third option in addition to Google and Samsung.