Foldable Tech: Transforming The Way We Work, Play, And Live
In a world where technology continues to expand its presence in our daily lives, the appeal of gadgets that save space and reduce clutter is undeniable. The OPPO Find N3 Flip, the latest entry in the realm of foldable flagships, is the subject of this review. As someone who had a positive experience with the previous iteration, the OPPO Find N2 Flip, I was eager to see if the newest version could maintain its appeal.
Design Details:
The layout of the cover display remains at 3.26 inches, preserving familiarity for users. However, a notable upgrade is the introduction of the circular camera island, aptly named the Cosmos Ring, which replaces the previous two-lens setup. This change brings a more prominent and eye-catching design element.
The left side of the phone now features an alert slider, a feature previously associated with OnePlus and Apple. This hardware addition is a welcome enhancement for users.
When the phone is unfolded, users are greeted by a spacious 6.8-inch AMOLED main screen. Notably, the crease in the middle, with the display active, is impressively subtle compared to other flip smartphones. The Cream Gold color variant, chosen for this review, exudes a sophisticated aesthetic. Despite its glossy finish, the phone managed to remain free of scratches even after weeks of residing in a packed and cluttered handbag. Additionally, it resists smudges, which is a practical advantage.
The meticulous attention to design details is evident, including an undulating wave pattern on the smartphone”s hinge. Although barely perceptible to the naked eye, the curved glass back panel contributes to a secure and comfortable grip, especially during extended usage. The phone feels lightweight despite approaching the 200-gram mark.
Fun Functionalities:
Delving into the new features, users have the option to select from a variety of charming animated animals as wallpaper for the cover screen. This wallpaper displays the time, date, and one widget from a pre-selected list. On a regular background, up to three widgets or apps can be pinned for quick access. For this review, widgets for weather, wireless earphones, and the camera were chosen.
OPPO has chosen to maintain a vertical cover screen to accommodate a larger and improved camera module without sacrificing functionality. The range of available apps surpasses the usual to-do list, calendar, or clock and includes YouTube, GPay, Reddit, and Nike Run Club, among others. These expanded options provide ample reasons to keep the phone closed.
Camera:
In a flagship foldable smartphone, expectations for the camera are naturally high. The Cosmos Ring on the OPPO Find N3 Flip houses a 50 MP primary camera with a 1/1.56-inch sensor, a 48 MP ultra-wide camera with a 114-degree field of view, and a 32 MP telephoto lens—the first of its kind on a clamshell smartphone.
One feature that might not appeal to all users is that most photos are rendered with ProXDR display technology. While this technology enhances photos by providing up to eight times more dynamic range compared to non-ProXDR displays, some users may find the effect too dramatic under specific lighting conditions, especially in outdoor settings during the day. However, the effect can be edited or removed post-capture.
Despite this, the OPPO Find N3 Flip impresses with its photography capabilities in various lighting conditions, including low light. Portraits taken in low light or with strong backlighting are captured well, with minimal subject washing out or noise due to low light. Selfies taken with the front under-display camera also exhibit sharpness and appeal, with minor adjustments applied by AI, which can be noticeable in some cases.
Tech Specs:
The OPPO Find N3 Flip is powered by a Dimensity 9200 octa-core processor and offers a single variant with 256 GB storage and an impressive 12 GB of RAM. This streamlined offering eliminates choice paralysis and ensures a smooth user experience. During usage, no stutters or heating issues were encountered, and there”s abundant storage for games and photos.
The device boasts a 4,300 mAh battery, which, while not the largest in terms of sheer capacity, comfortably provides more than a day of moderate use, including streaming content and gaming. The smartphone operates on ColorOS 13.2 (based on Android 13) and comes with some pre-installed apps, a somewhat surprising inclusion for a flagship device. Streamlining the process of uninstalling these apps would enhance user convenience.
Key Takeaways:
Clamshell smartphones, still considered a luxury product, are in the early stages of development, making improvements and competition crucial. Despite facing established competitors such as the Samsung Z Flip series and more budget-friendly alternatives like the Moto Razr+, the OPPO Find N3 Flip distinguishes itself by offering enhanced functionality, a nearly imperceptible crease in the display, impressive battery life, and an overall excellent user experience. These qualities contribute to justifying its premium price tag in a market where competition continues to evolve.
