We have to admit, foldable smartphones have upped their game faster than most of us thought. At a time when smartphones have become quite predictable, foldable smartphones have created new interaction experiences and use-case scenarios that conventional smartphones didn’t offer. While we’ve seen quite a few brands launch book-type foldables, it’s the flip form that seems to have a clear edge in terms of consumer adoption. Price is clearly the driver in this flip vs fold battle where flip phones offer a considerable advantage. But that’s not the only reason why flip phones are on the rise. OPPO’s all-new foldable is a case in point.  

OPPO has you ‘covered’

OPPO didn’t wait too long to unleash the successor to it’s Find N2 Flip. We checked out that flip device early this year and particularly enjoyed using the large (3.26-inch) cover display. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 was the showstopper at the brand’s high-profile Galaxy Unpacked event in August. The large 3.4-inch display was the headline feature of Samsung’s flagship flip device. The OPPO Find N3 Flip comes hot on the heels of the Z Flip 5. Both brands have taken two very different approaches for the cover display, and we are partial to OPPO’s cover display.  

Premium design  

OPPO has opted to stick with the vertical orientation (that we also saw on the Find N2 Flip). The 3.26-inch cover screen that allows you to check out apps in their native resolution. The switch from the cover display to the main display is much more seamless. It’s not just the display, we also dig the premium build. OPPO has opted for a Cream Gold that showcases the design of the Find N3 Flip. We approve of the smooth satin-like finish and the Cosmos ring that adds a premium element to the rear camera.  

Creaseless design  

It’s not just your trousers, creaseless has become a buzzword in the foldable space. One of the things that you are likely to notice with the earlier generation of foldables was a visible crease where the display folds. It’s a bit like the camera cut-out on your display, you get used to it over a period of time. OPPO is one of the brands that can take credit for creating a creaseless display. It adds to the immersive nature of the vibrant 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display (1080 x 2520 pixels) that peaks at 1600 nits. The Z Flip 5 has a slight edge on the screen brightness front. Durability is another area where foldable smartphones are upping the game, the Find N3 Flip is certified for 600,000 folds, you don’t have to worry about the longevity of the foldable screen.  

Powered by Hasselblad  

Camera performance has been a traditional weak link for foldables given their asking price. OPPO has made some meaningful camera upgrades that add to the appeal of this device. If you’ve used the Find N2 Flip, you will notice visible improvements in lowlight performance. OPPO is playing up the fact that the Find N3 Flip offers a triple rear cam (most other foldables offer a dual rear cam). The Hasselblad connection comes to the fore in the Portrait department; the Find N3 recreates the effect of a Hasselblad XCD lens with its gorgeous pro bokeh flare effect. The 48MP ultra-wide angle lens shoots sharp images too.  

Should you flip for this?  

OPPO’s Find N3 Flip has added a cool new dimension to the Flip smartphone segment. It scores with its premium build, intuitive cover display and a stellar camera. Performance is solid with a MediaTek Dimensity 9200 processor with a generous 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. You also get a dependable battery (4400 mAh battery). OPPO has bundled a 44W charging brick in the box. The Z Flip 5 comes with a more visually pleasing user interface but OPPO’s combination of hardware and premium design makes this one of the most evenly-matched battles in the foldable space. It’s why we think OPPO Find N3 Flip is one of the best flip smartphones you can buy right now  

The OPPO Find N3 Flip costs Rs 94,999 and comes in Cream Gold and Sleek Black