OPPO Find N2 Fold conquers the challenges of foldable technology
By Len Amadora
Published Mar 23, 2023 03:56 am
Global smart technology company OPPO is not new to foldable smartphone technology. Setting one's sights on creating a new approach to the foldable form factor and making it more accessible to a larger audience, OPPO launched its first foldable flagship smartphone in 2021 - the OPPO Find N ... and the year after, the OPPO Find N2.
Undeniably, foldable smartphones are becoming increasingly popular. And why not? Foldable smartphones transform the way users interact with their mobile device. They offer uniqueness, versatility, convenience and a whole new level of multitasking capabilities that a traditional smartphone can't give.
Even at a premium, foldables remain to be most coveted; probably because of the limitless possibilities it offers. But conquering these possibilites has its challenges and gladly, OPPO took on the challenges head on.
The 5.5-inch front AMOLED display cover, by itself, is already usable. Basic smartphone functions can already be displayed in full and processed completely without having to unfold the device. Texting and keyboard use are comfortable and not at all cramped unlike its contemporaries whose front screens are too narrow. The front cover screen also supports HDR 10 plus that enables the device to display a wider spectrum of colors, increased brightness and contrast compared to standard images. And with thin and symmetrical bezels, this device can already give you an awesome viewing experience.
Unfolding the OPPO Find N2 reveals its 7.1-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz LTPO refresh rate. Due to its dimensions and overall squarish shape, the OPPO Find N2 conveniently unfolds to a landscape orientation. Hence, pages and images appear the same orientation as it was when folded eliminating the need to rotate the device. Compared to its predecessor, the display is brighter and delightfully, easy to handle. In fact, I can do basic smartphone tasks even with one hand in contrast to its contemporaries. Now holding it with two hands on each side of the screen, typing was never awkward. I didn’t see the need to split the keyboard in order to type comfortably nor stretch my thumbs beyond its limits.
The OPPO Find N2 comes in three colors. The unit at hand is green and with one month of intense use, the unit remains sturdy and is able to withstand constant wear and tear of everyday use. The front display and back cover is made of Gorilla Glass Victus, the most durable Gorilla glass. With it, the device is more scratch resistant and should be able to survive drops to hard and rough surfaces of up to 2 meters.
Unfolding the device doesn’t require much effort. The process of folding and unfolding didn’t offer any resistance and it wasn’t loose or flimsy at all. The OPPO Find N2 unfolds easily and smoothly thanks to OPPO’s second generation flexion hinge that is made of carbon fiber and alloy. The flexion hinge plays a big role in the device’s lighter weight and the “no gap” in between when folded. I placed a piece of paper in between and it was quite a struggle slipping it out. In addition, the flexion hinge can hold its position at angles between 45 and 125 degrees. This is a big factor to consider especially when the device is in tent or tripod/flex mode - particularly very useful when watching videos, taking photos/videos and editing.
Split screen mode is achieved by sliding 2-fingers from the top of the screen downwards. The app you are currently working on immediately moves to the left revealing the homescreen on the right. From there you can now choose which app goes to the right side of the screen. On a split screen, you can take a screenshot of each screen separately. Of course, you also have the option to take a screenshot of the whole screen. It is also good know that when you leave the page, you can easily access it again as the device holds the split screen in memory in the background There are other gesture enabled features like the floating window and the smart sidebar that is invaluable when it comes to multitasking. Pretty handy to have them if I may say so. In a hybrid work environment, needless to say, I consider the OPPO Find N2 a useful tool. Of course, a device’s suitability will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Nevertheless, having equipped with Color OS 13 (Android 13), Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Qualcomm Adreno 730 and 16BG of RAM, the OPPO Find N2 held up pretty well. I didn’t experience any lags, shutdowns or slow downs especially on my productivity apps.
"Until you dare to take on new challenges, you wouldn't discover your full potential" - Bernard Kelvin Cliv
How the OPPO Find N2 Fold is conquering the challenges of foldable technology:Portability and usability
Unlike most book-style foldable smartphones that come in a big, bulky form factor, the OPPO Find N2 is distinctly smaller, lighter and thinner. Compared to average smartphone dimensions, the OPPO Find N2 when folded is relatively smaller measuring only at 13.22 x 7.26 x 1.46cm. As such, it can discreetly slip in my blazer’s or pant’s side pocket. It won’t be much of a burden as it only weighs 237g.
The 5.5-inch front AMOLED display cover, by itself, is already usable. Basic smartphone functions can already be displayed in full and processed completely without having to unfold the device. Texting and keyboard use are comfortable and not at all cramped unlike its contemporaries whose front screens are too narrow. The front cover screen also supports HDR 10 plus that enables the device to display a wider spectrum of colors, increased brightness and contrast compared to standard images. And with thin and symmetrical bezels, this device can already give you an awesome viewing experience.
Unfolding the OPPO Find N2 reveals its 7.1-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz LTPO refresh rate. Due to its dimensions and overall squarish shape, the OPPO Find N2 conveniently unfolds to a landscape orientation. Hence, pages and images appear the same orientation as it was when folded eliminating the need to rotate the device. Compared to its predecessor, the display is brighter and delightfully, easy to handle. In fact, I can do basic smartphone tasks even with one hand in contrast to its contemporaries. Now holding it with two hands on each side of the screen, typing was never awkward. I didn’t see the need to split the keyboard in order to type comfortably nor stretch my thumbs beyond its limits.
Durability
The OPPO Find N2 comes in three colors. The unit at hand is green and with one month of intense use, the unit remains sturdy and is able to withstand constant wear and tear of everyday use. The front display and back cover is made of Gorilla Glass Victus, the most durable Gorilla glass. With it, the device is more scratch resistant and should be able to survive drops to hard and rough surfaces of up to 2 meters.
Unfolding the device doesn’t require much effort. The process of folding and unfolding didn’t offer any resistance and it wasn’t loose or flimsy at all. The OPPO Find N2 unfolds easily and smoothly thanks to OPPO’s second generation flexion hinge that is made of carbon fiber and alloy. The flexion hinge plays a big role in the device’s lighter weight and the “no gap” in between when folded. I placed a piece of paper in between and it was quite a struggle slipping it out. In addition, the flexion hinge can hold its position at angles between 45 and 125 degrees. This is a big factor to consider especially when the device is in tent or tripod/flex mode - particularly very useful when watching videos, taking photos/videos and editing.
Performance
The beauty of foldables is its flexible display. This gives its user the ability to work and create in whatever form factor the user wants. Folded or not, the OPPO Find N2 is an expert when it comes to multitasking. The ability to perform multiple tasks or applications simultaneously can efficiently be done on a bigger screen. OPPO Find N2’s large, flexible screen allowed me to multitask more effectively. It allowed me to display and work on multiple apps or windows side-by-side on the same screen at the same time without having to constantly switch back and forth between different screens or devices.
Split screen mode is achieved by sliding 2-fingers from the top of the screen downwards. The app you are currently working on immediately moves to the left revealing the homescreen on the right. From there you can now choose which app goes to the right side of the screen. On a split screen, you can take a screenshot of each screen separately. Of course, you also have the option to take a screenshot of the whole screen. It is also good know that when you leave the page, you can easily access it again as the device holds the split screen in memory in the background There are other gesture enabled features like the floating window and the smart sidebar that is invaluable when it comes to multitasking. Pretty handy to have them if I may say so. In a hybrid work environment, needless to say, I consider the OPPO Find N2 a useful tool. Of course, a device’s suitability will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Nevertheless, having equipped with Color OS 13 (Android 13), Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, Qualcomm Adreno 730 and 16BG of RAM, the OPPO Find N2 held up pretty well. I didn’t experience any lags, shutdowns or slow downs especially on my productivity apps.
Visible crease
A common stumbling block in any foldable device is the inevitable crease in the middle of the screen. Compared to its contemporaries, the crease of the OPPO Find N2 Fold is reduced and less apparent. Quite obvious especially when you lay it flat on a surface. Something to smile about especially if you are fastidious about having a really smooth, flat screen.Battery Life
In foldable smartphones, a larger screen would only mean an increase in power consumption. This in turn will lead to reduced battery life that is why it is imperative to choose a foldable that has a long lasting battery. It wouldn’t hurt too if it comes with fast charging capabilities. The OPPO Find N2 is equipped with a 4520mAh Li–polymer battery with 67W speed fast charging capability. It can fully charge the device in less than an hour. I was using it for quite a while as a primary phone and with heavy use, the phone was able to last almost the entire day. While it is true that there are challenges, it is how one chooses to confront them that defines who they really are. Apart from being released only in China, notable features in the OPPO Find N2 in addition to those mentioned above like the inclusion of Hasselblad (one of the best lenses in the world) makes you want to have them even more. Well, here is hoping the OPPO Find N2 finds its way to the Philippines. Besides, having the ability to step outside the comfort zone, embrace and take risks makes one standout.