OPPO Find N2 Flip Handson Review: Flip Phone Done Right
Note: This article is a contribution and does not necessarily reflect the views of IBTimes.
Flexible AMOLED has been around for years, and several major phone manufacturers are incorporating the technology into their flagship devices. While it's hard to tell whether foldable phones have positioned themselves as the next big phone trend, there's no denying that they're not slowing down.
OPPO entered the foldable phone market in 2021 with its flagship device, Find N. It features a wide folding design that offers users a tablet-like experience. Now OPPO introduces the new OPPO Find N2 Flip , which folds at the waist. What improvements and benefits do these new additions bring every day? Let's take a closer look at its features.
First class construction and folding mechanism
While flexible AMOLED technology is truly revolutionary, phone companies are facing challenges to develop powerful display systems that require high levels of innovation and engineering. This mechanism must withstand repeated bending and stretching of the device, as well as the radius of curvature of the AMOLED screen. In addition, the ingress of dust and dirt must be effectively prevented, as they have a negative impact on the folding mechanism. Meeting all these requirements is definitely a big challenge for manufacturers.
Considering that the OPPO Find N2 Flip is just OPPO's second attempt at a folding design, it's impressive to see the folding mechanism. The device has a spring tension that is visible when folded and unfolded, giving it a sturdy and secure feel. The presence of a spring enhances the user experience as it helps to open the device easily or after the two halves have passed a certain angle.
In addition, the two halves of the OPPO Find N2 Flip are magnetic, which ensures that when folded, they remain securely closed, unless they are opened on purpose. However, this magnetic property has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, it offers a strong cover that ensures that the device stays closed when not in use. Opening the phone, on the other hand, is a two-handed operation, as you have to deliberately separate the magnetic part. This means it may not be able to answer calls with one hand unless you're using an external display, but more on that later.
One of the outstanding features of the OPPO Find N2 Flip is the smooth folding mechanism it uses. The devices are carefully designed to avoid gaps that would allow dust or particles to enter, which undoubtedly contributes to their durability. The phone has been tested to withstand an impressive 400,000 bends, and the attention to detail in keeping out dirt definitely helps.
In addition, the metal "elbow" is decorated with a beautiful OPPO brand pattern. It enhances the aesthetic appeal and matches the overall design of the phone.
The Astral Black variant of OPPO Find N2 Flip features an exterior design made mostly of frosted glass, which is not only visually appealing but also offers a comfortable tactile experience. Additionally, the device features a tough steel frame that maintains stability both when folded and extended, increasing its overall strength and durability. This combination of quality materials and rugged construction contributes to the overall quality and ease of use of the device.
6.8 inch foldable screen
Without a doubt, the heart of the OPPO Find N2 Flip is its foldable 6.8-inch AMOLED display, and when it launched, it offered a truly impressive display. With FHD+ (2520 x 1080) resolution, the screen offers slightly more vertical space compared to other large-screen flagship phones, such as the 6.67-inch OLED on the Honor 70. The extra screen offers a slightly wider typing experience and increases the visual impact when typing . write games or watch movies. Find N2 Flip's immersive display enhances the overall user experience and provides an engaging visual experience.
OPPO Find N2 Flip has an impressive screen, not only in terms of size, but also in terms of performance. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz sampling rate, the screen offers smooth and fluid visuals for a better user experience. By switching from another device with a 120Hz screen such as the ASUS ZenFone 8 to the N2 Flip , users will experience a faster and more responsive typing experience. The higher refresh rate and lower sample rate contribute to a smoother interaction with the device, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable typing experience on OPPO Find N2 Flip.
Anyone who has used a foldable phone knows that AMOLED screen bezels are an unavoidable feature and OPPO is aware of this. They use a "teardrop" hinge that ensures the screen is never bent beyond a certain radius, resulting in bezels that are smaller than 0.15mm. At first glance, it's disappointing because the previously smooth screen slightly enlarges when the phone is folded. However, after a day of use, the impact on usability was minimal and I barely paid attention to the screen during normal use.
3.26 inch external display
While the OPPO Find N2 Flip's main AMOLED display that is foldable takes center stage, the surprising importance of the display on the outer layer in everyday use is noteworthy.
Compared to the 1.9-inch cover screen of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, the outer cover screen of OPPO Find N2 Flip offers more than twice the screen real estate of a 3.26-inch display. This screen is more than just a "notification" screen and has many functions. Important information such as clock, notifications, selfie camera mode, timer and media controls can now be displayed.
Among the various functions of the OPPO Find N2 Flip flip cover, the selfie camera mode stands out as the most useful as it optimizes screen space. The generous on-screen display takes selfies with the phone's main camera to a whole new level. Also, when the phone is tilted 90 degrees and turned sideways, it turns into a professional vlogging camera reminiscent of the famous Canon VIXIA mini X. Even the VIXIA mini X has a 2.7-inch screen, making the Find N2 Flip a more capable camera for vlogging with its bigger screen.
Battery life and 44W SUPERVOOC
The folding mechanism of the OPPO Find N2 Flip takes up internal space that can be used for a larger battery. With a capacity of 4300 mAh, the battery size is relatively modest. However, actual use has shown that the battery life of the device lasts a very long time.
The battery life of the OPPO Find N2 Flip is laudable, leaving devices like the Asus ZenFone 8 with a 4000 mAh battery behind. In everyday usage situations such as phone calls, YouTube streaming, gaming, and continuous use of the Messenger app , the Find N2 Flip offers comfortable battery life to match.
Another benefit of the lower battery capacity is the ability to take advantage of faster charging times. The OPPO 44W SUPERVOOC charger allows users to easily charge for 20 minutes overnight, which is enough to charge for the whole day.
Opening and opening maneuvers
In fact, the unlock speed of the phone is an important aspect that has a huge impact on the user experience considering how many times we use it during the day. Since the average person looks at their phone about 100 times a day, the unlock method is the most used function on our smartphones.
OPPO Find N2 Flip uses a powerful fingerprint scanner which is known for its speed and efficiency. Personally, I find this type of scanner preferable to under-display scanners, which are often less reliable.
The Find N2 Flip adds an extra dimension to the unlock process with its foldable design, making the phone even more difficult to access. It took me a while to get used to this new opening method. Initially, the only way to unlock the flip screen was with a PIN, but this was soon replaced with a firmware update that offered additional unlock options.
After using the Find N2 Flip for about a day, I'm used to the process of unlocking the phone using the fingerprint scanner and steady swipes. This method proves to be the fastest and most reliable option when compared to using a forward release or stylus. If, like me, you prioritize speed and security when unlocking your screen, the unlocking process can be a little tedious at first. The good news, though, is that the placement of the fingerprint reader allows for a simple unlock process, as I eventually learned.
Final decision
In short , OPPO Find N2 Flip convinces with its foldable design, sturdy construction and innovative functions. While smartphone companies face the challenge of harmonizing the folding mechanism and screen technology, OPPO has succeeded in delivering devices with smooth folding mechanisms, minimal wrinkles and effective dust protection.
Apart from displaying notifications, the outer cover screen also offers useful functions such as a selfie camera mode and can also be turned into a professional vlog camera. Despite the slightly lower battery capacity , the Find N2 Flip impresses with its long battery life and fast charging capabilities.
Overall, the OPPO Find N2 Flip brings together innovation, ease of use and a unique user experience, making it a top contender in the foldable market. We are happy to award him the IBTimes Editors' Choice badge.
David is a tech geek/writer who travels a lot looking for better ways to make flying more enjoyable. This is a contribution to the ongoing suite of IBTimes tool tests for business travelers.
