We Were Wrong: OnePlus Becoming The Western OPPO Is Great
Ryan Haynes / Android Authority
OnePlus Open
In recent years, there has been a lot of criticism of the close relationship between OPPO and OnePlus (and I have a lot of them myself). However, with hardware primarily developed by OPPO, the OnePlus Open revealed exciting future potential for brands. Essentially, OnePlus is copying OPPO's hardware, thus becoming OPPO in the West (or US), which is what it needs to do to differentiate itself again. Trust me, it's not a bad decision.
One thing we learned about the OP-Plus in 2023 is that OPPO knows how to create smart devices. The second generation Clamshell Find N3 Flip is just as beautifully built as its predecessor. We have nothing but good things to say about the hardware aspects of the OnePlus Open (aka OPPO Find N3). In fact, our review described it as "the best hardware we've seen from OnePlus since its flagship." It's a double whammy when you think about who makes these phones.
OPPO devices stand out as the best in the industry.
Likewise, the Find X6 Pro is a phenomenal device, albeit sadly limited to certain regions. This could have been the phone of the year if I had bought it without the import warning. But the Chinese model I used left such a lasting impression; design and camera are the best. We haven't been able to say the same about OnePlus flagships over the years, with the 10 and 11 series continuing the trend of mid-range trades.
But the opening gives me reason to be optimistic. If the upcoming OnePlus 12 is somehow 80% better than the brand's last engine, it will be hard to ignore. The specifications are rumored to be; everything will depend on its implementation as well as openness.
OPPO understands hardware and OnePlus understands the United States
Robert Triggs / Android Authority
although A and Oppo have struggled to stand out in some Western American markets. This may be due to brand recognition and the consistency of the Apple/Samsung dynamic. This may be due to the choice of less focused global software. (There are also some patent issues.) But perhaps most important concerns distribution channels, which are often difficult for operators and retailers to understand. This is one area where OnePlus has more experience than OPPO and this partnership could shine.
The brand still has a partnership with BestBuy, where you can buy the OnePlus 11. You won't find OnePlus phones on Verizon anymore (you can buy a OnePlus 9 later), and T-Mobile has few options, but if the new hardware succeeds, OnePlus may reopen the doors. High-end phones like the Open tend to get more attention from retailers, especially in the United States, than flagships or mid-range models. In comparison, OPPO's lack of presence in the United States makes it an uphill battle to convince major retailers to stock its phones.
If using the OnePlus name is what it takes to get more hands on OPPO hardware, I'm all for it.
In its heyday, OnePlus carved a niche for itself with its Never Settle software approach, though this has been toned down in newer versions of OxygenOS. OnePlus has more room to prioritize software instead of renaming and repurposing features like Open Canvas, O Relax and Zen Space. However, closer cooperation with OPPO's ColorOS system remains essential, as resources are available to ensure Open receives four highly competitive operating system updates and security patches over five years. This is an important victory in the competition with Apple and Samsung.
And let's not forget the support structure needed to keep premium phone buyers happy, covering everything from warranty to replacing old batteries. OnePlus already has a strong network in the US and other western markets, while if OPPO wants to push the brand further, it will have to invest heavily and start from scratch in many locations.
If using the OnePlus name is what it takes to get more hands on OPPO hardware, I'm all for it.
Relations have not yet been restored
K. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Synchronizing left and right hands is a constant challenge for organizations at this level, and OP-Plus can improve coordination. Take the fact that Open supports OPPO's stylus but not OnePlus' - control is an understatement. Similarly, we saw OPPO end and then cancel its partnership with Hasselblad and keep its best camera technology for the Find.
However, it would be unwise for OnePlus to rebrand as OPPO for the western market. There is a subtle but important difference between customizing a product for a target market and being a white label manufacturer. OnePlus has a history of doing things differently, innovating features and undercutting the competition, which remains a recipe for success. This story has disappointed year after year with mid-range devices that OPPO can clearly improve upon. However, OPPO's insistence on bringing additional app stores and dual features to a market satisfied with the ecosystem of Apple and Google needs to be balanced by a brand that better understands consumers.
Putting its stamp on OPPO's incredible hardware, OnePlus is the best of both worlds. We have already seen the great potential of the OnePlus Open; Now let's see if lightning can strike twice in next year's phones?
