The anticipated successor to the OnePlus Open, tentatively named the OnePlus Open 2, is generating considerable buzz within the tech community, largely due to emerging details regarding its potential water resistance capabilities. While official information remains scarce, a recent leak showcasing the device’s display gallery has fueled speculation of an IPX9 rating, a level of protection rarely seen in the smartphone market, let alone in foldable devices. The gallery images, reportedly from internal testing documentation, are not overtly demonstrative of water resistance features. However, experts and enthusiasts analyzing the images have pinpointed subtle design choices and component placements that are consistent with the kind of sealing required for an IPX9 rating. This is significantly above the protection offered by most mainstream smartphones, which typically max out at IP68.
The significance of an IPX9 rating cannot be understated. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating system measures a device’s resistance against intrusion by solid objects and water. The first digit after the ‘IP’ refers to protection against solids, with 6 being the highest rating in common use for smartphones. The second digit, relating to water ingress, ranges from 0 to 9. IPX9 means a device is protected against powerful high-temperature water jets. This signifies that a device can withstand being blasted with powerful streams of hot water from any direction without any adverse effect. This level of resistance is generally encountered in industrial equipment, rather than in consumer electronics.
The original OnePlus Open features a common IPX4 water resistance rating, which provides protection against splashing water, but not against immersion or high-pressure jets. An upgrade to IPX9 would represent a monumental leap in the device’s durability and usability in a variety of challenging environments. This could be particularly appealing to users who are concerned about the fragility of foldable devices or who work in potentially wet conditions. A consumer with this type of product would have increased confidence in the product’s longevity and protection against water damage, which is a major concern for many prospective foldable phone customers.
If the OnePlus Open 2 does achieve an IPX9 rating, it would not only differentiate itself from its predecessor but would also establish a new benchmark within the foldable phone market. Most competitors have focused on folding mechanisms, display quality, and camera prowess, often neglecting the water resistance. While some offer some resistance against water, an IPX9 rating would place the OnePlus Open 2 in a league of its own. The challenges of creating a foldable phone that can withstand high-pressure water jets are significant, as the flexible hinges and complex mechanisms create more entry points for water. The fact that the alleged internal display gallery images do not showcase obvious waterproofing methods makes it all the more intriguing. This suggests that the waterproofing technology is integrated seamlessly, without compromising on the design aesthetics or the folding mechanism.
While some might speculate that the enhanced water resistance could lead to a higher price tag, others suggest it could lead to a new wave of innovation within the market as competitors would strive to achieve similar milestones, leading to even more durable and versatile foldable phones. There is a possibility that achieving IPX9 water resistance may require some design sacrifices. It is possible that the internal architecture of the device needs to be significantly redesigned to ensure that there are no points of water ingress during high-pressure exposure. There is also a chance that materials may need to be changed. These potential design changes would only be speculation until the phone is officially launched.
As the news regarding this potential IPX9 rating gains traction, it highlights a move within the tech sector to prioritize durability and longevity. The leak, alongside the gallery of the phone’s display, have already created interest amongst tech enthusiasts. These images are not merely a visual display of the phone’s screen, but rather an indication of the innovative engineering that could be incorporated within the upcoming OnePlus Open 2. The anticipation surrounding the launch of the OnePlus Open 2 is mounting. Consumers will be eagerly waiting to see if the device will deliver on the promise of unprecedented water resistance, setting a new bar for durability in the foldable phone market. It remains to be seen whether this leak will be accurate, and whether the official launch will confirm the device’s enhanced water resistance.
