The Oppo Find N2 Flip doesn't break new ground in the burgeoning foldable phone category. But Oppo's take on the clamshell foldable is extremely competitive, and even beats Samsung's market-leading Galaxy Z Flip 4 on several counts.
Quick specs
- 6.8-inch display (AMOLED with LTPO, 2,520 x 1,080 pixels, 120Hz) and 3.26-inch Cover Screen (AMOLED, 720 x 382 pixels, 60Hz)
- MediaTek Dimensity 9000+ chip with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage
- 50MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide and 32MP front camera
- 4,300mAh battery (with 44W fast charging)
Oppo's gapless hinge is the key selling point here. Like the Huawei P50 Pocket, there is no gap between the two halves of the phone when folded. This is an obvious improvement over the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4, which still has a gap. Oppo says its phone is certified to withstand over 400,000 folds and unfolds. This works out to opening, and closing the phone around 100 times a day for over ten years. Samsung's foldable also has a tiny gap between the pre-applied screen protector and its raised screen bezels that ends up collecting lint and dust. However, the Oppo isn't IPX8-rated for water resistance, unlike the Galaxy Z Flip 4. But the crease in the Oppo's screen is less prominent, and almost invisible if you're looking at the display straight-on. You can still feel the crease while scrolling, but you'll probably forget about it in no time.
The Oppo also has a 3.26-inch Cover screen that's significantly larger than the ones on its competitors (Samsung's is 1.9-inch). This outside display can be used to show notifications, as well as supported widgets, such as your calendar, weather, and timer. But despite the larger size, this Cover display doesn't actually improve the usability of these phones. For example, you're still restricted to canned replies for your messages on the Oppo — there's no keyboard input. I had to unfold the phone to do most common tasks. This external screen, though, is handy as a viewfinder for taking selfies with the main (rear) camera. But while a shortcut (double-click the volume button) quickly opens the camera while the phone is folded, it doesn't work if the phone's playing music, or if the Cover screen is already on.
Given that I was taking selfies with the Oppo's main 50MP camera, portrait shots came out looking better than most smartphones. This camera is good in well-lit conditions, capturing plenty of details, with generally accurate colours. The 8MP ultra-wide, though, is significantly less capable, more noise, and less detail. Predictably, low-light is where the Flip, like the other clamshell foldables I have tested, struggles. Images are noisy, verging on mushy, though they are sufficiently bright. Powering the Oppo is the Dimensity 9000+ chip, which isn't as fast as Qualcomm's flagship chip. But it does run cool, with peak temperatures coming in around 35 degrees Celsius in stress tests. Battery life is very good (over a day or even two), probably because of the Cover screen. It lasted 14hr 44min in our video playback test at maximum brightness.
The Oppo Find N2 Flip (S$1,299) makes a solid case for itself with the gapless design, larger Cover screen, and good battery life. But Samsung's flip phone still has some advantages, including water resistance, and software. Samsung is also almost certain to come out with an improved version later this year. However, if you need a clamshell foldable now, the Flip is a good alternative. Get it now from Lazada, and Shopee.
Note: Review unit provided by Oppo.
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