Long-term test: Oppo Find N review

Even though foldable phones are still a small market, everyone is interested in participating in it. We so eagerly open Oppo's Find N because, like other foldable we've seen (particularly Samsung's Z Fold 3), it stands apart from the many conventional glass rectangles that are now available. However, the Oppo differs significantly from other foldable in that it is smaller and more pocketable as a result. It certainly fits snugly in our denim pockets.

In comparison to the Z Fold 3, which has 6.2-inch external and 7.6-inch internal fold-out displays, the Find N boasts displays that are both AMOLED and significantly brighter (up to 1000 nits in brightness which is simply amazing). Although the inside display is less impressive, the external display has the current smartphone spec of choice: a variable refresh rate 120hz display.

First day

It's hardly surprising that we used the phone's large display when folded out for the entirety of the first day. Once it's unfurled, you won't notice the crease; foldable phone technology has undoubtedly advanced, and the way this display is mounted inside the hinge is intended to hide the seam. To tell that the screen is anything other than flat as a pancake, you really have to probe it; we saw no signs at all that the folding display was causing any problems; it's just not a problem. However, it weighs 275g, which can be a burden if, like us, you typically use a light handset. Well, if you want to lead a cutting-edge... 

A side-mounted fingerprint of the smartphone is the volume rocker. The biometrics are handled via a side-mounted fingerprint scanner on the on/off button. When folded, the two sides with the buttons are together, making it simple to press the incorrect button when attempting to turn the display off. Even though the fingerprint reader button is recessed, it still made things more challenging. To unlock it, all you have to do is rest your finger there. But re-locking can be challenging.

Second day

We like Find N's physical size, which is 133 x 73mm in the pocket. The Z Fold 3 is 158 x 67, so while the Find N is slightly wider, it is significantly shorter than the Samsung.

Because of its width, the external display is very usable, and as we use the Find N more, we're finding that we're increasingly using it instead of flipping out the middle.

If you don't like the black finish, the Find N will also be available in purple and white (which, as with all black finishes, seems to get rather fingerprints). However, the finish is of high quality, with sturdy metal sides and a solid hinge that closes with a satisfying slap.

We don't find the phone's 16mm thickness when folded to be an issue, though it did feel like we had two phones in our pockets at times. The exciting thing about this is that we believe foldable phones have progressed to the point where the thickness of the phone is no longer an issue.

Fourth day

The Find N has no problem with power, as it is powered by last year's flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G platform, and everything is incredibly sleek. It runs Android 11, with Oppo's simple-but-attractive ColorOS user interface on top. In our opinion, ColorOS is one of the best Android overlays. And our test model has 12GB of memory and 512GB of fast UFS 3.1 storage, which is more than enough for our needs (though some will have 8GB/256GB).

Day Seven

Watching videos on the Oppo's fold-out display isn't ideal due to its nearly square aspect ratio of 8.4:9. This results in massive black bars when watching videos. You can use the display for some pretty clever things, such as running two apps side by side, which is quite useful. When you open or close the handset, allowing you to pick up where you left off.

Day Nine

We now have a good idea of the size of the triple camera setup on the back. The main sensor may be 50 megapixels, but it's a fairly standard f1.8 Sony part we've seen in other flagship phones, with optical image stabilization (OIS) for shake-free photos and the ability to take some impressive images with ease. There are also 16-megapixel ultrawide and 13-megapixel telephoto lenses, allowing for close-up shots. Each display also has a high-quality 32-megapixel selfie camera.

Day Twelve

Another thing we've noticed is that charging is extremely fast. There's 15W wireless charging if you use a compatible charger (plus reverse charging if you want), but wired charging is 33W, which means you can charge the 4500mAh battery to around 70% in half an hour. Such quick charging is a delight.

TechliciousOfficialSays…

Score: 4/5                                                                     ⭐⭐⭐⭐✰

Oppo demonstrates that foldable can also be pocketable - a valiant effort.

• Great Stuff

+ It feels great to snap it back together.

+ So quick and receptive

+ The interior display is fantastic.

• Bad Stuff

− Not yet available in the United Kingdom.

− There is no escaping the weight...

− It's definitely a fingerprint magnet.

Tech specs

Screens:  7.1in 1792 x 1920 OLED, 5.49in 988 x 1972 OLED.

Processor:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G processor.

RAM:  12GB

Storage: 512GB

OS:  ColorOS 12 on Android 11.

Cameras: 50+13+16MP rear cameras, 32MP selfie cameras.

Battery: 4500mAH

Dimensions: 275g, 133 x 73 x 16 mm folded, 133 x 140 x 8 mm unfolded.