OPPO Find N5: Foldable Phone Review - A New Challenger Arrives!
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A New Fold in the Market
- Design and Thinness: A Deceptive Masterpiece
- Hinge Technology: The Key to Slimness
- Screen Quality and Durability
- Hardware and Performance: Power Packed
- Software Smarts: Beyond Expectations
- Camera Capabilities: Balancing Act
- Conclusion: Is the OPPO Find N5 Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Introduction: A New Fold in the Market
Who would have thought the tech world would welcome another exciting foldable so soon? Today, we're diving deep into the OPPO Find N5, a device that's making waves as the first major foldable flagship of the year. OPPO has certainly brought its A-game, with significant advancements in both hardware and software. Let's unfold what this new contender has to offer in our comprehensive OPPO Find N5: Foldable Phone Review.
Design and Thinness: A Deceptive Masterpiece
When you talk about the OPPO Find N5, one word inevitably comes up: "thin." When folded, its slim profile is truly remarkable and can easily deceive the hand, especially for those accustomed to bulkier Ultra or Pro Max models. Weighing in at 229 grams, it positions itself comfortably within the top tier of large foldable phones in terms of portability.
Interestingly, while it's thinner than some competitors, it might not always be lighter. This is due to its slightly larger overall footprint when unfolded, which is comparable to an iPad mini. The unfolded screen boasts a 9.9:9 aspect ratio, very close to a square, offering a more expansive canvas than some other foldables. This larger size explains the weight distribution, allowing for that impressive thinness without sacrificing too much on heft.
The hand-feel is where the Find N5 truly shines. It’s not just close to a slab phone; it's practically indistinguishable, and in some ways, even better. The refined proportions also make the camera module, which could seem obtrusive on previous models like the N3, aesthetically pleasing. There's ample space below the module, preventing finger obstruction when held. Polished frame edges further enhance comfort, especially when the device is folded. However, when unfolded, the edges could be a tad rounder for perfection.
Hinge Technology: The Key to Slimness
The hinge is central to the Find N5's slim and light design. OPPO has utilized 3D-printed titanium alloy for the hinge's outer frame and the screen-supporting wing plate. This innovative approach overcomes traditional manufacturing limitations for small, high-precision components. The thinnest part of the wing plate is a mere 0.15 millimeters! The middle plate's thickness has also been significantly reduced, contributing to the phone's overall svelte profile. Furthermore, the combination of titanium alloy and stainless steel fortifies the hinge's strength.
The crease control on the Find N5 is also commendable. After a month of intensive use as a primary device, the crease remains shallower compared to many other foldables. Comparing a month-old unit to a newly unboxed one, there's no significant deepening of the crease, which speaks volumes about its durability. The opening and closing mechanism feels smooth and uniform in its damping.
Screen Quality and Durability
The OPPO Find N5 doesn't skimp on screen technology. The outer display is protected by a new generation of Jingdun ultra-ceramic glass, enhancing its resilience. The inner UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) screen features a double-layer protective film for improved drop resistance. Screen quality remains on par with previous generations, with the outer screen's peak brightness hitting 1600 nits and the inner screen at 1400 nits. The PPI (pixels per inch) for both screens is very similar, ensuring no noticeable difference in display sharpness or fineness.
Hardware and Performance: Power Packed
Under the hood, the OPPO Find N5 is the first foldable to house the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, promising top-tier performance. The battery capacity has been bumped up to a generous 5600 mAh, which, based on daily use, provides decent all-day endurance. It supports 80W wired and 50W wireless fast charging, addressing a notable shortcoming of its predecessor.
Software Smarts: Beyond Expectations
OPPO has clearly put a lot of thought into the software experience, particularly in how the Find N5 integrates into wider ecosystems and enhances productivity.
Seamless Mac Integration
Perhaps one of the most surprising and impressive features is the Find N5's deep integration with the Mac office ecosystem. Using the "O+ Connect" application, users can remotely control their Mac from the Find N5, regardless of network, as long as they are on the same account or have device information synced. When remote control is active, the Mac enters a privacy mode.
If you suspend the Find N5 on a desk, it transforms into a "mini Mac," complete with a simulated keyboard and trackpad. Even Mac shortcut keys are supported! This is incredibly thoughtful for productivity on the go. Files can be transferred remotely from Mac to phone, or even dragged and dropped across systems. Apple's office suite (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) can also be opened directly on the phone. It's as if OPPO is helping Apple pioneer foldable screen integration!
Panoramic Split-Screen Evolved
The "Panoramic Split-Screen" feature, which allows applications to extend beyond the physical screen for a more complete view in split-screen mode, remains, in my opinion, the most efficient split-screen solution. The Find N5 brings a neat upgrade: when the system detects you're frequently switching between two apps, a small icon pops up. Tapping it instantly initiates split-screen for those apps. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for using split-screen, catering to users who might not engage with more complex gestures.
Camera Capabilities: Balancing Act
The most significant camera upgrade on the Find N5 is the inclusion of a telephoto macro lens. Thanks to the phone's slimness, it can now fit into phone cases that previous models couldn't. We even took it for some underwater shots, and the telephoto lens's resolution is quite good. However, it's a pity there's no image stabilization (OIS) on this particular lens, so steady hands are crucial for telephoto macro shots.
It's evident that OPPO made some trade-offs in the camera department to achieve the Find N5's thinness. This is a common balancing act in the current foldable landscape. OPPO seems to have found a sweet spot between extreme slimness and hardware prowess, prioritizing a superior holding experience. For most target users of foldable phones, this compromise is likely a reasonable one. Plus, the foldable form inherently solves the selfie dilemma – just use the powerful rear cameras!
Conclusion: Is the OPPO Find N5 Worth It?
The OPPO Find N5, as the first major foldable flagship of the year, genuinely impresses. It represents an evolution in foldable design, seeking a harmonious balance between slimness, hardware capabilities, and user experience. The thoughtful software integrations, especially with the Mac ecosystem, and the refined split-screen functionality, demonstrate a user-centric approach.
While there are minor trade-offs, particularly in the camera's OIS for the telephoto macro, the overall package is compelling. The "light and thin" mantra is a key theme for smartphones this year, and the Find N5 delivers on this while still packing a punch. It's a device that brings fresh vitality to the market, and we hope to see more such innovative products emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How thin is the OPPO Find N5?
- The OPPO Find N5 is remarkably thin, with its slimmest hinge components measuring just 0.15mm. Its overall folded profile is one of the thinnest in its class, comparable to many standard slab phones.
- What are the standout software features of the Find N5?
- Key software features include deep Mac integration (O+ Connect for remote control and file transfer) and an evolved panoramic split-screen function that's more intuitive to use.
- How is the camera performance on the OPPO Find N5?
- The camera system is versatile, highlighted by a new telephoto macro lens with good resolution. While it makes some trade-offs for thinness (like lacking OIS on the telephoto macro), it performs well, and the foldable design allows for high-quality selfies using the main rear cameras.
- What is the battery life like?
- With a 5600 mAh battery, the OPPO Find N5 offers decent all-day battery life for typical usage. It also supports 80W wired and 50W wireless fast charging.
- Is the OPPO Find N5 durable?
- OPPO has focused on durability with features like Jingdun ultra-ceramic glass for the outer screen, UTG glass with a double-layer protective film for the inner screen, and a robust hinge made from titanium alloy and stainless steel. Crease visibility after extended use also appears minimal.
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