The phone will also detect when you bend the phone halfway, putting the preview on one side of the bend and the controls on the other. This lets you prop it up for timed shots, more easily shoot straight on from a low angle, or hold the phone sideways like a camcorder for more stable video. None of this is revolutionary as far as foldy phones go, but it’s executed perfectly here.

The bloat factor

Finally, there’s the subject of software and UI, which is mainly a matter of taste. I’m generally not a fan of Samsung’s OneUI; I think it overcomplicates Android, makes it garish, pushes too many Samsung Account features that are handled just fine by standard Android features. Oppo and its ColorOS takes this even further, making Samsung look practically understated.

Every single item in the settings menu is stuffed with data and information, telling me to give access to certain features, or explaining what “O-HAPTICS” is, or wanting me to sign in to an app called My Oppo so I can manage whatever a HeyTap account is.

I consider myself to be pretty good at adapting to new ecosystems and learning the ins and outs, but with Oppo it feels like 12 people couldn’t agree on how the phone should work so they just included all the options and let the user decide. Although, I do enjoy the flamboyantly animated wallpapers.

Many people who haven’t used a folding phone remain unconvinced that the category has a future, but devices like the Oppo Find N2 Flip (and presumably this year’s version of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip, which is rumoured to have a large cover screen) make a solid argument.

Lighter than a standard premium smartphone but with a bigger main screen, fitting more easily in pockets and small bags and with a smaller secondary display that adds functionality, flip phones are here to stay.

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The one major concern remaining is longevity. Though the hinge design on this Oppo feels more secure and looks less scary than any other non-Samsung foldable (some have big gaps that are just begging for pocket lint to get jammed into), it does not have an official IP waterproof rating, which will give some potential adopters a reason for pause.

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