A familiar look? The foldable smartphone Find N2 Flip that the Oppo brand unveiled in London this Wednesday, February 15, 2023 and that 20 minutes was able to take in hand cultivates a strange mimicry with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4. “This model responds to a real problem encountered with large-format smartphones, which have become bulky”, we are told at Oppo France. But what is the Chinese quasi-twin worth if we compare its characteristics with its South Korean competitor?
A less visible crease
Folded up, the Find N2 Flip measures 85.5 x 75.2 x 16.02 mm (for 191 g). It is therefore a little thinner than the Galaxy Z Flip 4 (17.1 mm) which weighs 187 grams. It also fits perfectly in the pocket. Unfolded, the two foldable terminals also have a strange resemblance to their Amoled screen of 6.8 inches and 6.71 inches respectively. Oppo’s model is slightly wider, but this is played out at the margin. And the definitions of the two screens are equal, with 2,520 x 1,080 pixels and 2,640 x 1,080 pixels respectively. They even share an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate.
Oppo takes the opportunity to boast “the least visible crease on the market”. Comparing the two smartphones as we did, this is hardly the case visually (see our video). On the other hand, by sliding the index on the two screens, it appears that we feel much less the presence under the screen of the hinge at Oppo than at Samsung.
Photo: Oppo Advantage
Obviously, all eyes are on the on-board photo modules that can make the difference. The Find N2 Flip advances a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor (plus 32-megapixels inside, for selfies), as well as a partnership with Hasselblad for software image processing. Samsung is “content” with two 12-megapixel rear sensors and a 10-megapixel front sensor. On paper, Oppo takes a certain advantage, even a certain advantage…
Autonomy, an argument that hits the mark
Significant differences are also to be noted in terms of the autonomy of the two smartphones. Oppo’s foldable packs 4,300 mAh (45 W), while its rival only offers 3,700 mAh (25 W). In addition, Oppo provides a 67 W charging unit and its cable (“who can do more, can do less!” enthuses Oppo to 20 Minutes), while Samsung only supplies a USB-C cable. to USB-C. An argument that can weigh in the balance.
A significantly larger external screen
But Oppo has another surprise in store for its competitor, and not the least.
When folded, his smartphone has a small complementary screen of 3.26 ” (ie 8.28 cm), where Samsung only offers one of 1.9 ” (ie 4.82 cm). On trial, the ergonomics are greatly improved, not only to permanently display some essential information; like his notifications, his calendar appointments… but also perfectly frame his self-portraits and take advantage of the power of the front photo sensors to take impeccable self-portraits.
May be the question of solidity. At the IPX4 standard, the Find N2 Flip would resist up to at least 400,000 openings / closings without weakening. IPX8, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 only speaks of 200,000 openings/closings…
Samsung faster
On paper, and awaiting more in-depth tests, Oppo’s first foldable smartphone marketed in France seems to want to teach Samsung a lesson. Point to its disadvantage however, the Find N2 Flip is powered by the MediaTek 9000 processor, where the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 + Gen 1, from Qualcomm, recognized as the fastest.
In addition, the Samsung model is available with three memory capacities: 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB. The Find N2 Flip is only available in 256 GB.
Enthusiastic… like its competitor
Our first grip of the little new leaves enthusiastic. The exterior screen is really a plus that prevents us from opening the smartphone all the time. The interior screen enchants with its contrasts for watching videos. As for the “Flex” mode (common to Samsung), which allows you to put the terminal open to watch videos, surf, take a picture of yourself by orienting the upper part of the screen perfectly in front of your eyes, to make visios, that -this invites new and quite pleasant uses that only foldable smartphones can offer.
The question of price remains. Oppo advances its new toy to 1,099 euros, i.e., with equal memory, a price slightly higher than that of the small foldable from Samsung (now at 1,059 euros). There is no doubt that the two manufacturers will face each other in the coming weeks with promotions and giveaways (by offering with their smartphone, qui, headphones, qui, an activity sensor, qui, a connected watch). Even by offering a refund offer, or a particularly advantageous trade-in offer for your old smartphone. Samsung, long alone in the field of small foldable smartphones, will now have to deal with the competition. It’s going pretty well. The giant has always insisted that the “foldable” was the future of the smartphone. Oppo now seems to prove him right.