OnePlus has dramatically cut prices on its recently released foldable smartphone, the OnePlus Open, just ahead of the key holiday shopping season. The discounts, available from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, drop the price by $200 or more.
Overview of the OnePlus Open Foldable Smartphone
The OnePlus Open was unveiled in late 2022 as the company’s first foldable smartphone. Key features include:
- Foldable 7.6″ QXGA+ AMOLED main display
- 6.5” HD+ AMOLED cover display
- Flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon processor
- 50MP main camera, 32MP selfie camera
- 4600 mAh battery with fast charging
- Premium design with water and dust resistance
The phone launched at a premium price point between $1700-$1800, positioning it as a high-end foldable to compete with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4.
Details of Holiday Discounts and Deals
In a bid to boost lackluster sales amid a contracting smartphone market, OnePlus has introduced major price cuts on the Open:
| Retailer | Discount | New Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | $200 off | $1,399 |
| Best Buy | Up to $350 off with activation | $1,449 |
The discounts come just ahead of the post-Christmas shopping rush and are much steeper than typical smartphone markdowns this early after launch.
Sites like Android Police have called it an “unprecedented” pre-holiday deal for a foldable from a major brand. Analysts note the discounts suggest the phone may have struggled out of the gate with consumers weary of high prices.
In addition to outright discounts, Best Buy is offering up to $350 off for new activations from AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile/Sprint. Experts say the carrier deals could help spur lagging sales by effectively subsidizing the cost of the pricey device.
What Triggered the Sudden Price Cut?
Industry observers have floated several theories to explain OnePlus’ sudden pricing shift:
Stiff Competition – The ultra high-end foldable market is getting increasingly crowded. OnePlus faces stiff competition from the popular Galaxy Z Fold series and rising brands like Oppo and Vivo. Slashing prices helps them stay competitive.
Excess Inventory – OnePlus likely overestimated demand and overproduced supply, leaving them saddled with excess inventory. Price cuts can help clear out stock ahead of the next model launch.
Contraction in Smartphone Market – The smartphone market shrank 9% this year amid economic uncertainty. Price-conscious consumers are hesitant to splurge on luxury devices. Discounting helps attract more buyers.
Maximize Key Selling Season – Price cuts timed for the busy holiday shopping season can rapidly boost sales. OnePlus wants the Open to be a hot item this Christmas to maximize profits.
What Happens Next?
The discounts are only guaranteed through early January, though some speculate OnePlus may maintain lower pricing permanently if sales spike.
Industry experts predict the deals may start a “foldable price war” as more brands use discounts to vie for share in the still-nascent category. A price war could be a double-edged sword: helping attract consumers while slashing profits.
For now, the deals are a holiday gift for foldable fans eager to try OnePlus’ premium device at a more affordable cost point. With carriers like Verizon offering extra incentives, many consumers who’ve been intrigued but hesitant may finally take the plunge into their first foldable phone thanks to the Open’s timely discount.
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