Yes, the OnePlus Open Apex Edition in Crimson Red was officially launched on October 16, 2023, as a limited variant of the OnePlus Open foldable smartphone. It is not a new model but a special color and storage edition, featuring a deep crimson vegan leather back, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage, alongside exclusive software features. This article covers what makes the Apex Edition different, its availability, pricing context, and how it compares to the standard OnePlus Open.
What Is the OnePlus Open Apex Edition?
The OnePlus Open Apex Edition is a premium version of the OnePlus Open, announced a few weeks after the original device’s launch. The key differences are:
- Color: Crimson Red (officially called “Crimson Shadow”) with a vegan leather back, replacing the standard green or black glass options.
- Storage and RAM: 16 GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1 TB UFS 4.0 storage, double the base model’s 16 GB/512 GB configuration.
- Exclusive software: A VIP mode that disables cameras and microphones via a physical switch, plus a custom boot animation and wallpaper.
- Accessories: Includes a matching crimson case and a 100-watt SUPERVOOC charger in the box.
The device is otherwise identical to the standard OnePlus Open: same 7.82-inch foldable AMOLED display, same Hasselblad-tuned camera system, same 4,805 mAh battery, and same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor.
Launch Date and Availability
The Apex Edition was announced on October 16, 2023, and went on sale in the United States, Canada, and Europe shortly after. In the U.S., it launched at $1,899.99, which was $200 more than the base model’s $1,699.99 price. In Europe, it was priced at €1,899, and in the UK at £1,599. The device was sold through OnePlus’s official website and select retailers, often with trade-in offers. It was marketed as a limited edition, though OnePlus did not specify a production cap.
Why Crimson? Design and Materials
The crimson color is not just a paint job. OnePlus used a vegan leather material on the back, which is softer and provides more grip than glass. The frame is a matching dark red metal, and the camera module has a subtle red ring around the Hasselblad branding. The design draws inspiration from classic luxury watch straps and camera leather textures. The vegan leather is more resistant to fingerprints and scratches than glossy glass, but it is still susceptible to scuffs if dropped. The color itself is a deep, muted red, not bright or orange, and it looks different under warm and cool lighting.
VIP Mode: A Unique Hardware Switch
The Apex Edition adds a physical alert slider on the left side with three positions: Silent, Vibrate, and VIP. The VIP mode is a new feature that, when activated, disables all cameras (front and rear), the microphones, and the location services at the hardware level. This is intended for privacy-sensitive situations like confidential meetings. The switch is mechanical, so it cannot be overridden by software. When you turn VIP mode on, a red indicator appears on the screen, and the camera app becomes inaccessible. To re-enable, you slide the switch back. This is a genuinely useful feature for business users, and it is exclusive to the Apex Edition—the standard OnePlus Open does not have it.
How Does It Compare to the Standard OnePlus Open?
Beyond the color and storage, the two phones are identical in performance and cameras. The main reasons to choose the Apex Edition are:
- You want 1 TB of storage (the standard model tops out at 512 GB).
- You prefer the leather texture over glass.
- You value the VIP mode for privacy.
- You want the limited-edition look.
If none of those matter, the standard model saves you $200 and offers the same experience. The Apex Edition does not have a better screen, faster charging, or an improved camera. It is purely a premium aesthetic and capacity upgrade. Some users have noted that the crimson leather picks up dirt and oil over time, but it can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the Apex Edition has a different hinge or is more durable. It uses the same hinge as the standard model, rated for 400,000 folds. Another is that the VIP mode is a software toggle—it is not, it is a physical switch. Also, the 1 TB storage is UFS 4.0, the fastest standard, but it does not support microSD expansion, so you cannot add more later. The device supports eSIM and dual SIM, but the second SIM slot is a physical nano-SIM, not a second eSIM. The battery charging speed is the same 67W wired and 50W wireless as the standard model, despite the included 100W charger—the phone caps at 67W.
Is It Still Worth Buying in 2024?
As of 2024, the Apex Edition is no longer sold new on OnePlus’s official site in many regions, but it may still be available through third-party sellers or as open-box stock. If you can find it at or near the original price, it is a solid choice if you want the extra storage and the unique look. However, newer foldables have since launched with updated processors and cameras, so the OnePlus Open (including the Apex Edition) is now a previous-generation device. The software support is still active—OnePlus promises four years of Android updates and five years of security patches—so it will remain functional for years. But if you are comparing it to a 2024 foldable, the Apex Edition is not the latest hardware. For most users, the standard OnePlus Open at a discounted price is a better value, unless the crimson color and 1 TB are must-haves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the OnePlus Open Apex Edition still in production?
No, it was a limited release in late 2023. OnePlus has not announced any restocks, and it is largely sold out through official channels. You may find new or used units on third-party marketplaces, but prices vary.
Does the Apex Edition have a better camera than the standard OnePlus Open?
No, the camera hardware and software are identical. Both have a 48 MP main sensor, a 48 MP ultrawide, and a 64 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. The only difference is the red ring around the camera lens.
Can I get the VIP mode on the standard OnePlus Open?
No, the VIP mode requires the physical switch that is only present on the Apex Edition. It cannot be added via software update.
What is the battery life like on the Apex Edition?
It is the same as the standard OnePlus Open: a 4,805 mAh dual-cell battery that typically lasts a full day with moderate use. Charging is 67W wired and 50W wireless, reaching about 100% in 42 minutes with the included charger.
Is the crimson leather back durable?
Vegan leather is resistant to scratches and fingerprints, but it can be punctured or torn by sharp objects. It is softer than glass, so it may show indentation from keys or coins in your pocket. A case is recommended if you want to preserve the finish.
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