2 min readOPPO today announced its latest tablet-style foldable - the Find N3 - and unlike its two predecessors, the handset will be available in Australia. This makes OPPO the only manufacturer to have seriously contested Samsung in Australia, which has dominated the form factor locally with the Galaxy Fold series.
While Samsung has had rivals launch internationally - the most high profile being the Pixel Fold - none of these have made it to Australia. Local availability of the Find N3 poses an interesting opportunity for OPPO. WhistleOut's internal Share of Voice data (the relative popularity of devices with consumers comparing phone plans) shows that Australians have consistently been interested in tablet-style foldables than flip-style foldables like Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip series and the Motorola Razr reboots.
This data is corroborated by Samsung Australia's former Vice President of Mobile Experience, Garry McGregor, who previously told WhistleOut that Australia is the one country where the Galaxy Fold outsells the Flip. This is despite the Fold costing considerably more than the Flip.
OPPO's Find N3 will also come in at a premium price point when it launches in November, retailing for $2,699 for a 512GB configuration. That's $100 more than the entry-level 256GB Galaxy Z Fold 5, but $100 less than the 512GB model. OPPO has yet to confirm a specific on-sale date, or which retailers will be ranging the Find N3.
OPPO Australia Managing Director Michael Tran told WhistleOut the manufacturer's local performance has already been strong in foldable space, with the Find N2 Flip selling out its initial release within the first few weeks.
"Building on the local success of the Find N2 Flip earlier this year, we're confident that the Find N3 will captivate Australian consumers with its stunning design, ground-breaking technology and uncompromised viewing experience," said Tran.
When it comes to the Find N3 itself, the device is pitched as a traditional smartphone that unfolds into a tablet. The external display measures in at 6.3-inch, and has a fairly conventional aspect ratio. This is in contrast to Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold family, where the external display is tall and narrow.
When unfolded the Find N3 becomes a 7.8-inch tablet. The internal display is made from ultra-fine glass, and protected with a self-healing layer designed to minimise scuffs and scratches. Tran told WhistleOut that it's similar to the paint protection film used to protect cars.
In terms of durability, the Find N3 is rated IPX4 for splash-resistance. This means it's protected against rain, for example, but not submersion. For comparison, Samsung's foldables are rated IPX8 for water-resistance. OPPO says the Find N3 can survive up to one million folds.
Other key specifications include a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, 120Hz refresh rates on both displays, 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a 4,800mAh battery with fast charging. A 30-minute charge will take the Find N3 from flat to 80%.
In terms of cameras, the Find N3 has a 48MP primary lens, 48MP ultra-wide lens, and 64MP 3x zoom lens. There's a 32MP selfie camera in the external display, and a 20MP selfie camera in the internal display.
Locally, the Find N3 will only be available in black, with a vegan leather back.
Disclosure: This author travelled to Singapore as a guest of OPPO Australia for the global launch of the Find N3
