Oppo is bringing a cheap foldable phone to market — one that could seriously shake up the clamshell segment dominated by Samsung. According to a report from GSMArena, the company is developing an affordable flip-style device priced at around CNY 5,000 (approximately Rs 58,000), undercutting the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3's launch price of Rs 84,999 by a significant margin.
Oppo Bringing Cheap Foldable to Challenge Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
Oppo's entry into the affordable foldable space follows the success of the Oppo Find N, the brand's first foldable phone that launched with a book-style form factor similar to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. The upcoming device, however, takes a different direction — a clamshell design that folds vertically, much like the Galaxy Z Flip 3. This positions Oppo directly against Samsung in one of the most sought-after foldable form factors.
The most compelling aspect of this new device is its rumored price. At approximately Rs 58,000, it would be nearly Rs 27,000 cheaper than the Galaxy Z Flip 3 at launch. For consumers who have been eyeing a foldable flip phone but balked at premium pricing, Oppo's entry could be a game-changer.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ Processor Under the Hood
On the performance front, Oppo's upcoming clamshell foldable is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ processor — one of the most powerful mobile chipsets available at the time of its expected launch. This suggests Oppo is not cutting corners on performance even while targeting a lower price point. No further hardware specifications have been officially confirmed, and the company has yet to release any official details about the device.
Oppo Find N Specifications: What Came Before
To understand how far Oppo has come in the foldable space, it helps to look at the Find N. The inner display measures 7.1 inches and features a 12-layer Siren display panel with a FlexOn hinge designed for smooth, crease-free folding. The outer cover display is 5.49 inches. The inner screen uses an LTPO panel with a dynamic 120Hz refresh rate, and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protects both displays.
| Specification | Oppo Find N |
|---|---|
| Inner Display | 7.1 inches, LTPO, 120Hz |
| Outer Display | 5.49 inches |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB UFS 3.1 |
| Battery | 4,500mAh |
| Charging | 33W SuperVOOC |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP + 16MP + 13MP |
| Primary Sensor | 50MP Sony IMX 766 |
The Find N runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 paired with 12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB UFS 3.1 internal storage. Its 4,500mAh battery supports 33W SuperVOOC flash charging. Photography is handled by a triple rear camera system: a 50MP Sony IMX 766 primary sensor, a 16MP ultra-wide angle lens, and a 13MP telephoto sensor.
Why This Matters for the Foldable Market
The foldable phone market has long been associated with eye-watering prices, keeping most consumers on the sidelines. Samsung has been the dominant force, but its devices remain expensive for the average buyer. Oppo entering the clamshell segment at a noticeably lower price — while packing flagship-tier silicon like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ — signals a broader shift in the industry.
If Oppo can deliver a polished clamshell experience at Rs 58,000, it would validate the idea that foldable phones can be made accessible without sacrificing core performance. Competition at this price point would also likely push Samsung to reconsider its own pricing strategy over time.
No official launch date has been announced by Oppo. All details currently stem from leaked reports and industry sources, so consumers should treat the CNY 5,000 price and Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ specifications as unconfirmed until the company makes an official announcement.
