OnePlus opened up applications for The Lab (possibly V Fold/Open)

Reviewers may be able to keep the device. You can apply until 4th October 2023.
Adhiraj S. Chauhan

"The Lab" is a unique concept OnePlus first introduced in May 2016 with the OnePlus 3. The OnePlus 6/6T, 7- & 7T-series, 8T-series, 9-series, Nord 2 & Buds Pro, 10 Pro, Nord 2T, 10T, 11, and even their first ever tablet, the Pad, were a part of the program. This unique concept contains answering a few basic questions, including a relatively thorough review of your current device. We recommend taking your time to think about your answers, especially to stand out from the crowd. OnePlus decides which applications they approve, and they'll send devices to the selected reviewers. Assuming all goes well and you complete your review on time, you get to keep the device.

Note: the 7T-series' Lab had it slightly different — participants had to buy the device first, and winners could choose between a full reimbursement of their purchase, or a custom device with their name engraved. This year's iteration (for their first foldable; most probably called Open) is similar to previous ones — there are 3 devices available.

OnePlus also posted a very useful thread explaining the selection process (including dos & don'ts), so give that a read as well. At the time of writing this article, there are 7 days left to apply.

Timeline

  • September 25: applications open
  • October 4: applications close
  • TBD: devices are sent out, then reviews are posted

Only 3 reviewers will be selected, so make sure your application stands out. Try adding links to your existing work, if you have any (photography, news articles, blog posts, YouTube videos, etc). You can also check out this thread (posted 3 years ago), where OnePlus explains the story behind The Lab. A user on OnePlus Community who was also a Lab Reviewer for the 7T, gave some tips when writing an application. They made that post for the 9-series Lab, but it applies here as well.

Who can apply?

OnePlus has stated that only 18+ users from Europe, India, or North America can apply. At least 1 spot is reserved for existing community members (i.e. those who already have OnePlus Community accounts prior to this announcement). Additionally, it seems only OnePlus Community members can apply, because this time they're hosting the application form themselves, which requires logging in. It's not all bad though, as it comes with some improvements over the old 3rd party form:

  • Usernames are automatically added to the form
  • Form can be edited until the deadline
  • OnePlus Community app will notify selected users

How can you apply?

Head to this website and fill the form.

Application deadline

Until 25th June 2023 23:59 EST (GMT -04:00).

FAQ

OnePlus posted the following FAQ:

  • Q: Who is eligible?
    A: All users will be eligible for our program.
  • Q: What criteria will OnePlus use to select the winners?
    A: Your entry will be reviewed based on your photography and writing skills. Other criteria include your tech gadget experience, review history, blogging, and related user-generated content highlighting your writing proficiency. This allows us to determine whether you qualify as a Lab reviewer.
  • Q: When will you ship out the review devices?
    A: We will ship out devices according to the schedule. Depending on the user’s region, Lab Reviewers should receive devices in three to seven calendar days.
  • Q: For how long do reviewers get to create their review thread after receiving the device?
    A: Upon receiving the devices, we allow approximately seven calendar days for reviewers to write their reviews. A follow-up review after using the device for one month is also required.
  • Q: Will reviewers be able to keep the devices?
    A: Yes, provided both reviews are completed and submitted on time.
  • Q: Are Lab reviewers allowed to write critical reviews of the products they received?
    A: Our top priority is to elicit honest feedback, we are committed to publishing user feedback – positive or critical – with zero censorship or influence.

If you're looking for some inspiration, check out previous reviews by The Lab reviewers:

Keep in mind, however, reviewers will have to sign an NDA before they receive the devices. Check out the official post on OnePlus Community, which contains more information, and a sign-up link as well (which we also linked to above).

If you get selected, do let us know, either on our Discord server or over email.

This iteration of The Lab seems to have a stricter selection process, so put some effort into your application as well as your review of the devices. Best of luck! If you'd like to know more about the OnePlus V Fold/Open, you can read our rumour-roundup article. We may write another article when it launches.

Source: OnePlus Community