OnePlus has finally unveiled its latest software update, OxygenOS 15, and it’s raising eyebrows for its interesting mix of inspiration and independence. With Oppo’s ColorOS 15 already making headlines for its iOS-inspired features, many were concerned that OxygenOS 15 would follow suit. But thankfully, OnePlus has struck a balance.
While OxygenOS 15 does borrow some ideas from Apple, it avoids becoming a complete iOS clone. One prominent example is the new “Dynamic Cloud,” a pill-shaped floating window that appears at the top of the screen, similar to the Dynamic Island on iPhones. It works with apps like Spotify, Recorder, and even some third-party apps, providing a convenient way to access app controls and notifications. However, it’s not universally supported, notably missing from apps like YouTube Music and OnePlus’s own O Relax app, leaving a bit of inconsistency.
Another feature that’s clearly inspired by iOS is the dynamic lock screen. You can create multiple custom lock screen and home screen styles and easily switch between them. The lock screen also offers customizable clock styles and a depth effect that lets photos of people or pets pop out from the background. However, a strange “Word Art” feature for the wallpaper adds pre-determined phrases like “Keep Movin'” or “Game On” to the background or foreground. The limited selection and inability to customize or remove these phrases entirely feels unnecessary and a bit annoying.
While ColorOS 15 boasts a wider range of lock screen and widget customization options, many of which seem directly inspired by iOS, these features are absent in OxygenOS 15. You can still personalize the lock screen, but the limited options might leave you sticking with a plain background instead.
OnePlus has always emphasized the speed and fluidity of OxygenOS, and OxygenOS 15 continues this tradition with the introduction of Parallel Processing. This technology aims to prevent lag, especially for users who multitask frequently. However, its real-world impact may vary, depending on your usage patterns and how much you pay attention to animation smoothness. While OxygenOS 15 certainly feels fast, it can sometimes feel a bit labored in its quest for a seamless experience.
In the Games app, an updated Toolkit introduces features like frame rate increase, 4D vibration mode, Quick Start, and in-game time tracking. While the 4D vibration feature wasn’t available in the Asphalt Legends Unite game I tested, the Adaptive Frame Booster and Hyper Resolution worked well, making the game look and run smoothly. However, it’s hard to tell how much of the smooth experience is due to the game mode tweaks and how much is attributed to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and the excellent screen.
OnePlus has also implemented AI photo-editing tools in the Gallery app. The AI Editor includes the AI Eraser, which effectively removes unwanted elements from photos, and three new tools: AI Detail Boost, AI Reflection Eraser, and AI Unblur. The AI Eraser successfully removed a person from a photo and seamlessly blended the background, while the AI Detail Boost effectively sharpened a cropped image, enhancing its overall quality.
Beyond these AI-powered tools, OxygenOS 15 also introduces new icon designs, a redesigned Shelf with improved customization, and a handy feature that lets you share files effortlessly with iPhones. There’s also a “Theft Protection” feature that uses the accelerometer and other factors to automatically lock your phone if it’s suspected to be stolen.
Google Gemini, a powerful AI model, powers various productivity tools in OxygenOS 15. AI Notes can generate summaries, change formatting, enhance text, and expand bullet points. AI Reply offers context-aware responses in apps like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram. Intelligent Search, though not available on all OnePlus devices, aims to provide answers based on a single search phrase, while Circle to Search, a feature found on many Android phones, is designed to facilitate quick searches.
In conclusion, while some might be disappointed by the absence of a few expected features from ColorOS 15, OxygenOS 15 ultimately delivers a pleasant surprise. It retains the core strengths of OnePlus’ software, offering a smooth and fast user experience with some valuable additions. However, the limitations of certain features and the unavailability of some AI tools on all OnePlus devices raise concerns. Overall, OxygenOS 15 is a promising step forward for OnePlus, and it’s likely to be a welcome update for many users.