OnePlus OxygenOS 15
OxygenOS 15 represents a significant evolution in the software experience for OnePlus devices, building on the latest Android 15. This update introduces a plethora of new user interface changes, advanced AI features, security enhancements, and multitasking improvements. Having spent time using the closed beta on a OnePlus 12, we’ve compiled an in-depth review of what to expect from this new iteration of OxygenOS. The open beta is set to be released later this month, and the final build is expected later this year. Let’s delve into the details of OxygenOS 15.
Design Overhaul
Visual Changes
The design philosophy behind OxygenOS 15 is focused on subtle yet impactful changes. While it does not completely redesign the look and feel of the OS, it introduces several significant visual enhancements.
One of the most noticeable changes is the introduction of new icons for all first-party apps, including Calculator, Clock, Photos, Settings, Recorder, and Weather. However, these icons are static, lacking the animations that competitors offer. The absence of color variations for light and dark modes is also a missed opportunity, which could have enhanced the visual appeal further.
Customization Options
Customization continues to be a hallmark of OxygenOS. Users can still modify app icons and take advantage of two new themes—Radiance and Shadow—while also utilizing any custom icon packs they’ve installed. The default shape of icons remains square, with no circular options like those found in ColorOS.
The notifications and quick settings pages have received notable updates as well. Users now have the option to split these pages into two, akin to the layout used by iOS, providing a more organized interface. This is an optional feature, allowing those who prefer the traditional layout to retain it.
Enhanced Homescreen and Lockscreen Features
OxygenOS 15 offers a variety of enhancements for home and lockscreen customization. Users can now apply style filters to their wallpapers, achieving effects reminiscent of Nothing OS, but with a broader range of options. A blur filter can also be applied, adding depth to the visual experience.
The number of default wallpapers has significantly increased, with some live wallpapers now supporting HDR. For the lockscreen, users have the same wallpaper options as the homescreen, along with a new customizable clock feature. This allows for adjustments in clock font, size, and color. Additionally, the lockscreen can recognize objects and apply depth effects, similar to iOS features.
Typography and Minor Changes
Typography has also seen some adjustments, with the default font, One Sans, becoming bolder in many contexts. Although the default font remains Roboto, One Sans enhances the overall aesthetic.
OxygenOS 15 includes an “advanced visual effects” option that applies blur effects to backgrounds of notifications and quick settings. However, this feature appeared to be always on in our beta tests, making it seem more suited for budget devices where users might want to enable it for visual flair.
Smart Suggestions to Live Alerts
A significant transformation is seen in the Smart Suggestions feature, which has been renamed Live Alerts. This feature now displays notifications in a dynamic area around the front camera, mimicking iOS’s Dynamic Island. Users can tap this area to view notifications or access floating cards for music playback, timers, and more.
The update also introduces new animations for charging and fingerprint unlocking. The charging animation varies depending on the charger used, providing a vibrant visual experience, while the new fingerprint unlock animation, dubbed Halo, adds a unique touch.
Animation Improvements
Animation Engine Overhaul
OnePlus has completely overhauled the way animations are handled in OxygenOS 15. Previously, animations were processed serially, meaning one had to finish before the next could start. This often resulted in noticeable stutter and delays.
With OxygenOS 15, OnePlus introduces parallel processing for animations, allowing multiple animations to run simultaneously. This means users can trigger a new animation while another is still playing, leading to smoother transitions and a more responsive interface. Although this may not be instantly noticeable, the improvements contribute to a more fluid experience over time.
User Experience Insights
During demonstrations, OnePlus showcased side-by-side comparisons of OxygenOS 14 and 15. However, the differences in animation smoothness were subtle and not easily discernible in everyday use. While the technological advancements are commendable, the practical benefits may only become apparent after prolonged use of the new OS.
AI Features
Expanded AI Capabilities
OxygenOS 15 significantly enhances its AI capabilities, building on the features introduced in previous versions. The Photos app now includes an AI Editor, featuring several new tools: AI Detail Boost, AI Eraser, AI Unblur, and AI Reflection Eraser.
**AI Detail Boost** allows users to upload low-resolution images to the cloud for enhancement. This feature successfully improves image sharpness and detail, although some texture artifacts may remain noticeable upon close inspection.
**AI Eraser** aims to remove unwanted objects from images. While it includes a Smart Lasso tool for selection, results can be inconsistent. The effectiveness of this feature varies based on the subject’s position and the background, leading to mixed outcomes.
**AI Unblur** functions similarly to AI Detail Boost, leveraging cloud processing to rectify motion blur caused by camera movement. Results are generally favorable for such scenarios, although it struggles with blur resulting from moving subjects.
**AI Reflection Eraser** is a more challenging feature that attempts to remove reflections from images. In practice, this feature has shown limited effectiveness.
Intelligent Search and Other AI Functions
Beyond the Photos app, OxygenOS 15 introduces Intelligent Search, a feature that uses natural language processing to help users locate files across apps. This tool, although not fully available during our testing, promises to streamline file management.
Other notable AI features include:
– **AI Notes**: This tool enhances note-taking by formatting and polishing text within the OnePlus Notes app.
– **AI Reply**: An AI-driven reply generator for messaging apps, it analyzes conversations to suggest contextually appropriate responses.
– **Pass Scan**: A feature that scans boarding passes for easy storage in Google Wallet.
Multitasking and Performance Enhancements
Open Canvas for Improved Multitasking
One of the standout features in OxygenOS 15 is the introduction of Open Canvas, which enhances multitasking on candy bar devices. This feature allows users to split the screen between two apps with greater flexibility. A new Shrink option minimizes one app to give focus to the other, making split-screen multitasking more user-friendly.
Performance Optimizations
OnePlus claims that OxygenOS 15 is 20% smaller than its predecessor. However, during our testing, we found that the OS took up an additional 4-5GB of storage on the OnePlus 12. While this increase is relatively modest, the discrepancy between claims and actual performance may be disappointing to some users.
Benchmark testing indicated that performance remains stable across both versions, meaning users can expect consistent performance regardless of their chosen OS iteration.
Security Enhancements
Advanced Security Features
OxygenOS 15 introduces several security improvements that enhance user safety. A new theft protection system uses data from the device’s gyroscope to detect sudden movements or acceleration. If a theft is suspected, the device locks itself, requiring biometric authentication for access.
In addition, the OS locks the device if the SIM card is removed or if it remains offline, further safeguarding user data.
Phone Manager App
In a departure from its previous stance, OnePlus has introduced a Phone Manager app, which checks for viruses, cleans storage, and evaluates payment apps. This type of software has often been criticized for causing unnecessary paranoia among users about potential threats. Many OnePlus fans may find this app unwelcome, as it diverges from the company’s earlier approach of maintaining a clean, bloat-free interface.
Conclusion
OxygenOS 15 offers an array of visual enhancements, improved AI capabilities, and multitasking features that collectively enhance the user experience. While it brings some notable improvements, the update raises concerns about originality and the increasingly apparent influence of iOS on the design and functionality of the OS.
The transition from a unique take on stock Android to an experience that feels similar to iOS could alienate longtime OnePlus users who appreciated the brand’s distinctiveness. The lack of exclusive features or a strong identity within the OxygenOS platform leads to questions about what truly defines the OnePlus experience.
However, for new users, OxygenOS 15 presents a solid and visually appealing interface, packed with features that enhance both functionality and security. As the open beta rollout begins, it will be interesting to see how current users adapt to these changes and whether OnePlus can reclaim its unique identity moving forward.
With OxygenOS 15, OnePlus continues to evolve, but it remains to be seen if this evolution aligns with the expectations of its loyal user base. For those new to OnePlus, this update should offer a fresh and polished experience, making it an exciting time for prospective users and current fans alike.