OnePlus recently released OxygenOS 15, a major software update based on Android 15 (being one of the fastest to do that), which enhances user experience by introducing new features focused on creativity and productivity. After spending a week exploring the update, we’ve noticed key improvements in animation fluidity, AI integration, and usability across our OnePlus 12. But also, the Chinese producer is the first to introduce a sharing feature with iOS ecosystem, which makes OnePlus 12, Nord 4 and the upcoming OnePlus 13 even more interesting in terms of experience and professional usage.
Here’s a deep dive into what’s new and our experience with the revamped OxygenOS.
OxygenOS 15: our impressions
After using OxygenOS 15 on the OnePlus 12 for more than a week, we’ve found it delivers a noticeably smoother and visually pleasant experience. The new animations, enhanced multitasking, and quicker app transitions made everyday tasks feel effortless. Social media browsing felt precise and smoother, with app launches remaining fast.
OnePlus added thoughtful touches like swipe gestures for Quick Settings, allowing users to switch between classic and modern styles. An option to share content with iPhone users is a welcome addition, alongside the classic feature for Windows. For fans, the company has even brought back its iconic Easter egg in the calculator app.
Battery performance is consistent, with low standby drain, while the camera continues to impress with sharp photos and video. Although the AI editing tools in the gallery need refinement, the update adds depth to an already feature-rich device.
Streamlined storage and system resposnsiveness
In a refreshing move against industry trends, OxygenOS 15 reduces the ROM’s footprint by 20%, giving users approximately 5GB more available storage. While modest, this increase reflects OnePlus’s efforts to streamline its OS by optimizing app and resource management.
System responsiveness has also been refined. Thanks to the Trinity Engine’s Luminous Rendering Engine, animations are now smoother yet faster, enhancing multitasking with a more responsive feel. With Parallel Processing, transitions become seamless and stable, even under heavy use. The result? An uninterrupted and agile experience across all applications.
Pictures are even better
The photo editor within OxygenOS 15 has received a significant update, empowering users to enhance their creative output with features like:
- 4K Sharpening: This function uses photo interpolation to increase detail for sharper, high-resolution images.
- AI Remover: Equipped with smart selection tools, this feature allows users to quickly remove people or objects with a click or through manual selection.
- Focus Restore: For reducing motion blur in images, improving clarity.
- Reflection Removal: Specifically designed to eliminate lens glare, improving photo quality in bright settings.
New AI tools features
To support productivity, OxygenOS 15 introduces several AI-powered features:
- AI Notes: Automatically summarizes notes, streamlining information organization.
- AI Reply: Offers smart reply options for messages across platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat.
- Intelligent Search: Enhanced text search functions that are activated by simply initiating a conversation.
- Circle to Search: A quick and efficient AI feature for fast in-system searches.
- Pass Scan: Simplifies the scanning of boarding passes directly into Google Wallet, adding convenience for frequent travelers.
- Theft Protection: Introduced through Android 15, this feature enhances security against device theft.
The Luminous Rendering Engine powers new animations that enrich the OxygenOS experience. From system-wide animations that cover widgets, components, and folders to smoother transitions in third-party apps, OnePlus ensures fluidity in all interactions.
In addition, OxygenOS 15 introduces a fresh visual design. The Home Screen gets updated icons with balanced proportions and improved colors for clarity, while Flux Themes offer extensive customization options for the Always-On Display (AOD), Lock Screen, and Home Screen. The revamped icons and real-time lighting and shadow effects make for a modern, polished look.
The new Live Alerts system presents real-time notifications with a central layout, expanding into detailed cards with a single tap. Floating windows and split-view options allow for versatile multitasking—simply drag to adjust or tap for a broader viewing area.
Notably, a Charging Limit function stops charging at 80%, preserving battery life and preventing degradation. Other upgrades, like improved Holo Audio for calls and enhanced animations, further polish the OxygenOS experience.
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