OxygenOS 15: Every New Feature Explained
OnePlus has recently rolled out its much-anticipated OxygenOS 15 update, based on Android 15, and it is being lauded as their most refined update yet. From the latest design updates to the powerful new features, OxygenOS 15 is a game-changer for OnePlus users, especially those looking for a smooth, efficient, and highly customizable experience. Let’s dive into everything that makes this update stand out, feature by feature, so you can get a comprehensive overview of what’s new.
Design and Visual Enhancements
OxygenOS 15 brings a fresh, polished look that is reminiscent of the classic OxygenOS style, with updates that feel sleek and modern. System icons have been redesigned with rounded edges, offering a more cohesive and visually appealing interface. The entire system features smoother, bouncier effects, along with a new, visually pleasing charging animation and fingerprint unlock animation named “Halo.” This design overhaul also reintroduces the beloved black, white, and red theme, a classic look for long-time OnePlus fans. The stock icons on the home screen now boast brighter colors with improved shadows, along with new icon styles like Radiance and Shadow that offer a unique retro feel or darker, abstract themes. The clock and widgets have also been refreshed, sporting bigger, more aesthetic designs.
Additionally, OnePlus has updated the Shelf widgets with a design that complements the new interface and provides a more functional experience for users. These design changes, while subtle, significantly enhance the visual experience and usability, giving the UI a polished, modern feel.
Customization with Flux Themes
One of the most exciting features in OxygenOS 15 is the introduction of “Flux Themes” in the wallpapers and style section, allowing users to personalize their device like never before. With preset themes, users can now customize their lock screen, always-on display, and wallpaper seamlessly. A unique addition to Flux Themes is the “depth effect,” which allows the wallpaper’s main subject to stand out against the lock screen’s clock or text. Users can even crop subjects from the wallpaper to create visually distinct lock screens that enhance personalization.
The customization options don’t end there. OxygenOS 15 allows users to modify the size and color of the lock screen clock, add extra information like weather or step count, and add motivational quotes or large word art to the lock screen for an extra personal touch.
Multitasking Upgrades
OxygenOS 15 takes multitasking to the next level with improved split-view and floating window capabilities. Users can now adjust the split-view divider, giving one app more screen space than the other, a feature dubbed “Open Canvas.” Additionally, OnePlus has introduced the option to save app pairs, allowing users to quickly launch two apps together in split view from a single shortcut on the home screen. New gesture controls for floating windows make the experience even more fluid; for instance, you can open notifications in a floating window with a simple swipe gesture, swipe down to expand, or swipe up to close the window.
New Split Mode for Notifications and Quick Settings
Borrowing a page from iOS, OxygenOS 15 introduces a split-mode for notifications and Quick Settings, where swiping from the left side of the status bar reveals notifications, and swiping from the right reveals Quick Settings. This layout helps users easily access notifications without having to switch panels manually, improving both functionality and user experience.
AI-Driven Features
OxygenOS 15 leverages AI for several new tools designed to improve usability. Among these is the AI Reply feature, which offers intelligent suggestions for messaging apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Snapchat. The intelligent sidebar analyzes messages and offers responses with varied tones, ideal for when users need help crafting a quick reply.
The Notes app now includes an AI assistant to assist with formatting, restructuring, or even enhancing text, which makes it easier for users to take and manage notes efficiently. Global Search has also been enhanced with “Intelligent Search,” which lets users search their device files more deeply, making it easier to find specific items quickly.
For travelers, OxygenOS 15 introduces Pass Scan, an AI-powered feature that lets users add their boarding passes to Google Wallet directly from the OnePlus photo app. This streamlined process is designed for convenience and accessibility, especially for frequent travelers.
Camera Enhancements with AI
OnePlus has integrated AI-based features into the camera system as well. The new AI Unblur attempts to enhance slightly out-of-focus shots, though its performance is best with minimal blurring. More impressively, AI Reflection Eraser works to remove glares from photos taken through glass, an improvement that competes well with similar features on high-end devices. Additionally, AI Detail Boost aims to enhance photo clarity, though the differences are often subtle.
Security and Privacy Improvements
OxygenOS 15 introduces several new security features to give users peace of mind. Even if a OnePlus device is powered off, it can still be located via the Find My Device app. The Theft Protection feature detects sudden movement that indicates a device may have been stolen and locks the phone accordingly. Google’s Play Protect now provides live threat detection, identifying any potential malware before users install new apps.
Hidden apps are now accessible through a disguised app in the app drawer, which can be customized to look like any other app for added security. OnePlus also continues to offer the Private Safe feature, allowing users to securely store data in folders protected by a password.
Performance and Efficiency Boost
The latest update incorporates parallel processing, which allows multiple apps to run actions simultaneously. Previously, OnePlus phones would queue actions one after the other, but with parallel processing, multiple apps can perform tasks at the same time, enhancing speed and multitasking capabilities. System storage has also been optimized, reducing the storage used by OxygenOS by up to 20%. This system optimization is particularly beneficial for devices with lower storage capacities.
OxygenOS 15 also improves multi-network handling, ensuring a more accurate and smoother transition between networks, especially in areas with weak or fluctuating signal.
Enhanced Audio with Holo Audio
Audio experience is given an upgrade in this update as well, with Holo Audio. This feature gives audio a more immersive feel, with directional sound effects during music playback, video calls, audiobooks, and even navigation. However, some may find it to be more of a novelty than a major functional upgrade.
Final Verdict on OxygenOS 15
OxygenOS 15 demonstrates OnePlus’s commitment to blending user feedback with fresh features, resulting in an update that feels both nostalgic and innovative. With design updates that echo the early days of OxygenOS, enhanced multitasking capabilities, AI-powered tools, and security and privacy enhancements, OxygenOS 15 is an all-encompassing update that caters to a wide range of user needs. Whether it’s the throwback two-tone theme, increased app responsiveness through parallel processing, or the improved customization options, OxygenOS 15 is a testament to OnePlus’s dedication to delivering a refined user experience for its loyal community.
With such a robust set of features, OxygenOS 15 is bound to enhance both the functional and aesthetic appeal of the OnePlus experience, making it a must-have update for any OnePlus enthusiast.
