OxygenOS 15 (Android 15) is actually awesome.

Summary

The stable release of Android 15 with OxygenOS 5 has started rolling out for the OnePlus 12, bringing several new features and improvements. Key updates include enhanced animations, a revamped Quick Access Control Center, AI-powered photo enhancements like unblur and reflection eraser, and a customizable lock screen with Flux themes. The system is now more efficient with a smaller footprint, and battery protection features, like charging to 80%, have been added. While AI features like smart replies and intelligent search are expected in future updates, the current version sets a solid foundation for the OnePlus 12 with performance and visual upgrades.

Takeaways

• 😀 Oxygen OS 15 is now rolling out for OnePlus 12 devices, but some AI features are still missing and will be available in future updates.
• 😀 Performance improvements include smoother animations when opening and closing apps, with shimmering effects when charging or unlocking the device.
• 😀 UI changes bring a new monochrome theme to the settings and updated widget fonts, alongside customizable icons with options like 'Radiance' and 'Shadow'.
• 😀 The system size has been reduced, with the OS now taking up under 8 GB, optimizing storage space.
• 😀 The Quick Access Shelf has expanded with more widget options, including resizable ones up to 4x4, providing more utility and data at a glance.
• 😀 The Control Center has been revamped with two distinct panels for easier access, mimicking iOS functionality.
• 😀 New 'Live Alert' feature adds floating controls around the punch hole notch, similar to iOS' Dynamic Island, for quick access to settings and notifications.
• 😀 The lock screen is now customizable with flux themes, offering the ability to add images, widgets, and apply effects like blur or glass.
• 😀 Multitasking is enhanced with floating window features, drag-and-drop functionality between apps, and customizable split-screen ratios.
• 😀 A new 'Private Safe Mode' allows users to organize hidden files into separate folders for better security and easier access.
• 😀 Battery health is improved with an option to limit charging to 80% if left plugged in for extended periods, like overnight.
• 😀 The 'Share with iPhone' feature allows file transfers between OnePlus and iPhones but requires the OnePlus Connect app on the iPhone for functionality.
• 😀 Offline device tracking for OnePlus 12 can locate the device for up to 24 hours after it's powered off, offering a safety net if the phone is lost.
• 😀 Upcoming AI features include photo unblur, reflection eraser, AI-powered replies, and enhanced search functions for personal content.
• 😀 The Theft Protection Mode adds extra security in case the device is lost or stolen, with additional tracking and security options.

Q & A

What are the main visual and performance improvements in OxygenOS 15 for OnePlus 12?

OxygenOS 15 introduces smoother animations for opening and closing apps, enhancing overall performance. It also adds shimmering effects when charging or unlocking the phone, and a new Halo low fingerprint animation. Additionally, the UI has been refined with a more minimalistic theme and brighter app icons.

What new customization options are available for the home screen and widgets in OxygenOS 15?

OxygenOS 15 offers improved home screen widget customization with resizing options (1x1, 2x2, 4x4), allowing for more data at a glance. It also introduces new icon customization options like 'Radiance' and 'Shadow' for more personalized icon styles, as well as a new toggle for 'Adopt System Colors' to enhance dynamic color effects.

How has the Quick Access Control Center been changed in OxygenOS 15?

The Quick Access Control Center has been redesigned into two distinct panels. Swiping from the top-right opens the control center, while swiping from the top-left reveals the notification shade. There's also a 'Live Alert' feature similar to iOS's dynamic island, allowing quick access to widgets and floating panels.

What is the new feature added to the lock screen in OxygenOS 15?

OxygenOS 15 introduces Flux themes for the lock screen, allowing dynamic customization of images, text, and widgets. Users can add widgets like step count or weather information, and apply effects like blur or glass to the selected photos. The lock screen can also respond to interactions with seamless animations.

What improvements have been made to multitasking and floating windows in OxygenOS 15?

The floating window management feature has been expanded in OxygenOS 15, allowing users to drag and drop content between apps, such as moving an image from Photos into Notes. The split-screen mode has also been improved with adjustable ratios, making multitasking more flexible.

What changes have been made to private safe mode in OxygenOS 15?

OxygenOS 15 enhances private safe mode by allowing users to organize hidden files into separate folders, improving file management and security. Previously, all hidden files were stored in a single folder, which was less efficient.

What battery protection feature is included in OxygenOS 15?

OxygenOS 15 includes a battery protection feature that caps charging at 80% if the phone is plugged in for an extended period, such as overnight. This feature helps protect the battery from overcharging and can be toggled on or off in the settings.

How does the new AI functionality in OxygenOS 15 enhance the user experience?

OxygenOS 15 introduces several AI features, though some are not available in the initial release. These include AI unblur for sharpening blurry images, AI reflection eraser to remove reflections from photos, and AI detail boost to upscale images to 4K resolution while retaining quality. Other features include AI-powered writing suggestions and AI contextual replies for messages.

What security features have been added in OxygenOS 15?

OxygenOS 15 introduces offline tracking, which allows users to locate their device for up to 24 hours after it powers off. Additionally, a 'Theft Protection' mode adds extra security measures to help protect your phone if it's lost or stolen.

What is the 'Share with iPhone' feature in OxygenOS 15, and how does it work?

The 'Share with iPhone' feature allows OnePlus users to send files to iPhone users using the 'O Plus Connect' app. However, it requires the recipient to download and open the app every time they want to receive or send files, which makes it less convenient compared to other file-sharing methods.