OnePlus has completed its transformation with the release of OxygenOS 15 this week. The update, based on Android 15, for the OnePlus 12 showcases what a company can accomplish when it acknowledges its past errors and commits to rectifying them.
With the Android 15 update already available for OnePlus 12, OnePlus is now among the select few companies that have rolled out the update to their phones within a month of Google’s OS release. In contrast, Samsung has indicated that their Android 15 beta release may take another month, followed by the full One UI 7 release in early 2025. If I had to bet on which company would release the Android 15 update first, I would have definitely lost the wager.
As a OnePlus 12 user, I am pleased that OnePlus has managed to deliver such a significant update in such a short time frame. OnePlus 12 users can expect to receive the update on their phones this week, while other OnePlus phone models will receive the update in the coming weeks and months.
This makes the OnePlus 12 a compelling choice to consider during this year’s Black Friday sales. Already, there have been great deals on this phone, with a sale price of $649 this week. However, if you can wait for Black Friday, you may be able to get an even better deal.
Having reviewed numerous phones this year, the OnePlus 12 remains my favorite. Here’s why I believe you’ll also enjoy using it.
A refreshing look and feel
OxygenOS 15 features a fresh design and refined icons, along with a robust theme engine reminiscent of OxygenOS’s earlier days. The update introduces several new features and options that are sure to excite users.
The notification shade can now be split to accommodate more quick toggles in a separate section from notifications. Users can swipe between these panes, enhancing the usability of this iOS-style feature.
Following the trend, OnePlus has introduced a Dynamic Island-style pop-up notification for the punch-hole camera on the display, though it is disabled by default. This feature currently has limited app support, making it more viable for select first-party OnePlus apps.
The new animations and optional frosted glass UI elements add to the aesthetics, appealing to users who appreciate attention to detail in the UI design.
The haptics system enhances the overall user experience, as evidenced by the tactile response when interacting with sliders, keys, or unlocking the device with the fingerprint sensor.
AI to the rescue
While OnePlus phones may not be known for their cameras, the OnePlus 12 surprises with its unique Hasselblad color tuning engine and impressive telephoto sensor.
The new AI features enhance the camera capabilities further. Features like AI Detail Boost and AI Unblur improve image quality, while the reflection eraser tool and global search app offer additional functionality.
The multitasking experience has been upgraded to resemble the OnePlus Canvas software, enhancing usability with floating windows, a smart sidebar, and smoother app switching.
There are many other enhancements in this update that contribute to an exceptional user experience, making the OnePlus 12 a standout choice. Despite having access to multiple Android phones, I continue to prefer the OnePlus 12, and I believe you will also appreciate its value, especially if you grab one at a discount during Black Friday.
Now even better
The OnePlus 12 may be the most underrated flagship of 2024. It has a great design and a superb camera that rivals other flagships like the Galaxy S24 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Now, with OxygenOS 15, it’s one of the first to get Android 15, offering plenty of new AI features.