**OxygenOS 15: Progress Made, Yet Not Fully Capturing the Essence of Legacy OxygenOS**
OnePlus has established itself as a leader in hardware excellence, with devices like the **OnePlus 12** and the **OnePlus Open** recognized as top-tier smartphones available. Nevertheless, the software experience has sparked debate among users in recent times. The latest versions of OxygenOS, especially those based on Android 13 and 14, were plagued with issues, even in their so-called “stable” updates. It often required numerous patches before these versions reached a usable state, leading to significant user dissatisfaction.
With the launch of **OxygenOS 15**, based on **Android 15**, OnePlus aims to rectify these concerns once and for all. While it may not fully match the iconic **OxygenOS 9.5**, this new version marks a notable enhancement compared to the recent updates. Below is an in-depth examination of the features offered by OxygenOS 15 and the buzz it’s creating among OnePlus enthusiasts.
### A Revitalized Interface: Redesigned Notification Pane and Aesthetic Adjustments
OxygenOS 15 may not entirely reinvent the user interface, yet it introduces several design enhancements that lend a more sophisticated and contemporary feel to the system. A prominent change can be found in the **notification shade**, which now features a split-pane layout. This design separates quick toggles from notifications, much like Xiaomi’s MIUI. The split-pane offers a tidier, more organized appearance, but for users who miss the classic unified notification interface, OnePlus has preserved that alternative—an option that is absent in **ColorOS 15**.
Beyond the notification shade, **dynamic icons** make their debut in OxygenOS 15. These icons adapt based on whether light or dark mode is in use, adding a nuanced yet visually pleasing element to the interface. Although these updates may appear trivial, they collectively contribute to a more integrated and attractive user experience.
### Lock Screen Personalization: Inspired by the Best
One of the remarkable aspects of OxygenOS 15 is its extensive **lock screen customization** possibilities. Similar to **iOS 18** and **One UI 6**, OxygenOS 15 empowers users to markedly modify the aesthetics of their lock screens. A variety of preset styles are available, each presenting a sleek, modern design with fluid transitions to the home screen.
This degree of personalization has always been a hallmark of OxygenOS, and it’s reassuring to see OnePlus persist in enhancing this tradition. The new lock screen options are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical, enabling users to adjust their devices according to individual tastes.
### Performance: More Fluid and Lighter Than Ever
OnePlus has made considerable advancements in refining the performance of OxygenOS 15. The company has employed numerous promotional terms to describe these enhancements, but the tangible results are evident: **OxygenOS 15 is notably smoother and more fluid** than its forerunners. Animations exhibit greater refinement, and the overall responsiveness of the UI has seen significant improvement.
Beyond enhanced smoothness, OxygenOS 15 is also **20% lighter** than earlier iterations, resulting in reduced storage usage on your device. This change is particularly beneficial, as it frees up more space for photos, applications, and other content. While it may not seem like a revolutionary enhancement, it’s the kind of subtle improvement that accumulates value over time.
However, one notable absence is the **predictive back gesture** that debuted with Android 15. OnePlus has indicated that it is collaborating with Google to integrate this feature into OxygenOS, but it’s not yet available. Given that even Google’s own applications, such as Chrome, do not fully support the predictive back gesture, it makes sense for OnePlus to take a cautious approach to ensure proper functionality throughout its ecosystem.
### AI Innovations: Smarter Than Ever
Artificial intelligence (AI) remains a focal point for numerous smartphone brands, and OnePlus aligns with this trend. OxygenOS 15 unveils a range of **AI-driven features** aimed at enhancing the overall user experience.
Among the most captivating additions is **AI Unblur**, which echoes Google’s **Photo Unblur** functionality found in Pixel devices. In my experience, AI Unblur performed comparably to Google’s offering, effectively clearing up blurry images with remarkable accuracy. The best part? It can be applied to any photo, even those taken on different devices.
Other AI enhancements include **AI Detail Boost** and **Reflection Eraser**, both crafted to improve the quality of your images. AI Detail Boost accentuates intricate details in photos, while Reflection Eraser proves particularly handy for eliminating unwanted reflections in images captured through glass. As someone who enjoys
