I tried OnePlus's OxygenOS 15 and it far exceeded my expectations.

OnePlus is preparing for the launch of OxygenOS 15, and in this context, Oppo has unveiled ColorOS 15, which has taken several cues from Apple's iOS software. Given the similarities between the two systems, there were concerns about whether OxygenOS 15 would follow a similar path. However, after testing OnePlus's new software, the situation is more encouraging than feared.

Fortunately, OnePlus has not incorporated all the heavy features that seem inspired by iOS, although it has adopted some elements. One of the most notable is Dynamic Cloud, a feature reminiscent of Apple’s Dynamic Island, which presents a floating window at the top of the screen around the front camera of the OnePlus 12. This functionality works with standard apps like the recorder and also with third-party apps like Spotify, although not with others that might be considered obvious, such as YouTube Music or OnePlus's O Relax app. The window can be swiped away and activated again, and a tap expands the panel to show Spotify music controls and recording functions. The execution of this feature is effective, and the "music playing" animation is appealing, even though it’s not the first time it’s been seen on an Android device.

Another feature that seems to have been taken from iOS is the new dynamic lock screen, which allows users to create custom styles for both the lock screen and the home screen. Similar to iOS, users can modify the clock style and add a depth effect to make photos of people or pets stand out. However, there is a somewhat limited "Word Art" background feature that only offers a selection of often uninspiring phrases, which can be frustrating for those wanting to fully customize their experience.

On the other hand, Google Assistant remains the default assistant on the OnePlus 12 with OxygenOS 15, although future OnePlus models will transition to Google Gemini.

OnePlus has always emphasized the speed and fluidity of its software, and with OxygenOS 15, they have introduced the Parallel Processing feature, designed to keep animations and app switching seamless, especially for heavy users who require quick access to multiple applications. The perception of this improvement will depend on individual needs and direct comparison with other devices. While the system is agile, some users might feel that the fluidity is less intuitive compared to other competitors.

The gaming app also features a new Toolkit that includes enhancements like increased frame rates and a 4D vibration mode. While the device offers notable gaming performance thanks to its display and Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the gaming experience remains one of the strong points of the OnePlus 12.

Regarding new AI-based photo editing tools, the new editor in the Gallery app includes an AI eraser and various options like AI Detail Boost, AI Reflection Eraser, and AI Unblur. Tests conducted with the AI eraser revealed promising results, though with limitations in its automatic recognition capability.

OxygenOS 15 also introduces new icons, a slight change in the settings menu, and the option to split notifications across both sides of the home screen. Another interesting aspect is the inclusion of a file-sharing feature with iPhones and anti-theft protection that uses sensors to detect if the phone has been stolen, automatically locking it if necessary.

After several hours of use, it seems that OnePlus has managed to keep most of the questionable iOS-inspired features found in ColorOS 15 at bay, which is a cause for satisfaction. Although the speed and fluidity of the system are pleasant, there is still room for improvement compared to the experiences of other manufacturers like Samsung. The editing tools are intriguing, but the customizations for the background and lock screen are somewhat restrictive. Additionally, there is uncertainty regarding the availability of certain features on the OnePlus 12, as some tools will be limited to future models. Despite initial concerns, OxygenOS 15 turns out to be a pleasant surprise.