OxygenOS 12 vs ColorOS 12: Which one should you choose for your OnePlus device?

riarujodun1986
Aug 1, 2023
11 min read

Oxygen OS 12: What's New, How to Download, and More

Oxygen OS is one of the most popular Android skins in the market, thanks to its fast and smooth performance, clean design, and timely updates. OnePlus has recently released Oxygen OS 12, based on Android 12, for its flagship devices, bringing a host of new features and changes. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Oxygen OS 12, including what's new, how to download it, which devices are compatible, and how it fares in our review.

Introduction

Oxygen OS 12 is the latest version of the custom Android skin for OnePlus phones. It is based on Android 12, which is the newest version of Google's operating system that introduces a major overhaul of the UI, privacy features, widgets, animations, and more. Oxygen OS 12 adopts some of these changes while also adding its own unique features and enhancements.

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Oxygen OS 12 differs from previous versions of Oxygen OS in several ways. First of all, it is built on top of ColorOS, which is another Android skin developed by Oppo, OnePlus' sister company. This means that Oxygen OS 12 shares some codebase and features with ColorOS, making it easier for OnePlus to streamline resources and deliver updates faster. However, OnePlus claims that Oxygen OS 12 still retains its signature fast and smooth experience and does not compromise on user privacy or customization.

Oxygen OS 12 Features

Redesigned UI

One of the most noticeable changes in Oxygen OS 12 is the redesigned UI. The new UI has a more modern and elegant look, with new icons, fonts, textures, and colors. The text is bolder and brighter, making it easier to read. The icons are based on neumorphism, which is a design trend that uses subtle shadows and gradients to create a 3D effect. The UI also adapts to different themes and wallpapers, creating a more cohesive and dynamic appearance.

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Another change in the UI is the dark mode customization options. Oxygen OS 12 lets users choose from three different levels of dark mode: enhanced, medium, and gentle. Enhanced mode is the darkest option that uses pure black as the background color. Medium mode is a slightly lighter option that uses dark gray as the background color. Gentle mode is the lightest option that uses light gray as the background color. Users can also schedule dark mode to turn on or off automatically based on time or sunset/sunrise.</p Work Life Balance 2.0

Oxygen OS 12 also introduces a new feature called Work Life Balance 2.0, which is an upgraded version of the Work Life Balance feature that was introduced in Oxygen OS 11. Work Life Balance 2.0 helps users switch between work and personal profiles, depending on their schedule and location. Users can set different preferences for each profile, such as notifications, app access, and do not disturb mode. For example, users can mute work-related notifications and apps when they are at home or on weekends, and vice versa.

Work Life Balance 2.0 also integrates with OnePlus Watch, OnePlus Buds, and OnePlus Buds Pro, allowing users to sync their profiles across devices. Users can also use voice commands to switch profiles using the HeyMelody app or Google Assistant. Work Life Balance 2.0 aims to help users achieve a better balance between their work and personal lives, by reducing distractions and improving productivity.

Private Safe

Another new feature in Oxygen OS 12 is Private Safe, which is a secure lockbox for private files and apps. Private Safe allows users to hide sensitive files and apps from prying eyes, by storing them in a separate space that can only be accessed with a password, fingerprint, or face unlock. Users can also set a decoy password for Private Safe, which will show a different set of files and apps when entered.

Private Safe also works with the new Privacy Dashboard, which is a feature that shows users how often apps access their camera, microphone, location, and other permissions. Users can also revoke or grant permissions to apps from the Privacy Dashboard, as well as see which apps are accessing their clipboard data. Private Safe and Privacy Dashboard are designed to enhance user privacy and security on Oxygen OS 12.

Theme Store

Oxygen OS 12 also brings a new Theme Store, which lets users download and apply various themes to customize their phone's look and feel. The Theme Store offers a variety of themes, ranging from simple and minimalistic to colorful and vibrant. Users can also mix and match different elements of the themes, such as icons, wallpapers, fonts, and sounds.

The Theme Store also supports third-party icon packs and fonts, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or other sources. Users can apply these icon packs and fonts to their themes, creating a more personalized experience. The Theme Store is a welcome addition for Oxygen OS 12 users who like to change their phone's appearance frequently. New Game Mode Features

Oxygen OS 12 also improves the gaming experience with some new features in the Game Mode. The Game Mode is a feature that optimizes the phone's performance, network, and battery for gaming. Oxygen OS 12 adds some new features to the Game Mode, such as a floating window, a game dashboard, and a mistouch prevention feature.

The floating window feature lets users access certain apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, or YouTube, in a small window that floats on top of the game. Users can drag, resize, or close the window as they wish. The floating window feature allows users to multitask while gaming, without having to exit the game.

The game dashboard feature lets users access various settings and tools related to gaming, such as screen recording, screenshot, do not disturb mode, brightness, and more. Users can swipe from the left edge of the screen to access the game dashboard, which also shows the battery level, network speed, and CPU temperature. The game dashboard feature allows users to adjust their gaming preferences quickly and easily.

The mistouch prevention feature lets users prevent accidental touches on the screen edges or buttons while gaming. Users can enable or disable this feature from the game dashboard. The mistouch prevention feature allows users to avoid unwanted interruptions or actions while gaming.

Updated Zen Mode

Oxygen OS 12 also updates the Zen Mode, which is a feature that helps users focus and relax by limiting distractions and offering soothing sounds. Zen Mode lets users set a timer for how long they want to stay away from their phone, during which they can only make emergency calls or take photos. Zen Mode also records their usage history and achievements, encouraging them to use their phone less and enjoy life more.

Oxygen OS 12 adds some new features to the Zen Mode, such as new themes, sounds, and meditation courses. Users can choose from different themes and sounds that suit their mood and preference, such as forest, ocean, space, and more. Users can also access various meditation courses that guide them through breathing exercises and mindfulness practices. Zen Mode also supports group sessions, where users can invite their friends or family to join them in Zen Mode. Oxygen OS 12 Compatible Devices

Oxygen OS 12 is currently available for the OnePlus 9 series and the OnePlus 8T, which are the flagship devices from OnePlus. The update will also be rolled out to other OnePlus devices, such as the OnePlus 8 series, the OnePlus 7 series, the OnePlus Nord series, and the OnePlus 6T. However, the update schedule may vary depending on the region and model of the device.

Here is a table that shows the expected Oxygen OS 12 update schedule for different OnePlus devices:

Device

Expected Update Schedule

OnePlus 9/9 Pro/9R

Available Now

OnePlus 8T

Available Now

OnePlus 8/8 Pro

Q1 2023

OnePlus Nord/Nord CE/Nord N10/Nord N100

Q1 2023

OnePlus 7/7 Pro/7T/7T Pro

Q2 2023

OnePlus 6T

Q2 2023

Note that these are tentative dates and may change depending on various factors. Users can check for the update availability by going to Settings > System > System Updates on their devices.

Oxygen OS 12 Download Links

If users want to manually install Oxygen OS 12 on their devices, they can use the local upgrade method. This method involves downloading the official ROM file for their device and region, and then installing it from the phone's storage. This method does not require rooting or unlocking the bootloader, but users should still backup their data before proceeding.

Here are the download links for Oxygen OS 12 ROMs for different devices and regions:

To install Oxygen OS 12 using the local upgrade method, users need to follow these steps:

Download the ROM file for their device and region from the links above.

Copy the ROM file to the root directory of their phone's storage.

Go to Settings > System > System Updates and tap on the gear icon on the top right corner.

Select Local Upgrade and choose the ROM file from the list.

Tap on Upgrade Now and wait for the installation to complete.

Reboot their phone and enjoy Oxygen OS 12.</li Oxygen OS 12 Review

Now that we have seen what Oxygen OS 12 has to offer, let's see how it performs in our review. We have tested Oxygen OS 12 on a OnePlus 9 Pro, and here are our impressions:

Pros

The new UI is sleek and elegant, with a lot of customization options.

The Work Life Balance 2.0 feature is useful and convenient for managing different profiles.

The Private Safe feature is secure and reliable for hiding private files and apps.

The Theme Store feature is fun and creative for changing the phone's appearance.

The new Game Mode features are impressive and immersive for enhancing the gaming experience.

The updated Zen Mode feature is relaxing and soothing for reducing stress and distractions.

Cons

The update may not be available for some older OnePlus devices or regions.

The update may cause some bugs or issues with some apps or functions.

The update may consume more battery or memory than previous versions.

The update may not appeal to some users who prefer the old Oxygen OS design or features.

Comparison

Oxygen OS 12 is one of the first Android 12 skins to be released, along with Samsung's One UI 4.0 and Xiaomi's MIUI 13. Compared to these skins, Oxygen OS 12 has some advantages and disadvantages. For example, Oxygen OS 12 has a more minimalist and neumorphic design, while One UI 4.0 has a more colorful and material design, and MIUI 13 has a more futuristic and fluid design. Oxygen OS 12 also has some unique features, such as Work Life Balance 2.0, Private Safe, and Theme Store, while One UI 4.0 and MIUI 13 have their own exclusive features, such as Knox Security, Bixby Routines, Super Wallpapers, and MIUI Lab. Oxygen OS 12 also has a faster update schedule than One UI 4.0 and MIUI 13, but it may not support as many devices or regions as them.

Compared to stock Android 12, Oxygen OS 12 has some similarities and differences. For example, Oxygen OS 12 adopts some of the Android 12 features, such as the Material You design, the Privacy Dashboard, the Quick Settings tiles, and the Dynamic Color mode. However, Oxygen OS 12 also adds its own features and enhancements, such as the Work Life Balance 2.0, the Private Safe, the Theme Store, the Game Mode, and the Zen Mode. Oxygen OS 12 also has a more refined and polished UI than stock Android 12, but it may not be as pure or simple as it.

Conclusion

Oxygen OS 12 is a major update that brings a lot of new features and changes to OnePlus phones. It is based on Android 12, which is the latest version of Google's operating system that introduces a major overhaul of the UI, privacy features, widgets, animations, and more. Oxygen OS 12 adopts some of these changes while also adding its own unique features and enhancements.

Oxygen OS 12 is a great update that improves the user experience in many ways. It has a sleek and elegant UI, a useful and convenient Work Life Balance 2.0 feature, a secure and reliable Private Safe feature, a fun and creative Theme Store feature, an impressive and immersive Game Mode feature, and a relaxing and soothing Zen Mode feature. It also has some drawbacks, such as limited availability for some devices or regions, potential bugs or issues with some apps or functions, higher battery or memory consumption than previous versions, and possible dissatisfaction for some users who prefer the old Oxygen OS design or features.

In conclusion, Oxygen OS 12 is worth trying if you have a compatible OnePlus device or if you are looking for a fast and smooth Android skin with a lot of customization options. It is one of the best Android skins in the market right now, and it offers a great balance between performance, design, privacy, and functionality.

FAQs

Q: How can I check if my OnePlus device is eligible for Oxygen OS 12?

A: You can check if your OnePlus device is eligible for Oxygen OS 12 by going to Settings > System > System Updates on your device. If the update is available, you will see a notification and a download option. If the update is not available, you will see a message saying that your system is up to date.

Q: How can I backup my data before installing Oxygen OS 12?

A: You can backup your data before installing Oxygen OS 12 by using the OnePlus Switch app, which is a built-in app that lets you transfer your data from one OnePlus device to another. You can also use the Google Backup service, which lets you backup your data to your Google account. You can access these options by going to Settings > System > Backup & Restore on your device.

Q: How can I revert back to Oxygen OS 11 if I don't like Oxygen OS 12?

A: You can revert back to Oxygen OS 11 if you don't like Oxygen OS 12 by using the rollback package, which is a special ROM file that lets you downgrade your device to the previous version of Oxygen OS. You can download the rollback package for your device and region from the OnePlus website or forum. You can install the rollback package using the same local upgrade method as described above, but be aware that this will erase all your data on your device, so make sure you backup your data before proceeding.

Q: How can I report bugs or issues with Oxygen OS 12?

A: You can report bugs or issues with Oxygen OS 12 by using the Feedback app, which is a built-in app that lets you submit feedback and suggestions to OnePlus. You can also use the OnePlus Community app or website, which lets you interact with other OnePlus users and staff members. You can access these options by going to Settings > System > Community & Feedback on your device.

Q: How can I get more tips and tricks for Oxygen OS 12?

A: You can get more tips and tricks for Oxygen OS 12 by using the Tips & Support app, which is a built-in app that lets you learn more about the features and functions of Oxygen OS 12. You can also use the OnePlus website or blog, which offers various guides and articles on how to use and enjoy Oxygen OS 12. You can access these options by going to Settings > System > Tips & Support on your device. 44f88ac181