Both OxygenOS 13 and ColorOS 13 are essentially the same operating system that is disguising itself as two distinct versions. Add Realme UI 4.0, and it becomes an uncomfortable truth that BBK doesn’t seem eager to face.
It’s all the more frustrating given that Pete Lau said OxygenOS and ColorOS’ one platform was poised to be walked back because we earlier hailed the former as the best Android experience. It’s incredible to watch how much the disrupter of industries has changed over time. Some could argue that this was bound to happen. When comparing OxygenOS 13 with ColorOS 13, none of this is more obvious.
Sharing parts and hardware production processes is one thing, but for many, OxygenOS was the main reason they stuck with OnePlus. What is in store exactly? Here is all the information you need to know, both good and bad.
Video OxygenOS 13 vs. ColorOS 13: The same in all but name Merging all in Android 13 Notification center Settings page changes AOD features Homescreen changes Shelf alterations O-haptics Charging animations Video OxygenOS 13 vs. ColorOS 13: The same in all but name 0 Video OxygenOS 13 vs. ColorOS 13: The same in all but name 1 Video OxygenOS 13 vs. ColorOS 13: The same in all but name 2 Video OxygenOS 13 vs. ColorOS 13: The same in all but name 3 Video OxygenOS 13 vs. ColorOS 13: The same in all but name 4 Video Oxygenos 13 vs. Coloros 13: Identical in every respect except name Video OxygenOS 13 vs. ColorOS 13: The same in all but name 5
: MERGING ALL IN ANDROID
With the release of the Android 12 update, we witnessed the first phases of the ColorOS and OxygenOS convergence. This time, it’s significantly more obvious to the point where it’s difficult to tell the two Android skins apart. It’s almost simpler to point out the little differences than what is the same because the parallels are so overt.
INFORMATION CENTER In OxygenOS and ColorOS 13, the pull-down Notification Center has already seen significant improvements. It uncannily resembles the Android 11 Developer Preview 1 where toggles and media controls were tested in the Quick Settings panel. There are undoubtedly some iOS influences, but a notable change is the addition of Android 12’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth pill-style toggles.
It is difficult to contest that this restricts utility while sacrificing some distinctiveness. It’s a little upsetting to see the straightforward Quick Settings panel and Notification center gone in favor of this iOS-lite combo because several Chinese OEMs are doing similar things.
CHANGES TO THE SETTINGS PAGE The Settings menu and several related submenus have undergone a number of modifications to make OxygenOS 13 even more similar to ColorOS 13. The addition of color to the Settings sections icons makes it immediately obvious. Other improvements include making the About phone screen identical on both devices and adding a share button that allows you to send or post information about your device to apps and other services.
If you have any doubts about whether the modifications have been properly incorporated, even OxygenOS and ColorOS 13’s SystemUI icon for the processes and batteries area now uses the same icon based on Oppos’ system icon design.
Features of AOD
We had waited years for OnePlus to support always-on displays, and OxygenOS 11 and Android 11 eventually made this possible. Since then, the functionality has changed, and to be fair to OnePlus, the implementation has been generally good.
The brand-new Spotify widget for the Always-on display is a good example. Additionally, within the Shelf area, Spotify is promoted like a banner advertisement, which some users may find invasive. If you do utilize the music streaming service, you may activate a new widget that will show up when the Always-on display feature is turned on. Although it’s a nice integration, the scope is arbitrary. We’d prefer it to be offered on more streaming and media platforms or to be a generic choice.
Oppo phones can now use formerly exclusive Canvas AOD features because so much of the software has now migrated to ColorOS. Now included in ColorOS 13 is even the once-exclusive Parsons School of Design Insight function. Owners of Oppo and OnePlus devices will soon have access to many of the widgets and customization options.
HOMESCREEN MODIFICATIONS
The homescreen has undergone a lot of modifications, both in terms of appearance and functionality, but, as before, everything is still accessible on both OxygenOS 13 and ColorOS 13. The option to enlarge any homescreen folders for quicker access is one of the most significant updates that seems to have been directly stolen from Nothing OS.
Another sign of the converging visual identities is the availability of ColorOS 13’s Aquamorphic symbol style here as well. The Google-themed icons have also made their debut on ColorOS and OxygenOS. Both system apps and any Google apps that are supported will use the system wallpaper colors that you have specified. This depends on better support for dynamic color and more widespread availability of wallpaper-based theming through the Wallpaper and style app in the Settings area.
This operates similarly to One UI’s Color Palette feature. You can choose from a few pre-set, simple color swatches that show examples of how specific menus and app features would appear. It has only been tweaked here one more in Android 13. It is nothing new. Both OxygenOS 13 and ColorOS 13’s new wallpaper options are similar. Without any attempt to disguise it, the stock selection feels like a copycat.
Both versions of Android 13’s app drawer will soon support global device search. This appears to operate in a manner similar to how search functions are offered on Pixel devices when sliding up from the homescreen. Even if it’s not entirely functional or doesn’t seem to be at this point, this is a smart step.
SHELF MODIFICATIONS In Android 13, the OnePlus Shelf feature has made the switch to ColorOS for the first time. Along with Zen Mode and Work-Life Balance, this is one of the few elements that have endured the UI redesign. You can still activate by swiping downward from the homescreen, but this is the first time it has appeared in ColorOS 13.
There are only a few widgets available, including a step counter, weather forecast, notes, clock, photos, and a Spotify control tab. There is no way to add toggles or on-device storage information. Sadly, it appears that the option to select a right corner swipe gesture to access this quick panel has also been completely lost because in Android 13 and ColorOS 13 and OxygenOS 13, you can only toggle via a homescreen slide down.
O-HAPTICS When it comes to haptic feedback, OnePlus and Oppo are among the best Android devices. O-haptic has been around for a while, but it only recently joined OxygenOS 12.1 and ColorOS 12.1 with the release of the Find X5 Pro. It’s probably coming to even more OnePlus and Oppo devices with Android 13. This enables you to customize the haptic quality and how active vibrations feel.
ASSESSING ANIMALS Despite evidence to the contrary, OnePlus and Oppo have consistently insisted that Warp Charge and SuperVOOC charging use distinct technologies. Now OxygenOS and ColorOS have the exact same charging animation. It’s rather beautiful as well, although after leaking into OnePlus devices over the last 18 months, the SuperVOOC logo is much more noticeable.
ONEPLUS IDENTITY REMOVED
There are a few critical locations in the Android 13 beta where you could easily claim that the OnePlus brand is gradually being wiped out of existence. Of course, modifications can be the result of ColorOS and OxygenOS 13 still being in the early preview stage. Given the significant developments over the last few of years, we are not entirely convinced. However, the OxygenOS branding has been weakened in a few noticeable spots.
NEVER, EVER SET IN A SHELF You’ll immediately notice that the classic Never Settle phrase and branding have been removed from the pulldown part of the helpful Shelf feature, despite the fact that it has developed over time to incorporate many additional adjustments and features. The Shelf function has been added to ColorOS 13 to further the confusion. It has the same appearance and functionality.
ONE CALCULATOR EASTER EGG IS MISSING The well-known calculator easter egg is another thing that was taken out of OxygenOS 13 beta. To display an animated Never Settle logo in the output box, open the stock calculator app, input 1, and then hit = if you’re not sure what that is. This doesn’t work when you try to do it in the most recent OxygenOS beta.
REMOVAL OF OXYGENOS LOGO IN SETTINGS The long-standing OxygenOS logo that was previously seen in the Settings menu has been discontinued. Typically, you can access this information by going to Settings > About Phone > Software version. On the Find X5 Pro, the Oppos ColorOS logo is prominently displayed within the same pane; yet, on the OnePlus 10 Pro, it is mysteriously absent. Given that the animated OxygenOS logo stays in place when the device starts up, this might just be a simple oversight in the Android 13 version.
LAST THOUGHTS Oppo and OnePlus must quit pretending that OxygenOS and ColorOS are two separate releases. Even if there might be subtle variances, both are now equivalent in terms of functionality. For OnePlus’ most devoted supporters, the lack of openness is insulting as well as irritating because some of the company’s identity has been sacrificed.
It’s made worse by the fact that OxygenOS 13 and ColorOS 13 are in fact flawless. In actuality, ColorOS has advanced significantly in recent years. It was formerly pretty terrible but is now excellent on its own. With a number of stunning features, neatly structured sections, and really helpful tweaks, an opposition third-party Android skin may stand on its own.
A major issue with this update is that the OxygenOS clean, light-weight version that the OnePlus of old could nearly sell devices with as a viable competitor to the Google Pixel series.
Over the past few years, things deteriorated, and the brand’s distinctiveness was stripped away. Fans were saddened and will be dissatisfied. It nearly becomes difficult to advise you to get a OnePlus phone because, starting with Android 13, you are essentially purchasing an Oppo phone.
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