As we eagerly await Google’s official release of Android 14, various OEMs are not holding back on showcasing their customizations. We’ve already had a glimpse of Samsung’s One UI, and now it’s OnePlus’ turn to unveil OxygenOS 14. Notably, OnePlus seems to have incorporated more influences from Oppo than ever before. Those expecting a departure from this trend in this year’s upgrade may need to explore other smartphone options.
OnePlus 11 5G | 8GB RAM+128GB | Dual-SIM | Titan Black | US Factory Unlocked Android Smartphone | 5000 mAh battery | 80W Fast charging | Hasselblad Camera | 120Hz Fluid Display | 4nm Processor
Breaking down the essence of OxygenOS 14 is no simple task, primarily due to OnePlus’ penchant for using complex industry buzzwords. This practice is not new and can be traced back to last year’s coverage, where terms like AI System Booster, ZenMode, and Aquamorphic Design left many scratching their heads. This year, however, the situation seems worse than ever, with every change and enhancement shrouded in jargon that obscures the true nature of the improvements.
OnePlus 10 Pro | 5G Android Smartphone | 8GB+128GB | U.S. Unlocked | Triple Camera co-Developed with Hasselblad | Volcanic Black
To give you a taste, some of this year’s features bear names like Fluid Cloud, Go Green AOD, and the enigmatic Trinity Engine, which itself comprises phrases such as RAM, ROM, and CPU Vitalization. Returning from last year is HyperBoost. While these likely represent optimizations to your phone’s hardware, designed to enhance the overall user experience, the dense terminology makes it challenging to discern the actual objectives.
ONEPLUS Nord N20 5G | Android Smart Phone | 6.43" AMOLED Display| 6+128GB | U.S. Unlocked | 4500 mAh Battery | 33W Fast Charging | Blue Smoke
OnePlus deploys these keywords strategically to appeal to its core audiences: enthusiasts, gamers, and those seeking alternatives to Samsung and Google’s Android offerings. Nevertheless, it appears that OnePlus might be missing the bigger picture here. The OnePlus 11, launched earlier this year, is undoubtedly a commendable device, especially given its price point. However, it employs the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset found in nearly every other flagship Android phone in 2023. This limits OnePlus’ ability to compete, regardless of how “vitalized” its CPU may be. Unlike Samsung, OnePlus lacks a custom-branded overclocked SoC, which has been a significant advantage in recent months.
OnePlus 10T | Moonstone Black | 5G Unlocked Android Smartphone U.S Version | 16GB RAM+256GB Storage | 120Hz Fluid AMOLED Display | Triple Camera 50+8+2MP, 16MP | 125W SuperVOOC Charging
Furthermore, OnePlus’ reliance on terms that would typically trigger spam alerts on the Play Store highlights the impressive strides made by Apple in this arena. OnePlus emphasizes how its OS upgrade leverages unspecified algorithms to boost mobile gaming frame rates, reduce heat output, or extend battery life by 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Apple has introduced Resident Evil 4 and Death Stranding to its latest iPhones, showcasing the disparity between these companies.
OnePlus Nord N30 5G | Unlocked Dual-SIM Android Smart Phone | 6.7" LCD Display | 8 +128GB | 5000 mAh Battery | 50W Fast Charging | 108MP Camera | Chromatic Gray
The prevalence of perplexing buzzwords extends beyond gaming. Virtually every major player in the mobile industry emphasizes their environmental commitments, despite some falling short of expectations. Samsung has championed its green agenda with mixed results, while Apple dedicated significant time in its last keynote to a sketch featuring Octavia Spencer as Mother Nature. Google is likely to follow suit in its upcoming October event, showcasing its dedication to eco-friendly initiatives.