By the end of 2021 it is likely that they will already know the name OPPO. In fact, in the main stores in Portugal, their smartphones are already a common presence, having recently entered the national market in force, and one of its highlights is the UI ColorOS.
This is, in effect, OPPO’s own interface, currently based on Android 11, but already in the testing phase with Google’s Android 12 on its ColorOS 12. So, having already installed the alpha version of ColorOS 12, we already know the main ones news.
The Android 12 operating system is the basis of OPPO’s ColorOS 12
First of all, it should be noted that it may take a few months for the final, stable version to be released. However, it is certain that it will also reach users with more functions than those we contacted in this previous version.
More specifically, we get to know the alpha version with improvements and news for the System, Design, Convenience, Games, Cameras and Performance. These are the epigraphs where we find more new features introduced by Android 12.
For the average user, the latest version of Google’s operating system may be nothing more than a headline in one or several articles. This is because manufacturers take their time to coat each new build with their UI’s.
Such is the case of OPPO and ColorOS 12, but, if you allow us to be so bold, this could be one of the best implementations of Android 12. Or rather, one of the best adaptations and customizations, especially for those who used a OnePlus smartphone.
There’s something familiar about ColorOS 12 for anyone who’s used OnePlus smartphones
First of all, ColorOS has always excelled in personalization. Even in previous versions the interface overflows with formatting, customization and configuration possibilities so that each OPPO phone is truly “yours”.
In 2021, with the introduction of the Material You philosophy by Google, underlying Android 12, the degree of native customization increased exponentially. To this, adding all the good luggage of ColorOS 12 and we have here a perfect combination.
This is, perhaps, the implementation that best combines the neuralgic aspects of Android 12 (pure or stock), with the necessary and healthy customization. ColorOS 12, even in alpha version, elevates the good options introduced with the new version of the system.
Customization, in exactly the right dose with the new UI version
Take, for example, dynamic themes. In practice, depending on the wallpaper selected, the phone can automatically adjust the system highlight colors to match the wallpaper colors.
We can see, above, in the image, the automatic selector of the colors present in the wallpaper, which will then be assumed as highlight colors for the system. In this way, for example, switches and buttons will take on these same colors.
The result? See the highlight colors above, visible on the switches (notifications / controls bar). Setting these colors was automatic when applying a new / different wallpaper. This is just one of several examples.
Dynamic themes are one of the great strengths of Android 12 and are in ColorOS 12 not only present but even more complete, a nice balance. It is, however, too early to issue a definitive judgment on the interface, which is currently in the alpha phase, but so far it has been a good surprise.
By the way, I would venture to say that this version of ColorOS 12 makes us rethink how important an Android Stock or pure is. It is, in personalization and expansion, but with respect for the core values of a system that merits rest.
Thus, we can say that the OPPO got it right, or is getting the key elements right. Now, however, we look forward to the stable version, available for more users and more models.
We look forward to the final, stable distribution of ColorOS 12
Having reached the perfect combination between customization and aspects of the “pure” system, it remains to be seen when the stable version will arrive. In any case, OPPO has stood out for the good pace of distribution of updates, now with ColorOS 11.
We hope that you keep the momentum going with periodic updates coming to your phones at a good pace. It’s a race we watch every year whenever Google releases a new version of its Android operating system.
Likewise, every year we see some users more frustrated with their manufacturer for delaying, or not delivering, the intended update. As far as OPPO is concerned, the signs so far are positive. According to the manufacturer, the current version – ColorOS 11 – has already been adopted by more than 120 million users and now it’s time to look ahead.
Simple, smooth and expeditious interface, but full of “secrets”
At first glance (and use), ColorOS 12 appears to be a simple interface. Granted, with the blessing of using it on the OPPO Find X3 Pro, the brand’s best phone to date, everything looks extremely fast and smooth on this 120 Hz screen.
However, comparing also with other models from the manufacturer, nowhere does this UI appear as naughty, or saturated with information. There is an elegance that evokes the heydays of OxygenOS from OnePlus and, for better or for worse, ColorOS is the new OxygenOS.
The merger between both brands is a reality with no return. The future, however, looks bright with an OPPO dedicated to timely and thoughtful software updates.
Since the “Pure Android” is not to the liking of the common consumer, being considered too crude, this may be one of the best alternatives. In fact, we dare say that ColorOS 12 has everything to become one of the favorites of the Portuguese.
Now, everything depends on OPPO and the energy it puts into completing and distributing this update. So far we like what we see, but we want to see it finished, full and on more mobile devices.
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