OnePlus update policy at a glance
The Chinese company OnePlus is stirring up the Android market with its self-proclaimed flagship killers. But what about waiting times for Android updates and how long are the devices actually supported? We’ll tell you.
OnePlus is still relatively young, the company was only founded in 2013. Nevertheless, OnePlus maintains its products conscientiously. How long the cell phones receive Android updates depends on the model selected:
- OnePlus Nord N Series: 1 year Android updates; 3 year security patches
- OnePlus Nord and Nord CE Series: 2 years Android updates; 3 year security patches
- OnePlus series: 3 years of Android updates; 4 year security patches
The company has announced that it will provide selected OnePlus cell phones with 4 Android updates and 5 years of security patches. However, it is unclear to which devices the extended support period applies.
That’s how long you have to wait for OnePlus Android updates
Another plus point: OnePlus fans don’t have to wait long for Android updates. The company was among the top 3 when it came to distributing Android 11. Only 31 days passed between the Google releaser and the publication of the OnePlus update. With Android 12 it was almost 55 days, which is also a good value compared to other manufacturers.
Oxygen OS: OnePlus’ own interface
Like other manufacturers, OnePlus uses its own user interface called Oxygen OS. Many features introduced by Google are carried over from OnePlus to Oxygen OS. Gesture control, intelligent answers and much more can also be found on OnePlus devices. However, Oxygen OS adds a few functions and design elements to Android. For example, real-time backgrounds that change color according to the weather brighten up the user interface.
Oxygen OS also offers features like an improved gallery with even more possibilities and a Zen mode. If your smartphone is in this, notifications are deactivated for a set time. Emergency calls and receiving calls are still possible. Furthermore, Oxygen OS with OnePlus Switch offers an easy way to transfer data from an old device to a new one. It doesn’t matter whether your old phone was a OnePlus smartphone, but only Android is supported as the operating system.
The Android crux: That’s why you have to wait for updates
And that’s why Apple runs faster
Google’s mobile OS Android dominates the smartphone market. But users usually have to wait months for updates. Why is that? And why is Apple running faster? Netzwelt tells you.
An Android update is planned or available for these models
This list contains all Android-based OnePlus smartphones that have been released in Germany since 2013. The list is constantly updated. Despite extensive research, the editors may have missed an update, an error crept in, or a device was simply forgotten in the list. In this case, Netzwelt is grateful for information in the comments.
All Android update roadmaps
To install an Android update on a OnePlus device, follow the instructions in the linked tutorial. Is your smartphone or tablet no longer receiving an update? Don’t give up. You can still root your device and install an alternative firmware based on a newer Android version. You can find out how to do this in our tutorial “How do I root my smartphone?”.
If you are still undecided or need a new smartphone, you can find the right smartphones for you in our guide “The best smartphones”.
If your cell phone no longer receives an update, you have the option of rooting the smartphone and installing an alternative operating system.
Functional and security updates
In addition to function updates that bring new features to your smartphone, OnePlus also distributes smaller security updates. These close newly discovered security gaps in the operating system and protect you from hackers or attacks by third parties.
OnePlus has announced that it will deliver a security update every two months for devices that are less than three years old. With these, the Chinese manufacturer usually also distributes smaller function updates for the Oxygen OS user interface.