OnePlus is switching to ColorOS, the Android variant used by Oppo smartphones, for its new OnePlus 9 series in China. The move was announced on OnePlus forums by Gary C, the lead on OxygenOS, which uses OnePlus phones in the rest of the world.
“As a global technology company, we are always looking for ways to address the different usage habits and preferences among our users worldwide,” says Gary C. “We truly believe that this customized new operating system will be a software experience for our Chinese users. offer what better suits their tastes. “
That does not change anything for the global OnePlus 9 series that will be fully launched tomorrow – it will still run OxygenOS. But that seems to be the end for HydrogenOS, which is the China-specific version of Android that OnePlus has previously used for all of its phones shipped on the mainland.
ColorOS is already used by many more people in China than HydrogenOS; Oppo recently became the largest smartphone brand in its own country for the first time. I currently use it full time while reviewing Oppo’s new Find X3 Pro flagship (pictured above), and I generally find it sleek and efficient. However, there is no denying that HydrogenOS (and OxygenOS) offer a more minimalist experience – if that’s your thing.
Oppo and OnePlus are both owned by Chinese conglomerate BBK Electronics, which shares a supply chain and often critical technology. Realme, another BBK brand, first used ColorOS before developing its own software called Realme UI. The companies tend to diminish the connection between them in public, but OnePlus’ decision to use Oppo’s software directly is one of the most striking examples of collaboration to date.