OnePlus smartphones get OPPO’s ColorOS in China

OnePlus provides its smartphones for the Chinese market from the OnePlus 9 with ColorOS. That is the Android-based operating system of sister company OPPO. Devices for the European market, among others, continue to use OxygenOS.

OnePlus says it is making the switch to ColorOS after listening to feedback from Chinese users. The Chinese variants of the OnePlus 9 will receive a version of ColorOS that has been adapted for OnePlus. Future successors will also receive ColorOS in China.

OnePlus emphasizes that it will continue to use OxyenOS outside of China and says it is committed to and continues to develop that operating system. Compared to ColorOS, OxygenOS is a more minimalist version of Android, which OnePlus has been using on its smartphones for years. Chinese OnePlus phones have been equipped with HydrogenOS in recent years. That was basically OxygenOS, but with a different skin.

ColorOS, the Android variant that new OnePlus smartphones get, is made by OPPO. Like OnePlus, this Chinese smartphone manufacturer falls under parent company BBK Electronics. The various brands operate largely as independent companies, but share suppliers and techniques.

Vivo, realme and iQOO are also brands of BBK Electronics. The brands all use their own Android version. Realme initially also used ColorOS, but has since switched to its own Realme UI.

OnePlus 9 Pro