This month was quite important for all Android enthusiasts out there. After all, Google finally released the stable branch of Android 11, or Android R, if you prefer. Since the official rollout for Pixel smartphones, a set of Android OEMs started to reveal their plans for the Android 11 rollout as well as their vision for the software. OPPO traditionally ships Android with a ColorOS cover, this year won’t be an exception, and the company already revealed ColorOS 11 with a set of new features for eligible handsets. Now, Realme has announced (via) Realme UI 2.0 based on Android 11. To no one surprise, it brings a set of features available on ColorOS 11.
If you’ve been living in a cave for the past two years, we can shed some light on Realme’s story. The brand started as an Oppo sub-brand with affordable smartphones offering competitive specifications. It ran ColorOS just like the devices from its sister company. The brand achieved great success and since the last year, started to work independently. Realme still shares resources with Oppo, but the company wants to build its own identity with a wide array of smartphones and products. This was further consolidated this year with the release of Realme UI 1.0. It allowed Realme smartphones to leave ColorOS behind, but in the core, the software still brings a set of features present on Oppo’s skin. Hence, Realme UI 2.0 will also be quite similar to its sibling, apart from the most obvious design differences.
New Customization features
If you’ve read our article about the changes on ColorOS 11, you are aware of the fact that Oppo’s new software brings a set of new customization options for its users. Realme is also bringing this level of customizability with the Realme UI 2.0. The brand states that the second branch of its custom OS is the most “open” smartphone OS. Those certainly are bold claims. The company states that a wide level of customization options will give users the ability to “mount” the UI according to their tastes. The update brings support for third-party icon packs and launchers.
The new update also introduces a new Global Theme Color. As the name suggests, you’ll be able to select a distinct color for the UI accent. The color will be present in several parts of the system. There are 5 types of color series and 10 single colors to customize. As usual, the new upgraded software also introduces a set of Always-On-Display customizable options. Users will be able to build their own AOD themes, just like on ColorOS 11.
New Dark Mode
Google didn’t bring any new notable change on its stock Dark Mode, but Android OEMs are giving a step further to improve this feature. Realme is introducing three new styles of Dark Mode allowing users to select which level of “dark” is good for them.
Gizchina News of the week
There are three options, a darker “Enhanced”, a “Medium” option, and a “Gentle” option that is not so dark, and also not AMOLED friendly. The new mode also changes the wallpaper and icons to match your choice.
New Android 11 features
The update obviously brings the usual set of Goodies introduced by Google with Android 11. That includes support for Bubble notifications, redesigned media controls in the QS settings, more options for media, granular permission controls, and more.
Performance improvements and privacy features
Just like ColorOS 11, Realme UI 2.0 introduces a set of privacy-centric features. The brand introduced a new suite of additional privacy protection and data security features called “Deep Sea Privacy”.
It will protect users’ personal information from leaking to any application by providing them with a blank ID. Moreover, the new software will also protect users from fraudulent messages and advertisements. The software will include a System Cloner which will allow users to keep work and personal lives separate on their smartphone. It’s like a multi-user feature but much more advanced.
Deeper Multi-Tasking & More
The Realme UI 2.0 will also bring a set of new features to expand the multi-tasking experience. There is a new Floating & Mini Window feature to help users multitast with several apps at the same time. Moreover, the company introduces a new feature dubbed Sleep CApsule. It wil help users to lock the phone at a set time and help them get a good rest.
This seems to be another features that has “Digital Wellbeing” in mind. The company states that the new firmware improves the use of the system by 45% and increases overall speed by 32%. When it comes to frame rate stability, it is better by 17%.
The big question is when?
Realme introduced the new software today through the Realme Narzo 20 series. However, the company stated that the software will reach older devices in the coming days, but without giving further information about it.
