Oppo has officially unveiled ColorOS 13, the new version of its interface. It is based on Android 13, incorporating some new features of Google’s operating system. But Oppo does not draw a line under the ergonomics of ColorOS. On the contrary, the brand confirms its visual choices and enriches the already rich functional range.
ColorOS 13 new features
While we impatiently await the global arrival of the Reno 8, which were announced this summer in China, Oppo today formalized the new version of ColorOS, its Android-based interface. So, this version is numbered 13 and naturally replaces ColorOS 12 which you currently find in all Oppo smartphones. But, why ColorOS 13? To diligently follow the numbering chosen by Google for Android, of course. Also, this was the case with ColorOS 12 which comes with the Android 12 update.
This new version of ColorOS is therefore based on Android 13, some new features of which have been adopted by Oppo. We are thinking in particular of the virtual keyboard, with its rounded keys, of the notification which is now larger and more interactive, or even of the security functions, such as automatic deletion of the clipboard and hidden location information. ColorOS also adapts the PC Connect feature of Android 13 which makes it easier for a smartphone to connect to a PC or Chrome OS. Android 13 finally brings an improved version of Fast Pair for wireless headphones.
The transition to ColorOS 13 is also an opportunity for Oppo to update some functions. So, first on the ergonomic side: new animated wallpapers, icons, fonts and Always-On widgets enrich the customization options. New virtual buttons in the quick settings area appear, as well as new square widgets inspired by the Stack widgets of iOS 15.
New great user interface from Oppo
Some applications are also seeing their design evolve. This is the case of Clone Phone (to transfer content from one phone to another), Clock or My Files. ColorOS 13 is also intended to be more connected, with third-party applications (Snapchat or Spotify) or other equipment (Windows PC), while being more secure. In addition to the elements brought by Android 13, Oppo adds a safe to encrypt documents. It meets the main international safety standards.
So, the close relationship Oppo has with Google and its dedication to timely Android adoption and updates are essentially embodied in ColorOS 13. Also, it is incredibly encouraging to observe the timely distribution and removal of significant Android core updates related to issues like security and privacy. Oppo’s custom work for ColorOS 13 on top of Android is also significant and influential. In addition, the UI is easily recognizable throughout and benefits from the refined Aquamorphic design language, along with its accompanying animations and colors, which add a nice modern touch to keep things interesting. Even though they are hazy, the promises of better memory and battery management are appreciated.
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However, ColorOS 13 does not offer anything genuinely novel or significantly different. And that much should be made clear, for better or worse. We kind of hoped Oppo would finally address some of its significant, pervasive problems, such as the inability to support high refresh rate gaming even on its top-tier devices. Sadly, it appears that wasn’t a top priority. Nevertheless, we value and enjoy the changes made in ColorOS 13 and think you will too.
Which smartphones are compatible with ColorOS 13?
So, Oppo has planned a large deployment plan for ColorOS 13 on its smartphones already on the market (in China or internationally). Note that some models are not marketed in global markets (or will soon be for some). Here is the complete list of smartphones that will benefit from the update, listed in chronological order.
AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 2022
- Find X5 Pro (August)
- Find X5 (August)
- Find X3 Pro (September)
- Reno 8 Pro 5G (September)
- Reno 8 5G
- Reno 7 Pro 5G
- Reno 7 5G
- Reno 7 4G
- Reno 6 5G
- F21 Pro 4G
- K10 5G
- A77 5G
- A76
NOVEMBER 2022
- Reno7 Z 5G (November 2022)
- Reno6 Pro 5G (November 2022)
- Reno6 Z(November 2022)
- Reno5 Pro 5G (November 2022)
- Reno5 Pro 4G (November 2022)
- F21 Pro 5G (November 2022)
- F19 Pro+ (November 2022)
- K10 (November 2022)
- A96 (November 2022)
DECEMBER 2022
- Find X5 Lite (December 2022)
- Find X3 Neo (December 2022)
- Find X3 Lite (December 2022)
- Find X2 Pro (December 2022)
- Find X2 (December 2022)
- Reno8 4G (December 2022)
- Reno8 Z 5G (December 2022)
- Reno5 5G (December 2022)
- Reno5 Z 5G (December 2022)
- A94 5G (December 2022)
- A74 5G (December 2022)
Q1 2023
- Oppo Pad Air
- Reno8 Lite 5G
- Reno7 Lite 5G (1st quarter 2023)
- Reno7 A (1st quarter 2023)
- Reno6 (1st quarter 2023)
- Reno6 Lite (1st quarter 2023)
- Reno5 4G (1st quarter 2023)
- F19 Pro (1st quarter 2023)
- F19 (1st quarter 2023)
- F19s (1st quarter 2023)
- A95 (1st quarter 2023)
- A94 (1st quarter 2023)
- A77 (1st quarter 2023)
- A74 (1st quarter 2023)
- A57 (1st quarter 2023)
- A57s (1st quarter 2023)
- A55 (1st quarter 2023)
- A54 5G (1st quarter 2023)
- A54s (1st quarter 2023)
- A53s 5G (1st quarter 2023)
- A16s (1st quarter 2023)
Recall that Oppo website warns that this rollout schedule is temporary and may change. Nevertheless, it provides a nice summary of the business’s ongoing, ambitious update plans. Furthermore, Oppo claims that all of these upcoming ColorOS 13 update ROMs will be based on Android 13, which is extremely encouraging to hear.
