The current ones flagship from OnePlus, the beloved Chinese brand, the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T receive a beta with some interesting improvementsWe'll tell you what they're all about and how they can change your daily experience with OxygenOS if you decide to jump into the beta program.
As you probably already know (and if not, we'll tell you here), OnePlus uses a customization layer very similar to stock Android, OXYGEN, which has always stood out for offering a very smooth experience and a very careful update policyPart of that strategy is its open beta and developer trial program, designed for those more adventurous users who want to try the latest features before anyone else.
Now, in the midst of the evolution of OxygenOS and with the focus on improving the performance of its older versions, flagship, A new beta version has arrived with interesting new features. For the OnePlus 6 and OnePlus 6T. We'll give you the details, explain what each change brings, and how you can install them or revert to a stable version if needed.
News from the Open Beta
La Open Beta 12 for the OnePlus 6 and the Open Beta 4 The OnePlus 6T updates include a series of changes aimed at improving system customization, the gaming experience, and productivity. These are the main new features:
- Added the OnePlus Laboratory (only on the OnePlus 6).
- Improvements in gaming mode.
- Optimizations for the screenshots.
- Support for quick response from notifications when we use the phone in landscape mode, now it is easier to reply to messages while playing games or watching videos.
- World time support with weather information.
In addition to these specific new features, this beta branch of OxygenOS for the 6 series inherits many ideas that OnePlus has been introducing in higher versions of the interface: a more polished interface designoptions Dark mode better integrated, improvements in notification management, navigation gestures and internal stability and power consumption adjustments that are not always detailed in the change log, but which become noticeable with continued use of the mobile phone.
Interesting news
The truth is that they are a good amount of improvements for this new beta. The inclusion of OnePlus Laboratory stands out, which the OnePlus 6T already included natively. OnePlus Laboratory It's an app to modify certain things in the system to your liking., a space where OnePlus usually activates experimental features for more advanced users to try before they make the jump to the stable branch.
OnePlus users were very fond of this lab before it disappeared with the OnePlus 5 and its introduction to Oreo, and it seems to be making a comeback in its higher-end models, with the intention of continue receiving features in testing phase These features relate to the interface, gestures, notification behavior, or even new display modes. While the specific options may change from one beta to another, the idea remains the same: to offer a place to activate features that aren't yet ready for everyone.
Other notable improvements would be the inclusion of being able to reply to messages from notifications while using the phone in landscape modeVery convenient if you're playing games or watching videos; if you have problems with notifications, check How to fix problems with notifications.
This feature ties in with one of the major trends in OxygenOS in recent versions: enhancing a more complete play areawith toolboxes for game mode, different notification styles (text only, alert, or full block), quick replies in floating windows for apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Instagram, and protection against accidental touches on the screen while we play. Although some of these features have been gradually activated on the OnePlus 6 and 6T, this beta further refines the experience.
Also the option of be able to see the time together with the world time It's a feature that often goes unnoticed by many users, but if you are a traveler it can be very useful Being able to check the weather and time at any time at the place you're going to. Having both pieces of information integrated into the same widget or section of the watch eliminates dependence on third-party apps and simplifies planning flights, international meetings, or calls with friends in other countries.
Among the less visible improvements, OnePlus usually uses these betas to fine-tune the camera interfaceThis includes optimizing function access paths, updating icons, and refining elements like ambient display, dark mode, and weather widgets. While the official changelog focuses on key areas, the overall goal is for the OnePlus 6 and 6T to maintain an experience close to that of more recent models in terms of fluidity, design, and smart features. See also our OnePlus 6 video review to see more practical details.
How to participate in betas and recommendations
To become part of the beta testers From the OnePlus community, it's as simple as downloading them from the Official Site for your device, in this case, the OnePlus 6 or OnePlus 6TFrom there you can obtain the update packages for both the stable branch and the open beta.
Once the corresponding ZIP file has been downloaded, the usual process involves going to Settings> System> System updatesTap the options icon in the upper right corner and choose the option to Local update To select the beta file, the phone will restart and apply the new version of OxygenOS, with all the features included in that specific beta.
It's important to keep in mind that a beta version may not be completely stableOccasional errors may occur with the camera, screen brightness, certain apps, or features like portrait mode. Therefore, OnePlus always recommends performing a diagnostic check. full backup Before taking the plunge, especially if the device is your primary phone and you don't want to risk your data. If something serious happens, consult our guide for fix a bricked OnePlus 6T.
If you're already on a previous beta version, you'll usually receive the new version by OTA automaticallyHowever, if you're coming from a stable version and aren't satisfied with the experience, OnePlus usually also releases packages for revert to a previous stable version following the same local update procedure. In many cases, both when installing the beta and when reverting to the stable version, the process may involve wipe all device dataSo it's a good idea to check the specific instructions on the official forum and make sure you have everything properly backed up.
Those looking to further extend the life of their OnePlus 6 and 6T, once official support ends, often resort to Custom ROMs These devices are maintained by the community to continue receiving new Android versions and security patches. This requires advanced knowledge, unlocking the bootloader, and accepting certain risks, so it's not the right option for everyone, but it demonstrates that these models still have plenty of technical potential.
What do these betas mean for the OnePlus 6 and 6T?
We're eager for these new features to arrive in the stable versions, and of course, in their older, still-supported models, such as the OnePlus 5 and 5Tand the already veteran OnePlus 3 and 3T. The brand's update policy has expanded over time, offering more years of system support and to four years of security patches in some high-end models, something that the OnePlus 6 and 6T have benefited from with successive versions of Android and OxygenOS.
These devices launched with Android 8 and initial versions of OxygenOS and have received major updates, reaching very modern versions of the system, with improvements in performance, Energy Efficiency and a whole host of advanced features: improved game modes, new notification styles, quick settings for dark mode, clearer privacy controls, and an interface that's better suited to large screens.
Although official support isn't unlimited and new OTA updates eventually stop, OnePlus has chosen to send these devices off with the most refined versions possible, fixing known bugs and incorporating many of the new features found in more recent phones. Thanks to the powerful snapdragon 845 processorWith their AMOLED screens and dual 16 and 20 MP cameras, the OnePlus 6 and 6T continue to offer very respectable performance if they are kept up-to-date and used judiciously in terms of security and applications.
For those who already own one of these models, the betas represent an opportunity to to maximize the device's life cycle, try out features from later generations of OxygenOS and enjoy an experience very close to that of current smartphones, provided that you accept the possible occasional bugs inherent in an open beta.
OnePlus has given special attention to the OnePlus 6 and 6TThis makes them two of the longest-running phones in their catalog in terms of software updates, a very important point to consider if you're still getting the most out of your phone or are thinking of getting a second-hand one.
