Animations are part of almost every modern software, but there are only certain moments when you actually notice them. On Android, it’s unfortunately common to notice animations when they’re not as smooth as they should be, and while I’m glad that’s getting better, it’s getting way too much emphasis on one specific area.
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One of the common points you’ll hear from enthusiasts about iOS versus Android is how much smoother and polished Apple’s platform is, and a big part of that is in the attention to detail in the animations found throughout iOS. Android has gotten much better in this regard over the years, to the point where the stretched out The majority of people can barely tell the difference, but there is a vocal group pushing for further improvements.
This week, OnePlus showed off OxygenOS 15, based on Oppo’s ColorOS that was announced last week. In both cases, there is a lot of focus on animations, as there are some significant improvements in these updates.
A new ‘parallel processing’ method allows OnePlus and Oppo devices to display smoother animations by allowing two to play simultaneously. A great idea, but where is the application?
The focus of this particular feature really seems to be on a “test” that has become popular online, where a user opens their phone and very quickly opens and closes apps, often showing the footage in slow motion to see where the animations abort or delay as the test progresses. Frankly, it’s a ridiculous “test” because it doesn’t reflect how someone actually uses their phone. It’s definitely a stress test, but I’d say animations in these tests aren’t “broken,” even though that’s not really how people see them.
Either way, it’s clearly the inspiration for the improvements here, as OnePlus showed the same open-close-open-close “test” over and over in a 17-minute video explaining what’s new in OxygenOS 15.
My point here isn’t to say that the work OnePlus and Oppo and other brands are doing to improve their animations isn’t important. It is. We all want our phones to be smoother and faster. But it just feels ridiculous to put so much emphasis on it. Animations, especially ones like this, are assumed fade into the background and go unnoticed. If done right, no one will notice these, and I’m just worried that putting so much focus on this will take away from things that really matter, like the animations you create. assumed to remark.
What do you think?
This week’s most important stories
Snapdragon 8 Elite becomes official
To kick off this week, Qualcomm has officially announced the 2025 flagship chip for Android phones, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The updated chip uses Qualcomm’s new Oryon technology that debuted on Snapdragon X Elite laptops and promises major power upgrades.
But this could face some problems, as Arm reportedly issued a notice to Qualcomm this week that it would revoke its license, potentially putting the future of Oryon-powered chips in jeopardy.
OnePlus 13 is on its way
In addition to unveiling OxygenOS 15, OnePlus also showed off the OnePlus 13 in China this week ahead of its official launch on October 31. The device has a new design, with a flat display at the head.
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