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Cyanogen OS 12.1 vs OxygenOS 2.1 comparison: the fight for your OnePlus

AndroidPIT OnePlus 2 Oxygen OS 202
© ANDRODIPIT

OxygenOS heralded a new direction for OnePlus. The company's in-house OS came pre-installed on the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X, while Cyanogen OS remains the default OS on the OnePlus One. Both are based on Android Lollipop, but many people remain confused about the differences between the two, and which one is better. Read on for our comparison of the parties controlling OnePlus smartphones.

oneplus one teaser
Cyanogen OS 12.1 and Oxygen OS 2.1 are now competing for your OnePlus One. Who will prevail? / © NextPit

Why did OnePlus and Cyanogen split up?

On the face of things, OnePlus's desire to have its own in-house operating system makes sense, in terms of ensuring that the OS integrates smoothly into the OnePlus hardware, delivering faster updates, and so on. Yet overshadowing this PR-friendly story is a bitter dispute between Cyanogen and OnePlus, which is more likely to be the reason behind their split.

androidpit cyanogen vs oneplus
OnePlus and Cyanogen have had a rocky relationship, and it's coming to an end soon. / © NextPit

A key part of the agreement between the two companies was that OnePlus had non-exclusive rights to ship Cyanogen with their devices worldwide. However, when OnePlus tried shipping devices to India last year, it turned out that Cyanogen had already made an agreement with Indian manufacturer Micromax that gave the company exclusive rights to the Indian market.

This meant that the OnePlus One wasn't released in India with Cyanogen OS as planned, and OnePlus had to come up with an alternative operating system to run on the OnePlus One in that market. Suffice to say, OnePlus wasn't pleased, while Cyanogen defended its agreement with Micromax, stating that it didn't expect it to affect the agreement with OnePlus. Admittedly, a rather weak defence.

And so, OxygenOS was born. It became OnePlus' stock OS for the OnePlus 2 and OnePlus X, and is now widely available for the OnePlus One.

How do I get Cyanogen OS 12.1 and OxygenOS?

Cyanogen OS 12.1 is now widely available as an OTA (over-the-air) update for the OnePlus One. Despite the well-publicized falling-out between the two companies, a Cyanogen spokeswoman told AndroidPIT that "there are no plans for changes as of right now. We are continuing to support OPO devices running Cyanogen OS."

OxygenOS, on the other hand, needs to be installed manually on the OnePlus One. You can find it on the official OnePlus website.

androidpit oxygenos download
You can now download OxygenOS from the OnePlus website. / © OnePlus

What's the difference between Cyanogen OS 12.1 and OxygenOS?

At first glance, both operating systems look similar, staying fairly loyal to the stock Android Lollipop interface. But dig a little deeper, and the differences between the two start to show.

Cyanogen OS 12 is all about customization, letting you tweak everything from the navigation buttons and battery icons, to the settings and status bar. It's also packed with hundreds of downloadable themes, which can make Cyanogen look like a completely different operating system within seconds.

androidpit cyanogen os 12
Cyanogen OS 12.1 has some great features that OxygenOS doesn't, such as Audio Maxx, and a powerful camera app. / © ANDROIDPIT

OxygenOS is a bit more 'stock', and isn't as customizable as Cyanogen. While it has a selection of Lollipop and OnePlus wallpapers, it's not designed to be tweaked as much as Cyanogen, so may be more suitable for casual users. It does have a Quick Settings menu, where you can rearrange the buttons however you please, which is a nice touch, but certainly won't be enough to satisfy the more tinkery OnePlus One owners out there.

OxygenOS 2.0 brought additional options, such as support for custom icon packs and customizable color schemes, including Dark Mode, which was sadly removed from Android Marshmallow. These are all steps in the right direction, but OxygenOS still remains some distance behind Cyanogen.

Cyanogen OS has some pretty powerful apps onboard, including Cyanogen Mail, the audio-enhancement app Audio Maxx, and its own camera app, which is capable of 4k recordings and RAW photos. OxygenOS has none of these features, though this is to be expected from a newcomer. Both of the operating systems come with the usual array of Google apps.

android oneplus one oxygenos tony balt image 00
OxygenOS is Android Lollipop through and through, with only minor changes and few extra features. / © OnePlus

Which one should I get?

We're still playing around with both Cyanogen OS 12.1 and OxygenOS, though at this point it seems as though the more established Cyanogen is the better option. It's more customizable, more feature-packed, and there is little that OxygenOS offers at this point that makes it seem worth the hassle of manual flashing.

However, Oxygen is likely to improve with time, so we're prepared to give it some growing room, because it certainly appears to have a lot of potential.

In the meantime, if you've tried both Cyanogen OS 12.1 and OxygenOS, let us know what you think about them in the comments. Which one's your favorite?

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Robert Zak

Robert Zak
UK Editor

A tech aficionado since he first picked up a NES controller, Robert has written about technology, videogames, and film across a range of sites and magazines, including Den of Geek, Gamasutra, and Computeractive. At AndroidPIT, he'll be bringing you the latest Android news and reviews from the front line in the UK.

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39 comments
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  • Jason Rousseau 1
    Jason Rousseau Apr 23, 2016 Link to comment

    fuck OP and Cyanogen


  • 1
    David Silberbrandt Jan 4, 2016 Link to comment

    I recently got the OPT coming from a OPO with Cyanogen 12.1. I had waaaaay better battery life on Cyanogen than Oxygen. It's really quite atrocius and I've taken steps to minimize the leech-ware and settings. I've rooted and am tentatively thinking about going back to Cyanogen if Oxygen doesn't recieve some much needed tweaking.


  • Vishnu Benne 2
    Vishnu Benne Dec 29, 2015 Link to comment

    Oxygen OS actually is a boon to the one plus fraternity.
    One plus phones have been constantly experiencing network failure or drop issues. The old cynogen 12.1 didnt help with this issue. the person whom you were talking to could hear constant disturbance. This is fixed in the oxygen OS. the new firmware updates released makes the device work perfectly. The code thread responsible for linking the mic was not that well written in cynogen 12.1 . As the oxygen is built by one plus itself, the hardware and software linking has been done exceptionally well. But the customization options were really hot in the cynogen, i agree! But if the basic function of a phone is void, rest of the features go moot!

    Rajiv Jadhav


    • Patel 1
      Patel Jan 17, 2016 Link to comment

      Mis issue is fixed in Oxygen OS? Please give me idea, how can I fix mic issue. My friends could not able to hear me properly. If I use headphones or speaker then it works fine.


    • 1
      Rajiv Jadhav Jan 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Exactly. Totally agree! Had too many issues with CM like screen going dark during incoming call or unresponsive screen randomly or people not being able to hear you unless you're on loud speaker or Bluetooth. OxygenOs is boring (plain Jane) but very functional.


      • 1
        Jason Bisanti Jan 22, 2016 Link to comment

        See my first reply. Turning off 'OK Google' from any screen fixes the mic issue.


    • 1
      Jason Bisanti Jan 22, 2016 Link to comment

      The mic issue in Cyanogen is caused by 'OK Google' detection enabled from any screen. Turning this off fixed the mic issue.


  • AndroidRocks 1
    AndroidRocks Nov 27, 2015 Link to comment

    I like Cyanogen OS than Oxygen. Customisable interface and innovative features from the open source community.
    I just used the Oxygen OS on my friend's Onyx for a while. Its not that good.! He was exploring to port Cyanogen on it.


  • Abhinav P 2
    Abhinav P Nov 11, 2015 Link to comment

    I use a Oneplus X. The stick oxygen os which comes pre installed is butter smooth without any flaws or hiccups. The dark mode is the best feature and also the of screen gestures. But I prefer the customizability of cm and the reduced ram consumption is also something I was used to in Cm.


  • 2
    Yogesh Nov 6, 2015 Link to comment

    I have micromax's YU yureka with cynogen 12.1 but it doesn't have cynogen browser and led light management option


  • 1
    Gonzalo Andres Oct 28, 2015 Link to comment

    I've used the OnePlus One with Cyanogen and the OnePlus 2 with Oxygen and I personally prefer Cyanogen due to the customization options that are available.

    Oxygen
    1. Has less widgets
    2. Doesn't let you center the time in the status bar
    3. Doesn't have the option of flipping the phone to snooze the alarm
    4. You cant adjust the brightness by sliding your finger on the status bar
    5. Has much less sounds and alarms
    6. Takes longer to charge
    7. You cant set your priority hours to activate automatically
    8. You can't change the grid size (rows and columns) in your home screen (unless you download a launcher)
    9. You can't set certain page of the home screen to be the main one, the main one will always be the one on the left and all your other pages will be on its right (unless you download a launcher)


  • Samir Shah 1
    Samir Shah Oct 13, 2015 Link to comment

    I just want to know that which dialer app is pre installed in oxygen os in the latest ota updates
    Google dialer or true dialer
    Please let me know As i am in live with the google dialer
    and want to shift to oxygen os from cm12.0
    Actually i did not upgrade it to cm12.1 as i hate the true dialer
    please reply


    • Praveen Bv 1
      Praveen Bv Dec 5, 2015 Link to comment

      In oxygen, google dialer is implemented.


  • Amardeep Chadha 1
    Amardeep Chadha Aug 2, 2015 Link to comment

    Hey does i have to install Cm12 os in One Plus One,manually or i get automatically update for it?


  • 2
    Deep May 20, 2015 Link to comment

    M using CM 12.1 Nightly build running on Android 5.1.1 and I find it really smooth and stable.....far more than Android 5.0. Oxygen OS is the new kid on the block so not much to expect but I hope they improve the OS so that it could atleast give some competition to CM.

    Cyanogen Ülker


  • 3
    Aidan H. May 14, 2015 Link to comment

    // Marked for deletion by user //


  • CJ Brown 29
    CJ Brown May 8, 2015 Link to comment

    I gave up on One Plus when the Company made buying the One too difficult

    I have no interest in the Two (as its said to be sold @ $400 - $100 more then the One)

    If I want Cyanogen on an Android smart phone ? I will wait for the ALCATEL ONETOUCH HERO™ 2+ to be available this year! (said to be priced @ $300)

    Aidan H.


    • 1
      Aaron Verley Jun 24, 2015 Link to comment

      You can buy em with out a invite for soms time now. And even with the invites i was able to get one in 3 weeks time. You just had to ask nicely not "zomg wants thatz fhones. Gives invitez !!!!!!" And they said 50 dollar more per new one plus. Which is still Bloody cheap compared to the rest.


  • 6
    Robert Johnson May 6, 2015 Link to comment

    The way in which Cyanogen hurt OnePlus in the India market in my personal opinion makes me advise everyone to stay away from Cyanogen and use Oxygen or another rom (like Blisspop for example)


    • 3
      Aidan H. May 14, 2015 Link to comment

      Gawd you can't read can you?

      Cyanogen had a preexisting agreement with Micromax that they didn't expect would conflict. They didn't purposely hurt OPO.


      • 1
        David Stinnett Jun 10, 2015 Link to comment

        It is still something they should have told OPO about, and clearly didn't. A convenient assumption.


      • 1
        jekarX Feb 25, 2016 Link to comment

        Which means weak contracting unit? They are not capable of making and tracking contracts and agreements? Tells me a lot about an entity's credibility


    • 1
      M Sim Jun 26, 2015 Link to comment

      Welcome to the world of business and a desire to grow. These things happen to many booming enterprises. I personally think Cyanogen made the best decision in keeping to their initial agreement. Plus, how would the company appear in your eyes if they didn't back up their contract and word?

      I would assume that at the time (due to OnePlus being a new company), OPO's company success was unclear and the fact they were only focusing on entering the USA market. Cyanogen may have looked at the reality of a "non-elite" (samsung..) technology manufacturing and thought that the chance of success and entering into an Indian market was, honestly, hard to determine.

      I would say if anything, OPO's success came so quickly that it caught everyone off guard and that Cyanogen was the most upset to NOT be able to work with OP. I would add further that Cyanogen wanted to work with them but realized that a contract is a contract, that and the fact that the Indian Manufacturer Micromax would bring a more plentiful offering down the road.

      Straight up, Micromax has longer potential and the rates written in the contract were better for business. But also, that Cyanogen felt the hurt because working with OPO which as we now know is a high priority product, could have taken Cyanogen to the next level.

      In closing, if you really understand business as well as product, OnePlus wouldn't appear to be a lasting company right now and further I wouldn't lose other values and interest based upon OPO's success over the ONE phone they have created.

      In past, companies have reached a successful level and then have agreed to be purchased by a larger company, only to have the product completely change. Anybody remember Nokia?

      Cyanogen made the best, smartest move that was based upon longevity. In, business I would have supported Micromax also as the market is stronger. USA is not the only strong market for technology. Best of luck to OnePlus. I will buy a phone because of the product quality but not become another drone over hype.


  • 6
    Xochitl Shatt May 4, 2015 Link to comment

    Cyanogen OS is comfortable for me. Because it has much customization feature and best android apps.

    Aidan H.


  • Arul 3
    Arul Apr 29, 2015 Link to comment

    One of nice thing happened in 2014 was the combination of OnePlus & Cyanogen!
    Lets see how things turn up in future with their split up ?!

    Aidan H.


  • 1
    Sabby2396 Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

    There seems to have been one misinformation in this post or maybe it's just me then tell me otherwise but the CM12 is not an OTA install... I've checked for system updates several times but Nada..... I want the CM 12 without wiping my storage drive clean


    • 1
      BLZB0B Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

      I used this guide: forums.oneplus.net/threads/guide-ota-manual-install-easy.297425/

      my apps, settings and data remained.


    • 2
      Elizabeth Kissi Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

      The OTA is been rolled out in stages.

      iamdutchy


      • 1
        BLZB0B Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

        maybe so - but it's taking tooooooo long! can you imagine Apple taking this long to roll-out a new OS? most end users that are savvy enough to want the upgrade don't want to wait weeks after release for the upgrade to reach them via OTA.

        It doesn't help that they've not published what the stages are or how it's determined when you will get the upgrade.


      • Chuckie59 2
        Chuckie59 Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

        Anyone savvy would have just downloaded the update weeks ago and installed it in five minutes... ;)

        Aidan H.


      • 1
        Marc B Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

        Savvy? Seriously? Then try a manual installation when you have an encrypted device! Good luck... I am so done with this Android crap...


      • 3
        iamdutchy Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

        you can flash it manually really easy, check the forums. it took about 10 mins and no expertise needed


      • 3
        Aidan H. May 14, 2015 Link to comment

        A) back up your phone
        B) Download the god damn update

        FYI Android is not crap unless you're an iPhone user who can't do anything without a full tutorial which seems to be true for you

        Gurjyot NandaBruce Wayne


      • Bruce Wayne 2
        Bruce Wayne Jun 25, 2015 Link to comment

        I so strongly agree with the iPhone user part hahaha.
        Android is for the power user and iPhone, basically for those who prefer brand. RIP iOS patrons. xD

        Gurjyot Nanda


    • 1
      Shaqmedia Apr 29, 2015 Link to comment

      You can, I have created the following Video screen Shots when I upgraded mine.
      but unable to post the link due to AndroidPIT policy.
      search on you tube for:
      How to upgrade OnePlus One CyanogenMod 11 to 12 for Non Rooted phones
      User: S haq


  • 1
    Ivan George Maxwell Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

    both are good in terms of usage and battery .... but oxygenos is still in beta stage...........the next update will make a better comparison..


  • 2
    Prasha- Nth Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

    I have used both cyanogen 12 and oxygen os I felt oxygen os is more stable but only the 4k video is not supported .if they add up the 4k video facility in oxygen os I will stick on to it..after the installing new update of cm12 in dialer it crashes and problem in WiFi connection which I didn't face it in oxygen..oxygen os developer should really work on the camera. Because of oxygen one plus missed the great features of their own devices.. Ex:-4k vid rec..

    Aidan H.


    • 1
      Sabby2396 Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

      So there are much more glitches than tolerable in CM12... Does the Oxygen OS give the same headache cause for the manual flash and wiping my storage drive to be wiped clean I want to make sure its worth it.


  • 1
    Tufik Chediak Apr 28, 2015 Link to comment

    I like OxygenOS, but to be Android Lollipop with only minor changes and few extra features, arrive very late.... Will be great have quickly updates, waiting 5.1

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