According to GSM Arena, OnePlus has released the OxygenOS 16.0.2.401 update for the OnePlus 15, packing in the December 2025 Android security patch. The update adds a new “Neon” filter to the default Camera app, designed to mimic the look of CineStill 800T film. It also expands the filter tool in the Photos app to work with “Motion Photo,” “Screenshots & screen recordings,” and “Edited” content. Crucially, the update enables the phone’s bypass charging feature for non-gaming activities, not just gaming. The rollout has started for a small percentage of users in India (model CPH2745) and Europe/globally (model CPH2747), with a broader release planned in a few days if all goes smoothly.
Why this update matters
Look, on the surface, a camera filter and a charging tweak might seem minor. But here’s the thing: this update is a classic example of OnePlus refining its user experience post-launch. The Neon filter is a direct play to the “film photography” aesthetic that’s huge on social media right now. It’s a low-effort way to make photos look more distinctive without needing a separate app. And the bypass charging expansion? That’s a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. It means your phone won’t heat up as much during intensive, non-gaming tasks like video editing or long GPS navigation sessions while plugged in, which should help with long-term battery health. Basically, they’re giving you more reasons to like the phone you already bought.
The strategy behind the tweaks
So what’s the business angle? For OnePlus, it’s all about maintaining relevance and perceived value in a brutally competitive market. Releasing a feature-packed update in December keeps the OnePlus 15 in the news cycle long after its launch, potentially swaying holiday shoppers comparing it to a Samsung Galaxy S25 or a Google Pixel 9. The focus on camera creativity and battery care speaks directly to two major pain points for power users. It’s a smart way to build loyalty without a massive R&D spend. I think it also subtly positions the phone as a tool for creators, not just gamers, which broadens its appeal. You can see the full discussion from OnePlus on their community forum.
The bigger picture
This is how the Android game is played now. The launch is just the opening act. The real test is how a company supports its hardware over the following months with thoughtful software updates. OnePlus is showing it’s still in that game, even as it navigates its tighter integration with Oppo. Now, will a single filter convince someone to choose this over another phone? Probably not alone. But it contributes to an ecosystem feel, a sense that the brand is paying attention. For those who already own it, like anyone who grabbed the Aqua Touch model or the Smooth Silk variant, it’s a nice little “thank you” that improves the daily grind. And in tech, that counts for a lot.
