The OnePlus One Review
Part Two: Software
This is Part Two in an epic trilogy review of the OnePlus One. Part One covers the Hardware of the device, and can be found HERE.
One of the larger allures of the OnePlus One is the fact that it runs CyanogenMod 11S. CyanogenMod 11S is a dedicated version of CM11 built for the OnePlus One. This comes as a huge step for both Cyanogen Inc. and OnePlus as respective companies. In my history with Android, I’ve rooted nearly every device I’ve owned, and almost always reverted to stock because of a horribly lackluster experience. When we really look at device interaction and engagement. If one cannot enjoy the software experience, the phone is destined for replacement incredibly quickly. I personally chose to root my devices to obtain the “stock android” experience I so often sought after. After many negative experiences, I just chose to go Nexus. With CM11S, stability, usability, and fluidity were the most important points for my take on software.
Stability
When using a smartphone. Whether it be iOS, Android, Windows Phone, or any other OS imaginable; you expect it to work and work well. Now, CyanogenMod earned its fame by being the number one aftermarket OS for Android devices. In my experiences with rooting in the past, I was seeking a stable, pure Android experience. Sadly, my quest to find that experience was never found within CM, but rather, only through the Nexus Program(go figure).
With the OnePlus One and CyanogenMod 11S, the CM team has had time to develop a special version of their most recent iteration of CyanogenMod for this device. This gives CyanogenMod an advantage with stability due to access to kernel source and other lower level hardware information.
The OnePlus One is an incredibly stable device. Freezes, lockups, and other misfires in CyanogenMod are few and far between. The quality of a stable operating system is an invaluable cog in the clockwork of a superior experience. OnePlus and CyanogenMod are in sweet, harmonious sync in the stability of this device. Random reboots are nonexistent, stutters and system lockups are extinct as well. The only bug I have found is from the lock screen. There are instances when I am unable to wake my device, and can only do so once I reboot it. This is most likely due to the Gesture Shortcuts and the screen itself not playing nice on occasion. My device has only encountered this particular bug two times since I've taken it out of the box.
Speed/Fluidity
As I discussed in the Specs section of the Hardware Review, the OnePlus One is a flagship in every category in terms of hardware. One would presume that a device with flagship level hardware would be an absolutely lovely experience. In the respect of the OnePlus One, this proves absolutely true. CyanogenMod runs incredibly smooth while navigating the OS. Touches are snappy and responsive, transitions in and out of apps are nimble, with smooth animations. Every aspect of the device has incredible responsiveness and fluidity. CyanogenMod runs fantastic on this already impressive piece of hardware. Even with a metric ton of apps open, everything still responds as if the device’s life depended on it.
Performance Profiles
(In order to access these settings, you must become a “Developer” for your OnePlus One. Head over to Settings->About Phone->Repeatedly tap “Build Number” until you are told you’re a Developer. Big shout out to the OnePlus Forums for catching this)
One of the unique features of CyanogenMod 11S that differs from Stock Android is the Performance section. Inside the Performance section, there are three subsections:
Performance Profiles, System, and Graphics & Rendering.
Cyanogen warns you upon selecting Performance, that you should proceed with caution due to changes potentially causing instability. Once I ignored that warning, I started to test out the two most intriguing options, Profile and Processor.
In the Profiles section, you are able to choose between Power Save, Balanced, and Performance. Heading over to Processor, you’re able to choose your CPU Governor as well as the Minimum and Maximum CPU frequency. For the less brave, sticking with Profiles is the road to take. For those that are more cavalier, you can head into the Processor settings and mess with the Governor and CPU Frequencies. In my testing, I chose four different combinations for battery life testing.
(For these tests, I went about normal to heavy usage throughout a normal day. Unplugging at 100% and running the battery down to 10%)
User Profiles
Another feature CyanogenMod offers is the ability to have User Profiles. These are profiles based on where you are or what you are doing. Allowing you to set specific volumes and toggle settings accordingly. You can also set each profile to an NFC tag or through Wifi or Bluetooth Triggers. For example, I can set my work profile when I leave my house and my phone recognizes I have left my WiFi Network. I could write my Nighttime profile to the NFC tag on my nightstand to silence all notifications other than phone calls and alarms. I could also set it to disable my lock screen whenever I am paired with my LG G Watch(Something that is coming in Android L). This is incredibly useful for people who really want to dive into fine tuning their device to work for them throughout a myriad of variables.
Gesture Shortcuts
Gesture Shortcuts can be classified as two things, incredibly useful and insanely annoying. Within the Interface Settings, you can find Gesture Shortcuts. You have multiple options for Gesture Shortcuts from here. Double tap the screen to wake your device. Activate the camera by drawing a circle on your screen. Music Playback can also be controlled by using two fingers to make the pause symbol to pause, or make a left or right arrow to skip to the next track or go to the previous one. Finally, you can toggle the flashlight by drawing a “V” on the screen. These are incredibly useful because they all work incredibly well. With quick responses and activation based on what you do, the gestures can save time.
The problem I have with gesture shortcuts, and the reason mine remain off, is because I have had the issue of the flashlight being turned on and photos being taken, all from my pocket. One thing you definitely want to hear at work is, “Hey Bryan, your pants are lighting up.”
However useful they are, after hearing that a few times you might want to go back to accessing music controls, camera, and flashlight the old fashioned way.
Theme Engine
The Theme Engine is a major part of CyanogenMod 11. This allows you to completely change the look and feel of the software, all on the fly. You can change things such as Styles, Icons, Fonts, Wallpapers, Boot Animations, and Sound Packs. This gives you an unparalleled opportunity to customize your device in a way that no other phone can replicate out of the box. You can use an entire particular theme, or you can choose parts of multiple themes.
CyanogenMod has their own theme, which is enabled by default, named “Hexo”. Hexo is a more angular version of Stock Android. Holo is another theme that comes pre-installed. It is Stock Android through and through. As someone who drooled over the idea of Stock Android being a theme-able option on all Android devices years ago, this is a welcomed addition to a phone that already has so much going for it.
Other Themes can be downloaded from the Play Store as well. But rather than search for CM11 compatible themes in the Play Store, CyanogenMod has a “Themes Showcase” app. The Themes Showcase app shows the various popular themes. From this app, you can pick the theme you like, and download or purchase it from the Play Store.
The Theme Engine is a wonderful feature that every Android device should have. This allows for further control over the device you own. Meaning you can make it yours in every aspect. If you want to emulate the G3, there’s a theme for that. HTC Sense, there’s a theme for that. Touchwiz, probably, but why on earth would you subject yourself to that?
Privacy
Privacy has always been hotly debated in the technology world. With privacy, CyanogenMod chose to be like Tron, fighting for the users. In CyanogenMod 11, you have access to plenty of exclusive features not normally found on normal smartphones.
One of these features is called WhisperPush, which is SMS encryption. This is a welcomed feature during our fight for our data to remain personal.
Privacy Guard is another way CyanogenMod is fighting for our data. Every app you download most likely wants your personal data for one reason or another. With Privacy Guard, you are able to lock any app you would like out of your personal data. This is a big plus when you’re often left scratching your head as to why a simple side scrolling game needs your name, address, access to your twitter and bank accounts.
You can also choose to opt out of CyanogenMod taking non personal statistics about your device. If you choose to opt in, you can see all the device information that is sent. This data consists of a Unique ID to your phone, device type, CM Version, Country, and Carrier.
CyanogenMod has done wonderful things for users with CM11 and privacy. They are allowing us to be grown ups and choose who we share our data with. After all, this is our data.
Other CyanogenMod Features
Other notable features inside CyanogenMod 11 include an Equalizer, Quick Settings customization, NavBar/Hardware Button toggle, and display settings.
The Equalizer App is pretty full featured, with presets and fine tuning control available. You can change what Quick Settings toggles show up. You can also change the order of the Quick Settings.
One of the cooler features that the OnePlus One has, is that it has the ability to choose between having Hardware or Navigation Bar buttons. If you prefer hardware buttons, you can toggle that option. If you want to have the software buttons that was put forth with Ice Cream Sandwich, OnePlus loves you too. It’s a welcomed feature for even more customization of your device.
You can also change the display color on the OnePlus One. You can use the either the Standard or Vivid profile, or you can customize it to your liking. Out of the box, the OnePlus One is set to be a warm display, which is evident. If you prefer something other than a warm display, you can very easily change it to your liking.
CyanogenMod is full of features that differentiate it from Stock Android. It offers full customization without feeling bogged down. There’s still immense stability and fluidity to the device, with smooth animations around every corner. The OnePlus One, with CyanogenMod 11S, is a great match. With enthusiast level hardware, CyanogenMod 11S is the enthusiast level software needed to complete two thirds of the perfect smartphone puzzle. OnePlus and CyanogenMod is a superb experience in every aspect imaginable.
As for Android L, which is coming this fall. OnePlus has stated that the OnePlus One will receive the L update within 90 days of it’s release. This is great for us, as it is showing a promise of support for their users.
