Late to the Party, But Ready to Compete: OnePlus Embraces Artificial Intelligence

In the fast-paced world of smartphones, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal factor in redefining user experience. From voice-activated tools to real-time image correction, major tech companies have been weaving AI deeply into their offerings. OnePlus, a brand known for closely tracking tech trends, is finally diving into AI more extensively. While it may have lagged behind competitors in the early stages of mobile AI adoption, the company is making significant strides with its latest announcements.

This article takes a closer look at the company's new AI strategy, its key features, implementation scope, and what it means for OnePlus users around the globe.

What Is OnePlus Doing Differently Now?

OnePlus has historically built its identity around tapping into popular mobile trends and giving them its own twist. From high-refresh-rate displays to fast charging and minimalist software, it often adopts existing innovations rather than pioneering new ones. With the rise of AI, the company is applying the same playbook adopting proven AI technologies from competitors and incorporating them into its ecosystem.

With the announcement of its latest devices, OnePlus is introducing a suite of AI-powered features, covering photography, voice transcription, content search, and more. These aren’t completely new to the smartphone market, but their integration into OnePlus’s hardware marks a significant shift in strategy.

AI Enhancements for Communication and Productivity

A major highlight of the new AI rollout is in communication tools. AI VoiceScribe and AI Call Assistant are two new utilities aimed at transcribing and summarizing conversations. The former works with messaging and video chat apps, while the latter functions similarly to Google Pixel’s call summaries. However, these two features are initially restricted to users in India, signaling a region-specific rollout.

On a global scale, OnePlus users will have access to AI Translation, a unified app that merges multiple translation tools. It combines text, voice, camera, and screen-based translation, providing a consolidated interface for multilingual communication. This consolidation appears to offer users more convenience compared to handling separate apps for each function.

Another notable tool is AI Search, which brings a conversational interface to content searches within the phone and system apps. This echoes the approach taken by other brands such as Motorola, offering an AI interface that mimics chatbot behavior for querying information stored locally on the device.

Smarter Photography With AI

Photography continues to be a central focus for smartphone AI, and OnePlus is integrating several intelligent features into its camera system. One such feature is AI Reframe, which assists users by analyzing the frame and recommending better composition options. For amateur photographers or those who rely on auto-settings, this can provide a useful layer of assistance.

Later this year, OnePlus is also introducing AI Best Face 2.0, a function designed to improve group shots by correcting facial expressions. It identifies issues like closed eyes or awkward expressions and suggests replacements using data from multiple photos. This feature is particularly beneficial for group photography, supporting up to 20 people in a single shot. Moreover, the system can even enhance photos taken with other smartphones, offering a level of cross-device compatibility not often seen.

Screen Capture and Content Management: AI Plus Mind and Mind Space

One of the more unique features introduced is AI Plus Mind, an AI-powered content capture and organization system. Linked to the new Plus Key, this feature lets users save screen content to a dedicated space called Mind Space. Within Mind Space, the system analyzes screenshots and extracts actionable information, such as dates or tasks, which can be added to calendar apps without user intervention.

In a future update, Mind Space will include content categorization, automatically sorting saved items into folders based on type or relevance. This move enhances digital organization and may prove particularly useful for users who frequently capture and reference information from their screens.

The Plus Key: Replacing the Alert Slider

Alongside the software changes, OnePlus is also making a hardware adjustment. The well-known alert slider a staple of OnePlus phones is being replaced with a new Plus Key, resembling Apple’s Action Button. While this change may disappoint long-time fans of the alert slider, the Plus Key opens new avenues for quick AI feature access. Users can program it to open Mind Space, launch AI Translation, or trigger other smart functions.

This evolution suggests OnePlus is prioritizing flexibility and AI integration over preserving legacy hardware features. Whether the change will be positively received depends on how seamlessly the new button fits into daily use.

Hybrid AI Processing and Privacy Considerations

OnePlus claims it will use a hybrid processing model for AI features. That means some processing will be done locally on the device, while more complex tasks will use cloud computing. The company suggests this is a privacy-conscious design, ensuring sensitive data doesn’t leave the phone unless necessary.

However, specific details remain unclear. Other brands like Samsung have implemented visible toggles to control cloud processing, while Google manages it in the background without user input. OnePlus users might benefit from more transparency and control, especially as privacy becomes a growing concern in AI applications.

Integration With Gemini AI

Another part of the AI initiative involves integration with Gemini, Google’s generative AI platform. While initially restricted to Pixel devices, Gemini is now expanding to other Android ecosystems. OnePlus plans to allow Gemini to work with system apps like Notes and Clock, offering functions like summarizing notes or setting intelligent alarms based on user routines.

This move aligns OnePlus with Samsung, which began using Gemini in its Galaxy S25 lineup. It also marks a shift in Android’s AI ecosystem, where Google’s models are beginning to function across a wider range of devices beyond its own hardware.

Device Availability and Rollout Plans

Most of the new AI features will make their debut on the OnePlus 13s, a variant of the OnePlus 13T. Unfortunately for users in the US and Europe, the 13s will launch exclusively in India. However, OnePlus assures that many of the AI capabilities will roll out to existing OnePlus 13 family devices through software updates.

Future OnePlus devices will also feature the Plus Key, suggesting that the new AI direction is not a temporary shift but a long-term strategy. This approach may allow existing users to experience updated functionality without needing to upgrade their hardware immediately.

A Strategic Shift, Not a Technological Breakthrough

OnePlus’s recent announcements reflect a broader trend in the mobile industry: AI is now a standard expectation rather than a novelty. While the brand isn’t introducing new technologies, its approach is about adopting proven AI tools and integrating them thoughtfully into its user experience.

For users, this means access to a growing suite of intelligent tools especially in photography, communication, and digital organization without necessarily investing in a new device. As long as OnePlus ensures consistent software support and privacy transparency, its AI expansion could prove a valuable addition for many users.

Ultimately, the company's strategy reaffirms its position as a follower of trends rather than a leader. But in this case, following the trend may offer users practical functionality where it matters most.