Skip to main content

OnePlus is fixing the 3’s screen and RAM issues in a reviewer-first update

Fix for OnePlus 3's screen, RAM issues will be delayed

The OnePlus 3 was released to much fanfare just recently, but shortly thereafter, reviewers began noticing a few issues with the phone — it had some problems with how it displays colors, and with how it manages RAM.

It seems as though the folks at OnePlus have taken note of the criticism, however, and will be fixing the issues in an upcoming update that will bump the version of Oxygen OS to version 3.1.4. But owners are going to have to wait: On Tuesday, the company’s developers announced that distribution of the rollout had been halted because some users experienced “issues while upgrading.”

Recommended Videos

When it comes to the screen, the OnePlus 3’s display basically enhanced colors too much, according to early adopters of the phone, who reported that the issue causes images to look different than they should. The update, when it eventually reaches handsets, will allow you to turn on sRGB mode, which basically brings down the colors a little and gives them a much more realistic look.

The issue with how the OnePlus 3 manages RAM is that while it has a hefty 6GB of RAM, it’s quick to cut apps it deems as unused from memory, meaning that those apps take longer when reopened, which can be pretty inconvenient. The update will address this issue and keep apps in memory longer, cutting down on load times.

The display issue in particular has been the subject of some controversy. When AnandTech reviewed the phone, it deemed the display as extremely disappointing, leading to speculation on Reddit that OnePlus had cut corners in order to cut costs. This basically sent OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei into a rant, during which he argued that the decision to use that particular display was based on user experience.

For example, some suggest OnePlus should have opted for a 2K display, and while Pei implies that it could have done so because of only a small price difference between the two, the decision to go for a 1080p display was apparently based on enhancing the user experience. Perhaps the 2K display would have been too hard on the battery.

As for the color issue, Pei does admit that the display wasn’t tuned to use sRGB, but says that’s because it’s not something users would want anyway. Still, it’s nice to see that it will appear as an option, even if there are only a few people who want to use it.

Article originally published on 07-05-2016. Updated on 07-05-2016 by Kyle Wiggers: Added news of delayed rollout. 

Christian de Looper
Christian de Looper is a long-time freelance writer who has covered every facet of the consumer tech and electric vehicle…
Oppo smartwatch may lead to the small OnePlus Watch 3 we’re craving
A promotional image showing the Oppo Watch X2 Mini.

One of the few downsides of the excellent OnePlus Watch 3 is that it only comes in a single case size, but if an Oppo smartwatch release in China is anything to go by, the company may now be in a position to change that. The Oppo Watch X2 Mini has been given an official April 10 launch date and is available for pre-order in China, and it may be the template for a OnePlus Watch 3 Mini.

Before we talk about the smartwatch, here’s some context. Oppo and OnePlus entered into a strategic partnership in 2021, with the two brands effectively sharing research, development, software, and even camera partners. While the two release separate and suitably different products, there are many similarities. The OnePlus Watch 3 just happens to have an Oppo sibling called the Oppo Watch X2, and the pair are practically identical.

Read more
I wore the OnePlus Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch 7. Here’s the one to buy
The OnePlus Watch 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.

If you want a smartwatch for your Android phone, then there are two excellent choices available at the moment: the OnePlus Watch 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. I called the OnePlus Watch 3 the best smartwatch for your Android phone in my review, but also urged people not to ignore the Galaxy Watch 7. I decided to find out which was the best purchase by putting them against each other.

Specs

Read more
OnePlus speculation heats up over ‘Pagani’ device
OnePlus Open Apex Edition Crimson Shadow red held in hand in front of the black variant.

This morning, known tipster Max Jambor shared a cryptic message about OnePlus on X, and that has since sent speculation into a frenzy. OnePlus has already made it clear it has no plans to release the OnePlus Open 2 in 2025, despite all the leaks surrounding the device. That leaves a few likely options: it's either the foldable for next year, or it could be another device like the rumored OnePlus 13 Mini.

The OnePlus 13 Mini (also suspected to be the OnePlus 13T) is expected to launch sometime in May, offering flagship performance in a compact size. "Pagani" could refer to that, as it's also the name of an Italian sports car brand known for sleek designs and high performance. If this is the case, it's no surprise Max Jambor would have information before the rest of the world. He has an inside link to phone companies.

Read more