OnePlus 15 Update Adds Neon Camera Filter and Expanded Bypass Charging
OnePlus has begun distributing a significant software update for its flagship OnePlus 15 smartphone, bringing both creative enhancements and practical power management features. The OxygenOS 16.0.2.401 update is now reaching users, headlined by the addition of a new photographic filter and a more versatile implementation of bypass charging technology.
New Creative Tools and System Refinements
The update introduces a "Neon" filter within the device's default Camera application. This filter is designed to emulate the distinctive look of CineStill 800T film stock, aiming to enhance the atmosphere of night portrait shots with its characteristic color and tone rendering. This addition provides users with another creative tool directly within the native camera interface.
Beyond the camera, the Photos app receives functional improvements. Its filtering capabilities have been expanded to now include "Motion Photo," "Screenshots & screen recordings," and "Edited" content, making it easier for users to sort and locate specific types of media in their gallery. System-level refinements include improvements to thumbnail loading speeds in the Photos app and fixes for connectivity issues that could occur when switching mobile data networks while connected to a car display.
Bypass Charging Goes Beyond Gaming
A notable advancement in this update is the expansion of the bypass charging feature. Previously often limited to intensive gaming sessions, this functionality is now enabled for a wider range of high-load scenarios. Users can now activate bypass charging while live streaming, watching videos, using navigation apps, or during other demanding tasks.
This feature allows the phone to draw power directly from the charger to run the device, bypassing the battery. The primary benefits are twofold: it reduces wear and tear on the battery by minimizing charge cycles during heavy use, and it helps mitigate device overheating by not simultaneously charging and discharging the battery under load. This represents a thoughtful integration of hardware-aware software management aimed at improving long-term device health and user experience during extended usage.
Rollout and Security
The OxygenOS 16.0.2.401 update also integrates the December 2025 Android security patch, maintaining the device's protection against the latest vulnerabilities. The rollout is currently in its initial phases, targeting a small percentage of users. A broader deployment to all OnePlus 15 devices is expected to follow in the coming days, assuming no critical issues are encountered during this limited release. The update is identified by firmware version CPH2745_16.0.2.401(EX01) for the Indian model and CPH2747_16.0.2.401(EX01) for global and European variants.
Conclusion
This update for the OnePlus 15 demonstrates a continued focus on refining the user experience post-launch. By blending aesthetic innovation with practical power management, OnePlus is addressing both creative expression and device longevity. The expanded bypass charging feature, in particular, is a smart evolution of a gamer-centric tool into a broadly useful function for power users, potentially setting a precedent for how smartphones manage battery health during sustained performance. As the update reaches more devices, it will be interesting to see user reception to the new Neon filter and the real-world benefits of the enhanced charging system.