Well, technically second, but the first major. This is because the Indian market finally saw the first wave of OnePlus 12 units for its local official launch. The huge update patch immediately followed after, not only polishing the overall system, but also introducing the much-anticipated Master Mode for the device's camera system.
Natural Color Tuning By Hasselblad
This update for the OnePlus 12's OxygenOS 14, marked by firmware version CPH2573_14.0.0.404(EX01), is quite hefty, weighing in at a massive 6.5GB (for what is basically considered a day-one patch). The standout feature of this update is the introduction of Master Mode, a rebranded and enhanced version of the Pro Mode seen in previous OnePlus phones.
This mode offers photography enthusiasts an array of manual adjustments, allowing for precise control over settings like ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus. The feature was developed with the collaboration of legendary Sweden-based camera maker Hasselblad, offering its specialized color tuning options to OnePlus 12.
Enabling users to capture images in RAW format, Master Mode provides flexibility in post-processing, letting photographers fine-tune aspects such as contrast, saturation, sharpness, and vignette before snapping a photo. This feature aligns with OnePlus's dogged perseverance over the last few years to catch up and eventually keep up its camera quality on its smartphone models.
Other Important Improvements and Changes
Beyond the camera enhancements, the update includes several system improvements. ProXDR is now available for Google's Photos app, contributing to a richer viewing experience. Communication improvements are also included, addressing Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth functionalities. The stability and compatibility of Wi-Fi network connections are enhanced, and the NFC function is expanded for better compatibility. Bluetooth connections also receive attention to ensure stability and broader compatibility.
In addition, system stability saw a minor update as well, and the success rate of fingerprint unlock is improved, hopefully making OnePlus-related discussion communities a bit quieter in the following weeks.
Interestingly, there was actually a previous update with firmware version CPH2573_14.0.0.10(SP01EX01), weighing around 27MB, which brought stability improvements to the system. This possibly paved the way for the much bigger update to be implemented with no (relative) issues.
Update Summary
First Update (27MB – CPH2573_14.0.0.10(SP01EX01)):
- Improved system stability.
Second Update (6.5GB – CPH2573_14.0.0.404(EX01)):
- Master Mode introduction for enhanced camera control.
- Hasselblad color tuning for natural and vibrant colors.
- RAW capture capability for more flexible photo editing.
- Fine-tuning adjustments for contrast, saturation, sharpness, and vignette.
- ProXDR for Google Photos app.
- Improved system stability.
- Enhanced success rate of fingerprint unlock.
- Improved stability and compatibility for Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connections.
After the update, you can access Master Mode on your OnePlus 12 by opening the camera app, swiping right, tapping on the “Master” text, and adjusting the parameters on the following menu that appears. Saving recorded media in RAW format also becomes available.
As mentioned earlier, the update arrived alongside the initial phone shipments in India, providing a day-one patch for the country's OnePlus 12 users. If you live outside India, you may have to wait a bit more before the update is rolled out in your country. You can always check the OxygenOS Settings menu just in case.
