Saturday, April 11, 2026

OnePlus 5: A Retrospective of Its Evolution and Key Updates

Introduction

The OnePlus 5, launched in 2017, represented a significant chapter for the brand, embodying its philosophy of delivering high-performance devices. This retrospective explores the key developments, software updates, and notable events that defined the smartphone's lifecycle, from its initial release to its long-term support.

Software Evolution: A Journey Through Android Versions

The OnePlus 5, alongside its T variant, received substantial and consistent software support, keeping it up-to-date with the latest Android iterations and features.

Android 9.0 Pie Rollout

Users celebrated the official arrival of Android 9.0 Pie in December 2018, bringing a host of new features, performance enhancements, and a refreshed user interface to both the OnePlus 5 and 5T.

Project Treble Integration

An important update in August 2018 introduced Project Treble support, a significant architectural change designed to streamline future Android updates and improve compatibility for developers.

Android 8.1 Oreo and Face Unlock

March 2018 saw the rollout of Android 8.1 Oreo, further refining the operating system. Earlier, in January 2018, the highly anticipated Face Unlock feature made its way to the OnePlus 5 via a beta version of Android Oreo. This feature became official with the stable Android Oreo release, which began its phased rollout to the OnePlus 5 in December 2017.

Design Innovations and Special Editions

Beyond software, OnePlus also explored unique aesthetic options for the device, offering users distinct choices.

Limited Edition Designs

September 2017 saw the release of a special decorated version of the OnePlus 5, available for a limited period, adding an exclusive touch for enthusiasts.

New Color Variants

In August 2017, the
Share: