Five ColorOS 16 features that make tinkering on Android fun again

If customising your phone is half the joy of owning one, ColorOS 16 understands the assignment. Oppo’s latest Android skin leans hard into personalisation, animation, and genuinely useful AI, without tipping into gimmick territory. These are five standout features that make ColorOS 16 one of the most tweakable Android experiences right now.

Always-on displays that actually feel alive

ColorOS 16 introduces three distinct Always-On Display styles, and the real magic lies in how fluidly they blend into Flux theme wallpapers. The transitions feel deliberate, almost cinematic, making your lock screen feel less like a static page and more like a living surface. It’s one of those subtle design upgrades you notice every single time you unlock your phone.

Speed up your phone without killing the vibe

Animations in ColorOS 16 are expressive and polished, but if you like your phone feeling sharper, you can dial things up. Long-press the home screen, head into Home Screen Settings, scroll down to animation speed, and switch it to “Enhanced”. The result is snappier navigation without sacrificing visual flair.

App icons that break the grid

Forget rigid app grids. ColorOS 16 lets you stretch app icons in any direction and even embed shortcuts directly inside them. Want instant access to Portrait Mode in the Camera app? You can place it right on the home screen. Folders, too, can be reshaped into different forms, turning your layout into something closer to design than organisation. This is home screen customisation with personality.

AI Mind Space turns screenshots into plans

Gemini is now woven into ColorOS’ AI Mind Space, and it’s surprisingly practical. Swipe upwards with three fingers to capture your screen in AI Mind Space, and it can access the data to generate detailed plans, or structured notes with minimal effort from your end.

Gestures that go beyond the obvious

Three-finger swipe for screenshots is old news, but ColorOS 16 adds a clever twist. Hold three fingers on the screen and you can drag to capture just a portion of it. It’s fast, precise, and oddly satisfying. Dig into accessibility settings and you’ll find even more gesture-based shortcuts that quietly speed up everyday tasks.

ALSO READ: ColorOS 16 rollout begins in India: Check eligible OPPO devices here

ColorOS 16 doesn’t just give you options. It gives you control, style, and a sense that your phone can actually adapt to how you use it. What’s your favourite feature? Drop a comment to let us know.