OnePlus 15 Update Explained: Neon Camera Filter, Bypass Charging, and What It Means for Daily Use

The latest OxygenOS update for the OnePlus 15 introduces a new Neon camera filter and expands bypass charging beyond gaming. At first glance, it looks like a minor update. In daily use, however, it changes how the phone handles heat, battery stress, and night photography.

This page explains what actually improves, who should use these features, and what does not change after installing the update.

What this OnePlus 15 update is really about


Instead of focusing on raw performance numbers, this update targets three areas that affect everyday usage:

  • Camera creativity for night photography
  • Battery protection during long, plugged-in usage
  • Small system refinements for stability and usability

It is a refinement-focused update, not a redesign.

Neon camera filter: when it shines and when it doesn’t

What the Neon filter is designed to do


The new Neon filter in the OnePlus 15 Camera app is inspired by the CineStill 800T film look. In simple terms, it adds glowing highlights and a cinematic tone to night photos, especially where artificial lighting is involved.

This filter is meant for mood and atmosphere, not realism.

Where the Neon filter works best


From a practical perspective, the Neon filter performs well in:

  • City streets with neon signs or street lights
  • Night cafés and restaurants
  • Urban portraits with background lighting
  • Rainy scenes with light reflections

In these situations, the glow effect feels intentional rather than artificial.

Where the Neon filter falls short


The filter is less effective in:

  • Daylight photography
  • Indoor shots with soft or warm lighting
  • Scenes without strong light sources

Using it in these conditions can make images look flat or overly tinted.







Bypass charging explained in real-life terms

What bypass charging actually does

Normally, when you use your phone while charging, power flows through the battery. This creates heat, which slowly degrades battery health over time.

With bypass charging, the phone draws power directly from the charger during heavy usage. The battery is partially bypassed, which helps reduce heat buildup.

When bypass charging is genuinely useful


Bypass charging now works during more activities, including:

  • Watching videos for long periods
  • Live streaming
  • Navigation with the screen always on
  • Gaming and other high-load tasks

In these scenarios, the phone tends to stay cooler compared to normal charging.

When bypass charging makes little difference

Bypass charging does not offer much benefit if:

  • You charge the phone overnight
  • You plug in only for short top-ups
  • The phone is idle while charging

In such cases, standard charging works just fine.

Battery health and heat management: the bigger picture

Battery degradation is caused more by heat than by charging speed alone. This is especially important in warm regions, where phones already operate at higher temperatures.

By reducing heat during heavy use, bypass charging can help slow long-term battery wear. It does not magically extend battery life, but it can reduce unnecessary stress over time.

This update shows OnePlus is paying attention to thermal management, not just fast charging numbers.

Who should turn bypass charging ON and OFF

Turn bypass charging ON if you:

  • Use your phone while plugged in
  • Watch videos or navigate for long periods

Game or stream regularly

You can keep it OFF if you:

  • Mostly charge overnight
  • Rarely use the phone while charging
  • Prefer a simple, automatic charging routine

This feature is optional, not mandatory.

What this update does NOT change

To set clear expectations, here is what remains the same:

  • No camera hardware changes
  • No increase in battery capacity
  • No major performance boost

This is a software refinement update, not a hardware upgrade in disguise.

Stability, security, and system improvements


The update includes the December 2025 Android security patch, improving protection against known vulnerabilities. It also brings small system-level refinements, such as:

  • Faster photo thumbnail loading
  • Better app icon resizing and shortcut management
  • Fixes for occasional car display disconnection issues

These changes are subtle but contribute to a smoother experience.

Rollout details and availability


The update is rolling out in stages:

  1. India: Firmware version CPH2745_16.0.2.401(EX01)
  2. Europe and Global models: Firmware version CPH2747_16.0.2.401(EX01)

As with most OnePlus updates, it is first released to a limited number of users before a wider rollout.

Should you install the update now?


For most users, the update is safe to install. It is especially useful if you care about battery health or enjoy experimenting with night photography.

If you prefer waiting for broader rollout feedback, holding off for a few days is also reasonable.

Ongoing update observations


This section can be updated over time:

  1. Battery temperature behavior during long usage
  2. Stability after extended use
  3. User-reported issues or improvements

Keeping this section updated helps the page stay relevant and useful.

About the author

Micheal B Norris Independent Tech Journalist I covers Android software updates and smartphone usability, with a focus on how features affect real-world daily use rather than marketing claims.


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