OnePlus rolled out the first batch of Android 11 update to the OnePlus 8 series in January. Immediately after, it announced OxygenOS 11 Open Beta program for the OnePlus Nord and then the OnePlus 7 series. In a span of a month, the OEM released Open Beta 2 for OnePlus 7 and Open Beta 3 update for the OnePlus Nord.
After a crucial wait of months, OnePlus is now rolling out OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 update for OnePlus 7 Pro followed by OnePlus 7. Since it is a beta release, it is advisable to take a full system backup before starting with the Android 11 update. The beta 3 updates can be downloaded via the Oxygen app.
The devs have made significant fixes at the system, network, and Bluetooth levels. The major ones include resolution of slow charging, lag issue when playing videos, Double-tap to wake, SMS delay, and Netflix Widevine. January 2021 security update has also been rolled out as part of OB 3.
For the Netflix Widevine issue, there are few technical limitations of the OnePlus 7 Pro when streaming from Netflix or any other platform. It is designed with a display resolution of QHD+ 1440 by 3120 pixels. Netflix and other streaming services can be played at either streaming quality of FHD 1080p or UHD 4K. In other words, the device can support only FHD 1080p.
The team is working on optimizing the Always-on display feature for future releases. The current workflow leads to increased power consumption. It can be enabled by going to Settings – Utilities – OnePlus Laboratory – Always-on ambient display.
OnePlus in its announcement on its community forum has confirmed that OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 build has been rolled out for OnePlus 7 Pro devices only. They were unable to release the Android 11 Open Beta 3 update to OnePlus 7 due to few bugs.
Users are expecting rollout to happen by end of March or the beginning of April. The same has been confirmed by @Abdul, OnePlus Staff Member. While responding to persistent queries on the release of Android 11 update for the OnePlus 7 and 7T series, he confirmed with “is already in the works, we expect to release the update in the coming days”
The feedback on OxygenOS 11 Open Beta 3 update for Oneplus 7 Pro has been positive till now. It has brought respite to burning issues of overheating and battery drain.
However, OnePlus 7T users are reporting bugs related to camera freeze after updating with OxygenOS 11 (Android 11) Open beta 3.
Few are reporting camera related bugs like crash on change to wide angle mode, blackout of camera viewfinder. However, the OEM is expected to optimize the upcoming builds.
Updates as of 25th March
OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro users have started confirming about receiving the Android 11 stable build. It has not been officially confirmed by the OEM yet and neither any changelog released. However, the reports pouring in confirm that the day has arrived. Oxygen Updater can also be used to download the Android 11 update if one doesn’t get an official notification.
All of us are waiting to hear whether the stable build will have the built-in AOD feature or not. For the newbies, it was due to the always-on display feature, the build had been considerably delayed.
After a successful stable rollout of OOS 11 on the OnePlus 7 series, the OEM will plan to test Android 11 for the OnePlus 6 and 6T series soon.
In the meanwhile mid-range, OnePlus Nord has started receiving the stable OxygenOS 11 update causing heartburn to premium segment users. They feel the company has cheated them. It has given preference to budget Nord by rolling out 2 stable updates in a span of 10 days. Well, with the latest Android 11 Open Beta 3 update, the users can positively expect the final Android 11 update to reach them by end of March or early April.
Till then stay tuned with us for any updates on Android 11 updates to OnePlus eligible devices. Don’t forget to share with us any roadblocks you encounter!