Today, most Android smartphones in a certain price range generally have similar hardware. For most users, the purchasing decision mostly comes down to camera and software experience. As a result, many phone manufacturers are now implementing custom UI skins that almost resemble stock Android. OnePlus is using OxygenOS on their phones and Samsung is working with One UI. Meanwhile, ASUS offers ZenUI, which is the same as vanilla Android.
Speaking of OEMs, both OnePlus and ASUS are battling the flagship killer market with a $600-800 price tag. While OnePlus has the OnePlus 8/8T/8 Pro on the shelves, ASUS is swinging the sword with the Zenfone 7/7 Pro.
As for the software experience, OnePlus is making headlines with a redesigned one-handed approach with OxygenOS 11, while ASUS takes it closer to Android UI/UX with a handful of useful add-ons.
In this article, we will compare ASUS ZenUI with Oxygen OS. The comparison will cover UI, customization options, features, theme engine and more. Lets start.
user interface
User Interface can easily make or break your experience with a smartphone. If you don’t like what you see on the screen, no feature will force you to take one device over another. The good news is that both OnePlus and ASUS don’t bother much with Stock Android. ASUS’ ZenUI mostly follows Material design guidelines, which is nice to see. ASUS has made some changes in certain areas. For example, the Settings menu looks different. Apart from that, you will not encounter astonishing surprises. So we could call it almost stock, and that’s fair.
OnePlus is following Samsung’s lead to implement a navigation-friendly interface. Most OnePlus apps have a large app banner at the top followed by easily accessible content. I am a fan of Samsung’s One UI approach and wholeheartedly welcome the changes made by OnePlus.
This approach also addresses users who struggle with phones with long screens. Therefore, the buttons and interface options are mostly within your thumb’s reach. The other hand only comes into play when you need to check notifications or perform other activities that involve tapping the top of the screen.
When it comes to multitasking, Oxygen OS and Zen UI are not trying to be different. Both operating systems have similar vertical app tabs in the horizontal UI. The close all button is useful when you want to get rid of all the applications in the multitasking view.
Theme Support and Theme Engine
Samsung and OnePlus take a different approach to on-device theme customization. OnePlus doesn’t go overboard with a custom theme store. However, it does offer the option to change the accent colors from the settings. You can choose from dozens of color options available for notification toggles and toggle menus via Oxygen OS. I love to add and prefer the Orange accent color on my OnePlus 7.
ASUS has turned the game upside down and made ZenUI all about features. The company provides a dedicated theme store to change the wallpaper, theme, icon style and font type.
Packed with deep customization options, you’ll find yourself at home if you like to mess around. Also, both Oxygen OS and ZenUI support Android 10 dark theme.
Navigation Gestures
Google has completely revamped the gestures in Android 10. It’s very similar to iOS, with the ability to swipe up to go home, swipe up and hold to open the multitasking menu, and swipe from either side to go back.
Both ASUS and OnePlus offer Android 9’s pill-based navigation and standard legacy Android navigation buttons alongside Android 10 gestures.
In my limited use, I found the OxygenOS app to be better than ZenUI as an overall experience. On OxygenOS, animations felt smoother and more consistent.
Customization Options
OnePlus’ approach is simple. It allows you to change the home screen layout, add third-party icon packs, notification dots, and gestures. I appreciate how the company allows you to apply third party icon packs without any launcher. My favorite function in OxygenOS 11.
OnePlus may lag in integrating Always-on Display support, but the implementation is in place. There are thoughtful designs and the customization options are enough to customize the lock screen experience.
ASUS also offers Always-on display support. However, the options are limited.
You can enable/disable the Google feed menu, add new apps to the home screen, and turn notification dots on or off. I appreciate ASUS allowing users to disable the Google Feed menu. Unfortunately, ZenUI does not allow you to use third-party icon packs from the Play Store.
Features
As expected, Oxygen OS offers a lot more features on top of stock Android. Something OnePlus fans value about the company. A clean and distraction-free look with all the features you need.
Oxygen OS has integrated App locker, Game mode, Parallel apps, different view mode, screen recorder, scrolling screenshots and more. My favorite is Reading mode. The screen is set to a black and white theme, which is useful for reading text at night without any visual distractions.
Zen Mode and Digital Balance are designed to consume less digital content and enjoy an environment called life. You can think of Zen mode as a charged Digital Balance.
ASUS provides a native screenshot and screen recorder tool. It is integrated into notification toggles that make it easy for users to access and use tools.
Other notable features are App Lock and Hide Apps. I have seen many users looking for an unsafe third party app lock app from Play Store. It’s good to see such functionality built into the default launcher.
my feed
Recently, OnePlus gave up on the Shelf and replaced it with the Google Feed menu. ASUS replicated this with a similar take. It’s good to see more Android OEMs integrating the Google Feed menu in the left pane of the home screen. Hey Samsung, your move?
Which One Should You Choose?
As for me, OxygenOS 11 is a welcome departure from the previous OnePlus offering. The company has finally improved on the UI/UX front without messing with the core Android functionality. ASUS plays a safe game here. The company sticks to Google’s vision for most parts and only adds small utilities to make a difference.
Next: OnePlus 8T is the newest member of the OnePlus family. Read the post below to know the best tips and tricks about the device.
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