OnePlus SOTA 12R 11R, Nord 4, CE 3, 10R New Update: Full Review, Features, Bugs, Battery & Performance

OnePlus just released a major SOTA update for a lineup of its most popular devices, including the OnePlus 12R, 11R, Nord 4, CE 3, and 10R. This brings a whole new set of features, fixes, and system enhancements.

If you’re itching to know what’s changed, what’s improved, and if it’s worth updating now—or just want answers to your key questions like “OnePlus SOTA 12R 11R price,” “OnePlus SOTA 12R 11R price in India,” or “OnePlus 11R vs. OnePlus 12R: which is better”—this post is for you.

Update Overview and Rollout Details

First, let’s talk basics: The new update is labeled V70P03 (BRB1 EX01) and weighs in at about 380 MB. OnePlus is rolling out the new software in batches. That means you might need to wait a few days before it appears on your phone. Don’t panic if you haven’t gotten it yet—patience will pay off.

Here’s what you’ll find in the update specs:

• Update version: V70P03 (BRB1 EX01)
• Approximate size: 380 MB (set aside some space)
• Android version: This brings in Android 15 features
• Security patch: April 1, 2025

I found that the batch-wise rollout helps avoid overload on OnePlus’s servers while giving them time to address any hot fixes needed if early bugs pop up. The system itself is now more secure, running the very latest Android security patch. This is a big step for anyone worried about vulnerabilities.

New and Improved Features in System and UI Live Alerts in the Clock App

I’m always looking for easier ways to manage my schedule, and this update delivered some neat changes to the Clock app. Now, you’ll spot Live Alerts not just for the timer, but also for the stopwatch. Before, live alerts only popped up with a timer running, but now you’ll stay updated when the stopwatch is in use.

• Stopwatch Live Alert: No more guessing if you left the stopwatch running. The system gives you an instant live alert.
• Alarm Live Alert: When an alarm rings and you snooze it, a live alert for the next alarm stage appears in notifications. This keeps you informed about what’s coming up and helps you stay on track.

Home Screen Enhancements: Folder Resizing

Before this update, I had to jump through hoops and install a system launcher APK to get folder resizing on the home screen. Now, it’s built in. You can resize any home screen folder in two ways:

• 1×2 layout: Makes folders stretch horizontally.
• 2×1 layout: Stacks folders vertically.

Whether you want denser tabs or more space, the customization now fits your needs directly. Navigation between these folder sizes feels natural, and it keeps your home screen organized the way you want it.

Task Manager Update: Flat vs. Stack

Multitaskers like me rejoice! There’s now a brand-new Task Manager view. In the settings, you can choose between

• Flat style: Looks just like older OxygenOS versions—simple, side-by-side cards.
• Stack style: A slick stack of apps, much like what you’d see on iOS. It makes switching between apps buttery smooth and visually appealing.

Super Power Saving Mode: Smarter, More Flexible

Worried about running out of juice? The Super Power Saving Mode now goes deeper. The team made several improvements:

• More refined battery management: less battery drain even with essential apps running.
• Easier app addition/removal: Customize which apps run or pause under power saving with minimal effort.
• Overall efficiency: Noticeably longer battery life for emergencies or long days.

These changes matter most when you’re stretched thin on charge and still need your phone to work.

Contacts App: Set Custom Ringtones Per Contact

With this feature, it’s now possible to specify a different ringtone for each contact—right when you add or edit them. Now, when your best friend or your boss calls, you’ll know right away by sound alone. More personalization, right out of the box.

Gesture Mode: Floating Windows and Shadow Fixes

Using gesture navigation just got smoother:

• Floating window close gestures are now fixed. Before, closing a floating window app with a gesture often failed or didn’t register. Problem gone.
• No more shadow effect: Previously, floating windows sometimes left an annoying shadow. The new update cleans this up, making the overlap smooth and distraction-free.

System Navigation: New “Circle to Search” Feature

This is one of my favorites. OnePlus added a much-awaited Circle to Search function in Settings > System & Updates > System Navigation.

Now, just tap on your home screen and draw a circle around any area or app. Instantly, your phone launches a Google search related to that area. It’s quick, convenient, and perfect for looking up something you spot on your screen without switching apps or copying text.

Here’s how it works step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → System & Updates → System Navigation
2. Find the Circle to Search feature and turn it on.
3. On the home screen, draw a circle with your finger around what you want to search.
4. Watch your phone bring up instant Google results for that area.

Screen Recording: Now with Partial Area Recording (Feature Rollout Varies)

Screen recording has leveled up! While not every device has this feature activated yet, it’s rolling out to more users quickly.

• Partial Screen Recording: Choose a specific area of your screen to record instead of capturing everything.
• Focused video captures: This is great for tutorials, app demos, or sharing only part of your daily workflow with friends.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: Stronger and Smoother

Wi-Fi connection problems can be infuriating. In this update, OnePlus tackled two big issues:

• Previous issue: Wi-Fi would sometimes auto-disconnect with no warning or simply not show networks even in strong signal areas.
• After the update, connections stick, networks appear without delay, and stability is greatly improved.

Mobile Network: Stronger Signal and Performance

A good network connection is non-negotiable. Here’s what changed:

1. Old issue: 5G signals sometimes wouldn’t appear, calls didn’t connect reliably, and the network would fluctuate between strong and weak at random.
2. With this update, the 5G signal is steady, call connections work as expected, and there are no more random drops.

Fingerprint Unlock: Faster and Reliable

Nothing’s more annoying than your phone not unlocking on the first try. The fingerprint sensor now:

• Lights up instantly on screen-off for faster access
• Recognizes your finger and unlocks almost immediately, even from standby

Battery Performance: Pros and Cons

Battery life is always top of mind. Here’s what I, and other users, are seeing:

Battery Experience	Pros	Cons
After Update	Better backup for many users	Some users report increased battery drain
Charging	Quick charge is faster than before	Charging sometimes causes heating issue
System/3rd-party apps	Some see less background drain	Some apps still use excess battery in cases
Gaming/Browsing	Steady in normal use	Charging sometimes causes heating issues.

My own device feels noticeably improved, with decent battery savings. However, a few users dealt with faster drain. This may depend on the apps you use or your settings.

If you’re seeing big drops, wait for a future fix or try resetting your device (backup first). Also, the quick charge works well, but during the hot season, devices might heat up more easily during a full charge.

Gaming Performance: Smoother Runs, Fewer Drops

For gaming, updates can make or break smooth play. Here’s my experience:

• Games open faster and run steadier, and I saw almost no lag or jitter.
• Frame drops are less noticeable.
• After long gaming sessions, the phone does heat up a bit, and heavy games can still drain the battery quickly.
• For casual downtime or short gaming periods, performance remains stable and smooth.

Conclusion

This OnePlus SOTA update brings a lot to the table for models like the 12R, 11R, Nord 4, CE 3, and 10R. From security patches, UI tweaks, and clever new features to substantial bug fixes and battery improvements, it covers a lot of ground.

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