OnePlus expands AI features for smartphones, focusing on Indian market

In India, smartphone maker OnePlus has committed to enhancing the capabilities of its devices by integrating advanced artificial intelligence features. As of May 2025, the company has revealed plans to incorporate functionalities aimed at improving various aspects such as photography, screen capture, and translation. These updates are not only expected to align OnePlus with its competitors who have already adopted AI technologies but also offer specific features like AI Call Assistant, which records and summarizes phone calls, echoing similar functionalities found in Google's Pixel devices. However, it is important to note that these features are currently available only to users in India. The innovation drive includes the introduction of AI Search, which allows users to engage with their smartphones in a conversational manner, akin to some functions seen in Motorola's Ask and Search. AI Best Face 2.0 is another feature in the pipeline, set to enhance group photography by correcting common problems such as closed eyes or suboptimal expressions. This functionality is particularly impressive as it can work with images of up to 20 individuals and can even rectify photos taken with other smartphones. Furthermore, it highlights how OnePlus is adopting a user-centric approach by introducing improvements to the camera capabilities of its devices. One feature integral to OnePlus's AI expansion is AI Plus Mind, which works in conjunction with the Plus Key. This function is designed to manage content captured on the screen and organize it within an AI-curated space referred to as "Mind Space." The company claims to prioritize user privacy by processing data locally on the phone and only accessing cloud resources when absolutely necessary, providing a level of security that many users desire in today's data-sensitive world. This hybrid approach can distinguish OnePlus in the crowded smartphone landscape. Despite the impressive array of features, many users have expressed concerns over the prevalence of AI in smartphones, with some preferring simpler devices that prioritize traditional phone functionalities over AI-related capabilities. This sentiment reflects a broader debate within the tech community regarding the balance between innovation and user preference. Overall, OnePlus' strategic move underscores a significant trend where smartphone manufacturers increasingly seek to incorporate AI to enhance user experience, albeit with varying reception depending on user expectations and preferences.