2025 has turned out to be a surprisingly exciting year for smartphone UIs. First, Samsung rolled out One UI 7 with deeper customization. Then Google introduced Material 3 Expressive for Pixel devices. Apple followed with its controversial Liquid Glass redesign that divided the internet. And just when it felt like the major UI updates were done for the year, another surprise entered the conversation.
Vivo — a brand whose software has often been criticized despite strong hardware — is finally preparing to bring something new to India. FunTouch OS, long considered the weaker link in Vivo phones, may soon evolve. Reports suggest that Vivo could rebrand FunTouch OS and integrate core features from Origin OS, the company’s China-exclusive software. While it’s not confirmed whether this will be a full transition or a hybrid approach, the direction is clear: Vivo appears to be listening.
For years, users have praised Vivo’s cameras and hardware but criticized FunTouch OS for lacking personality and depth. Origin OS, on the other hand, has been widely appreciated for its bold design, smoother animations, and advanced customization. If Vivo successfully brings these strengths to India, it could significantly shift public perception.
Visually, the difference between FunTouch OS and Origin OS is immediately noticeable. FunTouch OS is clean and minimal, while Origin OS feels more dynamic and layered. But “busy” doesn’t mean cluttered. It means options. Origin OS allows widget stacking similar to iOS and Samsung’s One UI. You can even place widgets inside folders — something rarely seen on other Android skins.
Navigation differences are also notable. On Origin OS, swiping down from the left opens notifications, while swiping from the right opens the control center. FunTouch OS combines both into one panel. While some users may prefer the unified layout, having separate panels provides quicker access to toggles like dark mode or media output. Importantly, Origin OS gives users the option to switch back to a unified layout if desired. FunTouch OS does not offer this flexibility.
Customization goes further with features like Mood Cube. This allows wallpaper effects that adapt to time of day or weather conditions, dynamic icon resizing, and the choice between rounded or sharper UI tile shapes. The same visual styling applies consistently across quick settings and control panels. These are features currently missing in FunTouch OS.
Origin OS also introduces shortcut gestures on the home screen for quickly launching music controls or payment apps. Dock customization, layout tweaks, and transition animations add even more personalization layers.
Lock screen customization is another area where Origin OS stands out. It offers multiple styles and supports widgets, similar to iOS. The Always-On Display is more advanced, including full-screen AOD options that show your lock screen wallpaper. Clock styles and layout adjustments are more extensive. Even the fingerprint icon changes based on the selected lock screen style, and charging animations can be customized.
Animations have long been a highlight of Origin OS. App opening, closing, and unlocking transitions feel fluid and intentional. While recent updates have improved animations in FunTouch OS, Origin OS still feels slightly more refined.
Origin OS also incorporates “live activities,” branded as Origin Notifications. Similar to Apple’s Dynamic Island concept, these notifications appear on the camera cutout but extend further — showing up on the AOD, lock screen, home screen, and even during gaming sessions. The integration feels thoughtful rather than superficial.
There are also performance-oriented enhancements. Smart resolution adaptation dynamically adjusts display resolution depending on content — switching to 1080p for standard content and UHD for high-resolution playback. This improves battery efficiency. A built-in performance mode allows users to prioritize power when needed, a feature absent in FunTouch OS.
Gamers may appreciate the Game Countdown feature. It allows users to exit a game lobby while waiting for a match and automatically returns them when the match begins. It’s a small addition, but one that enhances usability in everyday gaming scenarios.
Haptic feedback quality remains similar across both systems, and while there is room for improvement, Origin OS presents its feedback demo more cleanly.
Ultimately, Vivo’s hardware and camera systems are already competitive. Software has been the limiting factor. If Vivo successfully integrates Origin OS features into its India lineup — even partially — it could significantly strengthen its position in the market.
2025 has already reshaped the UI landscape across brands. If Vivo delivers on this transition, it may finally complete the shift from “great hardware, average software” to a more balanced and competitive ecosystem.