The system as a whole is classified as a blue-white B-type giant, with a mean combined apparent magnitude of +3.62.

It may consist of two close pairs in a wider orbit, making a four-star system,[14] although the binarity of the primary star is in doubt.

[5] Components Aa and Ab orbit every 5.6 years,[10] although the existence of this companion is now doubted.

[10] Omicron Andromedae is a Gamma Cassiopeiae type variable star and the system's brightness varies from magnitude +3.58 to +3.78.

[5] Spectral lines similar to an A2 star are also detectable in the spectrum and these are thought to originate in the B component.