Phone and OS

Samsung is already preparing its next major software update, One UI 9, based on Android 17. Google seeded the first Android 17 beta on February 13, 2026, and early One UI 9 test builds reportedly appeared soon after on Samsung’s internal servers. The company is still preparing One UI 8.5 for wider public release, but work on the Android 17-based upgrade appears to be moving quickly. For Galaxy users, the main question is simple: which phones and tablets are likely to receive One UI 9? Samsung has not announced an official One UI 9 rollout schedule or eligibility list yet. However, the company’s current software update policy, early test builds and previous rollout patterns give a fairly clear idea of which Galaxy devices are likely to make the cut. When could One UI 9 launch? Samsung is expected to open the first One UI 9 public beta for its latest flagship phones. The Galaxy S26 series is likely to be first in line, followed by the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S24 lineups. A beta release cou...

Samsung has said it never formally announced April 30 as the rollout date for One UI 8.5, after widespread rumors led users to expect the stable update to arrive that day. The clarification came from a moderator on Samsung’s US community forum. The moderator said the April 30 timeline was based on community speculation and past rollout patterns, not an official announcement from the company. Samsung said the One UI 8.5 rollout is still being finalized and no release date has been confirmed. The company said it prioritizes testing results before committing to an update schedule, with final approval resting with its lab engineers. The extended beta testing period has made the software nearly stable, according to the company, but Samsung said engineers must complete their evaluations before clearing the update for public release. Regional factors also appear to have influenced the rollout. South Korea observed Labor Day on May 1, and a rollout on April 30 could have left Samsung with limi...

Samsung’s One UI platform is facing a wave of criticism that goes beyond the usual complaints accompanying a major software rollout. Across Samsung Community forums, users are increasingly questioning not just individual bugs, but the company’s broader approach to fixing them. A recurring claim dominates recent discussions: issues identified in one One UI version are not resolved within that release cycle, but instead pushed to the next numbered update. According to multiple forum threads, bugs found in One UI 7.0 were deferred to One UI 8.0, while problems now affecting One UI 8.5 are reportedly scheduled for fixes only in One UI 9.0. This perceived “next‑version delay” has become a focal point of user frustration. The concern is not that bugs exist — users accept that no major software is flawless — but that known issues appear to be systematically postponed rather than addressed through interim fixes. Examples frequently cited include persistent blur artifacts in the Gallery app, in...

New Delhi: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide is rumoured to get the same smaller cover-screen selfie camera cutout as the standard Fold 8, shrinking from 3.7mm to just 2.5mm. That should make the outer display look cleaner and more immersive. Last week, it was reported that the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is getting a smaller selfie camera hole. Well, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide could get the same upgrade, it would seem. This information comes from the same source that shared the Galaxy Z Fold 8 details, Ice Universe. He said, via Weibo, that the so-called Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide will join the Galaxy Z Fold 8 when it comes to shrinking its “front view camera”. As in the earlier report, this appears to refer to the camera hole on the cover display. It is not clear whether the same change will apply to the main display. The camera hole on the front is expected to shrink from 3.7mm to 2.5mm in diameter, a difference that should be easily noticeable. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 has a 3.7mm diameter camera cutout. The d...

Samsung shifted its focus to stable builds for One UI 8.5 over the past few days as the software appeared to enter the final phase for a stable rollout, with the Beta Program underway and the last update expected next week. Samsung opened the One UI 8.5 Beta Program for the Galaxy S25 series in December. The beta activity arrived in six countries, while users in other markets remained on One UI 8.0, based on the Android 16 operating system. Samsung rolled out nine beta updates to the Galaxy S25 series during the Beta Program. The last, 10th beta update could be pushed on April 20. The final rollout of the One UI 8.5 firmware was said to kickstart on April 30 in South Korea. This week, Samsung uploaded new stable builds to its server for Galaxy S series smartphones. The Galaxy S22 series had yet to grab any attention in terms of a major software update. The latest stable builds listed were: Galaxy S23 series – FZD7 Galaxy S24 series – DZD9 Galaxy S25 series – CZDB Galaxy S23 FE – GZD7 G...

Image: Samsung The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from the South Korean tech giant, and it has left a lasting impression on this reviewer. Despite its uninspired design, the device has a lot to offer, including a stunning display, improved camera, and a user-friendly interface. But is it worth the hefty price tag of $1,300? Design and Hardware The Galaxy S25 Ultra's design is reminiscent of its predecessors, with a few minor tweaks. The device features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, which is both vibrant and sharp. The phone's build quality is solid, with a durable glass back and a metal frame. However, the design is not particularly innovative, and the lack of color options is a letdown. The phone is available in black, gray, and a grayish-blue hue, which may not appeal to users who prefer more vibrant colors. One of the notable changes in the design is the curved corners, which provide a more comfortable grip. The phone also features a lighter ...

 Samsung has officially confirmed the rollout timeline of its One UI 7 software update, which is based on Android 15, for eligible smartphones. The company has announced that the upcoming Galaxy S series, expected to be launched on January 22, will be the first phones to launch with the stable version of One UI 7. One UI 7 Update to be Released by March According to Samsung, the stable version of One UI 7 will be sequentially rolled out to other existing Galaxy devices, including smartphones and tablets, by Q1 2025, which means that the update is expected to be completed by the end of March. The update will include user feedback obtained through the beta programs, the company said. Eligible Devices to Receive One UI 7 Update The Galaxy S24 series is expected to be the first handsets to be updated to One UI 7, based on previous years' trends. The One UI 7 Beta 3 version was rolled out for select Samsung Galaxy smartphone users earlier this month, introducing faster fingerprint recog...

  Image: Samsung In a move that is expected to bolster user satisfaction and device longevity, Samsung has announced that its newly launched Galaxy A16 5G model will receive six years of software updates. This decision is a significant departure from the standard practice in the mid-range smartphone market, where devices often receive updates for a shorter period. Moreover, Samsung has revealed that this six-year support window will not be limited to the Galaxy A16 5G alone. The company has stated that many of its future mid-range devices will also benefit from this extended support period, ensuring that newer models remain relevant and secure for an extended duration. This new policy reflects Samsung's commitment to its users and underscores the company's focus on enhancing the value proposition of its devices. However, it is worth noting that this extended support does not apply to older Samsung models, which will not be retroactively included in the six-year update policy. S...

 Samsung has announced plans to expand its "One UI" software branding, currently exclusive to Galaxy devices, to its other major tech products, including TVs and home appliances, starting in 2025. This move aims to create a cohesive software experience across the company's portfolio. One UI, first introduced in 2018, replaced the widely criticized TouchWiz Android skin on Galaxy devices, providing a welcome and well-received update. Since then, Samsung has continued to build upon and refine the software, even expanding it to smartwatches following the company's adoption of Wear OS. During its annual developer conference, Samsung revealed that One UI will become the new name for the company's software experiences across major product lines, encompassing TVs and home appliances. While details on how this will affect software design and features are scarce, the announcement suggests a unified design language and integrated software experience across devices. ...

  Image: Samsung Samsung has announced the extension of passkey support to its smart TV lineup and other smart home devices, further enhancing the security and convenience of its ecosystem. This move is part of the company's ongoing efforts to streamline user authentication across its range of devices, which includes smartphones, tablets, and smart home products running on the Tizen operating system. Passkeys, a more secure alternative to traditional passwords, offer a passwordless authentication process that relies on biometric data or device-based verification. This technology is designed to mitigate the risks associated with password-based security, such as phishing attacks or credential theft, by eliminating the need for users to input passwords. By integrating passkey support into its smart TVs and smart home devices, Samsung aims to provide users with a seamless and secure experience across its connected ecosystem. The passkey feature will work in conjunction with Sam...

In 2023, Google introduced Gemini Nano, a lightweight version of its Gemini AI technology, designed to enable Android devices to run AI-powered features locally without relying on an internet connection. Initially, the technology was exclusive to the Pixel 8 Pro, but it has since been expanded to other devices, including the Galaxy S24 series. However, until now, there has been a lack of clarity regarding which smartphones support Gemini Nano and which ones feature the enhanced multimodality version. Thankfully, this ambiguity has been resolved, courtesy of a report by Android Police, which has obtained confirmation from Google on the devices that support Gemini Nano and those that feature the multimodality variant. Devices that Support Gemini Nano The following devices have been confirmed to support Gemini Nano: Google Pixel 8 Google Pixel 8 Pro Google Pixel 8a Motorola Edge 50 Ultra Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S24 Samsung Galaxy S24...

  Recent rumors have been circulating about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, a device expected to be based on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with notable differences. The latest leak has revealed the alleged release date and preorder period of this highly anticipated smartphone. According to reports, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition was initially known as the Galaxy Z Fold 6 Ultra and was leaked months ago. The project underwent multiple decision changes, including a potential cancellation, as Samsung aimed to compete with the thinness of other foldable smartphones, such as the Honor Magic V3. Despite initial setbacks, the company resumed the project and is now expected to launch the device on October 18, with preorders opening until October 24 and shipping starting on October 25. Interestingly, the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition recently appeared on the Samsung India website, suggesting that the device may be available in more markets than initially anticipated, includ...

Samsung has announced the launch of its innovative Galaxy Ring smartwatch in the Netherlands and Belgium, two key European markets. The device, which was initially released globally on July 24, has been available in limited markets until now. The Galaxy Ring is available in three colors - Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, and Titanium Gold - and is priced at €449. Prospective buyers can choose from nine sizes, ranging from 5 to 13 on the US scale. To ensure a perfect fit, Samsung is also offering a sizing kit that includes nine sample rings and instructions on how to find the ideal size. The launch of the Galaxy Ring in the Netherlands and Belgium marks a significant expansion of the device's availability in Europe. The wearable device has been highly anticipated by consumers and industry experts alike, and its availability in these key markets is expected to drive sales and adoption. The Galaxy Ring is a cutting-edge smartwatch that offers a range of innovative feature...

Samsung has begun rolling out the One UI 6.1.1 update to older Galaxy devices, introducing a revamped audio equalizer user interface. The new design makes it easier to use and features a more elegant appearance. The updated audio equalizer UI replaces the previous list format with preset chips below the equalizer adjustment bars. This change provides more room for the sliders and includes a brief description of the selected preset at the bottom of the UI. The audio equalizer is a useful feature in Samsung devices, allowing users to access it through Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects > Equalizer. The feature offers various presets and the ability to personalize settings from scratch. While the update does not introduce new features or changes, it does install the latest Android security patch to enhance device security. Users must download a 300MB package to install the update. September 2024 Security Patch Details The latest security patch addresses o...

Image: Samsung Samsung has commenced the rollout of its latest software update, One UI 6.1.1, to its Galaxy smartphones and tablets. While not a major update, One UI 6.1.1 brings several new features and enhancements to the table, including additional Galaxy AI features, improved animations, and support for new accessories. What's New in One UI 6.1.1? One UI 6.1.1 introduces several new features, including: Additional Galaxy AI features, such as "Listening Mode" in Interpreter, "Composer" for Chat Assist, and "Suggested Replies" on select devices "PDF Overlay Translation" in the Samsung Notes app, alongside other improvements to Note Assist "Sketch to Image" feature, which allows users to add content to an existing image based on a rough sketch A dedicated section in the Settings app for Galaxy AI Enhanced animations and app updates Support for new accessories, such as the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pr...

Recent listings on the 3C certification website have confirmed the charging speed revealed Samsung's upcoming flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, have had their charging speeds revealed through a recent 3C listing. The certification authority listed the SM-S9360 and SM-9310 models, which correspond to the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, respectively. According to the listing, the Galaxy S25 will support up to 45W (15V, 3A) charging, while the Galaxy S25 Plus will support 25W (9V, 2.77A) charging. It is worth noting that the Galaxy S25 Ultra, which has not yet appeared on the 3C listing, is also expected to support 45W charging. However, the battery capacity of the Galaxy S25 series is not expected to increase, with earlier leaks suggesting that the battery capacity will remain the same as the previous generation. Samsung's decision to stick with 45W charging on its flagship phones is likely due to the company's prioritization of product reliability. While some of Sa...