Opinion
Opinion: My Samsung Galaxy Note 9 deserves Android 11/One UI 3.0 update
Samsung is currently testing the beta for Android 11 based One UI 3.0 and preparing to release the stable version for the eligible Galaxy devices. Initially, the One UI 3.0 beta program was started with the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note 20 devices, and later more smartphones added to the list including Galaxy S10, Note 10, Galaxy Z Fold 2, and Galaxy Z Flip.
The Android 11 based One UI 3.0 adds many changes with the brand new Home screen and quick panel user interface. It also brings a boost to the performance of the device for quickly opening apps while spending less power on tasks.
As we know that the Galaxy Note 10 devices are also listed to get the One UI 3.0 update but what about some other older flagship? Yes, I am here to talk about my Galaxy Note 9.
Many Galaxy Note 9 users have been wondering if they will get the chance to experience the One UI 3.0 update or not. The answer to this question is ‘No’ and as a proud user of Note 9, it makes me disappointed.
As per the latest updates policy of Samsung, the Galaxy Note 9 smartphones have already received two major upgrades and are no longer eligible to get another major update in the future. Although, these devices will still get monthly security improvements for a longer time.
Here’s why the Galaxy Note 9 deserve Android 11/One UI 3.0
Samsung released the Galaxy Note 9 as a premium device and this phone has many high-end features with added S-Pen functionality. It comes with a powerful octa-core processor, a super smooth Dynamic AMOLED display, a superior camera, and much more.
Adding to this, the Galaxy Note 9 was a popular smartphone launched in August 2018 and was also awarded as the ‘best smartphone of the year’ by Consumer Report. Despite being one of the popular and premium smartphones, Samsung limits this device for further major upgrades.
Samsung Galaxy Note 9 comes with pre-installed Android 8 Oreo and has only received two major Android upgrades including Android 9 Pie and Android 10. Just recently it is updated to the latest One UI 2.5.
The recent One UI 2.5 update added many new features to the Galaxy Note 9 smartphone such as Samsung DeX support, new Keyboard features, support for bitmoji stickers on Always-on display, and more. But from now we will not see new changes in these devices that will be coming with the Android 11 based One UI 3.0 update.
With the launch of the Galaxy Note 20 series, Samsung confirmed that Samsung flagship smartphones, launched with Android 9, will receive Android update up to Android 11 but it would be so nice if Samsung has made this policy for the device that was launched with Android 8, like my still too excellent Galaxy Note 9.
In my opinion, running on an octa-core processor and coming at such a price point, the users of the Galaxy Note 9 deserve to get one more update and Samsung would have considered these devices for the Android 11/One UI 3.0 update.
What are your views on this, does the Galaxy Note 9 deserve the Android 11/One UI 3.0 update? Let us know in the comments below.
Opinion
My Expectation with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and One UI 7.1
Hey everyone! Are you excited about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra launching next year, most likely with One UI 7.1? Samsung has always been a leader in the smartphone market, and the company continues to improve both its hardware and software. That’s why expectations for the Galaxy S25 Ultra and One UI 7.1 are so high.
Consumers have many expectations for the Galaxy S25 Ultra and One UI 7.1, like better battery life, faster charging, an even better design, an improved camera, new features, more color options, smarter AI, and better performance. Here are some of the things I’m personally hoping for in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and One UI 7.1.
Grain-Less Screen:
For a phone that costs over $1000, we expect the display to be top-notch. With the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I’m hoping for a display that’s free from the grainy or sandy texture that some users noticed on the S24 Ultra, especially in dark colors or at low brightness. I’m expecting the display to be smooth and clear, which will offer sharp visuals in all lighting conditions.
Better 10x Shots with 50MP 5x Camera:
Samsung is known for having great cameras on its phones, and the S25 Ultra is expected to be no exception. As compared to the previous Ultra models, I’m hoping for improvements in the zooming camera. Samsung should provide an improved 50MP 5x zoom camera for better zoom capability, allowing clearer and more detailed shots at 10x shots.
In today’s world, most people want phones with better zoom capabilities. A good zoom lens is valuable for capturing distant subjects clearly, especially when you want detailed shots from far away.
AI Power Management for Enhanced Battery Life:
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to come with a long-lasting battery and smart AI power management, which will help extend battery life. One UI 7.1 should provide AI-powered features that learn users’ usage habits and adjust the phone’s power settings to save battery, making it last longer.
If AI manages all our battery-usage tasks, the phone could offer a battery life that lasts longer and adapts to your specific needs. I’m expecting the S25 Ultra will provide AI power management to help users avoid constantly charging the phone.
Notably, the new Snapdragon 8 Elite Processor in the Galaxy S25 Ultra will likely improve battery life. This processor promises a 27% improvement in power efficiency compared to previous models, meaning phones using this chip won’t require as much battery power to run, leading to longer battery life.
Intelligent Heat Management:
Overheating is a common issue with smartphones, sometimes caused by charging, heavy gaming, or running apps. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature intelligent heat management, which means it will stay cool even during intense use.
Samsung should integrate advanced technology into the Galaxy S25 Ultra that keeps its temperature in check by adjusting the performance of the processor and other components. This will prevent the phone from slowing down or becoming too hot to use.
Faster AI tasks and generative AI processing:
AI is becoming an important part of smartphones, and with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I’m expecting faster AI performance. This means the phone will be able to complete tasks faster.
With One UI 7.1, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra to bring new features that will handle generative AI tasks, like creating text, images, and even videos, much faster than before.
Seamless Updates:
Updates are essential for smartphones as they add new features and fix bugs. However, the process can be slow, disruptive, and often requires restarting the phone. I’m expecting seamless update support for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Samsung Galaxy A55 already features A/B partition updates, but this has not yet been available on any flagship device. Seamless updates require hardware-level support, and if it debuts on the Galaxy S25 series, future models may continue to feature them.
OS-integrated AI features:
With the latest hardware and One UI 7.1, Samsung should integrate AI directly into the operating system on the Galaxy S25 series. This means AI will not only work in apps like the camera but also enhance the overall user experience.
This deeper integration of AI will help make the phone feel more personalized. It will learn from how users use their devices and make suggestions to make it easier and faster to get things done.
Gemini AI will reportedly have more control over Samsung’s stock apps, so users could soon do things like set alarms, create reminders, update notes, schedule events, and more, all with their voices.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to be an impressive device with upcoming software One UI 7.1. From the grain-less display to the improved camera and smarter AI features, the phone is expected to provide a next-level user experience.
With these upgrades, I expect the S25 Ultra to be not only a powerful device but also one that is more personalized to offer a smoother, smarter, and more enjoyable experience. I’m excited to see how Samsung continues to integrate advanced and smarter technology with this new flagship device.
BTW, what are you waiting for Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or One UI 7.1 update? Let us know in the comment section of our social media handles.
Opinion
I am betting on outstanding Battery Life for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S-series has been launched with phenomenal battery life and impressive hardware. My experience with the Galaxy S24 Ultra sets a promising example for what we might expect from the upcoming S25 Ultra, potentially offering even better durability and performance, thanks to the latest advancements in battery technology and hardware.
My experience with the S24 Ultra excites me about the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It seems likely that it could offer even more extended battery life and enhanced performance, all due to the latest innovations and hardware refinements. Let’s dive into what we can expect from Samsung’s upcoming flagship, especially in terms of battery performance.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to maintain the same 5,000mAh battery capacity as its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 Ultra. While this might seem like no improvement in the first look, the story doesn’t end there. The real game-changer could be the new chipset from Qualcomm, Snapdragon 8 Elite. It is known for its enhanced power efficiency, and this processor promises to add more life to the same battery.
What is so special about the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite? The 8 Elite chipset isn’t just about raw power; it’s about smart energy management. According to the official information, this chipset is expected to offer significant improvements in CPU and GPU efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under heavy use.
When comparing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the S24 Ultra, we will see the key difference in the chipset’s efficiency. With the new chip, the S25 Ultra is most likely to extend its usability for a longer time, even for power users.
Compared with the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max, which has battery life enhancements with Apple’s next-gen A-series chip, the Galaxy S25 Ultra should hold the upper ground. Based on my experience with testing iOS devices, the iPhone 16 Pro Max might have a slight edge in standby time due to Apple’s optimizations, but for active use, especially with demanding apps and games, the Snapdragon 8 Elite could put Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ahead in terms of endurance.
Regarding charging speed, the S25 Ultra will likely retain the 45W wired and 25W wireless charging speeds from its predecessor. Thanks to the new chipset, you might need to charge less frequently, making these speeds more than sufficient for most users.
There’s one more point: software optimization. Samsung has always been good at optimizing software for battery life, but with the new AI-driven features, expect more intelligent power usage adjustments based on your habits.
We will see some cool optimizations in One UI 7.1, which will run on Android 15. It looks like Samsung is working on making its software and hardware work better together to make the battery last longer. Additionally, the One UI 7.1 is rumored to add a smarter battery management feature. We could also see features like dimming the screen when you’re not looking for better battery performance.
My favorite is the adaptive battery charging feature on One UI 6.1, which is useful for longer battery life on your current Galaxy smartphone.
As a true Samsung Galaxy user and loyal Team Galaxy member, I am ready for the upgrade next year. Even without a larger battery, the combination of the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s efficiency, One UI’s software optimizations, and Samsung’s commitment to long-term support (with 7 years of updates) makes this device a strong contender for anyone prioritizing battery life.
For other Samsung Galaxy fans and those looking to upgrade, the Galaxy S25 Ultra might just be the answer to your battery life questions. Keep an eye on SammyFans.com for more updates as we approach its launch.
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Opinion
Google advances to Android 16, Samsung delays decision on One UI 7
Google has just released the first Developer Preview of Android 16, hinting at an earlier rollout compared to what we’ve seen before. Google is pushing this update to ensure that device manufacturers can adopt it quickly.
While Google is moving ahead with Android 16, Samsung appears to be taking its time with the One UI interface. Typically, Samsung rolls out One UI updates together with Google’s Android releases, but Android 15-based One UI 7.0 is yet to reach the beta stage.
It looks like Samsung is still working with One UI 7 internally, as indicated by several CheckFirm screenshots posted on social media.
This delay could be frustrating for Samsung Galaxy users, particularly as competitors begin updating their devices to newer Android versions. Samsung might be dedicating extra time to perfect One UI 7, focusing on stability, new AI, and security enhancements.
With Google preparing its Android updates, Samsung might need to rethink its update strategy. If Android 16 comes out in the second quarter of 2025, Samsung might have to decide whether to rush One UI 7 out or perhaps move directly to One UI 8 for some eligible Galaxy users, skipping a version to keep pace with Google’s timeline. It’s a common move in tech to skip an update when necessary.
Samsung Galaxy users may need to wait a bit longer, but when One UI 7 or potentially One UI 8 arrives, it’s likely to bring a set of features that continue to differentiate Samsung in the competitive smartphone market.
What’s the current status of One UI 7.0?
Samsung Galaxy users were eagerly awaiting news on One UI 7 during the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) 2024 held on November 21st in Korea, but the event passed without any official announcements or insights into its progress.
Previously at SDC 2024 in the US, Samsung had mentioned that One UI 7 would be available for developers by the end of the year, suggesting that while not publicly announced, work on One UI 7 is still ongoing. There were numerous rumors that Samsung might be preparing to unveil or at least start a beta program for One UI 7 around this period.
We have already seen hands-on videos and leaks suggesting that One UI 7 will bring significant UI changes, new animations, and enhanced customization features, although these leaks are from older One UI 7 builds since the software is evolving quickly.
While the Galaxy fans were left without a clear update from SDC Korea, the silence doesn’t necessarily mean a delay. Samsung might be planning a different approach for revealing One UI 7 or could be saving the announcement for a later, more perfect moment. Stay tuned to Sammy Fans for all the latest on this front.