
Samsung Galaxy S20 getting One UI 3.1 update [Verizon]
Earlier today, Verizon has started releasing the One UI 3.1 software update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 units in the US. Now, as per the latest info, the carrier-branded Galaxy S20 lineup receiving the One UI 3.1 features over the air. This firmware update also includes the February 2021 security patch for better device protection.
The Galaxy S20 series users can identify this update via version numbers: G981USQU1DUB7, G986USQU1DUB7, and G988USQU1DUB7 for the Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra respectively. Besides, this update introduces Advanced Messaging (RCS) for your device in order to deliver the latest text messaging experience.
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On the other hand, after updating your Galaxy S20 with the One UI 3.1, you can use the Eye Comfort Shield feature that automatically adjusts the blue light based on the time of day. Moreover, users can now remove the GPS data that reveals the location of photos before you share them.
As Samsung promised, the One UI 3.1 for Galaxy S20 brings users the ability to shoot dynamic photos and videos with new smart camera features including improved Single Take, touch autofocus, autoexposure controller, Object eraser tool, and Multi Mic Recording.
Adding to this, Samsung fans now no longer needed to install the Google Messages app to experience the RCS chat features. The One UI 3.1 update adds RCS features to the system messaging app allowing users to do chat over mobile data and Wi-Fi, receive and send high-resolution photos and videos, create feature-rich group chats, and receive read receipts.
Around a week ago, the Korean tech maker announced that it will release select powerful features from the Galaxy S21 to the older flagships such as the Galaxy S20 and the Galaxy Note 20 with the One UI 3.1 update. Following this, the company pushed this update for the Galaxy S20, Note 20, and Galaxy Fold 2/Flip smartphones.
HOW TO CHECK FOR UPDATES MANUALLY:
- From a Home screen, touch and swipe up or down to display all apps
- Tap Settings > System updates > Check for system updates.
- If your device finds a new software update:
- Tap Download now.
- When complete, a screen will appear advising you that the new version of software is ready to be installed.
- Tap Install update.
What’s changing:
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- This software update introduces One UI 3.1, with new Camera features, app enhancements (Calendar, Messages, Duo, DeX), new Settings (Eye comfort shield, Game Priority mode) and Advanced Messaging (RCS).
- The latest Android security patch is also included in this update.
- Advanced Messaging (RCS)
- This update introduces Advanced Messaging (RCS) for your device. Advanced Messaging features include:
- Send larger text messages: Create larger messages up to 8,000 characters long. With Advanced Messaging you’re no longer limited to 160 characters.
- Typing indicators: See when your contact is typing in a conversation.
- Read receipts: See when your message has been read.
- Large group chats: Create group chats with up to 100 participants.*
- High-quality media sharing: Share pictures and videos in high-quality.
- Chat over Wi-Fi: You can send messages over Wi-Fi, even when you don’t have a cellular connection.
- Transfer larger files: Send larger attachments than ever before.
- Location sharing: Share your location as you travel.
- *Group message recipients must also have Advanced Messaging enabled on a compatible device.
- This update introduces Advanced Messaging (RCS) for your device. Advanced Messaging features include:
- Camera – Zoom Lock
- Zoom Lock helps you hold focus on the same object at high magnification (>20X Zoom).
- Single Take – Shot Customization
- Now you can customize what shots to capture when using Single Take feature.
- Eye Comfort Shield
- Keep your eyes comfortable by limiting blue light and using warmer colors. Automatically adjust your screen’s colors based on the time of day.
- Game Booster – Priority Mode
- For the serious gamers, you can use Priority mode in Game Booster to block incoming calls and notifications. It will also optimize your network connection and processor power for your games.
- Video Call Enhancements
- When using third party apps (i.e., Google Duo), the video call now supports HDR, Beauty features, and improved low-light quality.
- Wireless DeX – PC Connection
- Extend your Galaxy phone to your desktop PC using Wireless DeX. Simply download the DeX app on your PC and connect to the same Wi-Fi network to start DeX.
- Galaxy Buds – Seamless Earbud Connection
- When logged into Samsung account, quickly switch your Galaxy Buds to nearby devices without disconnecting your earbuds or turning on pairing mode.
Deals
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 trade-in deal makes ‘zero’ financial sense

Samsung introduced a refreshed Galaxy Watch Ultra at the Unpacked event. The company added new colors and additional storage in the new variants. However, the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 trade-in deal makes literally zero financial sense.
As part of the pre-order, Samsung is offering an enhanced trade-in deal for the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025. The company is also letting you sell the OG Watch Ultra, but it earns you a witty amount toward the 2025 variant, making zero sense.
Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025 in Titanium Blue is listed for $649 in the US. The price of this smartwatch is the same as the first generation, which was released last year. The new variants bring fresh colors and bigger storage than the first-gen.
If you’re considering upgrading to the new Watch Ultra, especially if you already have one, it’s not a deal worth pursuing. The new variant gets 64GB storage and offers new color shades, but the OG trade-in is just $250.
Deducting $250 from the $649 list price, the Watch Ultra 2025 will cost you $400. It’s literally not a deal to proceed with, either stick to your Watch Ultra and wait for a noteworthy upgrade, which may happen next year or in 2027.
Rather, you can consider buying some new bands for your Watch Ultra. It will literally bring a refresh to your wrist gadget, while saving money. You can visit the Samsung website, where a variety of bands are listed to choose from.
Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are worth the upgrade over the Watch 4 and Watch 5 series. Owners of the Watch 6 series can also upgrade to the newer models, which come with a fresh new design, an upgraded chipset, and new software.
News
Amazon is selling used Galaxy S25 Ultra in the US

Amazon has started Prime Day deals on Samsung devices, additionally, the online shopping platform has also listed a used version of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The phone has a launch price of $1,299 for the base model, and during the Prime Day deal, customers can grab a unit for $949 or about 27% off. Meanwhile, Amazon is selling a used Galaxy S25 Ultra base model for $878 or about 32% off from the original price.
Amazon wrote in the description that this item will look and function the same as the new device, and will come with fresh packaging. It means the phone may or may not have some sort of refurbishment.

Used Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra on Amazon
The phone is sold by Amazon Resale and fulfilled by Amazon. According to Amazon’s resale policy, all of its items are backed by a 30-day return policy, and it’s free of charge. However, customers are required to follow some basic product return rules, like physical damage or creating any similar hardware or software issues.
To be mentioned, Amazon has listing limited stock of used models with 256GB and 512GB versions, which could run out soon. A mere confusion on this product is the warranty, resale does not cover this aspect.
The Amazon Prime Day deal has already applied a great value to Galaxy S25 Ultra and by spending nearly $100 extra, customers can get a new unit.
Galaxy S25 Ultra features the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for performance and generative AI features. It equips a 6.9-inch QHD screen with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. It has a quad camera system – 200MP main, 50MP ultra wide angle, 50MP primary 5x telephoto, and 10MP 3x telephoto lens. The S25 Ultra packs a large 5000mAh battery that could be charged with 45W fast charging.
News
Exynos 2600 will be a major upgrade over Exynos 2500, Samsung says

Samsung is quite optimistic about Exynos 2600 performance over the Exynos 2500. The latest Flip phone utilizes the company’s first 3nm chip, while the next Exynos is set to be manufactured using an even advanced process.
In a recent development, System LSI’s Park Yong-in revealed that Samsung is steadily preparing the Exynos 2600 after the Exynos 2500. The next Exynos is likely to bring a major upgrade over the Exynos 2500 powering the Z Flip 7.
Here’s what we can expect:
CPU
Samsung’s Exynos 2600 may feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite-like CPU architecture. The chip may feature two Cortex-X Prime CPU cores and six Cortex-A cores. The Exynos 2400 and Exynos 2500 come with a 10-core CPU.
Performance
Rumors point to significant performance improvements in the Exynos 2600. The new SoC may hit around 3,000 points in single-core and 10,000 points in multi-core tests on Geekbench.
Samsung’s 2nm chipset may surely bring key performance improvements, leveraging better processing power through newer core architectures like Arm’s Travis and Altos.
GPU
Xclipse 960 GPU, based on AMD RDNA, would be featured in the Exynos 2600 chipset. The GPU may score 5,800 points in 3DMark Wild Life Extreme, a huge boost over Exynos 2500 and 2400.
Process Tech
Exynos 2500 is made using Samsung Foundry’s 3nm process node. Meanwhile, Samsung is eyeing to utilize its cutting-edge SF2 (2 nanometer) fabrication process for Exynos 2600 production.
The new process will improve performance and power efficiency while reducing the area compared to the 3nm process of Exynos 2500 and the 4nm process of Exynos 2400.

Image – SammyFans
Exynos 2600 in Galaxy S26 – a long road
Samsung is indeed working on Exynos 2600, and the mass production could begin later this year. However, Samsung’s MX Division likely hasn’t yet confirmed this chipset to be used in the Galaxy S26 series next year.
Exynos 2600 may get clearance for the Galaxy S26 series after rigorous testing. As Qualcomm continues to boost Snapdragon performance, Samsung can’t take any risk with its mainstream annual flagship lineup.
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News
Samsung says Exynos 2600 is on track but avoids big question about Galaxy S26

Exynos 2600 development, targeting Galaxy S26, is going well, confirmed Samsung System LSI Business President. After the Unpacked event, Samsung officials held press conferences, bringing in the latest official insights on future products.
Samsung’s Exynos 2500 is powering the Galaxy Z Flip 7, whereas the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE uses Exynos 2400. The Exynos 2600 is in the works and slated to be produced using Samsung Foundry’s 2nm process technology.
System LSI Business designs Exynos chips, and Samsung Foundry produces the wafers. Both fall under Samsung DX Division, an arm of Samsung Electronics. Meanwhile, the MX Division is a different arm within Samsung Electronics.
President Park met with reporters ahead of the mentoring event “Korea National Academy of Engineering Young Festival” held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, for fostering future engineering talent, and said this, adding, “There will be good results.”
While Exynos 2600 preparations are going well, the System LSI Chief isn’t sure if the MX Division will use it. The Samsung executive claimed that the Exynos 2600 is making decent improvements, but avoided the question of Galaxy S26 adoption.
Regarding whether Exynos 2600 will be installed in the Galaxy S26 series to be released early next year, President Park was sparing with his words, saying, “That is the customer’s purview.”
Exynos 2500 was originally planned to be used in the Galaxy S25 series earlier this year. Meanwhile, the performance difference with its Snapdragon counterpart and Samsung Foundry’s low yield canceled it in the S25 series.
Meanwhile, the System LSI and Foundry worked constantly to improve the performance and yields. As a result, the Exynos 2500 is powering the Galaxy Z Flip 7 around the world, while real performance benchmarks are yet to be seen.
Samsung has made nice progress on its 2nm process tech. It has been working to further improve the yield, which would earn it orders for the S26 series. However, it’s a sole decision of Samsung MX whether S26 uses it or goes full Snapdragon.
News
Samsung reveals which Galaxy AI features will remain free always

Samsung’s Galaxy AI features are gradually becoming a part of our daily life. There was a concern that the Galaxy AI would go paid in 2026, but fortunately, Samsung has cleared the air and confirmed which features will remain free always.
Recently, Samsung confirmed to AndroidPolice that the Galaxy AI features available on Galaxy devices by default will be free forever. It means Galaxy users won’t have to pay any fee for the features that come pre-installed.
Galaxy AI features available on Samsung devices include Live Translate, Writing Assist, Interpreter, Note Assist, Transcript Assist, Browsing Assist, Photo Assist, Drawing Assist, Audio Eraser, Object Eraser, Generative Wallpapers, and many more.
Galaxy phones also come with Gemini AI features as part of the Android ecosystem. New flagships offer a 6-month free Gemini Advanced with additional storage. It’s entirely Google’s part to decide the fee and applicable charges.
After the Unpacked, the media asked TM Roh about the potential charges of Galaxy AI. Dr Roh confirmed to the media that the features will remain free until the end of 2025, and the monetization decision requires a discussion.
Samsung and Google are likely to introduce a separate feature suite. It will be available as a subscription, offering unrestricted access to Generative AI capabilities together with Gemini Advanced perks provided by Google.
The Korean tech giant is betting everything on artificial intelligence. At present, Mobile AI is the mainstream whenever a new Samsung flagship pops up. Even the company’s Design Chief dreams of making AI feel human with the next products.
So if you are in love with a Galaxy AI feature, you don’t have to worry about payments. Samsung will continue to offer the default features for free. There might be an additional subscription with even more exciting tools and capabilities.
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