Samsung’s One UI 8 Beta 1 has arrived, bringing Android 16 to select regions including the US, South Korea, the UK, and Germany. The update promises exciting new features like enhanced AI tools, the new Running Coach, and smoother animations for eligible Galaxy devices.

The excitement is real, new software always brings a thrill for Galaxy fans eager to test cutting-edge features. But before you open the Samsung Members app to enroll, Samsung’s troubled history with recent beta programs should give you pause.

Here’s why you might want to wait. The One UI 7 rollout tells a cautionary tale. The first Beta 1 was launched in December 2024, It promised AI-driven improvements like the Now Bar and a redesigned quick panel. Instead, it delivered months of frustration that continue today.

Even after the stable release in April 2025, One UI 7 users are still dealing with serious battery drain issues. Social media and Samsung Community forums are flooded with complaints about devices losing 20-30% battery overnight, and that’s on the claimed “stable” version. Despite multiple software updates, Samsung hasn’t managed to fix this problem.

The beta phase was even worse. A critical security vulnerability in the lock screen allowed unauthorized device access under specific conditions. While Samsung eventually patched it before the stable release, the fact that such a security flaw made it through testing raises serious questions about Samsung’s quality control process.

What you need to know before installing beta builds: Beta software is experimental by nature. One UI 8 Beta 1 is designed for enthusiasts and developers who can face bugs in exchange for early access to new features. You might experience anything from minor annoyances like glitchy animations to major problems like system crashes or battery drain issues.

Samsung typically improves stability by the second or third beta phase, but early builds are essentially public testing grounds. If your phone is essential for work or daily life, the risks probably aren’t worth the rewards.

One UI 8 Beta 1 looks promising with its AI enhancements and refined design, but Samsung’s recent struggles make patience the wiser choice. If you are genuinely a tech enthusiast who loves testing new features and can handle the inevitable issues, go ahead – just make sure you have backed up everything important first.

For everyone else, waiting for Beta 2 makes more sense. By then, Samsung usually addresses the most reported bugs, offering a much more stable experience. Keep checking the Samsung Members app in the coming weeks, and let the early adopters work through the initial problems for you.

Samsung’s One UI is one of the most polished and feature-rich Android skins. With each major release, it brings significant changes to the Galaxy smartphones. However, recent leaks and reports about the Android 16-based One UI 8 version suggest that it may not be considered a major release. Instead, it looks like an incremental update, better name it One UI 7.1. In this article, I will explore the reasons why One UI 8 should be considered a minor upgrade over One UI 7, based on concrete evidence from leaks, internal beta testing, and industry analysis to justify this claim.

Samsung’s Major vs Minor One UI Releases:

Samsung’s One UI version typically follows a pattern where major releases (e.g., One UI 6, One UI 7) align with significant Android OS updates and introduce substantial design overhauls, new features, or performance enhancements. Minor updates focus on refinements, bug fixes, and smaller feature additions, often linked to specific device launches like the Galaxy S or Z series (such as One UI 6.1 or 6.1.1).

The last version, Android 15-based One UI 7, brought a major redesign with a revamped user interface, new icons, and AI-driven features like Call Transcripts and Sketch to Image. Based on this historical pattern, the One UI 8 would be a similarly transformative update. However, Samsung may be taking a more conservative approach this time, based on leaked images.

Why One UI 8 feels like a minor version?

Several key points from leaked internal beta builds and credible reports highlight why One UI 8 feels more like a refinement of One UI 7 than a groundbreaking new version.

1. Minimal Visual Changes

One of the key features of a major One UI release is a significant visual overhaul. For example, we have One UI 7’s redesigned app icons, split notification and Quick Settings panels, and rounded UI elements. In our first evidence, a One UI 8 leak build for the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Flip6 didn’t reveal anything new, even the user interface was nearly identical to One UI 7.

Based on the leaked builds, there are no major UI changes; the early One UI 8 firmware looks the same as One UI 7. You can see minor changes to apps like My Files and Gallery. These changes are incremental, the same we saw in a minor update like One UI 7.1.

2. Feature Expansion Rather Than Innovation

A major One UI releases typically introduce bold new features, but One UI 8 appears to focus on expanding existing features to more devices rather than introducing new features.

The Galaxy S25’s exclusive Now Brief feature from One UI 7 will be available to older flagships like the Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and S24 series with One UI 8. This should not be considered as a major new addition but rather a broader rollout of an existing exclusive feature. These smaller additions indicate Samsung is merely rebranding a smaller One UI 7.1 and promoting it as One UI 8.

3. Development Timeline Constraints

There’s another strong reason why I am calling it a minor upgrade: Samsung’s development timeline. The stable rollout of One UI 7, based on Android 15, faced significant delays due to a prolonged beta phase and critical bugs, including a severe issue that caused some Galaxy S24 devices to be unusable. As a result, Samsung was forced to pause the rollout in April 2025. The ongoing One UI 7 update rollout is still keeping Samsung developers busy, which suggests Samsung may not have had the time to implement noticeable changes.

4. App-Specific Tweaks Only

The leaked One UI 8 builds highlight tweaks to specific apps rather than system-wide changes. For example, the Samsung Reminder app is reportedly getting a redesigned UI with a modernized layout and updated color scheme, while the My Files app features a more organized Categories section. The Gallery app’s settings menu has been slightly redesigned to align with One UI 7’s aesthetic. These app-specific changes do not indicate a major shift in the overall One UI experience.

Samsung has a history of bringing app refinements in minor One UI upgrades. For example, One UI 6.1 introduced Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search and enhanced existing functionalities without changing the core UI design of One UI 6. Similarly, One UI 6.1.1 focused on specific enhancements for foldable devices.

A major release would typically include broader changes, such as new system animations, a restructured settings menu, or significant performance optimizations, none of which are spotted in current leaks.

Why Samsung still calls it One UI 8:

Samsung’s choice to name it One UI 8 might be to keep up with Android 16’s release and stay competitive, especially since Google is speeding up its updates. But this could be a mistake for Galaxy users, especially after the messy One UI 7 rollout.

As we know, One UI is based on Android OS, and the latest Android 16 is bringing major design changes for Pixel phone users. However, many of these features are already present in One UI 7, which reduces the need for significant changes in One UI 8.

Image By – Chanakya Shrutam/Sammyfans

Based on leaks, One UI 8’s scope is limited, with no major UI or feature overhauls on the horizon. Even if Samsung adds something new, it likely won’t be as game-changing as One UI 7. With small UI tweaks, expanded features instead of new ones, a rushed schedule, and minor app updates, One UI 8 doesn’t feel like a major release.

By branding it as One UI 7.1, Samsung could set realistic expectations and focus on delivering a stable, polished experience to Galaxy users. As the One UI 8 beta program approaches, Samsung has a chance to improve its approach and rebuild trust after One UI 7’s issues. Until then, the evidence suggests One UI 8 is just a small update pretending to be a big one.

If you agree with this take on One UI 8 or have thoughts to share about Samsung’s software updates, let’s connect! Reach out to me on X at @SamsungSWupdate.

As a long-time Samsung enthusiast and a proud user of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I was buzzing with excitement when I heard about the Galaxy S25 Edge first time. Samsung’s promise of an ultra-slim flagship with cutting-edge tech felt like a bold move to shake up the smartphone market. But after watching the launch event and getting a quick hands-on with the device, my enthusiasm fizzled out. The S25 Edge, despite its sleek design, feels like a misstep—overpriced, overhyped, and poorly promoted. Here’s why this phone misses the “recommendation”.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is the latest addition to the S25 lineup, which includes the base S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra. Launched in May 2025, it’s marketed as a premium, ultra-slim flagship with a 5.8mm titanium frame, a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, and a 200MP main camera. It’s powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset as its siblings but without some features, like a telephoto lens and a larger battery. Priced around $1,099, it sits between the S25+ ($999) and the S25 Ultra ($1,299), aiming to carve out a niche for users who want a big screen in a featherlight package.

Samsung positions the S25 Edge as a direct competitor to Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, emphasizing its thinness and premium build. But while it’s undeniably sleek, the compromises it makes leave it struggling to stand out in a crowded market.

Questionable Promotional Strategy:

Samsung’s marketing for the S25 Edge has been a letdown, leaning heavily on its slim design while glossing over its shortcomings. The campaign revolves around buzzwords like “revolutionary thinness” and “premium elegance,” with glossy ads showing the phone slipping effortlessly into pockets. But the messaging feels empty. Samsung wants us to believe the S25 Edge is an essential upgrade, yet it fails to explain why we need a thinner phone at the cost of key features.

Compare this to Samsung’s past campaigns, like the S21 series, which highlighted bold colors, versatile cameras, and 5G connectivity to appeal to a wide audience. Or the S24 Ultra’s launch, which leaned into Galaxy AI features like real-time translation and photo editing, giving users tangible reasons to upgrade. Then, there is S25 Edge’s ads, by contrast, feel like they are selling a concept—thinness—rather than a phone. There’s little focus on how the slim design improves daily use or why it’s worth the premium price. Social media discussion reflects this disconnection with users and questions the phone’s value.

Samsung also missed a chance to target specific audiences, like mobile gamers or content creators, who might appreciate the lightweight design. Instead, the broad “everyone needs this” approach feels forced, especially when the S25 Ultra offers more for just $200 extra (well, you can get the Ultra for less than the S25 Edge if you go for a better deal).

Overpriced:

At $1,099, the Galaxy S25 Edge is a tough sell. Let’s break it down. The S25+ costs $999 and offers a near-identical 6.7-inch AMOLED display, the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a larger 4,900mAh battery, and a telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The S25 Ultra, at $1,299, throws in a 50MP ultrawide camera, dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x), a 6.9-inch display, and an S Pen. Meanwhile, the S25 Edge skimps on the telephoto lens, has a measly 3,900mAh battery, and uses a 12MP ultrawide camera that’s outclassed by the Ultra’s 50MP sensor.

Compared to competitors, the S25 Edge looks even less appealing. The Google Pixel 9 Pro, priced at $999, offers a 6.3-inch LTPO AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom, plus a 4,700mAh battery. The iPhone 16 Pro, at $999, boasts a 6.3-inch display, a 48MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 5x telephoto, with a battery that lasts longer than the Edge’s. Both competitors deliver more (technically) robust camera systems and better battery life for less money.

The “premium tag” for the Edge’s slim design and titanium frame doesn’t justify the price. The new Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 are nice, but the S25+ uses similar materials for $100 less. The HOP 3.0 display tech, which allows finer refresh rate adjustments, is a minor upgrade over the S25+’s LTPO panel. For $1,099, you’re paying for aesthetics, not performance. As an S25 Ultra user, I’d rather spend the extra $200 (without the offer and discount) for a phone that doesn’t compromise on cameras or battery life.

Do we really need the Galaxy S25 Edge?

Samsung wants us to believe the S25 Edge is a must-have, but it’s hard to see why. The slim design is the star of the show, but does it solve a real problem? Most users don’t complain about their phones being too thick—the S25+ is 7.3mm and feels perfectly fine. The Edge’s 5.8mm profile is impressive, but it comes at the cost of a 3,900mAh battery that’s worryingly small for a 6.7-inch display. Early tests suggest it struggles to last a full day of heavy use, especially with power-hungry apps like games or video editors.

The 200MP main camera is a highlight, borrowed from the S25 Ultra, but the lack of a telephoto lens is a dealbreaker for anyone who loves zooming in for photos or videos. The 12MP ultrawide is still usable but lags behind the 50MP ultrawide on the Ultra and the 48MP ultrawides on the Pixel 9 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro. Features like Galaxy AI’s “Now Brief” and “AI Select” are neat but available across the S25 lineup, so these are not exclusive to the Edge.

The slim design might appeal to users who prioritize portability, like those who keep their phone in tight pockets or prefer a lightweight device for one-handed use. But for most people, the standard S25 or S25+ offers the same performance and better battery life without sacrificing camera versatility and a heavy price. The Edge feels like a niche experiment rather than a necessary addition to the lineup.

What users are saying:

The online reaction to the S25 Edge has been lukewarm at best, with many users echoing my disappointment. Here’s a sampling of opinions from early adopters and average consumers:

My Opinion:

As a Galaxy S25 Ultra user, I am spoiled by its robust hardware, and the S25 Edge feels like a downgrade in every way that matters. The 3,900mAh battery is a major concern. Running resource-intensive apps like Adobe Lightroom or Call of Duty Mobile on my Ultra is smooth, with its 5,000mAh battery lasting through hours of editing or gaming. The Edge, with its smaller battery and thinner vapor chamber for cooling, struggles to keep up. Early reviews note thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions, which is a red flag for power users.

The lack of a telephoto lens is another head-scratcher. My Ultra has 3x and 5x telephoto lenses; the Edge relies on pixel binning for up to 10x zoom, but it can’t match the clarity of optical zoom. For a phone priced so close to the Ultra, this feels like a cheap shortcut. The 12MP ultrawide camera sounds downgraded in comparison to the Ultra’s 50MP sensor, especially in low light.

The slim design is undeniably cool, but it’s a gimmick that doesn’t justify the trade-offs. My S25 Ultra feels premium and delivers on every front—cameras, battery, performance. The Edge sacrifices too much to chase a trend that Apple might perfect with the iPhone 17 Air.

Hey Sammy Fans, what do you think of the Galaxy S25 Edge? Love the ultra-thin design, or are the battery and missing telephoto a dealbreaker? Share your thoughts by DM on my X handle @SamsungSWUpdate.

Samsung is well known for regularly updating and improving its software, and Galaxy Watch users have been looking forward to what’s coming next. This year, instead of launching One UI 7 Watch, Samsung is planning to release One UI 8 Watch. It’s supposed to be a major update with new features and a fresh design, but early signs of One UI 8 Watch show something that’s honestly disappointing.

Early test builds of One UI 8 Watch show a new charging animation. The problem is that it looks almost exactly like the One UI 7 design on Samsung smartphones. That animation looks good on phones with big screens, but on the small, round Galaxy Watch, it looks strange and doesn’t fit well.

Image via AndroidAuthority

Aside from the animation, Samsung will reportedly add a new App Shortcuts system, where users can choose between two shortcut tile sizes: 2×1 and 2×2. While this sounds like a helpful feature, it looks too crowded on a small screen. It feels like Samsung just copied the phone layout without thinking about how different a watch really is.

Source – Android Authority

It feels like Samsung is focusing on making the watch UI match the phone UI. While having a consistent design across devices sounds good, watches need a unique layout that fits their shape, size, and how we use them.

Honestly, these redesigned tiles and new charging animation are quite disappointing. Smartwatches are supposed to be quick, simple, and easy to use. The current direction of One UI 8 Watch feels like a change just for the sake, not something that actually helps users.

We know this is still an early version, and Samsung may improve things before the final release. But right now, it’s not looking great.

What do you think? Should Samsung redesign the One UI 8 Watch to better fit the watch screen, or are you okay with the early look? Let us know your thoughts on our social media platforms.

One UI 8 Watch to feature One UI 7-inspired charging animation

Samsung’s One UI has transformed how Galaxy users interact with their devices. The custom version of the Android interface offers a clean, intuitive experience that makes Samsung phones and tablets both personal and powerful. With One UI 8 coming alongside Android 16 in 2025, Samsung has a real opportunity to elevate its software experience even further.

However, there’s a potential issue: Samsung typically limits its beta programs to just a few countries, as we saw with the One UI 7 beta earlier this year. This approach leaves millions of users worldwide unable to participate in shaping the software they use daily.

Here’s why Samsung should go global with the One UI 8 Beta program:

A global beta program would provide Samsung with invaluable feedback from users across different regions, languages, and usage patterns. While users in the US might focus on certain features, users in other regions might identify completely different issues or opportunities for improvement.

Let’s go more in-depth, US users might prioritize features that work well with US-based services like Google Pay or specific carrier integrations, but these features might function differently or be less relevant (take this as an example) in other markets. Without global testing, these regional differences could lead to frustrating bugs or missed optimization opportunities.

When One UI 7 beta launched in select markets, including the US, in December 2024, social media and the Samsung Members community were filled with excited users sharing new findings and tips, while users in excluded countries could only watch from the sidelines.

By including everyone, Samsung would strengthen its community while demonstrating that it values user input regardless of location. This approach aligns with American values of inclusivity and would position Samsung as a truly global brand that listens to all its customers.

With Apple offering iOS developer betas worldwide, Samsung is falling behind by restricting access to its One UI beta program. A global beta program would reinforce Samsung’s image as an innovative leader rather than a follower.

A global beta program isn’t without challenges. Samsung would need to:

– Improve customer support across time zones
– Manage feedback in multiple languages
– Address region-specific bugs and compatibility issues
– Importantly, confirmation through official channels.

However, Samsung already has the resources to handle these challenges through its existing global operations and the Samsung Members app. The company successfully took its Good Lock customization tool global via the Google Play Store earlier this year, showing it can manage worldwide software releases effectively.

A global One UI 8 beta would mean:

– Earlier access to cutting-edge features
– A voice in shaping the software experience
– Being part of a worldwide community of testers and enthusiasts
– Potentially faster official updates, as more bugs would be caught during testing

Opening the One UI 8 Beta program globally isn’t just fair—it’s a smart business move. Samsung Galaxy users would benefit from software that’s been tested across diverse environments, resulting in a more stable and feature-rich experience when the official release arrives.

As Samsung prepares for the One UI 8 launch alongside new devices like the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 series, going global with the beta would demonstrate confidence in its software and commitment to the entire user base. It’s time for Samsung to make this move and give every Galaxy user a chance to help shape the future of One UI.

What do you think about the global One UI 8 Beta program? Drop your opinion or any hot tips on X (@SamsungSWUpdate).