Samsung
This one feature will make you love the Samsung Galaxy S25
As a long-time Samsung Galaxy user, I am familiar with many of the key innovations and developments in the smartphone industry. In the ever-evolving smartphone technology, software updates play a crucial role in enhancing device performance, security, and features.
The world’s best smartphone maker, Samsung Electronics, is rumored to be bringing a significant software update method to its upcoming flagship, the Galaxy S25 series, with the introduction of seamless software updates. This feature, if implemented, could change things up for how its phones manage software upgrades. It would bring Samsung in line with what users have come to expect from competitors like Google.
Importance of Seamless software update?
Having seamless updates makes life a lot easier for smartphone users. Normally, updating a phone’s software means being without your device for several minutes or even longer (in major software update cases) while the system prepares, installs, and reboots. This process can be a real pain, especially if you’re out or right in the middle of something important.
With Seamless updates, you don’t need to worry about the time-consuming process. It allows the phone to download an update in the background and install it to an inactive partition. When you reboot your phone, it switches to this updated partition, minimizing downtime. There’s a safety net; if something goes wrong with the new software update, the phone can revert to the previous version easily, reducing the risk of serious issues like “bricking” your device.
If the Galaxy S25 rumors turn out to be true, Samsung might finally introduce a feature that many users, particularly beta testers of One UI, have been eagerly anticipating.
From my own experience in One UI beta testing, the lack of seamless updates often meant extended times without phone functionality during updates. This could change with the S25, making beta testing more accessible and less difficult.
Samsung has provided updates effectively in the past, but they’ve never been seamless like Google‘s. By adopting the seamless updates method, Samsung could show they care about user experience just as much.
About the history, Google introduced seamless updates with Android 7.0 Nougat in 2016, setting a benchmark for Android device updates. Here’s how Google does it:
Google uses A/B system partitions where one partition (A) runs the current software, and updates are installed on the other (B) without interrupting the user. The whole process happens in the background, and once they’re ready, a reboot is all that’s required to switch to the new version.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Source – Sammyfans)
How will it change the Galaxy S25 series experience?
The Galaxy S25 series users will have a great experience with the seamless software updates. The update would be downloaded and installed on an inactive system partition. When you decide to reboot or it happens automatically, your phone will switch to the updated system without the long wait typically associated with updates. The actual time your phone is unusable might only be the boot time, significantly less than the current update processes.
The Galaxy S25 will be breaking new ground here, bringing this crucial feature to the table before any other Samsung phone. It’ll be the only model in the Galaxy family.
Alongside this feature, there’s expected to be a larger display for all models, with the S25 Ultra possibly featuring a more rounded back for comfort. It is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, promising exceptional performance. The series is rumored to launch in January 2025 with the Android 15-based One UI 7 software.
Disclaimer
Please note, as of now, there’s no official confirmation from Samsung regarding the inclusion of seamless updates or the exact specifications of the Galaxy S25 series. All the information provided is based on leaks and rumors, subject to change or clarification upon official release.
Samsung hasn’t yet started the One UI 7.0 beta program in the US, but there will soon be one. The One UI beta program is generally available for eligible Samsung Galaxy devices in the US.
As per the latest confirmation, the One UI 7 beta program is set to start on December 5th for the Galaxy S24 series users in Germany and the UK. The US users are likely to receive the beta program invitation banner in their Samsung Members app installed on the devices.
Typically, the latest flagship models like the Galaxy S series (Galaxy S24 and S23) and sometimes newer foldable (Fold6 and Fold5) devices are included in the initial rollout of the One UI beta program. Older flagships and some mid-range models might also join the beta program later.
What do we know about the Samsung Beta program?
The beta program often starts in select regions with countries like the US, South Korea, India, and Germany being among the first to receive access. However, no exact schedule is provided for when each country will join the beta program except Germany.
When and where do we receive the beta update in the US?
Specifically, the One UI beta program in the US has been available through select carriers. T-Mobile often participates in Samsung’s One UI beta programs. It is among the first carriers to support beta versions in the US.
Additionally, unlocked Samsung Galaxy devices in the US can join the beta program. Other carriers like Verizon and AT&T don’t offer the beta program for the carrier-locked Galaxy devices. However, unlocked models on these networks can still participate in the beta program.
For the US, you can sign up through the Samsung Members app, which is necessary for participation. To get the beta, you need to follow this:
1. Download the Samsung Members app from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
2. Log in with a Samsung Account.
3. Look for the banner or notice about the One UI Beta Program and register.
While exact release dates can vary, based on the information available, the One UI 7 beta is anticipated to start around December 5th for eligible devices, with a full release expected in January alongside new device launches, the Galaxy S25 series.
Note: The article is updated on December 4th with the latest available information for Samsung Galaxy users in the US.
Samsung Galaxy S25 series will consist of three variants a standard, a Plus, and an Ultra model and there is a chance that the phone maker could bring a Slim model with some high-end specifications.
The smartphone industry is continuously evolving and companies are working on new designs to take the lead in the competition. In that case, form factor has remained a key constraint in experimenting with new models.
These design fluctuations could be seen in screen, weight, and thickness. Following these trends, phone makers have poured resources into reducing the device weight while featuring different displays.
Samsung has made remarkable progress in screen and weight management with the Galaxy S24 series and the recent Fold lineup.
So, the next battle leads us to the thickness. That’s where Samsung will collide with Apple for their next generation of devices – Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim and iPhone 17 Air.
Before we say anything further, you should know that these phones aren’t officially announced. However, leaks and rumors are suggesting that Samsung could offer more in this slim genre than Apple.
S25 Lineup
Based on the existing information, Samsung Galaxy S25 standard and Plus models will come with a flat frame and a flat screen like their predecessors. However, the S25 Ultra will bring major upgrades over the S24U.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra CAD Render (Source – Androidheadline)
Even with this new change, the Ultra model doesn’t look super slim. Also, its rumored 6.8-inch screen may not allow the device to overcome its architectural challenges. Therefore, the phone could only make a slight reduction rather than drastic cuts in thickness.
A previous report suggests that Samsung could unveil a new S25 Slim with notable differences and low quantity to test the market response. If it garners the expected response, Samsung will ramp up ambitions for a slim model in 2026.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim but Ultra Specs
Next year’s iPhone Air is expected to make new changes in overall thickness with only one rear camera and a display scaling around 6.5 or 6.6 inches.
While bringing a similar screen size, Samsung reportedly has a design and feature-rich experience for the S25 Slim. Unlike its rumored rival, the Galaxy S25 Slim could equip a 200MP camera, the same as the Samsung S25 Ultra.
Another rumor reveals that the phone may use a 50MP ultra-wide and 50MP telephoto camera. These combined, the S25 Slim will have the same camera configuration as the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra flagship.
To achieve a slim outlook, Samsung is working on a thinner circuit board to reduce the weight to the lowest. It will also rework the battery material for a custom version to fit inside the device while maintaining its key design features.
Furthermore, this device could pack the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for performance and the new AI features onboard.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Slim Release Date
Samsung is working with supply chain partners to fetch the required components to build this smartphone. A previous report indicates that the Korean tech company might unveil this phone alongside the S25 lineup, another predicts a later launch.
We’ll update this article once a final launch date is available.
Samsung has officially announced that the Galaxy A42 5G, launched in 2020, will no longer receive software updates. The device has now completed its update cycle according to Samsung’s policy. It means the phone will not receive any new software updates.
The Galaxy A42 5G smartphone is currently running Android 13-based One UI 5.1.1. It launched pre-installed with Android 10 and was a popular choice in Samsung’s budget-friendly A-series, known for its long battery life and amazing camera.
The company recently revealed details of the December 2024 security patch along with the revised list of the software update plan for Galaxy devices. Through this list, Samsung has officially announced the discontinuation of updates for the Galaxy A42.
While the end of software updates might sound concerning, the Galaxy A42 will still be safe to use. The phone will continue to receive Google Play system updates, which include important fixes. This will help ensure the phone stays secure and compatible with popular apps, like banking apps, even though it won’t get the latest Android features.
Users who want the latest features and software updates may want to consider upgrading to newer phones including Galaxy A16, Galaxy A25, Galaxy A35, and Galaxy A55.
Although the Samsung Galaxy A42 will no longer receive updates, it will continue to work normally for basic tasks. So, if you’re happy with its current performance and don’t mind using an older Android version, the A42 can still be a reliable device for everyday use.
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