Opinion
[Opinion] One UI 3.1.1 will help Samsung to boost Android 12 (One UI 4) rollout for Galaxy devices
Google’s Android 12 operating system is official and set to release for the world this September. As Samsung is the leading smartphone brand across the globe, it needs to re-imagine the stock Android and make it more powerful for Galaxy device owners than others.
Today, we’re talking about an interesting fact that’s going to help Samsung boost its Android 12 (One UI 4) development for the Galaxy devices. Since the birth of One UI, its custom Android skin, the company released three iterations of the same generation (also based on the same Android OS) including:
- One UI 1.0, One UI 1.1 and One UI 1.5
- One UI 2.0, One UI 2.1 and One UI 2.5
- One UI 3.0, One UI 3.1 and One UI 3.5 (expected)
Samsung’s Android adoption and One UI development strategy
Sammy Fans are well known for the release plan of One UI versions and generations. The OEM runs its own Beta activity on every new Android generation to build a new One UI iteration for Galaxy devices. The company follows the below-mentioned strategy.
- Wait for the official/stable Android release
- Announcement for new Android OS-based One UI generation
- Developers Preview for Galaxy devices
- Public beta activity for general users (select phones)
- Stable release begins after a successful Beta trial.
After the official release of the new Android OS, Samsung announces One UI x.0 for developers, followed by a public beta and stable release. With the new Galaxy S flagships, it brings One UI x.1 pre-installed and later on rolls out this new version to other Galaxy owners.
In the third quarter, the Korean phone maker launches its new Galaxy Note flagship line that debuts another One UI variant i.e. the One UI x.5 out of the box. Following the same strategy, the company releases the changes of the x.5 version of One UI to eligible Galaxy phones and tablets.
Due to this heavy workout on the same Android generation, the Korean tech giant needs too much time to deliver the newer Android generation as we can take the Android 11 rollout as an example. However, Samsung is impressively upgrading Galaxies to Android 11, but it’s time to focus on Android 12.
And it looks like Samsung has finally decided to kill rivals with its Android 12 update as it’s going to not waste more time on Android 11-based another One UI 3 iteration. The company’s decision of One UI 3.5 cancellation itself a hint for the public that they are going to see a massive Android 12 distribution this year.
So, upcoming flagship Galaxies will also equip One UI 3.1?
No! As the One UI x.5 version comes along with new Galaxy Note phones, but they are not coming this year and are expected to make a come back in Q3 2022. It’s true, Samsung is going to not introduce the Android 11-based One UI 3.5 with its upcoming flagships, but they will be debuting with a new One UI 3 variant.
Following the future era and popularization of foldable screen smartphones, Samsung canceled its iconic Galaxy Note series this year and gambled its hope on the upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 3 (with S Pen support) and Galaxy Z Flip 3 foldable flagships.
One UI 3.1.1, Samsung’s best try for robust Android 12 rollout
With the Android 11, Samsung is going to entirely change its One UI development as the next/final version will be the One UI 3.1.1, not One UI 3.5. The upcoming Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are coming with the One UI 3.1.1 (based on Android 11) out of the box.
One UI 3.1.1, leaked by Ice Universe and later on confirmed by Samsung, is going to help the Korean tech titan for a speedy Android 12 development and rollout as well. The version of this upcoming One UI itself hints that it’s a very minor upgrade over the One UI 3.1.
If we talk about its market debut, the Galaxy Z Fold 3 & Flip 3 rumored to be introduced at the company’s next Unpacked on August 11. Unlike the expected One UI 3.5, the One UI 3.1.1 might not bring noticeable changes and features, but it will highlight some foldable-focussed functionalities.
It’s still unclear whether Samsung will distribute the One UI version 3.1.1 to the current Galaxy devices running One UI 3.1 or not. Meanwhile, the recent Good Lock Nice Catch update’s changelog dropped a hint of its arrival to more Galaxies other than the foldables.
Samsung Android 12 (One UI 4) Progress
Usually, Samsung starts the new Android OS adoption process just after its official release for general users. However, reliable sources revealed that the company is internally running the Android 12 development for the Galaxy S21 series.
Aside from this, sources claimed that the One UI 4 Beta will be released for the Galaxy S21 flagship lineup next week that’s too much ahead, compared to the last year’s One UI 3.0 Beta, which was introduced in September for developers, followed by the public (beta) in October.
Conclusion
That’s all folks and I think the arrival of One UI 3.1.1 and cancellation of One UI 3.5 will help Samsung for a speedy Android 12 (One UI 4) development and rollout for Galaxy devices. What do you think about the company’s decision? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
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.
Opinion
Chipset heat concerns: Why I am worried about the Galaxy S25 Ultra
I love Samsung phones and always look forward to its new models. The Galaxy S25 Ultra was something I was really looking forward to. However, recent developments have introduced a significant amount of caution into my usual enthusiasm for Samsung’s flagship devices.
The Snapdragon 8 Elite, Qualcomm’s latest chipset for smartphones, was expected to set new benchmarks in smartphone performance. Based on early reports, the smartphones running the latest chipset are getting hot. When phones get too hot, they slow down to cool off, which means they don’t work as well as they should. This could be a big problem for the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
This isn’t the first time chips have caused such overheating issues. Remember the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1? It had the same thermal problem, but they made it better later on. This makes me hope they’ll fix the new chip too.
Google’s Tensor chips have also encountered overheating issues. They’re trying to make them better with the next version (G6), focusing on not making them too hot. This approach might be something Samsung considers if the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s heat issues persist.
Samsung usually does a lot of testing to make sure its phones work well. But since they use Qualcomm’s chips for the top models, the company might have to deal with this heat issue too. I’m worried about how this will affect using the phone every day.
There’s always a chance they can fix some of this with software updates. Qualcomm says they’re working on it, but this might just be a quick fix, not a real solution. The effectiveness of these updates will be crucial in determining my decision to upgrade.
The recent chipset issues with both Google’s Tensor and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon series have made me more aware of the potential pitfalls in adopting the latest technology without some proven reliability.
I still want the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but now I’m a bit worried. I hope Samsung can make it work without getting too hot.
Disclaimer:
It’s worth noting that all discussions here are based on rumors, leaks, and my own expectations as a tech consumer. There’s no official word yet on the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s chipset or its performance. The final product might well address these concerns, but for now, the excitement comes with a side of skepticism.
Opinion
Is Samsung One UI 7.0 coming next month?
As we near the end of 2024, people who love Samsung Galaxy phones are really looking forward to the new software update called One UI 7.0. The latest version of One UI is built on the newest Android 15 and will have lots of new stuff. But the question on everyone’s mind is: will we see the beta version in November 2024?
There’s been a lot of excitement building up about One UI 7.0 because of numerous leaks, most notably from Android Headlines, which recently shared what appears to be promotional material for One UI 7.0. This leak showcased new icon designs, lock screen customizations, and a revamped notification bar, making Samsung fans and tech lovers excited.
Well-known tech influencers like @SamsonSirJi on X have hinted at a November rollout for the One UI 7.0 beta. The Galaxy users on the internet are also talking about it more because leaks are happening more often, including a notable hands-on video by a random YouTuber who got early access to the beta on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which suggests that Samsung might be close to opening up the beta program to the public.
Why November 2024?
Historically, Samsung has used beta programs to refine its One UI updates before the official stable release. If we look at previous years, Samsung typically begins its beta phase a few months before the next flagship Galaxy S series launch, which introduces the stable version of the new One UI.
The recent surge in leaks points towards Samsung’s readiness to enter the beta phase. Companies often allow leaks to build hype just before a release.
After SDC, Samsung usually accelerates the rollout of new software updates, which could mean we’re on the cusp of a beta release. The stable Android 15 is already live for Google Pixel devices, though several others have already started the Android 15 beta program.
Given that Samsung has officially confirmed the stable One UI 7.0 will accompany the Galaxy S25 series early next year, starting the beta in November 2024 would give sufficient time for testing and feedback.
Based on the pattern of Samsung’s beta programs, the timing of SDC Korea 2024, and the strategic release of promotional material, there is a strong case to be made that Samsung might indeed start the One UI 7.0 beta in November 2024.
Disclaimer
It’s important to note that while there are strong indications of a November beta release for One UI 7.0, Samsung has not officially confirmed any specific date for the beta program. The company has only shared an estimated timeline pointing towards the end of 2024.