Opinion
Should Samsung consider revamping its One UI update approach?
When keeping our Samsung Galaxy devices fresh with the latest software, there’s always an atmosphere of excitement and a hint of frustration. As Samsung officially confirmed the One UI 7.0 beta delays, Samsung’s update policy might need a rethink. Let’s dive into what’s happening and how Samsung could potentially polish its update game.
If you’re polishing your Galaxy S24 and waiting for the One UI 7.0 beta, you’re not alone. As per several reports in the past, the beta has been in internal testing since mid-year but still isn’t ready for public testing. This delay isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a signal that perhaps the approach to software rollouts needs tweaking.
Samsung’s strategy has often been to prioritize newer Galaxy devices for the latest software updates, which is understandable from a marketing perspective. In the recent rollout, Samsung rolled out the One UI 6.1.1, the latest stable One UI version, to the Galaxy S24 series, which took an additional 15 days to reach the Galaxy S23 series, the device launched back in 2023, the same update took more than a month to appear for the Galaxy S22 series, launched in 2022.
This irregular rollout often leads to a terrible user experience. Imagine buying a high-end tablet only to find out that your friend or colleague’s newer Galaxy phone has the latest features first.
We can understand the above statements but here’s where things get too much. Even after prolonged beta testing periods, major bugs appear in the final stable releases. For example, after the 9 different One UI 6.0 beta builds released for the Galaxy S23 series last year, the stable update brought some serious bugs to the S23 trio.
This scenario begs the question: if beta testing isn’t catching these issues, what is going wrong? Users expect a seamless transition when they update their devices, not a troubleshooting session.
Here are my suggestions for Samsung’s Update Strategy:
1. Transparency: Samsung could benefit from setting clear, realistic timelines for updates and sticking to them. If there’s a delay, communicate it early. Transparency builds trust.
2. Update For All: Instead of staggered updates, why not aim for a more simultaneous release across eligible devices? This would help users with slightly older models feel their devices are still up-to-date.
3. Extended Beta Program: While beta testing is great, expanding this phase to include more real-world scenarios might help in catching serious bugs. More diverse testing environments could lead to more robust software. In the last 6 years, Samsung has kept the beta program limited to 7 countries only.
4. Post-Update Support: After rolling out major updates, there should be an immediate follow-up plan for quick patches. A dedicated update support team could swiftly address unexpected or serious issues.
5. Longevity Promises: Samsung’s recent move towards promising longer support for devices is commendable, with up to 7 years of software support latest Galaxy devices. However, these updates need to be timely and not just an afterthought.
6. Feature availability: When new features are introduced, Samsung could work on exporting some useful features to older but still eligible devices. This not only keeps the older devices relevant but also shows goodwill towards customers who aren’t upgrading every year.
My Opinion:
Samsung’s One UI software has transformed the Android experience for Galaxy users, making smartphones not just tools but companions in daily life. However, with great innovation comes the responsibility of maintenance. As we look towards One UI 7.0 and beyond, perhaps it’s time for Samsung to adopt a more user-centric update policy. By doing this, Samsung keeps the happiness of new updates alive, without the annoyance of waiting too long or dealing with errors after receiving them. In the quick-moving tech world, staying updated means not just getting new stuff, but also having a smooth and fun time using your device, no matter which model you have.
In July 2024, Samsung launched One UI 6.1.1 based on Android 14 alongside the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Galaxy Z Fold 6. This major update includes a range of new AI features and enhancements to improve user experience.
By early September 2024, Samsung began rolling out One UI 6.1.1 for older flagship devices, with the Galaxy S24 series being the first to receive it. This rollout started after a gap of approximately two months following the debut of One UI 6.1.1.
Currently, One UI 6.1.1 update is available for several devices, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy S23 series (including the Galaxy S23 FE), Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Fold 3. Samsung is actively working to ensure that this major update reaches all compatible devices across various regions.
However, questions arise regarding non-flagship devices. Unfortunately, non-flagship devices including those in the Galaxy A, M, and F series are not set to receive One UI 6.1.1. Instead, these devices might get some features of the One UI 6.1.1 in the upcoming One UI 7 update.
It is expected that recently launched models like the Galaxy A55, Galaxy A25, Galaxy M55, and more will include some One UI 6.1.1 features with the One UI 7 update.
However, there is no official confirmation regarding the availability of One UI 6.1.1 for non-flagship devices. Users of the Samsung Galaxy A, M, and F series are disappointed due to the lack of access to One UI 6.1.1.
While One UI 6.1.1 is limited to flagship devices, One UI 7 should bring some of those features to non-flagship models. If you have a Galaxy A, M, or F series phone, we’d like to hear your thoughts. You can share your opinions in the comments on our social media platforms.
[Changelog] One UI 6.1.1 and Galaxy AI revolutionize your Galaxy S24 experience!
Samsung’s relationship with Google is rock solid. Both companies collaborate on different products to benefit their consumer base. Is it the right time for Samsung to develop a Galaxy-dedicated OS or at least Android for Galaxy?
Google worked with Samsung to optimize Android for foldables and tablets. The company had even launched Android 12L, a version dedicated to large-screen devices. Now, Samsung should work with Google to optimize Android for Galaxy devices.
Samsung flagships are equipped with pro-grade hardware specifications. The company manages to optimize the One UI software accordingly. Meanwhile, there are still a lot of areas, that require significant improvements.
Benefits of Android for Galaxy
Samsung fine-tunes Android for Galaxy products. Meanwhile, Android for Galaxy will make things a lot better, eventually benefitting end users. It shouldn’t be the Tizen approach, but a collaborative progress.
Android optimized for Galaxy devices should allow users to enjoy the power and personalization of the OS. Its optimization level for Galaxy devices will offer faster app launches, performance improvements, and longer battery life.
Samsung owns Exynos, Galaxy AI, Good Lock, and a lot of stunning services. A combined approach can significantly uplevel the user experience. Functional capabilities would also be boosted, taking Galaxy’s experience to a whole new level.
Difficulties
Android’s presence is vast. It’s available across different brands including Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, and so on. Samsung is unquestionably the biggest Android vendor but Google could find it difficult to optimize Android for all Galaxies.
The Korean tech giant itself tests and deploys security updates on Galaxy devices. Various applications are already available with better features than Google services such as the Internet. Even Google takes inspiration from Galaxies to develop features for Pixel phones.
Samsung not only has flagship phones, but also brings budget, mid-range, and premium mid-range phones. These products use different hardware such as camera and processor, requiring a need for unified software. Just a collective approach is required to end all kinds of difficulties.
"Android for Galaxy" ❤️
Should Samsung & Google embark on this stunning journey?#Samsung #Android #OneUI pic.twitter.com/HT2S5xfzfV
— Sammy Fans – We ♥ Samsung! (@thesammyfans) August 29, 2024
Google’s Pixel 9 series is official with pretty new AI stuff. The most notable thing that changed with this year’s Pixel phones is the Android installation. I guess, Google took a sip of poison to push Samsung Galaxy’s Android OS superiority further.
Pixel 9 series comes with Android 14, rather than the latest OS. Pixel 8 series and later devices are supported by seven years of OS updates. However, the Pixel 9 will get one less Android upgrade than that it deserves to have.
Google’s decision puts the Pixel 9 together with last year’s Pixel 8 series. Both lineups will end their major upgrade life at Android 21. Well, Pixel phones are neither durable nor Google provides satisfactory support, so don’t expect more than 1 year of service.
The decision, however, aligns with Samsung’s superiority, let’s decode.
The Galaxy S25 series will be the first (imp) to come with Android 15 pre-installed. You can guess how things have been decided by downgrading the Pixel 9 lineup. As a Samsung fan, I always wanted H2 Galaxy products to come with the latest OS.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 also come with Android 14. The OS was released in October last year and is still arriving pre-installed. Google ultimately filled the OS gap between Galaxy foldables and Pixel phones at a cost of Pixel downgrade.
Android 15 might be released on the official channel in October as last year. Eligible Pixel phones will start getting the major firmware update. Samsung is also expected to begin the One UI 7 update rollout for Galaxy models by the end of October.
In the first phase, Samsung’s Android 15 will arrive on flagship phones. However, the Korean tech giant won’t make other users wait much. The One UI 7 update rollout may begin for all eligible Galaxy models before 2024 ends.