Samsung
Samsung Weekender: One UI 6.1 Galaxy S23 issues, new/upcoming features list, S20 updates plan, Watch FE, April 2024 patch, and Fold 6 Ultra
Welcome to the Weekender, Galaxy Fans! In the April 2024 first-week edition, we will give you the latest insights on Samsung’s plans, products, and updates for this entire week. Right now, Samsung is busy preparing a software update to solve Galaxy S23 issues, expanding the April 2024 update, releasing new features for apps, and working on new features for Expert RAW and Home UP, and more.
Samsung Weekender – First Week of April 2024
Galaxy S23 issue after One UI 6.1 update
Samsung Galaxy S23 users are facing issues with the fingerprint scanner after the One UI 6.1 update. The animation for the fingerprint scanner doesn’t appear during phone unlocking.
Fortunately, Samsung knows this problem and plans to fix it soon with a software update. Additionally, users have also reported touchscreen responsiveness problems, making it difficult to open apps and perform tasks.
April 2024 Expansion
Samsung has released an April 2024 security update to more Galaxy devices including Galaxy A53 5G, Galaxy A13, Galaxy A52 4G, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphones.
Galaxy Apps New Features
Samsung consistently updates its apps and has introduced another set of updates this week, featuring notable improvements and new functionalities. You can check the list of apps and their recently added features below
Expert RAW: Lossless RAW format, Neutral Density (ND) Filter
Bixby Vision: Advanced Text Reader
Samsung Find: Lost Mode, Notify when left behind (wearable), Set notification interval
Photo Editor: Magnetic Lasso tool, Improved Spot Color
LockStar: Edit AOD function, Manual AOD Brightness Slider
Wonderland: Fluid Effect, Enhanced UI
Upcoming Expert RAW and Home Up Features
Samsung’s Expert RAW app will soon feature “AstroPortrait Mode,” blending astrophotography with portraits to capture stars and people together. Additionally, Samsung’s One UI will update its Home Up app, offering customizable app icon sizes and improved Finder functionality for better accessibility and personalization.
No more monthly updates for the Galaxy S20 series
Introduced in 2020, the Samsung Galaxy S20 series, including the S20, S20 5G, S20+, S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra, and S20 Ultra 5G models, initially came with Android 10. These devices have completed their three-year promise to Android updates. Moving forward, they will receive updates quarterly rather than monthly.
The Galaxy Note 20 series and the Galaxy S20 FE were mistakenly moved to a quarterly update schedule separately. However, this was promptly corrected, and they have since returned to a monthly update cycle.
Samsung beats Apple in February 2024
In February 2024, Samsung regained the lead in smartphone sales over Apple, thanks to the well-received Galaxy AI and S24 series introduced in January 2024.
Upcoming Devices
Samsung is anticipated to launch the Galaxy Z Fold 6, featuring a slimmer design and lighter weight compared to its predecessors. The device is expected to use a 7.6-inch main display and a 6.3-inch cover display, both with improved resolution. An Ultra model with distinct features and potential S Pen compatibility is also speculated.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch FE has also been spotted in the IMEI database, indicating its existence and hinting at a global release, including the US and South Korea. The models listed, SM-R866F, SM-R866U, and SM-R866N, suggest it’s in development and may feature the Exynos W920 chip, similar to the Watch 4.
2 One UI 6.1 features that will extend battery life of Samsung devices after enabling
Samsung has rolled out a new update for its Checkout app with version 5.0.76.5. This update makes the app better and fixes some issues for a smoother experience.
The latest version fixes bugs that were present in earlier versions. You can expect fewer glitches and a smoother experience when using the app for your transactions. With these fixes, the app should be more reliable, making your payment process quicker and easier.
Besides fixing issues, the latest update also includes enhancements that make the app run better. These improvements make the app more user-friendly and useful. However, there are no new features or changes noted but the update will surely provide a better experience.
Samsung Checkout is a useful app for managing your payments and transactions. It is a billing application for purchasing paid content from Samsung Content services. By updating to this latest version, you’ll benefit from these performance boosts and fixes.
It’s important to keep your apps updated, as updates not only bring new features but also ensure that the app runs smoothly and securely. To install this update, you just need to open the Galaxy Store, then tap on the Menu icon, and click on the Updates option.
Alternatively, you can download the update through the third-party app link mentioned here.
Galaxy S25 Ultra could be Samsung’s sleekest Ultra flagship in years. The company could introduce the device in January 2025. Meanwhile, a Samsung leaker just exposed the design dimensions of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
According to Ice Universe, the Galaxy S25 Ultra could have 162.8mm in height, 77.6mm in width, and 8.2mm in thickness. It means the device will look slightly larger than the S24 Ultra whereas the thickness and width will be lower.
Leaker Onleaks is about to reveal the Galaxy S25 Ultra design. A blurred image is already live on a landing page, which will be unveiled as soon as the funding threshold is completed. Once done, Samsung fans will have their first look at the next Ultra.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is said to look different than the most recent Ultra models. The device won’t get sharp angular corners in favor of slightly rounded ones. The backplate could also be crafted keeping easier handling in mind.
Galaxy S20 Ultra body size: 166.9 x 76.0 x 8.8 mm
Galaxy S21 Ultra body size: 165.1 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm
Galaxy S22 Ultra body size: 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm
Galaxy S23 Ultra body size: 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm
Galaxy S24 Ultra body size: 162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm
Galaxy S25 Ultra body size:…— ICE UNIVERSE (@UniverseIce) September 7, 2024
Samsung’s next-gen Ultra flagship will also equip an upgraded camera. In particular, the ultrawide and 3x Telephoto sensors will be replaced with new solutions. The display could also be made of advanced material set to offer better power efficiency.
Ex-Mercedez designer is reportedly leading Samsung’s Mobile design team. The design evolution already started with the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Buds 3 products. However, a new Samsung design philosophy could be announced next year.
The render is getting unblurred gradually. We are quite excited about the rear design and camera module arrangement. It would be interesting to see if Samsung has made any major design modifications on the backplate.
Samsung has released a new update for its Group Sharing app with version 13.6.52.7. This update is available on the Galaxy Store with a package size of 18.54MB for One UI devices.
The Group Sharing app is popular among Samsung users as it makes it easy to share files, photos, and other media with groups. With this latest update, the app has become even better. The new version brings a few enhancements that should make using the app smoother and more efficient.
Moreover, the update improves the performance and stability by fixing some issues. It means that sharing files should be quicker and the app should run more smoothly.
If you’ve had problems with the app crashing or not working properly, this update should help solve those issues. Samsung makes the app more reliable so that you can depend on it for a smoother sharing experience.
Users can install the update through the Galaxy Store >> Menu option >> Updates. Also, users can download the update directly through the third-party app link mentioned here.
Notably, the update is compatible with Galaxya devices running Android 14 or Android 13. If your Galaxy device is eligible, you can install the update to enjoy enhanced features.