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.
Just like every year, Samsung is set to unveil its trio of flagship smartphones at the beginning of next year: the Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra.
Out of the new smartphones coming out, I really want the biggest and best one, the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Let me tell you why I’m so excited about it.
Disclaimer
Before we dive in, let’s clarify that the device has not yet been released, and the company has not officially confirmed its specifications or the name. The information I used in this article is based on previous release plans, as well as leaks and rumors from reliable sources.
Here’s why I am waiting for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra:
1. Design and Display:
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to be the thinnest Ultra device yet, with a significant reduction in thickness compared to previous models. The device is expected to feature more rounded corners, which not only could look more modern but might also feel better in your hand.
It’s expected to have a screen size slightly larger than its predecessor, a 6.9-inch flat display. The use of ultra-thin symmetrical bezels would maximize the screen-to-body ratio, enhancing the viewing experience.
Disappointingly, Samsung has opted for M13-generation OLED materials for the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display, instead of the more advanced M14 technology, as confirmed by DSCC CEO Ross Young through discussions with Samsung’s suppliers. Despite Samsung Display producing M14 OLED panels for products like the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, the Samsung MX division will not utilize this technology in the S25 Ultra, prioritizing cost reduction.
2. Camera Upgrades:
The S25 Ultra is likely to feature an advanced AI camera system, possibly including a high-resolution sensor like a 200MP camera. An upgrade in the ultra-wide camera to 50MP with new specifications could significantly improve low-light performance and detail capture. There will be 50MP telephoto cameras for the 5x and 3x optical zoom.
The front-facing camera is expected to remain at 12MP, consistent with previous models, focusing on quality rather than a resolution increase.
3. Performance and Battery Life:
The flagship is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset, the phone would likely offer top-tier performance, possibly with efficiency gains due to the 3nm process technology, leading to better battery life and thermal management.
Although exact capacities weren’t mentioned, the combination of a new, more efficient processor and potentially a larger battery could mean exceptional battery life. It is expected to add a 5000mAh battery similar to the S24 Ultra.
4. One UI 7:
The new iteration of Samsung’s custom software, One UI, might include more refined Galaxy AI features for an enhanced user experience. As confirmed officially, the next version of One UI will bring major design changes and new features. The OS will be more smooth than ever before.
Getting the Galaxy S25 Ultra means you’ll enjoy the latest Android and One UI updates for years, thanks to Samsung’s pledge of up to 7 major OS updates.
Considering the Galaxy S25 Ultra might be worth it if you’re after Samsung’s top-tier design, camera advancements, performance enhancements, and battery efficiency. Keep in mind, though, that these insights stem from leaks and rumors, and the final product could have different specs.
Galaxy AI’s Sketch to Image is in urgent need of better marketing. Samsung is best at innovation and feature creation but its marketing strategy lags. It should learn to promote even tiny changes as ground-breaking innovations from Apple.
Since the launch, we have not seen Samsung aggressively marketing the Sketch to Image feature. Galaxy users are using it on a large scale, but the epic experience is available on S Pen-supported Galaxy models.
We all take a lot of photos on holiday with friends, but there’s always one that stands out as the pick of the bunch. Sometimes, you might want to add a personal twist to it, like adding a crown to the head of the birthday girl.
You require additional tasks such as an image editor to get things done. You can easily put vector stuff on images or use a PNG file from the web. However, the image doesn’t render realistic as professional editing needs time and hard work.
Samsung Galaxy AI’s Sketch to Image is here to help with that.
You can start with a quick and simple sketch of what you want to see on a photo you’ve taken. Within a few seconds, the sketch will be converted into a photorealistic object that matches the mood of the photo — all thanks to AI.
One UI 6.1.1’s Sketch to Image feature allows you to turn your rough sketches into stunning works of art. You can either layer them on top of an image or start with a blank canvas and create something beautiful from scratch.
That’s not it, the feature is packed with additional options to customize your creations by selecting from different styles, such as watercolor or 3D cartoon. You can activate Samsung’s Sketch to Image in Gallery, Edge Panel, and Samsung Notes.
Samsung is preparing to launch a slimmer and better version of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 as Special Edition. The company’s approach to counter Chinese competition is a welcome move, but isn’t it indirectly cheating Galaxy fans?
Here’s why I think this way:
Samsung has been the biggest seller of foldables internationally. In the past two years, the company realized the intensively increasing competition from Chinese vendors. It also reportedly reverse-engineered last year’s Huawei foldable.
Rumors suggest dreamy upgrades in Samsung’s next foldable phone. Compared to the Z Fold 6, the Special Edition would present extraordinary upgrades. The segments of upgrades could include display, camera, and design.
The Special Edition of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 will be slimmer than the standard Z Fold 6. Samsung has reportedly ditched digitizer to reduce the thickness. However, the S Pen is still supported – suggesting a new display tech has evolved.
Galaxy Z Fold SE measures 10.6mm thick when folded and 4.9mm thick when unfolded. As compared to the Standard Fold 6, the cover and inner screens could also be slightly larger; measuring 6.5-inch and 8-inch, respectively.
The Fold 6 SE could have an edge over Fold 6 in terms of design and display. However, the camera department is also said to indulge in an epic upgrade. Rumors say the S24 Ultra’s 200MP camera could be installed in the Special Edition foldable.
It’s going to be a flagship Samsung smartphone, so the processor could be the same as the Z Fold 6. The backplate design could also be slightly different and a bit fancy. These upgrades have been demanded by Samsung fans for years.
But the way Samsung’s bringing is not good, honestly.
Galaxy Z Fold 6 was launched alongside the Z Flip 6 in July this year. The consumers who’ve bought the Z Fold 6 could find themselves cheated after the Special Edition’s debut. If it was in development, a teaser should’ve been displayed at the last Unpacked.