Samsung’s One UI 7, built on Android 15, introduces a host of enhancements designed to elevate the user experience. Initially launched with the Galaxy S25 series in January 2025, the update is now set to roll out to a broader range of devices, including older models.
Eligible Devices and Release Timeline
Samsung has outlined a phased rollout for the One UI 7 update across various device categories:
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Galaxy S Series:
- April 18, 2025: Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
- April 25, 2025: Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra
- May 16, 2025: Galaxy S23 FE, S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
- May 23, 2025: Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE
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Galaxy Z Series:
- April 18, 2025: Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
- April 25, 2025: Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
- May 16, 2025: Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
- May 23, 2025: Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Flip 3
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Galaxy A Series:
- April 25, 2025: Galaxy A54
- May 16, 2025: Galaxy A34
- May 23, 2025: Galaxy A53, A33
It’s important to note that these dates may vary by region and carrier, and some models not listed may also receive the update in subsequent phases.
Key Features of One UI 7
One UI 7 brings several notable enhancements:
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Now Bar: A pill-shaped UI element at the bottom of the lock screen, providing quick access to ongoing activities like music playback and navigation updates.
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Revamped App Icons: More colorful and recognizable icons for stock apps, enhancing visual appeal.
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Enhanced Widgets: Bolder designs with a vibrant color palette, offering interactive functionalities and flexible placement on the home screen.
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Camera App Overhaul: A cleaner, more intuitive layout with simplified on-screen options and improved zoom controls.
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Smoother Animations: Improved fluidity in transitions and interactions, providing a more responsive user experience.
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Vertical App Drawer: A new vertical scrolling app drawer for easier navigation.
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Advanced AI Features:
- Writing Assist: Enhanced text selection and improvement tools across the UI.
- Call Transcriptions: Automatic transcription of recorded calls in up to 20 languages.
- Now Brief: An on-device AI presenting relevant information based on user habits.
- Audio Eraser for Videos: A tool to remove unwanted background sounds from video recordings.
Considerations for Older Devices
While One UI 7 introduces numerous features, some may be limited or unavailable on older devices due to hardware constraints. For instance, advanced AI functionalities like Now Brief require substantial on-device processing power and may not be supported on less powerful models.
Conclusion
Samsung’s One UI 7 update signifies a significant step forward in enhancing user experience across its device lineup. Users of older Galaxy models can anticipate a refreshed interface, improved performance, and a suite of new features. However, it’s essential to manage expectations regarding feature availability, as hardware limitations may influence the full implementation of certain functionalities.