One UI 8 with Android 16 tested on Galaxy S25 Ultra: what has changed?

While Galaxy S24 owners are still waiting for their first major Android update, Galaxy S25, S25+ and S25 Ultra users are likely to get the update sooner.

Our colleagues at SamMobile have received an early One UI 8 (Android 16) firmware for the Galaxy S25 Ultra and decided to test it.

Here's What We Know

In its current form, it's hard to say that One UI 8 can be considered a major OS update. Compared to the previously tested version on the Galaxy Flip 6, this update looks rather modest for the S25 Ultra. Most of the innovations relate to features that were not present in previous versions, rather than major changes in functionality.

What's new

The Galaxy S25 Ultra has an updated version of Quick Share, which now has a "Receive" tab, which allows you to make your smartphone available for transferring files from other devices for an unlimited time. The menu in the Gallery app has also changed, with new buttons and several new wallpaper colours.

Samsung has also eliminated the need for the Galaxy Wearable app to connect Galaxy Buds. Previously, it was automatically opened via the Bluetooth menu, but now it is not necessary.

SamMobile notes that One UI 8 on the S25 Ultra looks rather buggy at the moment. For example, live notifications in the Now Bar don't work, a problem that didn't exist on the Flip 6. Since this is not the final version, such bugs are expected.

This update mainly contains changes that were made by Google in Android 16. Samsung may add more new features in future updates. The official release of One UI 8 for the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra could begin in the next few months.

Source: SamMobile