Samsung has recently been quite active, focusing more on system maintenance.

On one hand, rumors suggest that the Galaxy S26 will be the first to launch with the One UI 8.5 system. On the other hand, S24 users are still grappling with the rollout of One UI 7.0. As a long-time Samsung user, I share in the excitement for new features while fully understanding the anxiety of users.

Let's delve into One UI 8.5. The last time Samsung used the '.5' version was One UI 2.5 in 2020, five years ago. The sudden return of this naming convention hints at something significant. According to online reports, this update is not just about patches and fixes but about deeply integrating Galaxy AI features. For example, it includes automatic call summaries, intelligent message classification, AI album organization, and even proactively recommending actions based on anticipated needs.

Imagine taking photos, and the system automatically recognizing the scene to optimize parameters, or the gallery quickly locating photos through semantic search. This is particularly practical for someone like me who despises organizing their album.

Samsung's strategy this time is quite intriguing. The Z Fold7 and Z Flip7, released in July this year, will be the first to use One UI 8.0 to test Android 16, focusing on optimizing the foldable screen experience. By the time the S26 is released in January next year, the AI features will be 'maxed out' with the 8.5 version. This 'foldable first, then straight' approach allows for testing system stability while also creating marketing buzz for the S26. However, it also raises concerns: will Samsung prioritize new features at the expense of older models?

Now, let me share my thoughts on the recent uproar over the OneUI 7.0 update for the S24 series.

The One UI 7.0 update, originally scheduled for early February, faced numerous delays due to various issues. Users reported initial problems with screen color casting, appearing yellow in natural mode, followed by minor issues like sluggish app drawer scrolling, incorrect alignment of lock screen icons, and abnormal volume button operation. Most absurdly, while OneUI 8.0 had already started benchmarking tests, OneUI 7.0 hadn't been rolled out to older flagship models.

After the global rollout on April 7, major vulnerabilities related to unlock failure and privacy leaks in the Secure Folder were exposed, prompting Samsung to urgently withdraw the firmware. The Korean version of the S24 resumed the rollout of the fixed version only on April 23, while the Chinese version was officially pushed today, April 24.

Image source: Weibo

As a long-time user, I find this unacceptable. Spending thousands on a flagship phone only to receive buggy system updates is not what one expects from an international brand. Some netizens joked, 'Samsung is applying the art of 'squeezing toothpaste' to bugs,' while others quipped, 'Samsung seems to have it out for the number 7.'

I am eagerly anticipating One UI 8.5, especially the AI features. If they can truly 'anticipate my needs,' it will undoubtedly save me a lot of trouble in daily use. However, seeing what S24 users have gone through, I am hesitant: no matter how appealing the new features are, if older models are not well maintained, who would dare to buy Samsung's flagship phones?

In my opinion, Samsung's software update strategy is contradictory. On one hand, it promises 7 years of system updates for the S24 series, which is quite generous in the Android camp. On the other hand, the actual execution is fraught with issues, raising doubts about its technical capabilities and sense of responsibility.

Image source: Samsung official website

In contrast, domestic manufacturers like iQOO have already started competing in system update times, with iQOO 12 even upgrading its update policy to '4 system upgrades + 5 years of security support.' If Samsung continues like this, it might not even keep pace with domestic manufacturers.

The return of One UI 8.5 and the upgrade of AI features demonstrate Samsung's commitment to improving the system level. However, the experience of S24 users reminds us that technological innovation and user experience must go hand in hand; otherwise, no matter how impressive the features are, they won't retain users. I hope Samsung learns from this and strikes a balance between new features and stability, ensuring that the title of 'king of Android phones' extends beyond just hardware.

Source: Lei Technology