Samsung has always been great at giving us a tailored and user friendly experience with their custom Android skin One UI. One UI 7 is another big step forward in that journey as it’s based on Android 15. This version brings performance, aesthetic, customization and AI based features. Let’s get into what’s new, how it improves user experience and what to expect if you’re a Samsung user.
1. What’s New in One UI 7
Samsung One UI 7 is being called the biggest software update in Samsung history. Here’s what’s new:
Aesthetics and UI Overhaul
The biggest change you’ll notice is a complete UI overhaul. The design is modernized with smoother animations, better transitions and new icons that look fresh yet familiar. Samsung has worked on typography, spacing and color palettes to make the interface more beautiful and easier to use. New icon designs for core apps like Gallery, Phone and Contacts adds to this fresh look and feel for everyday use.
Samsung has also redesigned the notification panel and quick settings. Instead of a messy design, the new layout is streamlined with notifications and quick actions in separate panels. This makes for a cleaner and more intuitive experience so you can access what you need without the clutter.
Vertical App Drawer
One UI 7 has a vertical app drawer. This is a big change from the horizontal swiping of previous versions and is more comfortable for users especially on larger screens like the Galaxy Fold series. This vertical scrolling is more efficient when browsing through apps.
Customization and Lock Screen Options
Customization is still a big part of One UI 7. Lock Screen Customizations allows users to customize the lock screen layout from clocks to widgets and notifications with many visual options. Samsung has also improved the Wallpaper & Style App where users can change the look of their device with just a few taps. This customization extends to the Avatar creation feature where users can create their own digital avatars and add a fun and interactive layer to their device experience.
Dark Mode
One UI 7’s dark mode is better for night time use and battery life. It dynamically adjusts to different apps for a more unified look and less eye strain.
2. New Features
Advanced AI and Galaxy AI 2.0
Samsung has added more AI in One UI 7 with Galaxy AI 2.0. This AI powered system optimizes camera performance with better scene detection and introduces smarter features in Samsung Photos, Camera, Gallery and even Bixby. Galaxy AI 2.0 also helps with video recording and photo editing making your device a creative tool.
Another AI feature is the Predictive Back Gesture which helps you navigate the UI better by predicting your next action when you swipe back. Small but useful feature that makes overall experience smoother.
Battery and Performance Enhancements
Samsung has worked hard to improve battery life in One UI 7 with Android 15. New battery management tools optimize usage patterns to save power especially for high performance tasks like gaming or 4K video recording. Smarter app optimization and background processing ensure even power hungry apps don’t drain your battery unnecessarily.
Devices like Galaxy S25 Ultra with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will take full advantage of these optimizations and give you faster performance and longer battery life.
New Camera Features
Camera enthusiasts will love the new camera app with new camera optimizations and low light improvements. The updated UI is designed to be one handed so taking photos on the go is more comfortable. Samsung also introduced new AI powered editing tools and scene detection which can automatically adjust your settings to capture the perfect shot.
3. User Experience Improvements
Smoother Animations and Transitions
The key to better user experience is often how smooth the interface feels. One UI 7 has smoother animations across the system so every interaction feels more fluid. From opening apps to switching between them the system handles transitions smoothly without stutter or lag.
Continuity Features
Samsung is big on device continuity, so you can switch between phones, tablets and other Galaxy devices without missing a beat. One UI 7 takes it to the next level with new Continuity Features so you can pick up where you left off on one device and continue on another without interruption. Perfect for professionals using multiple devices during the day.
AI Recommendations
The update includes AI driven recommendations to make your device use more intuitive. Whether it’s recommending apps based on your usage or suggesting better battery life tips the system learns from your habits to get more helpful over time.
4. Devices
One UI 7 will be available on a wide range of Samsung devices from flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra to budget devices like the Galaxy A and M series. Beta testing for One UI 7 started in the second half of 2024 with the official release expected in early 2025. Users on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile in the US will get the update first.
Summary
Samsung’s One UI 7 is a major overhaul of the Android experience with customization options, design improvements, AI driven features and performance upgrades. With smoother animations, better battery life and smarter AI the update gives you a more personalized, efficient and beautiful experience for all users, from casual smartphone users to professionals.
If you’re a Samsung user One UI 7 is a nice evolution of the software, all about ease of use and device continuity. If you want to upgrade your smartphone experience wait for the final release.
Or sign up for the beta through the Samsung Members app to try One UI 7 now.
