I ’d been refreshing the Software Update menu on my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for a few days , expectantly waiting forOne UI 7 to arrive . Then , on the good morning of April 10 , it was short available and I thirstily installed it . Samsung ’s One UI 7 software over Android 15 on theGalaxy S25 Ultrais a braggart success , but what would it be like on 2024 ’s flagship Galaxy phone ?
Not a massive update?
To my surprise , the One UI 7 update on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is modestly sized , and pack less than three minutes to download and install on my phone . It did so without any take too , and apart from a few setup concealment to navigate through — one for accessingGoogle Gemini , and another showing the newGalaxy AIfeatures — my phone was operational again in here and now .
For reference , if you ’re wait for the One UI 7 update , I ’m using an unlocked Galaxy S24 Ultra in the U.K. , and Samsung is probably staggering the launch to ensure it runs smoothly . MyGalaxy Z Flip 5is still wait for the update , for example , despite also being an unbarred U.K. phone . There ’s no means to prompt the update , outside of checking the software update option underSettingsuntil it make it .
The size and time spend updating the phone does n’t do it much justice , as it ’s pack with new feature of speech and changes to the way One UI appear and routine . If you ’ve read our critical review of theGalaxy S25,Galaxy S25 Plus , Galaxy S25 Ultra , and theGalaxy A56 , you ’ll already be aware of how highly we regard One UI 7 , which ranks up there with OnePlus’sOxygenOS 15as the best current interpretations ofAndroid 15on a smartphone .
What should you try out?
Because One UI 7 is such a substantial update , we desire to spotlight a few feature we suggest you try out first .
Now Bar
The Now Bar appear at the bottom of the ringlet concealment , and provides real - prison term info along with a selection of quick accession push button for selected features , including Google Maps , Samsung Notes , and culture medium playback . It looks great , its attitude at the bottom of the sieve is commodious , and it works really well . Make certain you give it a attempt , but be aware its functionality is limited at the here and now .
New lock screen and always-on screen styles
The Now Bar is only one of the splendid lock filmdom - related changes in One UI 7 . Under theEdit Lock Screenoption there are multiple gizmo available , from the voice recorder to the calendar , plus the ability to transfer the clock way , font size and weight , and the colors too . Make certain you intercept the shortcut icon in the bottom corners too , as each can be changed to any feature launch in the Quick preferences card .
Split pull down menu
This One UI 7 feature will split view , no pun intended , but it ’s a notable modification over premature versions of the software program . It work out by splitting the pull - down menu into two side , with notice access from the left over - handwriting side of the cover , and Quick options from the right field . Whether you like it or not depends on your own preferences , but everything from sinew memory to hand size will impact whether it works for you or not . It ’s an option though , so you do n’t have to use it .
New photo filters
One of the good fresh photo feature in One UI 7 are the all-encompassing pic filters and editing suite . exploit the Filter option in the Gallery app ’s redaction suite and there are multiple new filter , each with their own clear-cut feeling . But what ’s cool is how each filter can be edit , which is done using a serial of ingenious slider parallel bars . It ’s not only satisfying , but each genuinely change the look of your photos .
There’s something missing
This is just a small taster of what ’s available in One UI 7 for the Galaxy S24 series . It ’s well worth exploring . I really wish One UI 7 ’s overall eloquence , the coherent carte design , and the many new features it brings to last class ’s Galaxy S24 serial . I ’ll end unawares of tell it translate the phone , but it for sure work it justly up to particular date and feel like new again . It ’s also yet another reason there ’s little point in elevate from theS24 Ultra to the S25 Ultra .
However , Samsung has held something back : Now Brief . The much - trumpet Galaxy AI feature Samsung promises will assist you better organise your life as it grows and learns with you remain a Galaxy S25 - only feature of speech . It ’s concentrated to conceive of Now Brief ca n’t operate on the Galaxy S24 Ultra ’s ironware , specially as so many other Galaxy AI features are present , and otherbrands admit Nothinghave complex AI functions running through a less capable processor .
It ’s likely Now Brief ’s exclusive status is a patronage decision , and will be dangled in front of Galaxy S24 owners as an climb - shaped cultivated carrot . Should you be tempt ? It depends on your lifestyle . Now Brief is only utile if your life-time is very busy and you use your phone to prepare it , from multiple calendar entries to meetings in dissimilar property , and a mess of travelling . If your life is less complicated , then Now Brief may not be of much welfare .
Now Brief aside , One UI 7 ’s arrival on the Galaxy S24 is a winnings for us all . It ’s Samsung ’s skillful software package yet , modernizing an already superb smartphone , and because it freshens the headphone so effectively , it should shun those nagging final thoughts of upgrading from it to the Galaxy S25 totally .
