Samsung Galaxy S23 series tipped to get several One UI 5.1 upgrades first
Many ofthe best Android phone makershave unique takes on how their users should interface with the operating system. Designers will mess around with Google’s original elements, but attempt to remain true to the ethos of “be together, not the same.” Samsung has worked hard to distinguish its flavor of Android withOne UIand it’s close to finishing up itsversion 5.1update. We now have a comprehensive look at what the company has in store for the upcoming release ahead of theGalaxy S23debut this week.
A rather exhaustive (but perhaps notcompletelyexhaustive) One UI 5.1 changelog has been leaked thanks toWinFuture(viaSamMobile). The feature list — which is published in German, but we’ll also have a machine-translated version below this story — reveals some of the major software improvements that Samsung’s next flagship phone series will get first followed by more ofSamsung’s best phonesacross different price ranges in due course.
Among the changes coming in One UI 5.1 is a new battery widget that lets you see the battery levels of all your connected devices (like yourGalaxy Watchor yourGalaxy Buds) in one spot on your home screen.Samsung Notewill apparently enable the multiple owners of a shared note to simultaneously edit it. Also, users will be able to redirect audio between Wi-Fi or Cast-enabled speakers through the Media Output tab inside the Quick Panel of the notification shade — no more hopping between apps to change the speakers.
If you love using AR filters with your friends, you’ll be able to use the AR Emoji Camera to snap pics with up to three people in frame — all while your faces turn into emoji characters. The Gallery app is also due to get a nice upgrade with shared family albums that will make it easier to share photos with siblings, cousins, parents, and others by using artificial intelligence to recognize your family members' faces — somethingGoogle Photosalready does. Samsung offers 5GB of complimentary storage for media featuring each of up to six people.
One feature exclusive to the Galaxy S23 is the ability within the Setup Wizard to scan a QR code and automatically transfer from an old device a number of credentials for items including Google and Samsung accounts as well as saved Wi-Fi networks. The feature requires Bluetooth Low Energy to work and is only indicated to work with the S23 and future models.
Of course, there’s always a lot of talk about theGalaxy S23 series' camera improvements, faster processor speeds, andbrighter display for the base model, but we should also pay attention to the software that runs on these devices. After all, when Unpacked comes around, Samsung will want to be able to point to significant software improvements in addition to the shiny new hardware. You can reserve your Galaxy S23 through Wednesday and get $100 in Samsung.com credit for a separate purchase.
After months of rumors, hints, leaks, and teases, Samsung’s flagship phones — the normal ones that don’t fold or cost a full mortgage payment — are within reach. Their official debut is February 1, but if you already know you’re buying one, you can save $50 if you reserve just a phone, and save $100 when you preorder it alongside a new Galaxy Book. Best of all, reserving the phone is free, so if for whatever reason you don’t like what you see, you’re not out any money if you decide not to buy.
The following changes are planned for Samsung One UI 5.1:
AR Zone and AR Emoji
Modes and scenarios
Connectivity
Samsung DeX:
Samsung Internet
Setup Wizard
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