One UI is Samsung’s custom Android skin that’s currently on its second iteration, and soon going on the third. One UI 2.5 is Samsung’s latest software which debuted with the Galaxy Note 20 series. It’s still based on Android 10 like One UI 2.0 and One UI 2.1 that came before it. However, the new update is a hefty one, and comes with a whole host of new features onboard.
Below, we’re breaking down all the new Samsung One UI 2.5 features as it starts rolling out to more devices. We’ve also included an update list at the end of the article so you can find out when your Samsung phone will receive One UI 2.5.
Samsung One UI 2.5 features
Wireless DeX support
One of the most significant new features of One UI 2.5 is Wireless DeX support. The feature lets you mirror your phone screen to a supported TV and use it as a touchpad to control the TV with multi-finger gestures. You can access this feature by tapping on the Samsung DeX icon in the quick panel.
Samsung says that the Wireless DeX mode works best with its own TVs launched in 2019 or later. However, you can also use it with other smart TVs if they support phone mirroring.
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To control inputs on the TV screen, you can swipe up with three fingers to see recently opened apps, swipe down to return to the home screen, or swipe left or right to switch between apps.
You also get some screen zoom and font size options to allow customizations for various display sizes.
Smarter Wi-Fi connectivity
One UI 2.5 also brings some connectivity smarts with it. You’ll now get alerts for the quality of Wi-Fi connections from nearby Wi-Fi routers. The information will appear as Very fast, Fast, Normal, or Slow.
You also get the ability to share Wi-Fi passwords with nearby Galaxy devices that are in your contact list. So, if you’re attempting to connect to a Wi-Fi network, you can request the password from a Galaxy user nearby who is already connected to it. The request password button will appear on the Wi-Fi password input screen.
New camera features
In the camera department, the One UI 2.5 update brings several enhancements to the Pro video mode. When in Pro video mode, you’ll now see a button on the top right corner to quickly record Full HD videos in 30fps. This button can also be configured to record 4K videos at 60fps. You also get a button to change the autofocus area from the center to multi-focus.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy Note 20 vs Galaxy Note 10 series: Should you upgrade?
Besides these new options, now Pro Video mode also gives you the ability to control your smartphone’s mic direction. You can pick up specific sounds while shooting videos by selecting Front, Rear, or Omni direction sound options. When paired with the Galaxy Buds, you can use the earbuds as a pro-style lavalier microphone to minimize background noise and record better quality audio.
Elsewhere, you now have an option to record footage in a wider 21:9 aspect ratio in any video mode. Videos recorded in this aspect ratio are designed to fill the entire screen of your phone, leaving no black bars on the side.
Samsung Keyboard improvements
With One UI 2.5, you get some minor improvements to the native keyboard on your Samsung phone. You now have a new YouTube option in the settings of your keyboard — the three-dot menu on the far right. One UI 2.1 didn’t have this option.
By tapping the new YouTube shortcut in the Samsung Keyboard settings, you’ll be able to quickly browse popular videos, and even search for a video from within the app where you’re using the keyboard. So, if you’re messaging with someone, you don’t have to leave that app and open YouTube to look for a video. You can simply search for it from the keyboard and share it within your chat.
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New options in Messages
The default Samsung messaging app also gets some new tricks thanks to One UI 2.5. You can now add, remove, and rename message categories. There’s also a new feature that allows you to send SOS location-sharing messages every 30 minutes for 24 hours to a contact of your choice.
Navigation gestures with third-party launchers
If you have a third-party launcher like the Nova launcher, Action Launcher, or any other on your Galaxy phone, you will be able to use Android 10’s full-screen navigation gestures with them after the One UI 2.5 update.
Samsung One UI 2.5 release date and update list for eligible phones
One UI 2.5 is currently available on the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 line, Galaxy S20 series, and the Galaxy Z Flip. The current update is about 1GB in size, depending on the phone you’re using. It also carries some device stability improvements as well as bug fixes. Samsung has announced that One UI 2.5 will be heading to a number of Galaxy devices, including some older flagships. You can see the full list of Samsung phones in line to get the update below.
- Entire Galaxy S20 series
- Entire Galaxy Note 20 series
- All Galaxy S10 devices, including S10e and S10 Lite
- Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus
- All Galaxy Note 10 devices, including Note 10 Lite and 5G models
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Galaxy Z Flip and Galaxy Z Flip 5G
- All Samsung Galaxy Fold models
Sadly, Samsung hasn’t confirmed the One UI 2.5 update for any of its A or M series phones. However, the update might eventually make it to high-end phones in those lines. Samsung just hasn’t made any promises. Keep your eyes peeled for a One UI 2.5 beta for those devices.
Meanwhile, Samsung has promised three years of Android updates for several Galaxy devices, including phones in the more affordable A series. This new update policy is making Samsung pretty popular, and we know that thanks to a poll we’re currently running on our website. You can also take part in the poll below and let us know if Samsung’s new commitment will make you consider buying a phone from the brand.
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We’ll update this article as more details about One UI 2.5 come out. In the meantime, let us know in the comments if you like the way the latest upgrade is shaping up.