What you need to know

• The June 2026 security patch is reportedly rolling out for Samsung's South Korean Galaxy S25 users with a near-900MB download.
• This patch seems to carry a few missing AI features for the series, such as "Prioritize" and "Summarize" options for notifications.
• The Galaxy S25 series only received One UI 8.5 a month ago after months of testing and delays.

Reports surface, claiming Samsung's starting to roll out its monthly security patch for the Galaxy S25.

Early this morning, Tarun Vats on X reported that the June 2026 security patch for the Galaxy S25 series has started rolling out. Vats states the patch was spotted rolling out in South Korea, which is typical when Samsung's updates begin. The firmware carries vS938NKSUACZF1 and is around ~800 to ~900MB, per user reports. Elsewhere, Vats discovered that this update includes two missing AI notification features.

These features, "Prioritize" and "Summarize," help keep users on top of what's important and knowledgeable without having to dedicate too much time. The former puts what's important at the top of your alerts, while the latter is pretty self-explanatory. However, a user replied to the tipster's thread on X, stating Samsung included another feature: "Show file summaries" in the Galaxy S25's settings.

Samsung's description says this feature will leverage "AI-powered summaries of PDF and TXT files. This also shows summaries created from voice recordings in Voice Recorder." Users can toggle this feature on once it arrives if they choose.

Per usual, Samsung posted its list of fixes for its Galaxy devices this month. The company lists five "Critical" fixes and 28 "High" level inbound fixes. Among them, Samsung says it's fixing a vulnerability issue that's plagued Android 15 and 16 devices. It's strengthening its defenses to keep attackers at bay who may try to swipe sensitive information from users, too.

Still catching up

With South Korean users getting the June patch late this week, we can probably assume U.S., European, and other users will see it soon after.

It likely snuck under many users' noses, but Samsung forgot to give the Galaxy S25 these AI features when One UI 8.5 rolled out. As a result, rumors popped up, claiming the company was working on bringing those in for June. The Priority and AI summary features were highlighted in those rumors. This wasn't definite, of course, as anything could've hindered Samsung's work. What's more, users wondered about the Galaxy S24's potential to receive these features, but it seemed unlikely (for now, anyway).

One UI 8.5 rolled out onto the Galaxy S25 in the U.S. in May after months (and months and months) of testing. It brought a few Galaxy S26 AI features with it, like its AI call screening and image editing tools. Now Nudge was another notable feature, which feels like Google's Magic Cue in more ways than one.

Android Central's Take

Looks like Samsung didn't forget about these features, after all. I wondered if these would arrive, and I couldn't see a reason why they wouldn't. The Galaxy S25 doesn't feel like a device that's vastly underpowered for the Galaxy S26's AI features. I'm sure there are things Samsung has to tweak differently. Regardless, it's good to see these features arriving on its year-old flagship.

What you need to know

• Samsung has reportedly started internally testing its One UI 9 build for the Galaxy S25 series.
• There's little information available right now; however, it's been speculated that an official beta could begin later in June or in July.
• The Galaxy S26 started its official One UI 9 Beta in May, before rolling out Beta 2 a couple of weeks after in mid-May.

The time has come; Samsung's Galaxy S25 is reportedly getting some early looks at what's coming for its next major Android OS.

Late last night (June 4), tipster Tarun Vats on X reported that Samsung has supposedly started testing One UI 9 internally for the Galaxy S25 series (via SamMobile). According to Vats, Samsung's "first internal build" has supposedly come to light, indicating that its year-old flagship series is moving into the next phase of Android testing. What's unfortunate is that the tipster was unable to dive into this early build to see what Samsung is working on.

This is likely to come at a later date, and it's something users should look forward to. The comments got going, with users asking when a beta for this is to be expected. Vats highlights that Samsung's testing for its next major Android OS is earlier than usual (for past-gens). In 2025, internal tests started toward the middle of June for the S24 series.

This year, for the S25, it's the first week of June. Back on topic, Vats speculates that an official One UI 9 Beta for the S25 series could start later in June or sometime in July. A user questioned when the S24 could expect testing to begin, to which Vats replied (speculated), "next month."

One UI 9 is flying

If true, then this is good news for Samsung's recent flagships. The Galaxy S26 series, which launched with One UI 8.5, was rumored to have started internal testing in March. Two months later, in early May, Samsung rolled it out officially as the One UI 9 Beta to enrolled Galaxy S26 users. A couple of weeks after that, the company rapidly pushed One UI 9 Beta 2 to its enrolled Galaxy testers.

From what was seen early on, Samsung was working on new customization tools in its Notes app and a direct link between the Contacts apps with the Creative Studio. The Quick Panel also received a few changes, giving its brightness, sound, and media player options separation for better control. As far as Beta 2 was concerned, Samsung rolled out a 1.6GB patch that carried mostly fixes.

Android Central's Take

Samsung's been moving fast with One UI 9 for its Galaxy S26 series. I know there are Galaxy S25 users (myself included) hoping to avoid a One UI 8.5 with what's coming next. It would be nice to have the upcoming software arrive around similar times for both series before we start walking it back to other past-gens. Only time will tell.

What you need to know

• After One UI 8.5, rumors say Samsung could introduce more S26 AI features on the Galaxy S25 series.
• It's been reported that the June security update could bring Samsung's Priority and Summary AI notifications.
• One UI 8.5 started rolling out for several of Samsung's past-gen phones earlier in May.

There's some talk on social media that the "next-gen" Galaxy AI features the Galaxy S25 received this month won't be all we can expect.

Rumors got underway this week, thanks to a post by Tarun Vats who claims Samsung's next update could introduce more Galaxy AI features on the S25 (via SamMobile). Like most companies, Samsung works on monthly security patches for its supported devices. Vats claims that the Korean OEM's June update could bring two missing Galaxy AI features: Priority and Summarize Notifications.

The post reminds users that these two features are available on the Galaxy S26 series; however, the One UI 8.5 patch did not include them for the S25. Even Vats themselves suggest caution surrounding this leak, as it may or may not happen next month. Users were quick to respond to the rumors, asking if anything similar would hit the Galaxy S24 series.

While One UI 8.5 has made its way to that two-year-old series, Vats states that there's "no info" to support Priority and Summarize Notifications on the S24. Curiously, Galaxy S25 users might be in for an improved fingerprint reader experience. One user asked if the "improve accuracy" option for fingerprints (available on the S26) will hit the S25. Vats offered speculation, stating, "I think that will also be added."

Samsung typically begins rolling out its monthly security patches early in their respective months, so perhaps we'll get our answers next week.

Looking to catch up

The Galaxy S25 series is strong (performance-wise) to keep up with Samsung's latest AI features, but consumers with those phones are still missing out. Much like Vats notes, SamMobile mentioned the lack of Now Nudge and the AI-enhanced Finder app on the S25 series. My colleague Derrek Lee got to play with the Galaxy S26 series a little early, and Samsung's Now Nudge deserved a brief word.

In his testing, Now Nudge reminded Derrek of Google's Magic Cue. Now Nudge works by surfacing "relevant" information and contextual suggestions. A key example Derrek was shown was someone asking about a photo in a text message. Now Nudge saw it, understood the assignment, and produced a "Share photos" button for the user. It basically took him to a selection of photos taken in Australia, which is what the other person asked for.

It's been a couple of weeks, but Galaxy S25 users (and the S24) have finally received One UI 8.5. After months and months of testing and small delays, Samsung's patch is available for its recent (past-gen) phones. Users are in for a refreshed user interface, AI call screening, and more AI image editing tools.

Android Central's Take

It's the little (not-so-little) AI features like this that Samsung has that matter more. These are the utilities, the AI features that help users complete tasks a little faster. These AI notifications bring more urgency and presence to alerts that you just can't miss. Moreover, the summarization part is just helpful for longer texts. My hope is that all of the AI features the S26 has will hit the S25. That might be too grand a hope, as perhaps there are minute capabilities the newer series has to support these features.

What you need to know

• Samsung could soon increase Galaxy phone prices in parts of Europe, starting with Greece in June.
• Reports claim some Galaxy S, Z Fold, Z Flip, and FE models may cost up to €100 more.
• Upcoming foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could also see price hikes later this year.

Samsung could soon be increasing the prices of its flagship Galaxy phones in some regions around the world, including parts of Europe.

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S26 series, the company increased the prices of the base and Plus models by $100 in the U.S., while keeping the Galaxy S26 Ultra at the same price. That's also one of the reasons the Galaxy S26 Ultra has reportedly sold much better this year — since it offers more value compared to its siblings.

Alongside that, Samsung has also quietly increased prices for a few other devices recently in the U.S. as well. For example, the company recently raised the pricing of the 512GB Galaxy Z Fold 7 variant. Now it looks like broader price increases could be coming to flagship Galaxy phones too.

A new report from TechManiacs claims Samsung is planning to increase the prices of multiple flagship Galaxy devices in Greece starting from the first week of June. According to the report, the price hike could apply to Galaxy S series phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, and even Galaxy FE models.

The outlet says some Galaxy devices could see price increases of around €100, while certain variants may become even more expensive.

The report doesn't confirm whether the increase will apply across all of Europe, but if accurate, it could signal broader price hikes coming to other regions like the U.S. and India as well. Right now, though, Samsung hasn't officially confirmed any wider global pricing changes.

So if you're planning to buy a Samsung Galaxy device anytime soon, it might make sense to grab one sooner rather than later. With the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and the rumored Galaxy Wide Fold expected to launch in July 2026, we honestly wouldn't be surprised if Samsung ends up increasing foldable pricing even further this year.

Android Central's Take

Samsung increasing prices again honestly doesn't feel surprising anymore. Component and memory costs are clearly going up, and there's only so much of that a company can absorb before it eventually passes some of the increase onto customers. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the new iPhones end up getting more expensive this year as well.

What you need to know

• A new leak says the stable One UI 8.5 rollout for the S25 could start later this week, with wider global release around May 8.
• Rollout likely starts in South Korea, then expands to North America and Europe, while Canada may get it by May 9.
• Expect smoother system behavior, refined UI tweaks, and upgraded agentic AI features that better predict tasks.

The wait for the stable One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy S25 series is reportedly hitting the homestretch. After several delays that moved the release past April, a new leak suggests Galaxy S25 owners will get it soon.

A new roadmap shared by tipster @theonecid on X says the stable One UI 8.5 update should start rolling out to the Galaxy S25 series later this week, with a wider global launch expected around May 8.

This update is a big step for a device that has spent months in a busy beta program. Most recently, the Galaxy S25 series received its 10th One UI 8.5 beta in late April.

Getting to this week's expected launch has not been easy. Samsung’s software process ran into problems during the switch to Android 15 and One UI 7, which caused some unusual delays.

Course correction

To fix things, Samsung seems to have sped up work on the 8.5 version. This update should give you a smoother experience that better connects your device with Samsung’s latest software features.

If the mid-week launch rumors are right, get ready for a big download. The update is expected to bring improved agentic AI features that help your device predict tasks, plus the UI changes seen in the beta versions.

The rollout apparently starts in South Korea before reaching North America and Europe. If you’re in Canada, leaks point to May 9, so S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra users worldwide should see the "Update available" message soon.

What you need to know

• Samsung was reportedly spotted rolling out One UI 8.5 Beta 10 to enrolled Galaxy S25 devices.
• The patch, nearly 1GB in size, brings in Call Screening, Creative Studio, and several fixes.
• An earlier rumor in April said Samsung might rollout two betas in April, and it seems that we might actually see the light (a stable launch) soon.

It might be unbelievable for enrolled testers, as the tenth One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy users.

It's been a long road, as SamMobile reports that Samsung is rolling out One UI 8.5 Beta 10 to all enrolled Galaxy S25 devices in South Korea. This is pretty usual, as Samsung typically launches a new beta on homesoil before it spreads out to other regions. While we wait, the publication states the build is arriving with a 900MB download size. The new software rolls out a few new additions this week, such as "AI features."

The report states these features, while seemingly not explicitly mentioned in the changelog, include Samsung's AI Call Screening and Creative Studio. Devices are receiving a fix for "multi-touch issues after using accessibility magnification" and "a proximity sensor issue during calls."

Samsung is also fixing problems with the call screen appearing late (or not at all), anomalies appearing during 4K recording, and improving Bluetooth. One UI 8.5 Beta 10 has been spotted rocking firmware vS93xNKSU9ZZDD. Users should keep an eye on this as the week progresses.

Perfect

We've been thinking about Samsung's latest AI features on the Galaxy S26 for the S25 series since a rumor suggested as much. The overseas report about this potential also listed Audio Eraser, Now Brief, and Photo Assist updates, Agentic AI, and "Notification Highlights" as features to join Call Screening. Now that we've received our tenth One UI 8.5 Beta, we're hoping a stable launch is right around the corner. Call Screening works a lot like Google's version for Pixels.

You could have your phone's AI answer a call for you, and it could transcribe what's being said. Moreover, it can help filter spam, so you're not bothered by something meaningless.

Rumors earlier in April might've read the stars. It was suggested that Samsung was preparing "two more" One UI 8.5 betas in April: one earlier in the month and another later, around April 20 (today). That's pretty much panned out, but we're still curious about a stable rollout. Supposedly, that could happen either late in April (think next week) or in May.

What you need to know

• One UI 8.5 stable for Galaxy S25 may still be weeks away despite ongoing beta testing.
• Samsung is reportedly planning up to ten beta builds, with two more expected in April.
• Stable rollout could happen in late April or May, but users can join the beta now.

Samsung has been testing the One UI 8.5 release for the Galaxy S25 series for a few months now, but it looks like the stable update could still be a few weeks away.

The stable version of One UI 8.5 debuted with the Galaxy S26 series in February 2026, bringing features like a customizable Quick Settings panel, upgraded Photo Assist tools, and new AI additions like Gemini screen automation. If you've been waiting to try it on your Galaxy S25, it looks like you might still have to wait a bit longer.

As shared by reliable Samsung leaker Tarun Vats on X, the company is reportedly planning a total of ten One UI 8.5 beta updates for the Galaxy S25 lineup. The latest beta 8 rolled out in March, but Samsung is said to have two more betas lined up for April.

According to the leaker, One UI 8.5 beta 9 is expected around April 9, while the 10th beta could arrive around April 20. This means if you were hoping that Samsung would now end the beta cycle and release the stable update in April, it seems like that won't be happening.

Samsung hasn't introduced many new features in the recent betas, instead focusing on bug fixes and stability improvements. However, it seems the company is still not happy with the current situation and will continue to refine the beta builds.

This ultimately means that we could see the stable build of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 arrive sometime later in April or May, but that's still speculation for now.

We'll keep you updated once Samsung releases the stable One UI 8.5 update for the Galaxy S25. In the meantime, if you don't want to wait, you can still join the beta via the Samsung Members app on your phone. That said, it comes with caveats, as the beta build might still have a few bugs lying around.

Android Central's Take

Samsung clearly doesn't want to rush this one, and honestly, that's a good thing. I've tried One UI 8.5 on the Galaxy S26 series, and it's probably one of the most stable software experiences I've used in a while. I'd rather wait a bit longer for a polished rollout than deal with bugs.

What you need to know

• Samsung is rolling out a Quick Share app update via Galaxy Store that adds AirDrop file sharing support to older Galaxy devices.
• The feature is appearing on Galaxy S22 to S25 models, but isn't functional yet.
• The update signals a wider rollout soon, likely with One UI 8.5.

Samsung recently added support for sharing files over Apple's AirDrop to the Galaxy S26 series last week, and now it looks like the feature won't stay limited to those devices for long.

As spotted by Reddit users (via Tarun Vats on X), a Quick Share app update is rolling out via the Galaxy Store on older Samsung devices that appears to add support for AirDrop file sharing with Apple devices. Users report seeing the same new "Share with Apple devices" section we first saw on Galaxy S26 devices in the Settings app after updating Quick Share.

The update is reportedly showing up on Galaxy models ranging from the Galaxy S22 to last year's Galaxy S25 series. The catch, however, is that the feature doesn't seem to be working yet. It's appearing on devices running One UI 8 as well as the One UI 8.5 beta, but enabling the toggle doesn't activate the functionality for now.

Users say that turning on the feature doesn't make their device visible to Apple devices, and no Apple devices show up in Quick Share either. It's possible Samsung or Google still needs to enable it server-side, but it does confirm that broader rollout to older Galaxy devices is coming. The feature could arrive fully with the One UI 8.5 update.

Either way, this is an exciting move, as Samsung seems to be expanding AirDrop support across its flagship lineup, which could finally make cross-platform file sharing more seamless.

Google has already introduced similar functionality on the Pixel 10 series and later expanded it to the Pixel 9 lineup. Now, it's good to see Samsung catching up, and hopefully, other brands like Motorola and OnePlus will follow soon.

Android Central's Take

This is exactly what I wanted to see from Samsung. Sure, it isn't fully working yet, but the fact that it's already pushing groundwork for older Galaxy devices makes this a big deal.

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly rolling out its seventh One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series in South Korea, India, and Germany.
• While the U.S. awaits to receive it, the company is fixing nearly 1GB of issues plaguing the phones, such as a calling issue that would malfunction, turning calls into video chats.
• The Galaxy S26 series received its first update right after launch, though it's only brought security improvements.

If you're hearing a collective sigh, it's because Samsung's been spotted rolling out another One UI 8.5 beta.

A post by SamMobile reports that Samsung has started rolling out One UI 8.5 Beta 7 to a few overseas regions late this week. Per the post, the company's seventh beta has been spotted in South Korea, India, and Germany. This beta concerns the Galaxy S25 series, as the company is still looking to solve quite a few issues that have surfaced since Beta 6. It seems users should expect to download vZZC7 once it arrives in the U.S.

The changelog is moderate. Samsung details that the total patch is around ~980MB, so the fixes are quite substantial as we near the 1GB mark. The company states it's rolling out a fix for calls, in which its proximity sensor would malfunction, causing user voice calls to turn into video calls. A color palette problem with GMS apps in the work/security folder is being fixed, too.

A fix for the Gallery app's crashes when "launching a new project" is being received, alongside a fix for a stuttering/freezing issue when interacting with the unread messages box in Samsung Messages.

The remainder of the changelog is as follows:

• Improved the visibility of the Gmail search input box in dark mode
• Fixed an issue where photos could not be exported from private albums in Gallery
• Fixed an issue where Toast pop-ups did not appear during DeX connection with heat generation
• Fixed an issue where Fahrenheit temperature information was cut off after adding a city to the Weather widget
• Fixed an issue where a one-time Wi-Fi recovery occurred during Wi-Fi roaming scanning with the AP

Waiting, waiting, waiting still

While Samsung's year-old flagships are still awaiting the next big OS patch, its Galaxy S26 series is already rocking it. In fact, the S26 series just received its first patch after launch—spoiler: it's not very exciting. The update was mainly focused on delivering a few security enhancements for the devices. What we are looking at is a recent report that says Samsung's first update for the new series removed its "Hey Plex" wake-up phrase.

Since this has vanished, users are now forced to dive into Perplexity manually or use the phone's side button. Luckily, it's been said that Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has confirmed the phrase will return as "Hey Perplexity." On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 series pre-orders have been performing well. Samsung reports a 25% increase in pre-orders for the phones in the U.S., with the Galaxy S26 Ultra taking up the majority with 80%.

What you need to know

• Samsung has reportedly started rolling out One UI 8.5 Beta 6 to Galaxy S25 users in India ahead of other regions.
• The patch fixes several issues that have plagued users since Beta 5, such as a Bixby wake up phrase issue, Now Brief/Now Bar card problems, and more.
• The Galaxy S26 series launched this week, bringing the Ultra's Privacy Display, a slimmer build, and much more.

If you were also expecting an official One UI 8.5 announcement for the Galaxy S25 series, think again, as another beta has been reported.

Following Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked, prominent X tipster Tarun Vats reported that another One UI 8.5 beta has been spotted for the Galaxy S25 series (via 9to5Google). This means that One UI 8.5 Beta 6 is on its way. Vats adds that the patch has been spotted late this week in India for enrolled Galaxy S25 users. Each model will see build versions S938BXXU8ZZAO, S938BOXM8ZZAO, and S938BXXU8CZAO for the S25, S25 Plus, and the S25 Ultra, respectively.

For its changes, the included screenshot lists a few bugs that Samsung is looking to squash (hopefully) before an official launch.

One issue concerns Now Bar and Now Brief. Samsung is rolling out a fix for "text, icons, and AOD visibility" for the feature's recommendation cards. The patch also fixes an issue where "two 'View Previous Image' buttons appeared when using the sketch conversion feature in the Gallery."

Bixby's wake-up phrase in Labs > Create is getting a fix for users who might've found problems after Beta 5.

• Fixed a force close issue when changing the camera area settings in Settings > Display
• Fixed an issue where the lock screen style of Basic mode was changed in Modes and Routines
• Improved animation related to notification cards

Unpacked is done; One UI 8.5, you're up

Other regions should slowly begin to notice this next One UI 8.5 beta soon.

We certainly hoped it was "one last call" for Samsung's One UI 8.5 beta when Beta 5 dropped five days before Unpacked. That patch was pretty light, as Samsung's only major highlight was an "applied" Bixby version update. There were assumptions that this was a big Bixby overhaul for the software, which would then roll out onto the Galaxy S25 series.

Samsung was pretty quick to talk about those Bixby changes as Beta 5 was making its rounds. The company confirmed that Bixby is now capable of understanding more "natural conversation" when users speak to it for assistance. Users can lean on the AI for help with their settings and much more, alongside real-time online searches. While this new Bixby is flying high in One UI 8.5, it's pretty much just the Galaxy S26 series that's enjoying it.

Galaxy Unpacked fully revealed the Galaxy S26 series and the attractive Privacy Display for the S26 Ultra. Pre-orders are readily available for users looking to get in on the next-gen phones.

Android Central's Take

Hopefully—and I sincerely mean this—Beta 6 is the last we'll see of One UI 8.5's testing. We've been down this road for a few months, and it's likely Samsung needs to polish more aspects of its software than we realized. There's a lot of interest surrounding this upgrade, as it's more significant than a smaller v0.1 update would've been. More than that, its newest series already rocking it, so people like me with a Galaxy S25 series model want in on that, too.

What you need to know

• Rumors from a Chinese tipster claim that a few overseas brands might use Samsung's Privacy Display as inspiration for future phones.
• The post states these OEMs could implement a version of Privacy Display on their flagship phones for an alleged September launch.
• Samsung teased its Privacy Display for the Galaxy S26 Ultra late last month, showcasing how prying eyes can't see what you're doing from the side.
• Galaxy Unpacked takes place on February 25, 2026 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

We're just two days away from Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked, and rumors from an overseas tipster claim other OEMs might borrow a key privacy feature.

The rumor, posted by Digital Chat Station on Weibo (Chinese), alleges that additional OEMs might chase a privacy feature similar to what Samsung has for the Galaxy S26 Ultra (via 9to5Google). DCS states that the company's "Privacy Display" is being "tested by domestic manufacturers" (machine-translated). It seems like these brands are eyeing their own flagships for a version of Privacy Display that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will feature.

The post adds that the feature would be implemented on a hardware level, similar to what Samsung is doing. Moreover, there's a chance that we could see these devices with a version of Privacy Display hit the market later this year, in September, and beyond.

DCS didn't state which OEMs we could see this from, but there's some speculation. Since DCS primarily covers brands in and around China, rumors suggest Xiaomi and, potentially, Honor could be the frontrunners, per 9to5.

Samsung teased it

Toward the end of January, Samsung officially started teasing its Galaxy S26 series. Specifically, its teaser was about the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which has long been expected to receive "Privacy Display." Its teaser was light, but straight to the point, showing off a pair of eyes attempting to look at the device's screen, but couldn't. The Privacy Display works by appearing dark from the sides, meaning any prying eyes in public, on the train, or even at home won't be able to see what you're doing.

Some additional rumors about this claim that Samsung could give users the power to control how private their screen is. If you're more concerned about your messages, you can have your display block those out from the side. However, if you prefer total privacy, you can have your screen appear dark when viewed from an angle. We don't have much longer to wait, as Galaxy Unpacked takes place on February 25, 2026 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

You can also follow along with our live blog—we're going through the event, too.

Android Central's Take

You see this kind of thing all the time in the tech industry. Companies "taking" things from other places. Some make it better, others might just keep it roughly the same. We've seen Realme copy Apple's Dynamic Island for its phones before. OnePlus did the same thing with OxygenOS 14. So, something like this isn't crazy. I'm always more curious to see how it comes to be. Will these OEMs change it? Will they add something that Samsung didn't think of? The iteration matters here, as it could push Samsung to take it even further, bettering themselves and giving consumers a better product in the end.

What you need to know

• Samsung's reportedly rolling out its February 2026 security patch to its flagship Galaxy S25 series.
• The patch was spotted in South Korea, potentially signaling that other regions are in for the update later this week.
• Galaxy Unpacked is in just two days, and that's likely the reason why Samsung was slow in rolling out its latest vulnerability fixes.
• The event takes place on February 25, 2026 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT.

We're into the final stretch of February, and now reports are coming in about Samsung's (late) security update.

Reports started on X, as well-known tipster Tarun Vats posted about the update's apparent rollout overseas (via SamMobile). According to Vats, Samsung has started rolling out its February 2026 security update to users in South Korea with the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra. Their post adds that the update bears the vS938NKSS8BZB2, vS938NOKR8BZB2, and vS938NKSS8BZB1 versions, respectively.

Vats also provided a snapshot of the changelog for the February security patch. However, if you're expecting more, that's not here, as the notes only mention that new security updates "have been applied." It's worth noting that this patch is rolling out with a 541MB download size.

SamMobile points out that Samsung had its side of the security patch documented for users well in advance. The update reportedly consists of roughly 37 security vulnerabilities, and when it comes to patches like this, such fixes are more than enough. The publication adds that a few fixes aim to solve problems with Knox Guard Manager, Samsung Dialer, and more.

This update should begin arriving in the U.S., Europe, and other regions later this week, if not into March.

Delayed, but there's a good reason

Strangely enough, there was one set of Galaxy S25 users that got the February patch on time, and that's those enrolled in the One UI 8.5 beta. Near the start of the month, Samsung pushed its Beta 4 patch to enrolled testers, which focused on fixing problems and stability issues. The main highlight of this patch was Samsung's newest feature: Direct Voicemail. This lets users send calls to voicemail and view live transcriptions from the Phone app.

Beta 5 rolled out a couple of weeks later, signaling Samsung was in the final stage before the Galaxy S26.

As the publication also pointed out, Samsung's late February patch for stable users is probably because Unpacked is very, very close. We hope your reminders are set for the event taking place on February 25, 2026 at 1 pm ET/10 am PT in San Francisco, California. You can follow along for all the details with us at Android Central and throughout the event via our live blog.

Android Central's Take

This security patch is well and good, since we were missing it for all of February. However, my eyes, much like everyone else's, is on Galaxy Unpacked this week. We're in for quite a few reveals, I reckon. From the Galaxy S26 series to the potential for the Galaxy Buds 4 series and much more. There's a strong chance that Samsung will detail a truck load of Galaxy AI this event, too, as the company's really been pushing that side of its products for a couple of years.

Samsung Galaxy phones come pre-loaded with a handful of "duplicate" apps. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S25 comes with Google Photos and Samsung Gallery, both pre-installed as photo and video gallery apps.

It usually makes sense to use Google Photos, but you shouldn't write off Samsung Gallery too early. Samsung's own gallery app offers a few exciting photo and video editing features unavailable in the Google Photos app, which is reason enough to keep it around.

Specifically, Samsung Gallery makes it easy to speed up or slow down a video in your camera roll with the Instant slow-mo feature. It lets you apply a slow-mo effect to your videos by long-pressing the screen during playback, and there are even more customization options in the editor. Here's how I use Instant slow-mo to remix my smartphone videos, and how you can too.

What is Samsung's Instant slow-mo?

Instant slow-mo is a feature in the Samsung Gallery app that lets users adjust the playback speed of their videos. The simple version of the feature applies a slow-motion effect to the video during playback when a user holds down on the screen. The more advanced alternative in the video editor lets you choose from four playback speeds — 1/4x, 1/2x, 1x, and 2x — that can be applied to specific portions of your video.

Opening the editor reveals a detailed timeline with handles that let you expand or trim the portion of the video for which the slow-mo effects will apply. This allows different portions of the same video to play back at different speeds for a greater cinematic effect. When you're finished customizing the video, you can either save it and overwrite the original video or make a copy.

Either way, the video can always be reverted to its original state, so there's no risk of messing up in the Instant slow-mo editor.

How to use Instant slow-mo in the video player

There are two ways to use Instant slow-mo in the Samsung Gallery app, and the first is simply to long-press a video while it's playing. This shows a preview of what the video would look like slowed down. When you release your finger, you can download and save the Instant slow-mo clip to your camera roll. Here's exactly how to do it:

1. Open the Samsung Gallery app and choose a video.

2. Tap the Play button to start video playback.

3. Touch and hold any portion of the video to start Instant slow-mo.

4. Release your finger to stop the Instant slow-mo feature, revealing a download button.

5. Tap the download button to save the Instant slow-mo clip.

After that, the slowed-down version of your video will be saved as a separate video in your Samsung Gallery app. The original video will still remain available, and you can use it to make more Instant slow-mo clips if you'd like.

How to use Instant slow-mo in the video editor

A more advanced version of the Instant slow-mo feature is available in the Samsung Gallery video editor. This version lets you manually select which parts of the video you want to slow down or speed up. It's possible to mix slow-mo footage with normal footage for dramatic effect. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the Samsung Gallery app and choose a video.

2. Tap the Edit icon in the toolbar.

3. Press the Speed icon and choose between four different speed options (1/3, 1/2, 1x, 2).

4. Move the handles on the video timeline to adjust how long the speed changes will be applied to the video.

5. Choose either Save or Save copy to finish.

Using this tool, you can customize exactly how long Instant slow-mo will be applied to your video, selecting the precise speed. The same setting can be used to apply double speed to your video, creating an entirely different effect. Since multiple speeds can be used throughout the same video, there are plenty of ways to remix your recordings using Instant slow-mo in the Samsung Gallery app.

Samsung's Gallery app can speed up or slow down your videos

I use Google Photos as my primary gallery app on every Android phone, but it's worth keeping Samsung's Gallery app around for its niche features. Beyond the Instant slow-mo tool, Samsung's Object Eraser and Audio Eraser are two other useful tools that come to mind. However, the one I end up using the most is the Create GIF feature. It can turn any video in your Samsung Gallery into a GIF with a single button press, and it's a lifesaver for sharing content on the web.

Regardless of how you use tools like Instant slow-mo, you should know that your Samsung Galaxy S25 comes with exclusive photo and video editing tools in the Samsung Gallery app. Too many users switch to Google Photos outright and miss out on the helpful features you can only find in Samsung Gallery. Personally, I love how easy it is to view and save slowed-down versions of your favorite videos using Instant slow-mo.

Presidents' Day is nearly here, which means you might get a long weekend, and if you're lucky, a look at some of 2026's first great Android phone deals. 

Many of the best phones we've ever used are currently on sale for the holiday, whether you're searching for a lightweight Samsung device, an AI-equipped Pixel, or a powerful OnePlus phone. Keep reading for my TOP 5 phone deals available during this week's Presidents' Day sales. 

Most of these offers are for unlocked devices, but I'm also adding a few deals that could get you a free (or nearly free) phone when you add an eligible line to your wireless service. Whatever you're looking for this week, I'm pretty confident that you'll find the Android phone of your dreams below. 

The TOP 5 Android phone deals during Presidents' Day weekend

What you need to know

• Samsung has released One UI 8.5 beta 4 ahead of the Galaxy S26 launch, focusing on fixes and stability improvements.
• The new beta is rolling out to Galaxy S25 users in multiple regions and includes the February 2026 security patch.
• A new Direct Voicemail feature lets users send calls to voicemail and view live transcriptions inside the Phone app.

Ahead of the Galaxy S26 series launch, Samsung has released a new One UI 8.5 beta, refining the software further while also adding a useful new feature.

February is shaping up to be a big month for Samsung, with the Galaxy S26 series rumored to debut in just a few weeks. Alongside the upcoming phones, Samsung has continued work on One UI 8.5. Now, ahead of the software's official unveiling alongside the Galaxy S26 lineup, the company has released One UI 8.5 beta 4 with several fixes in tow.

As spotted by Tarun Vats on X, Samsung has rolled out the new One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series with firmware version ZZAL in South Korea, India, Germany, the UK, and the US. This update follows the third One UI 8.5 beta released in December and weighs around 1.5 GB. It also includes the February 2026 security patch.

According to the official changelog, Samsung has fixed several issues, including a lock screen clock bug and a problem with AI Select. Here's the official changelog:

• Fixed an issue where the clock on the lock screen moved down.
• Fixed an issue when clicking search history in the phone app.
• Resolved the problem where calls switch to the device under specific conditions while using a BT headset.
• Fixed an issue when pasting phone numbers into the keypad after clicking a call link.
• Fixed an issue where AI Select does not automatically close when "Copy" is selected.

If you own a Galaxy S25 series phone and are enrolled in the One UI 8.5 beta program, you can now download and install the update by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install.

What's particularly interesting about this beta is that Samsung has also added a new Direct Voicemail feature to the Phone app (via Android Authority). With this feature, users can automatically send calls to voicemail after a set period or route all incoming calls directly to voicemail.

The voicemail is transcribed live, letting you view both audio and text inside the Phone app. Similar to how it works on Pixel phones and iPhones, you can also pick up the call while the caller is leaving a message. The feature works on-device inside the Phone app and doesn't depend on your carrier.

Android Central's Take

It's good to see Samsung polishing the One UI 8.5 beta ahead of the Galaxy S26 series launch later this month. Samsung has been late with recent major Android upgrades, but it's reassuring to see the company aiming to have Galaxy S26 users on the latest version with stable software and new features available out of the box from day one.

What you need to know

• A tipster alleges that Samsung has pushed an update for its One UI 8.5 beta that upgrades its Android kernel version.
• As a result, the post claims that One UI 8.5 feels "smoother" and "more responsive," and it's likely an experience users will see in the next beta.
• Another tipster alleges that what was initially discovered might actually be Samsung's stable launch plans for One UI 8.5.
• Samsung rolled out One UI 8.5 Beta 3 to testers earlier in January, bringing a major 1.2GB download with a laundry list of fixes.

Samsung's supposedly making a big system-level change for its next One UI software that could change the game for Galaxy phones.

This week, well-known social media tipster Ice Universe leaked some details regarding an alleged kernel upgrade for Samsung's One UI 8.5 (via SamMobile). As the publication notes, the kernel is the "marriage" between a device's software and hardware, and Ice Universe reports that Samsung has taken its version up from 6.6.77 to 6.6.98.

Their post highlights that this is the first time the company has attempted to upgrade its kernel, and it did it unexpectedly.

The leak adds that this change was discovered in Samsung's One UI 8.5 ZZAA version for the Galaxy S25 series, currently involved in the Beta Program. In their tests, Ice Universe claims that Samsung's One UI system "is smoother and more responsive." Additionally, they state "touch response, animations, and overall fluidity have improved."

Rumors diverge into two paths from here. On one hand, Ice Universe claims that testers could get their hands on this major update in One UI 8.5 Beta 4. However, another tipster, TheOneCID, claims this might be Samsung's official One UI 8.5 build for launch. Their post states that they've discovered a similar CZAA build on the U.S. and Canadian servers for Samsung's devices.

Speculations said One UI 8.5 would be major

We'll have to see where things progress from here, as we've just gotten our hands on One UI 8.5 Beta 3 in January. Shortly after the new year, Samsung rolled out Beta 3 for its next major One UI update, which arrived with a 1.2GB download. The company was busy fixing up a laundry list of items for users, such as lock screen glitches, gallery lag, and more.

One major grievance users had with the new software was its odd battery drain. Samsung's patch notes state it has rolled out a fix for that "excessive" battery drain problem caused by certain apps. Beta 2 for One UI 8.5 debuted on December 22, just a couple of weeks before Beta 3.

It might be safe to assume we're in for another some time before Samsung's Galaxy S26 series is set to take the stage.

Users outside of the beta received their January 2026 security update this week, too. Major security flaws were targeted with this update that brought roughly 55 fixes to the Galaxy S25 series.

What you need to know

• Samsung has started rolling out its stable January 2026 security update for users with devices outside of its One UI 8.5 beta.
• The patch holds a substantial number of fixes for these devices, as Samsung looks to correct security flaws for its file system and more.
• The company previously brought a January patch for its One UI 8.5 Beta 3 users at the top of the month.

Your eyes aren't deceiving you; this is, technically, the second January patch for the Galaxy S25, but this one's for everyone else.

Spotted earlier today (Jan 13) by SamMobile, Samsung has started rolling out its first security patch of 2026 to the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, S25 Ultra, and S25 FE. The patch, as detailed on Samsung's Security Updates page, contains 21 fixes for these devices. Among these, 19 are marked as "High" priority fixes, while two settle for the "Critical" tag.

Samsung states it's rolling out a fix for CVE-2026-20969, which concerns an issue where attackers could inappropriately "access file with system privileges." Other fixes were included to fix vulnerabilities with attackers accessing out-of-bounds memory, a bypass for Carrier Relock, and more.

In actuality, as SamMobile notes, the entire patch holds roughly 55 fixes for Samsung's latest flagship models. As always, Google's side holds a bit more, as per its Android Security Bulletin. Google detailed one critical fix en route for devices with Dolby components.

The post highlights that the January patch bears vBYLR. Users should know that the patch is slowly making its rounds in South Korea. It's not out of the norm, but users should likely prepare to see the patch hit the U.S., Europe, and other areas late this week, if not the week after.

Prepare for more updates

As previously stated, this is the second January patch that Samsung has rolled out for the Galaxy S25 series; however, the first was for One UI 8.5 Beta testers. A few days after New Year's, Samsung pushed a patch to its beta testers for its 8.5 Beta 3. The update was a massive 1.2GB download for users, further strengthening its enormous number of fixes for bugs. Among them, Samsung aimed to fix lock screen glitches, gallery lag, widget bugs, and much more.

The One UI 8.5 beta started a little later than previously expected, likely due to issues Samsung had with its S26 series. The company was reportedly busy trying to narrow down the devices it wanted to offer consumers in 2026, which seems to be the S26, S26 Plus, and an S26 Ultra, per usual.

As you'd expect, this updated software is positioned as a much grander update, nothing like a smaller 8.1 update. Rumors suggest that this update will arrive alongside the Galaxy S26 series before rolling out to other models, like the S25.

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to switch wireless providers, I just dug up a T-Mobile deal that might be right up your alley. For a limited time, the iconic Big Three carrier is running a 'Family Freedom' promotion that will get you up to $800/line (up to four lines) to pay off your current devices and get you and your family to switch. 

The cash comes in the form of a prepaid MasterCard. It's supposed to show up within 15 days, and once you trade in your old Android phones you'll get enough additional credit to grab up to four new devices for free. 

Ditch Verizon and get $800 from T-Mobile when you switch

The deal is best for folks who need four lines, as the 'Family Freedom' promotion is essentially earning you $3,200 in bill credits when you switch. Furthermore, thanks to T-Mobile's multi-line discounts, you and your family could be enjoying unlimited talk, text, and 50GB of premium data for as little as $100 per month with the Essentials plan. That's one of the best unlimited plans we've ever used for just 25 bucks per line!

In addition to the perks detailed above, the Essentials plan also gets you a mobile hotspot, Wi-Fi calling, and international benefits that include unlimited coverage in Mexico and Canada and unlimited texting in over 215 countries worldwide. Sure, there's a good bit of fine print involved, but if you're interested in switching to one of the best wireless carriers in the biz, the 'Family Freedom' deal is probably the best way to do it. 

T-Mobile phone deal of the day

• See all of the latest deals at T-Mobile

What you need to know

• One UI 8.5 Beta 3 is a 1.2GB update that fixes a bunch of annoyances, including lock screen glitches, gallery lag, widget bugs, and inconsistent UI behavior.
• Samsung has also tackled excessive power drain from certain apps.
• This beta also smooths out the stuttering performance previously seen in the Gallery’s Live Effects.

Samsung is starting 2026 strong by releasing the third beta of One UI 8.5. This update is not just a small fix — it’s a major 1.2GB release that addresses some of the most annoying issues early users faced in previous versions.

The new firmware, with a version number ending in ZZA3, is now available in the U.S., South Korea, Germany, and the UK (via Tarun Vats). In these countries, it’s called Beta 3, but in India and Poland, it may appear as Beta 2.

The different beta numbers can be confusing, but it’s the same build with the same improvements. Users in some regions are just joining the same release cycle a bit later.

Along with bug fixes, this update includes the January 1, 2026 security patch. The Galaxy S25 series is the first to receive this update, surprisingly beating even Google’s own Pixel lineup to the punch.

Battery drain and gallery lag are fixed

This update mainly focuses on stability. Samsung has fixed lock-screen clock issues, reduced gallery lag related to Live Effects, and improved widget reliability.

A key improvement is the fix for battery life. The update addresses high power use from certain apps, so your battery should last longer throughout the day.

The visual glitches that were making the UI feel unfinished have also been tackled. If you noticed the clock display error that was messing up your lock screen aesthetics, you will be happy to know that it has been patched.

The Now Briefing feature, which wasn’t showing up for some users, is working again. Your speed dial favorites in the Phone app should now stay in place. Samsung also made the search button easier to see on the widget addition screen.

If you are part of the beta program, go to Settings, then Software update, and select Download and install to get the update.

What you need to know

• OnePlus is reportedly developing a new phone with a massive 9,000 mAh battery, far larger than most flagships today.
• The leaked device, codenamed Volkswagen, is said to feature a compact sub-6-inch OLED display with a smooth 165 Hz refresh rate.
• The phone will reportedly run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, already seen in a few recent smartphones.

It's only been a week since OnePlus officially introduced the OnePlus 15R, and we are already hearing rumors about another upcoming smartphone from the brand. A new leak suggests OnePlus is working on a phone with a massive 9,000 mAh battery.

According to leaker Abhishek Yadav on X (now deleted), OnePlus is developing a smartphone with the codename "Volkswagen." While it is unclear which lineup this upcoming smartphone will fall under, whether the Nord series or something entirely new, the leaker has shared some key specifications of the device.

The phone is said to feature a dual-camera setup on the back and a sub-6-inch OLED display. Similar to the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus 15R, it will reportedly support up to a 165Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, the device is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset.

A 9,000 mAh battery smartphone sounds wild, but here we are

The Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 is not a new processor, having launched earlier this year. We have already seen it used in devices like the Nothing Phone 3 and Poco F7. That said, the standout specification here is not the display or chipset, but the battery capacity.

According to the leak, the upcoming OnePlus smartphone will pack a huge 9,000 mAh battery with support for up to 80W wired charging. That is more battery capacity than two base models of the Samsung Galaxy S25 phones combined. If you thought the OnePlus 15R already pushed boundaries with its 7,400 mAh cell, this device could take things even further.

It appears OnePlus has cracked a battery innovation that many other smartphone brands have yet to figure out, given its recent focus on unusually large batteries. It remains to be seen when, or if, this phone will launch, but our guess is that it could be introduced sometime in Q1 2026.

What you need to know

• Samsung has rolled out One UI 8.5 beta 2 for Galaxy S25 devices, adding bug fixes and expanding the beta to more regions.
• The One UI 8.5 beta program is now available in India and Poland, alongside earlier regions like the U.S. and UK.
• One UI 8.5 also introduces visual changes and features, with some Galaxy AI upgrades saved for the S26 launch.

Just a couple of weeks after releasing the first One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has rolled out another One UI 8.5 beta for eligible smartphones. The new build brings a few key fixes, including several bug fixes, and also expands the public beta to more regions.

When Samsung released the first One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, it was limited to just four countries, including South Korea, Germany, the U.S., and the UK. With this new beta release, Samsung has expanded availability to additional regions, including India and Poland.

If you own a Galaxy S25 series smartphone, you can now sign up for the One UI 8.5 beta through the Samsung Members app. Once enrolled, or if you already have the previous One UI 8.5 beta installed, you can update your device by heading to Settings > Software update > Download & install.

It's worth noting that the new One UI 8.5 beta carries the build number ZYLH and is roughly 4GB in size for first-time installs. The beta is available only for the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Even though the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy S25 FE are technically part of the S25 lineup, they are excluded from the beta program, at least for now.

As for what's new in One UI 8.5 beta 2, Samsung has addressed several bugs with this update. Issues such as stuttering when opening the "More View" menu during calls, cases where the volume up button fails under certain conditions, and problems causing multiple third-party apps to close unexpectedly have been fixed.

Here is the official changelog for One UI 8.5 beta 2 (via @tarunvats33 on X):

One UI 8.5 beta 2 official changelog

• Improved the issue of quick panel settings initializing intermittently when booting.
• Improved errors such as quick panel menu screen icon spacing and location.
• Improved the issue of photos organized into gallery group folders being moved to the first album page.
• Improved the stuttering issue when pressing the "More View" menu during a call.
• Improved the intermittent rebooting issue.
• Improved the issue where the volume up button does not work under certain conditions.
• Improved the issue of sound generation in the device when making a call with a Bluetooth car kit connection under certain conditions.
• Improved issues where multiple third-party apps are forcibly terminated while in use.
• Stabilized software through multiple app updates, such as the camera.

It's also possible that One UI 8.5 includes under-the-hood changes that haven't surfaced yet. For example, Samsung has reportedly reserved some Galaxy AI features in One UI 8.5 for the launch of the Galaxy S26 series.

That said, the new Android update still brings several features to try, including a refreshed design language, an updated Quick Settings panel, and storage sharing across connected Galaxy devices.

Samsung played it safe with the Galaxy S25, but if we're being honest, it ended up being a pretty compelling Android phone. I would've liked to see a more aggressive design revamp, better cameras, and improved battery and charging technology. Even without those improvements, the Galaxy S25 held its own as one of the best phones on the market in 2025.

I'm expecting big things from the Galaxy S26, although rumors and leaks suggest it might be a letdown. Samsung is following the launch of the iPhone 17 and the Google Pixel 10, which included trend-setting upgrades like higher base storage and magnetic charging support. To be competitive, Samsung needs to match these additions and more.

These are the five upgrades I want to see from Samsung's Galaxy S26.

An even slimmer and lighter design with Qi2

I praised the Galaxy S25's design for retaining a thin, light, and compact footprint, noting that it was the "last compact Android flagship," but I didn't know it might be the very last small Android flagship. Samsung is rumored to ship the Galaxy S26 with a slightly larger screen next year.

One thing I consistently loved about the Galaxy S25 throughout my year of testing was how great it felt in the hand. I eventually switched to the Galaxy S25 Edge for its thin feel, but the base Galaxy S25 is actually much more compact. At just 7.2mm thick and weighing only 162 grams with a 6.2-inch screen, the Galaxy S25 is incredibly pocketable and easy to hold.

For the Galaxy S26, I want to see Samsung prioritize keeping this in-hand feel intact while revamping the design. Following the introduction of Qi2 on the Google Pixel 10, magnetic charging is officially an essential feature for any Android flagship that wants to be taken seriously. However, Samsung should leverage its R&D might to challenge itself to add Qi2 (and potentially a larger screen) while minimizing changes to the Galaxy S25's footprint, thickness, and weight.

Increasing the screen-to-body ratio and shrinking bezels are ways of getting more out of the same chassis. If Samsung can add a long-overdue Qi2 magnetic charging feature while still keeping the Galaxy S26 feeling small, it'll have an edge over Pixels in 2026.

Intuitive AI features

Samsung's AI suite is underrated, in part because of its strong relationship with Google, which brings Google AI and Galaxy AI features to Samsung handsets, and I need to see more of that in 2026. Circle to Search and multimodal Gemini Live, which arrived on Galaxy phones first, are the types of groundbreaking software features I want to debut alongside the Galaxy S26.

With the Galaxy S25, the company's AI upgrades were a bit underwhelming. One year later, I still haven't found game-changing use cases for the Now Bar or Now Brief. Meanwhile, Google is cooking up excellent Pixel 10 exclusives like Magic Cue and Camera Coach. Samsung should go back to the drawing board and perhaps call up Google to think big for the Galaxy S26's software upgrades.

A completely revamped camera system

If I had to describe the Galaxy S25's camera system in one word, it's non-competitive. The hardware can be traced back to the Galaxy S22 series, and if Samsung doesn't significantly upgrade the entire system for the Galaxy S26, it might be dead on arrival. At a time when Google, Apple, and OnePlus are making camera hardware tweaks on a yearly basis, Samsung risks falling even further behind if it doesn't make aggressive changes.

A camera system riding on a 50MP primary sensor, a 12MP ultrawide with a 120-degree field of view, and a 12MP 3x telephoto lens feels substandard heading into 2026. The primary camera sensor is fine, but for a flagship, two middling secondary cameras aren't good enough. In particular, the 3x optical zoom capability sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the Pixel 10's 5x telephoto lens.

I'd also like to see Samsung pay more attention to its computational photography and color science — perhaps even more so than the hardware. Samsung phones tend to produce photos that can look dull compared to those from a Pixel or an iPhone. I don't want Galaxy cameras to go too far and oversaturate, but finding a better middle ground would help the Galaxy S26 shoot better photos without any hardware changes.

More base storage (with no price hike)

Too often, Samsung is reactionary. We all know it's capable of making great phones — just look at the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z TriFold — but its best work usually comes after it's challenged. One way Samsung can make its mark proactively on the Galaxy S26 is by shipping it with 256GB of base storage.

Apple made waves with the iPhone 17 by making 256GB standard without hiking the price. Samsung should do the exact same thing, giving it an edge over the Pixel 10. Not only does the Pixel 10 start with 128GB of storage, but it uses UFS 3.1 flash, unlike the UFS 4.0 you get with the higher-priced 256GB variant. Give us 256GB UFS 4.0 storage without raising the Galaxy S26's price, and Samsung will immediately gain some goodwill with tech enthusiasts.

Better efficiency + battery life

Really, the one thing Samsung doesn't have to touch on the Galaxy S25 is the phone's processor. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is good enough, and although we're expecting an upgrade to Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, the Galaxy S26 will be fast either way. Rather than higher benchmark scores or faster gaming performance, I'd rather see Samsung focus on keeping temperatures down and improving the Galaxy S26's efficiency.

The Galaxy S25 only has a 4,000 mAh battery. With a power-hungry processor and display, the Galaxy S26 needs to find a way to bump battery life one way or another. It could do this by increasing capacity, improving efficiency, or delivering faster charging speeds to make midday power-ups easier.

But while these are my biggests asks, let us know in the comments what you hope to see in the Galaxy S26, which is expected to launch in just a couple of months!

What you need to know

• Recent Samsung rumors claim the company may reach back for an old dual aperture camera feature for a future Galaxy S phone series.
• A tipster on Chinese social media, Weibo, claims that this could be in response to Apple's supposed interest in a similar feature.
• What's facing us currently in the Galaxy S26 series, as the trio could debut on February 25, 2026.

Samsung is reportedly considering the possible return of a key camera feature from an old Galaxy series device.

Rumors from Chinese Weibo tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS) claim that Samsung may return "dual aperture" to its Galaxy series (via SamMobile). The tipster's post alleges an interesting scenario going forward, as Samsung may chase a dual aperture return to combat Apple. According to DCS (machine-translated), Samsung is "testing wide-angle folding screens and variable apertures in preparation for the 2026 iPhone."

The picture is painted in a way that suggests Apple is looking to deliver a dual aperture feature for its iPhone next year, and Samsung wants that magic back.

Currently, the tipster's Weibo post didn't state how Samsung's dual aperture could look, nor did it say in which series it might arrive. However, as the publication speculates, Samsung could bring back wide and narrow apertures for varying situations, as it did with the Galaxy S9 series. What we've come to now, especially with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, is a digitally altered aperture. There's nothing in its hardware that alters the camera's aperture.

If Samsung brings this back, a future Galaxy phone could feel a little more like a traditional, powerful camera. Lenses for cameras can, for example, reach lows of f/1.8 aperture and highs of around f/16. Applications are simple, as you'd use low apertures for low-light and the higher option for extreme light (to handle it). SamMobile theorizes that Samsung could drop this for the Galaxy S27 series, but we're still well off from knowing for sure.

Samsung's looking to make some moves

Despite not having many camera changes, aside from an upgraded 50MP ultrawide lens, the Galaxy S25 Ultra still fared well in Android Central's head-to-head (to-head-to-head). We placed the device up against three of the top devices: iPhone 16 Pro Max, Pixel 9 Pro, and the S24 Ultra to see how it performed in a camera battle. When up against Apple's iPhone, the S25 Ultra's telephoto came out on top.

Samsung's device also produces a much cooler image, as Apple's dips into warmer tones when utilizing the ultrawide lens.

What's occupying our thoughts right now is the Galaxy S26 series, which is expected to debut in San Francisco on February 25. The series also had its trio leaked, spilling the supposed designs for the upcoming models. The designs mirrored what we saw leaked previously, as the S26 series could feature a similar design to the S25, but with a revamped camera layout and even rounder corners.

The S26 Ultra is also speculated to rock a 3x telephoto sensor.

What you need to know

• One UI 8.5 brings major AI upgrades, improved photo editing, and better cross-device sharing features.
• Samsung adds new Theft Protection tools and a redesigned UI with 3D icons and a customizable Quick Settings panel.
• Storage Share lets users access files across Galaxy phones, tablets, PCs, and even Samsung TVs.
• The One UI 8.5 beta is live for Galaxy S25 models in select regions, with more devices expected to join soon.

Just a few days after the full changelog of One UI 8.5 leaked, Samsung has officially announced the One UI 8.5 public beta for the Galaxy S25 series.

Samsung, in a press release, notes that One UI 8.5 brings new and easier ways to create, connect, and stay safe. While the ".5" version number may seem small, One UI 8.5 is a major update for Galaxy smartphones. Here's everything new and how you can get it on your Galaxy S25 series phone right now.

One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 series: New features

Starting with the changes, Samsung says One UI 8.5 brings new Galaxy AI features to the series, including an updated Photo Assist. You can now edit photos continuously without saving each iteration on your device. This means you can use AI Eraser, then move or restyle the image using Photo Assist without having to save it first.

There are many improvements to Quick Share as well. One UI will now show your most frequently contacted people with photos and surface them directly as share suggestions. There are better cross-device features too, such as Audio Broadcast, which lets you share one device's audio to many devices at once through BT LE Audio using Auracast.

A new feature called Storage Share will now let you see files from other Galaxy devices, including tablets and PCs, directly in the My Files app. You can even access your phone's files from other Samsung devices, including your TV.

For security, One UI 8.5 adds new anti-theft tools. The new Theft Protection feature keeps your data safe even during theft, while Failed Authentication Lock automatically locks the screen if there are too many failed attempts using fingerprint, PIN, or password.

There are UI changes too, such as a new 3D look for app icons and a customizable Quick Settings panel. Many apps, including Calculator, Clock, and Samsung Health, have been redesigned for better visuals.

One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 series: Availability and how to download

As expected, the One UI 8.5 beta is currently live only for Galaxy S25 series smartphones. This means if you have the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, or Galaxy S25 Ultra, you can try One UI 8.5 beta right now.

For now, the beta is available only in select regions, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S. If you have a Galaxy S25 series phone in any of these regions, you can try One UI 8.5 by joining the beta via the Samsung Members app by tapping the banner. Then go to Settings > Software update > Download & install.

It's worth noting that the beta isn't available for the Galaxy S25 FE or the ultra-slim Galaxy S25 Edge yet. Although we expect Samsung to expand the beta to more devices in the coming days.

What you need to know

• Samsung is reportedly working on a setting for users who're tired of apps constantly spamming them with ads.
• A tipster on X discovered a "Block apps with excessive ads" setting while digging through One UI 8.5.
• If enabled, the feature would put those apps into deep sleep, so they won't bother the user anymore.

Samsung is reportedly cooking up a feature within its One UI settings that might alleviate the problems users face with apps that have too many ads.

A discovery within the early tests for One UI 8.5 was reported by X tipster Tarun Vats, who states Samsung is working on an "excessive ads" Setting (via Android Authority). Vats states that One UI 8.5 has shown signs of a new setting called "Block apps with excessive ads" in its Device Care section. In its default state, the feature offers "basic blocking," which means "Apps identified by Samsung as sending frequent ads will be blocked whenever they're detected on your phone."

This blocking mechanism seemingly involves your Galaxy device putting the app in question into deep sleep, stopping all shenanigans.

Vats came across a secondary option, which, for right now, is shown as toggleable called "Intelligent blocking." If enabled, it seems your Galaxy device would leverage its software to "analyze" a user's notification to determine if it's an ad and block it if the alert becomes far too frequent. There's a chance that this could lean on Galaxy AI for understanding the context of an ad, as the footnote states, "this determination may not be accurate."

There's hope for this feature, though it seems more testing is required to know its extent, as Vats discussed in the comments. The code discovery suggests this ad-spam protection will be available on all Galaxy devices, not just its phones. However, testing is required to see if this feature works "systemwide."

Keeping things clean

There's a lot of hype going on with One UI 8.5, as Samsung's been internally testing the new software for a few months now. More importantly, a recent discovery claims the company could bring "Super Fast Wireless Charging" to the Galaxy S26 through One UI 8.5. The S26 Ultra could sport 25W wireless charging capabilities, leaving the other two (S26, S26 Plus) with 20W. There's speculation that this boost for the Ultra could quicken its pace by ~40%, but that's just an estimate for now.

Moreover, shortly after, there was an alleged wallpaper leak for the S26 series. There are rumors that the series could launch in Mint, Coral, Black, Violet, Silver, and Grey.

We've also gone from hearing about a potential Beta Program to seeing it reportedly delayed, but now those whispers are back and say it could begin in December. Reports from X suggest Samsung could be eyeing a One UI 8.5 beta early in December as part of a Phase 1 plan. If true, the beta would begin on December 8 for the U.S., U.K., and Germany, before rolling into Phase 2 on December 22 for users in India and Poland.

A third phase is purported to start early in January, as Samsung tries to finish things up for its supposed Galaxy S26 launch in February.

What you need to know

• Reports are piling up on X, stating that Samsung could look to begin its One UI 8.5 Beta Program early in December.
• Another well-known tipster joins the rumors, stating Beta 1 could start December 8, Beta 2 on December 22, and Beta 3 on January 5, though these dates could shift.
• Previous rumors claimed a beta could've started late in November, but that seems to have been put on hold, as Samsung changed up its Galaxy S26 plans.

After over a month of silence, it seems rumors are back on the table about when a potential One UI 8.5 beta could begin.

These One UI 8.5 beta program rumors have been reported on X by a South Korean tipster, as well as Tarun Vats, who goes a bit further (via SamMobile). Vats quotes another tipster, who alleges that Samsung has "set their plan" to kickstart a One UI 8.5 beta program on December 8, though that date could change. Vats hops in, claiming that others have said similar things, and that this could be the case for "Phase 1."

Phase 1 is likely just what may be One UI 8.5 Beta 1, with the tipster claiming that Beta 2 could begin two weeks later, on December 22. Moreover, it seems that each "phase" or beta could bring in a different set of users.

The first is supposedly for the U.S., Korea, the U.K., and Germany, while the latter is aimed at bringing in India and Poland.

This beta is supposedly expected to roll into the new year, with a One UI 8.5 Beta 3 preparing for a potential January 5 due date. These betas are roughly two weeks after each other, as Samsung seemingly looks to get this software tested and ready for its eventual release. Previous rumors have expected this beta to hit the Galaxy S25 series first, but users on X are wondering about a chance for the Galaxy S24, though nothing's been stated yet.

It's beginning to look a lot like beta time

We've been playing with One UI 8.5 rumors since September, as previous rumors claimed we were headed toward a beta this fall. That alleged timeframe was supposedly for later in November, and while we're pretty much there now, the narrative has changed. Still, reports from October suggested that the first beta would roll out for U.S., Korean, and European users, similar to the current trend from X.

Several weeks after, shortly before Halloween, rumors said that Samsung was looking to hold off on a November beta, as it grappled with Galaxy S26 series changes.

The delay part here is reportedly due to Samsung dropping the Galaxy S26 Plus for a Galaxy S26 Edge. However, it seems that this may no longer happen, as the S25 Edge suffered low sales. Either way, One UI 8.5 has been positioned as quite a substantial update, which could debut alongside the Galaxy S26 next year during its alleged San Francisco Unpacked event in February. AI notifications, new Quick Settings, lock screen customization, and more are all expected to arrive in this new software update.

What you need to know

• Samsung usually starts selling new certified refurbished Galaxy phones on Earth Day, but this year's crop of handsets are arriving months earlier.
• You can now buy "Certified Re-Newed" models of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra directly from Samsung.
• The Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z Flip 6 are listed on the Certified Re-Newed site, but they are currently sold out.

Samsung's Galaxy S25 series will remain the latest and greatest for the next few months, before it is inevitably replaced by the Galaxy S26 lineup. In unusual fashion, Samsung is opening up sales for certified refurbished versions of Galaxy S25 models while they are still current. The company's "Certified Re-Newed" program now includes the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. If you're looking for a foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is now part of the program, too.

As spotted by 9to5Google, listings for these models are now available on Samsung's Certified Re-Newed online storefront. Buyers can grab certified refurbished versions of the phones at a slight discount. The Galaxy S25 series phones are discounted by between $150 and $260, depending on the model and storage configuration. The cheapest option is the 256-gigabyte variant of the base Galaxy S25, which costs $709.

Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is priced at just $1,429, and that's $370 lower than MSRP. Here's the full list of available Certified Re-Newed models:

• Samsung Galaxy S25 (256GB) - $709
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus (512GB) - $899
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (256GB) - $1,109
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB) - $1,159
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (256GB) - $1,429
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 - (512GB) - $1,479

If the models above still look expensive despite the certified refurbished discount, that's because both the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus are only available in their higher storage tier. Additionally, the 1TB variant of the Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't available through the Certified Re-Newed program at the moment. Notably, there's only a $50 difference between the 256GB and 512GB variants of the refurbished Galaxy Z Fold 6.

The availability of certified refurbished Galaxy S25 units comes ahead of schedule. We're used to seeing the Certified Re-Newed models drop after they're replaced by the next generation of flagship. They usually arrive on Earth Day, like the Galaxy S24 series did on April 22, 2025. In this case, Samsung is selling refurbished Galaxy S25 units while they're still the newest Galaxy S phones you can find.

What about the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z Flip 6?

Samsung lists the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z Flip 6 along with the aforementioned models on the Certified Re-Newed store. However, they're currently listed as sold out, with no model or pricing information available. It's unclear when Samsung will make certified refurbished version of these smartphones available for purchase.

Samsung's Certified Re-Newed discounts can be stacked with trade-in promotions, making them an enticing option ahead of Black Friday sales.

What you need to know

• Early rumors claim that Samsung might have new "full-face" biometric software in the works for the Galaxy S27 Ultra.
• Supposedly, this new version will reduce latency severely for unlocks, while also greatly improve its "spoof-resistance."
• Next year's Galaxy S26 is more pressing right now, as rumors claim we could see it February with a massive privacy boost for the S26 Ultra display.

This is still the Galaxy S25's year, but some rumors are already jumping ahead two years into the future about what the Galaxy S27 Ultra could upgrade.

Rumors stem from X by tipster SPYGO, who claims that Samsung is already in the testing phase for improved facial recognition software (via SamMobile). The tipster claims that Samsung has started testing some "early firmware" for the Galaxy S27 Ultra, which reportedly directly cites "Polar ID v1.0." The tipster's X post states they came across this mention within the software's early biometric security framework.

Nothing's confirmed (as there's nothing to see specifically); however, the tipster's discovery leveraged some early details, such as this potentially becoming "full-face authentication."

The company's software suggests that this new software could reduce unlock latency severely, while also improving its "spoof-resistance." It also appears that Samsung is working on a new "ISOCELL Vizion" camera sensor to make this possible on its future Galaxy phone, if/when this happens.

Not even 2026 and we're looking at 2027

We haven't even finished 2025, and we're already hearing about 2027—and 2026, like a recent rumor about the next Ultra model's display. Rumors claim the S26 Ultra could feature a 6.89-inch M14 OLED display that might hide its contents for added privacy. A dive into One UI 8.5. suggests Samsung's working on a privacy feature that could limit how much of your display is visible to prying eyes around you (notably from the side).

There are some third-party privacy screen protectors that do this for the Galaxy, but Samsung seems interested in making it a part of the device, instead.

Other S26 Ultra-related rumors claim Samsung could make changes to its S Pen by making it softer, not boxy. Aside from this, no new features were speculated, which might garner mixed reactions, considering the company dropped the S Pen's Bluetooth gimmicks.

Rumors claim we could see the Galaxy S26 series launch in February 2026. Reports now say that Samsung is looking at the next series to carry it through next year, with hopes of selling 36 million units.

November is here, which means we're likely just a few months away from the release of the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung is expected to unveil its newest flagship lineup during an Unpacked announcement event in Q1 2026, and if the latest leaks and rumors are correct, we'll finally get our hands on the phones sometime in March. That's significantly later than Samsung's usual release timeline, but if it means that the S26 will get more time in the oven, then I'm all for it.

While we wait for the Galaxy S26 to drop, many folks are wondering what the release will mean for the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup. Will the best-selling Android phones get a permanent price drop, or will they simply disappear from shelves? Should you wait for the Galaxy S26 lineup or buy an S25 when it goes on sale? Let's break it all down.

What we know

According to the latest rumors, the next Galaxy Unpacked event will be held on February 25th in San Francisco, California. This means that, since new Samsung phones usually hit store shelves about two weeks after their unveiling, we can expect that the Galaxy S26 series will finally be available for purchase around March 12th or 13th.

Along with the Galaxy S26 Plus and S26 Ultra, the base model Galaxy S26 (which might be renamed the Galaxy S26 Pro), is expected to come equipped with a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, some meaningful camera upgrades, and all of the latest AI software tricks.

We don't know a lot about the flagship phones yet, so comparing the Galaxy S26 vs Galaxy S25 is a bit tricky, but suffice to say that the S26 devices are expected to be slimmer, faster, and more feature-packed than their predecessors. They're also expected to be a bit more expensive, starting around $899 for the base model and going up to around $1,400 for the S26 Ultra.

Will the improvements justify the price hike? It's tough to say, but it wouldn't be unreasonable for someone to buy the tried-and-tested Samsung Galaxy S25 instead of the newer model, especially if you can get a good price. Speaking of which..

Will the Samsung Galaxy S25 get cheaper?

So will the Samsung Galaxy S25 get a price drop when the S26 arrives? Not exactly.

Although it does happen on occasion, it's pretty unusual for flagship phones to get a permanent price decrease when they reach last-gen status. It's more likely that they'll get discounted once their successors are released, but it's just as possible that the S25 will simply run out of stock once the S26 arrives. Think about it this way: how often do you see a discounted Galaxy S24 that isn't refurbished? Sure, it happens, but it's not as common as you might think.

On the bright side, price tracking data indicates that devices tend to get the cheapest right before the next generation arrives. And with the ongoing Cyber Monday sales, you can grab the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra with some record-smashing discounts.

In conclusion, if you want to buy a Samsung Galaxy S25 now that the S26 is approaching, I wouldn't wait for the new phones to drop - Cyber Monday 2025 might be the answer.

The release of the Galaxy S26 is still a few months away, but I just uncovered a Boost Mobile deal that could you the upcoming flagship for completely free if you play your cards right. The carrier's Infinite Access for Galaxy plan starts at $65 per month and guarantees you $800 off a new Samsung phone upgrade every year indefinitely, not to mention unlimited talk, text, data, international benefits and more.

Considering that the Galaxy S26 is likely to retail for $800, this plan should cover the full price of the phone, and I'm talking about a device that hasn't even been announced yet. 

That said, there is a pretty significant catch. If you take advantage of the deal today, you'll get a free Samsung Galaxy S25 - since that's the current model - but you'll need to hold on to that phone for 12 months before you can claim your free upgrade to the S26. 

Alternatively, you could simply wait until the Galaxy S26 is revealed (presumably) in January to sign up for Boost Mobile's Infinite Access plan, which will guarantee you the new phone instantly. The choice is yours, but either way you're getting a future full of free Galaxy upgrades and a great wireless plan to boot, which is nothing to scoff at. 

• See the best Samsung deals of Black Friday 2025 (so far)

No longer just an MVNO carrier, Boost Mobile is a mobile provider that uses its own 5G network to deliver snappy coverage at a low cost nationwide. In addition to the free (or nearly free) Samsung phone every year, the Infinite Access for Galaxy plan gives you unlimited talk, text, and data, plus free talk and text to over 200 destinations worldwide. Moreover, the plan will hook you up with 30GB of premium data every month. 

It may not be the best unlimited plan in existence, but if you're a fan of Galaxy devices, it's one of the best (and most unique) options around. 

What other Samsung Galaxy S26 deals can I expect?

Samsung's newest lineup of flagship phones is likely to be revealed during an Unpacked event in mid-January. Once the Galaxy S26 is announced, you can expect to see a ton of great preorder deals go live almost instantly. 

Carriers like Verizon and T-Mobile will join Boost by offering promo credit when you update your wireless plan or trade in an old device, while traditional retailers like Amazon will probably offer a free gift card or storage upgrade in exchange for your preorder. Needless to say, as soon as the phone is unveiled, I'll be hard at work tracking down all of the best deals so you don't have to go looking. 

What you need to know

• Reports claim that Samsung is running into a DRAM production shortage due to its recent focus on more "profitable" high-bandwidth memory (HBM) production for AI servers.
• With that, the company's run into a DRAM shortage, which has reportedly driven up its costs, and it could impact future "low to mid" priced Galaxy phones.
• There was speculation that Samsung could raise its Galaxy S25 series prices, but that didn't end up happening.

There are reports from overseas that claim Samsung's future Galaxy phones could cost consumers a little more over memory struggles.

The report in question is from Hankyung (Korean), which claims that Samsung is mulling over the idea of raising prices of DRAM, used in phones and PCs (via 9to5Google). The reason behind this potential price hike is that, according to the publication, Samsung is running into a "shortage" of available DRAM for mobile devices and computers.

This shortage is reportedly the result of a sharp rise in HBM (high-bandwidth memory) production used for AI servers.

There's more to this, as the publication states HBM is "more than five times more profitable than standard DRAM." Samsung has moved significantly into this HBM production world, crafting the necessary components to sustain the rise of AI and AI servers. While producing more HBM is seemingly more "profitable" for Samsung (and other companies), it's left its DRAM high and dry with its required resources.

What appears like a neglect in DRAM production will reportedly directly affect Samsung's phones, but only its "low to mid-priced phones." Going by that, perhaps Galaxy A series and below could take a hit, though it's unclear if future FE phones could see similar price hikes.

Samsung's got to make changes

As far as Android is concerned, the DRAM problem is worrying; however, Samsung's efforts in ramping up HBM are causing price hikes for SSDs.

For now, it seems consumers can breathe easy about a potential price increase for future Galaxy S series phones, something we did when the Galaxy S25 launched, too. Earlier this year, it was made evident that Samsung didn't drop a price hike on the S25 series, notably the S25 Ultra, like speculation previously theorized. This was a good thing as the Ultra already carries quite a hefty $1,299 price tag, like the S24 Ultra when it launched.

It's important to note that the S24 Ultra saw a $100 increase over the S23 Ultra, but a representative informed Android Central that the cost matched the improvements. They said in a statement, "Over the last three years, we have added and improved Ultra dramatically, and we have prided ourselves in providing an absolute best value that we can to our customers."

Perhaps, with what's going on with Samsung's current DRAM shortage, the company is looking to recoup those costs elsewhere, without forcing it on its Galaxy S. We are expecting the Galaxy S26 series next year; however, it might've been delayed. New rumors claim the S26 series could debut in March 2026, not January.

Every so often, you can find great free phone deals if you're willing to add a line or purchase a plan. For instance, Verizon is currently offering a free Samsung Galaxy S25 when you add a line with select new plans, representing about $800 in value.

We like the S25 for its small form factor, slim bezels, and the same powerful performance that comes with the rest of the Samsung Galaxy premium lineup. It also boasts a number of the latest Galaxy AI and Gemini features, and a fingerprint sensor.

This particular deal is for the 128GB version of the S25, though Verizon will also let you upgrade to the 256GB for just $1.66 a month as part of the deal. You can also get the deals in all four of the S25's colors: Icy Blue, Navy, Silver Shadow, and Mint.

If the S25 isn't quite what you're looking for, buyers can also upgrade to the Galaxy S25 Plus if they go with an Unlimited Ultimate plan, or Verizon is still offering the free Google Pixel 10 Pro deal we reported on last week.

✅Recommended if: you want a free Android phone and would be willing to add a line to their Verizon plan, or switch to the carrier; you like a phone that's more compact but still has a good-looking display; you're looking for a phone with industry-leading performance speeds and a range of Galaxy AI and Gemini features.

❌Skip this deal if: you prefer a phone with a longer lasting battery than the S25 can offer with its 4,000mAh battery; you'd rather upgrade to a larger phone like the S25 Plus; you need something with fast charging.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is our favorite small Android phone of the bunch, offering a vibrant 6.2-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, as well as the smooth Android 15-based One UI 7. This deal is for the 128GB storage option, though the phone is also available in an upgraded 256GB configuration.

Performance on the S25 is supported by the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor and 12GB or RAM.

Perhaps one of the largest downsides to the S25 is the limited 4,000mAh battery life, though it's still enough to get most casual users through the day without needing to charge. It also sports 25W wired fast charging and 15W wireless charging, though these aren't the fastest speeds on the market.

If you're in need of a good premium phone deal, Best Buy's outlet sales event might be a good place to lurk. For example, Best Buy is offering up to $450 off the price of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra when you let them activate it for you. If you'd prefer to activate it yourself, you can still save $350, and either way, it's a good price on our favorite premium Android phone and a performance powerhouse.

The S25 Ultra features the Samsung S Pen stylus, as well as a large, 6.9-inch AMOLED display, a 5,000mAh battery, and a powerful set of cameras that users love. It also comes with Samsung's latest Galaxy AI features, and a software update promise of seven years, much to the light of those who like to future-proof their devices. While this particular deal is for the 256GB version of the device, Best Buy is also offering a discount on the upgraded 512GB configuration for those who have a little more money to spend.

✅Recommended if: you're looking for a phone of under $1,000 that can offer industry-leading performance and a large, vibrant display; having powerful cameras for photo and video is a major selling point for you; you want a phone that comes with a first-party stylus.

❌Skip this deal if: you have sensitive eyes and you need a phone with a robust set of flicker reduction settings; you'd rather go with a mid-range phone than one with an expensive, premium-level price tag.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best premium Android phone, especially due to its beautiful, vibrant 6.9-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, the powerful Snapdragon CPU offering swift performance, and the range of solid cameras. The rear cameras include a 50MP telephoto lens, a 10MP telephoto lens, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and a 200MP wide lens. On the front, the S25 Ultra sports a 12MP wide lens.

The S25 Ultra also comes with the S Pen stylus, along with 12GB of RAM, and, for this particular version, 256GB of storage—though users can also upgrade to 512GB, if that isn't enough.

It's worth noting that, for those who need a wide range of PWM settings, the S25 series is probably not the way to go, as none of them include flicker-reduction options. It's also still fairly expensive, even with the price cut, though buyers who have had their eyes on this model may want to consider picking it up while it's under $1,000.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 is here to replace the Galaxy S25, and it begins to drift away from the status quo. While Samsung's base-model Galaxy phones have historically remained compact, the Galaxy S26 now features a larger 6.3-inch screen and bigger overall dimensions to match. That's not the only thing that's bigger than last year — the price tag is too. At $900, the cheapest entry-level Galaxy phone is more expensive than ever.

That puts the last-generation Galaxy S25 in an interesting position. If you don't need all the latest bells and whistles, is last year's model the better deal? The answer is probably yes, but let's dive into all the details. Here's how the Galaxy S26 compares to the Galaxy S25, and whether you should upgrade.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Pricing and availability

The Samsung Galaxy S26 was announced at a Galaxy Unpacked event on Feb 25, 2026, and is available for pre-order now at a starting price of $899.99. That gets you 256GB of base storage as standard, which is double that of the Galaxy S25. However, it's worth noting that the price of the Galaxy S26 is hiked even compared to the 256GB model of the Galaxy S25.

You can choose to get the 512GB model for an additional cost. Both configurations come with 12GB of memory. It's available in Cobalt Violet, Sky Blue, Black, and White colors. Silver Shadow and Pink Gold are available from Samsung's online store as exclusive options. General availability for the Galaxy S26 begins March 11.

Compare that to the Samsung Galaxy S25, which launched at $799 for 128GB of storage and 12GB of memory. The phone only goes up to 256GB of max storage in the U.S. It's available in multiple colorways, including Icyblue, Navy, Mint, and Silver Shadow. This model is likely to see major discounts once the Galaxy S26 becomes widely available.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Design and display

The Samsung Galaxy S26 design looks quite familiar to Galaxy fans, but it's a departure from what we're used to seeing on base models like the Galaxy S25. The phone offers a flat display and Gorilla Glass on the front, mostly flat edges, and a glass back. This time, the camera lenses sit on an oval pedestal protruding from the back, drawing inspiration from the Galaxy S25 Edge and Galaxy Z Fold 7.

Samsung added a 6.3-inch screen to the Galaxy S26, making it larger than the Galaxy S25 in terms of footprint. The rumored dimensions measure 71.7 x 149.6 x 7.2 mm. That makes the Galaxy S26 significantly taller, slightly wider, and just as thick as the Galaxy S25 it replaces.

The Galaxy S25 weighed in at 162 grams, but the Galaxy S26 is heavier, likely accounting for the larger screen and battery. It comes in at 167 grams, which is still pretty light by flagship standards.

Aside from the notable difference in screen size — 6.2 inches on the Galaxy S25 and 6.3 inches on the Galaxy S26 — the two phones will likely have identical display specs. You get Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X panels with 120Hz refresh rates and HDR10+ support on each model. As for the build quality, both phones are equipped with an Armor Aluminum frame and IP68 certification against dust and water ingress.

Although it was rumored as a possibility, Samsung did not include Qi2 magnets for charging and accessory connections on the Galaxy S26. It's equal in that regard. Additionally, the base-model Galaxy S26 doesn't get the Gorilla Armor 2 covering or Privacy Display feature found on the higher-tier Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Hardware and specs

Samsung made a few upgrades to the Galaxy S26's internals, starting with the processor. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but specifically the new made "for Galaxy" variant. This is available in North America, China, and Japan. The Samsung Galaxy S26 uses the Samsung Exynos 2600 chip in all other regions. Those processors are both paired with 12GB of RAM, so there's no upgrade in terms of memory.

The Samsung Galaxy S25, by comparison, uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy. It's working with 12GB of RAM, and is still a top performer for gaming, AI processing, and casual use. While the Galaxy S25 shipped with One UI 7, it can be upgraded to One UI 8, which is what the Galaxy S26 debuts running. To be precise, the Galaxy S26 is powered by One UI 8.5 out of the box, based on Android 16 QPR2. This upgrade will arrive to the Galaxy S25 soon.

Connectivity options are mostly consistent across both smartphones, with Wi-Fi 7, 5G, NFC onboard. That said, the new Galaxy S26 gets the upgrade to Bluetooth 6

Samsung upgraded the charging speeds of other Galaxy S26 models, but the base model was left out. You'll get 15W wireless speeds with Qi2 technology, although the phone won't support the newer Qi2.2 25W spec. The battery capacity is upped to 4,300mAh on the new model compared to 4,000mAh on the current Galaxy S25.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a big upgrade to the main camera system, either. The Galaxy S25 has a 50MP primary shooter and two secondary cameras. The ultrawide camera is still a 12MP, f/2.2 sensor and the telephoto camera is still a 10MP, f/2.4 lens with 3x optical zoom. These specs have remained the same for quite a while, and Samsung should be doing more here.

Rounding out the camera hardware is a 12MP, f/2.2 front-facing sensor with autofocus that's available on both models.

Samsung Galaxy S26 vs. Galaxy S25: Should you upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a serviceable smartphone that has the unique distinction of being one of the few smaller flagships left. With the Galaxy S26 leaving that identity behind in favor of a larger footprint, the Galaxy S25 holds onto some of its appeal.

However, there are key flaws of the Galaxy S25 that can't be ignored, like the three-year-old rear camera system that will only become more glaring as the phone ages. Samsung balances that out with the affordable cost (especially after frequent discounts) and standout components, like the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy platform. The seven-year software update promise ensures this phone will be supported for the foreseeable future.

If you want the best and are willing to pay for it, the Samsung Galaxy S26 is the recommended option. Samsung builds off and improves upon the Galaxy S25's strengths with a new Snapdragon processor and a bigger screen. The camera hardware is unchanged, but the battery is bigger.

With these upgrades in mind, the Galaxy S26 is still a great handset, even if it's not a major overhaul. Personally, I'd keep an eye out for Galaxy S25 deals, because it could be a great value at the right price.

What you need to know

• A report claims that Samsung is preparing to roll out a One UI 8.5 beta program for its Galaxy users late this fall in November.
• It's unclear from the rumor if Samsung will begin the test at the same time for everyone, but there's a chance regions like the U.S. and Europe could see it sometime after South Korea.
• Earlier One UI 8.5 rumors questioned whether or not Samsung would consider a beta for this 0.5 OS, and it seems there's a chance.

The One UI 8.5 rumors aren't stopping, and it seems there's major speculation going around about a potential beta.

Recent rumors from SamMobile claim Samsung is continuing down an atypical route with One UI, as it could seek a One UI 8.5 beta program. According to the publication, Samsung is supposedly preparing to launch a beta period for its 8.5 OS software later this year. Rumors suggest that this beta program could start arriving for Galaxy phones late next month, on the week of November 24.

It's unclear if this beta program will begin for users in the U.S., Europe, and other regions, as it likely would (if true) for South Korea. If anything, other regions would see a gradual rollout at the end of November, rolling over into December.

It's suspected that Samsung's current wave of devices with One UI 8 will see this One UI 8.5 beta. However, it's still unclear just how wide a net (and how quickly) Samsung would do such a thing if that's where it's headed.

Users might get their wish

What's more interesting about this rumor is that tipsters speculated about the possibility of a One UI 8.5 beta back in September. It was during that time that tipsters had allegedly found Samsung's early test build for One UI 8.5 on its internal test servers. The company was reportedly testing the software using its Galaxy S25 series, though One UI 8.5 isn't expected to roll out until the Galaxy S26 launches.

The root of the matter is that there was very little to unpack, as the software had only just appeared. However, users questioned the potential for a beta, and there was nothing concrete about it, until now—allegedly.

Speculation claims this 8.5 OS version could pack a serious punch regarding features and new elements to unravel, rather than a simple "8.1" update. These rumors have continued, as a more recent report claims Samsung is working on a Call Screening feature, similar to Google's Pixel. This is AI-fueled, and could automatically "answer, transcribe, and filter spam or unknown calls for users." There was another report that purported Samsung was also beginning testing for a Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, too.

What you need to know

• Samsung announced that it's expanding its Experience Stores to three new places: Queens, New York, the Mall of America, Minnesota, and Los Cerritos Center, California.
• These Experience Stores let customers view its Galaxy product line-up, find Galaxy AI demonstrations, and go through its "Endless Aisle" of appliances.
• The Queens and Mall of America locations feature a special offer for people visiting before November 9: "enhanced trade-in value of up to $800 with a qualifying device, and Galaxy Buds3 for only $99.99."

Samsung's making an announcement today (Oct 8) about expanding its Experience Stores to even more places across the U.S.

Earlier today, in a Newsroom post, Samsung announced that it's expanding its brick-and-mortar Experience Stores for consumers in the U.S. This expansion is a coast-to-coast run, bringing more of Samsung's stores and Galaxy products to Queens, New York, the Mall of America, Minnesota, and Los Cerritos Center, California. The company states it expects these new stores to be completed and ready for consumers by the end of the year.

For this expansion, Samsung's executive vice president of the mobile experience, Dave Das, said, "Samsung Experience Stores are designed to meet consumers where they are — in their towns, near their work, and where they shop." On that note, Samsung highlights that its Experience Stores are there to help potential (or pre-existing) Galaxy users understand the products they see.

The post states consumers visiting an Experience Store can go hands-on with Samsung's ecosystem of products and view Galaxy AI demonstrations.

The Galaxy Experts on staff at the Experience Stores will answer customer questions or guide them through the store's "Endless Aisle." This section shows off Samsung's array of home appliances and TVs. Moreover, if you're interested in visiting a store to buy the latest Galaxy S25 Ultra or Galaxy Z Fold 7, you'll likely be able to take those devices home that same day.

Experience the Galaxy

If something has happened to your devices, the Experience Stores feature Samsung Care for repairs, like damaged screens and batteries.

While Samsung is preparing to open new stores in three locations, the stores coming to Queens and the Mall of America feature an offer. If you visit either of these two stores before November 9 will receive "limited-time grand opening offers including enhanced trade-in value of up to $800 with a qualifying device, and Galaxy Buds3 for only $99.99."

Around this time last year, Samsung announced an expansion of its walk-in repair stores, part of its partnership with Cell Phone Repair (CPR). The company planned to unveil roughly 300 new shops by the end of 2024 across the United States, bringing CPR's total to over 400 in the nation. It was stated that customers would find certified technicians who can take on the many challenges of a damaged or cracked Galaxy device.

Most simple fixes would be completed in about an hour, and customers can go about their day.

Amazon's Prime Day sale is wrapping up, but you can still catch phone deals such as 25% off the Samsung Galaxy S25.

This is our top pick in the best compact Samsung phone category, sporting an extra-small form factor, alongside powerful performance.

The S25 has a 6.2-inch AMOLED display, and the models start at 128GB of storage (which is the version this deal is good for). If you do need more than that, you can also upgrade to 256GB or 512GB, though 128GB is likely sufficient for most casual users.

The S25 boasts pretty impressive performance speeds, as backed by its Snapdragon CPU and 8GB of RAM. This largely explains the flagship-level price tag, which is normally $800 without the current Prime Day deal.

The phone also comes with a seven-year software update promise, a refreshed One UI update, and a broad range of Samsung's latest Galaxy features. Add in Qi wireless charging, 25W wired fast-charging, and all-day battery life for those who aren't using their phone all the time, and you're looking at a pretty decent value proposition with the current discount.

✅Recommended if: you want a super-compact phone that doesn't compromise on features, performance, or display quality levels; you like being able to access both Google Gemini and Samsung Galaxy AI features; you want a phone with decent battery life, fast-charging, and wireless charging.

❌Skip this deal if: you're looking to pick up a phone with industry-leading camera quality; you prefer a larger phone and would consider other Samsung Galaxy flagship options; you want something that's compatible with MagSafe without the use of a case.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is by no means a perfect phone, but for anyone who wants something small and powerful with loads of AI goodies, it's not a bad option. The phone normally retails at $800, but with this Prime discount it's just $600, offering a pretty great price point for what you get.

The S25 has a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, One UI 7, a built-in ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and a 4,000mAh battery. This model has 128GB of storage, though you can also upgrade to either 256GB or 512GB if you require additional storage. Performance is backed by the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, as well as 12GB of RAM.

Perhaps the biggest downside for the S25 is that Samsung hasn't updated the camera suite for a few generations, though that may not be a deal breaker for some.

Prime Big Deal Days 2025 - quick links

• Amazon Prime 30-day FREE trial: Most deals are Prime-exclusive
• See all the Prime Day deals: USA | UK | Canada | India
• Rival sales: Best Buy | Walmart | Dell | Newegg | HP | Target
• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

We've entered Day 2 of October Prime Day, which means you're running out of time to take advantage of some of the year's best Samsung Galaxy S25 deals. The 'nearly perfect' Galaxy S25 Ultra, for instance, is currently chilling with a record-smashing 28% discount, but if you miss this deal you'll have to wait until Black Friday to receive comparable savings (if we're lucky).  

This Prime Day Samsung deal knocks the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra 256GB down to $934.99, which is well below the lowest price previously recorded. Of course, like all of the best Prime Day deals, this discount requires a membership. 

Not a Prime member yet? You could either sign up for a 30-day free trial to enjoy all of the benefits for free, or, better yet, ditch Amazon altogether and buy the S25 Ultra from Best Buy to receive the same discount. Either way works, but don't wait too long to make the call: this historic deal ends at midnight tonight. 

Today's best Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra deal

• Prime Day ends TONIGHT - see the full list of deals

Typically priced around $1,299.99 for the 256GB configuration, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is far from cheap. Fortunately, you're getting a lot of bang for the buck, as the phone comes packed with all of the latest hardware and AI-boosted software features. 

The S25 Ultra is powered by the legendary Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, plus you're getting 12GB of RAM out of the box, a groundbreaking 6.9-inch QHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and seven years of OS and security upgrades guaranteed. The phone also comes packed with Galaxy AI and Gemini software features, plus one of the most versatile camera systems ever built into a Samsung device. 

Other Samsung deals to consider

Prime Big Deal Days 2025 - quick links

• Amazon Prime 30-day FREE trial: Most deals are Prime-exclusive
• See all the Prime Day deals: USA | UK | Canada | India
• Rival sales: Best Buy | Walmart | Dell | Newegg | HP | Target
• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

There are plenty of tech products out there. Some are great buys offering excellent value, but others aren't. Most fall somewhere in the middle.

Unless you have the means to buy one of everything, you have to decide if something is the right fit for you. That can be hard; the companies making them will tell you that you need one to make your life complete, people who got a lemon or just didn't like it will say the product is garbage, and reviewers simply can't cover everything.

Often, it's good to take a step back and see what you're going to get inside that pretty package. Was it worth what you paid for it? Will you get enough use from it to justify the purchase? Or maybe you should hold off and see what's coming next.

We can't make those decisions for you, but we can tell you what we think and maybe where you should start your decision-making process.

Samsung has released the "budget" Galaxy S25 FE. Should you buy it, or are you better off going for the original S25?

The price looks good. At first glance, the features look good. So far, the performance feels good. Is there any reason to spend a little more on the standard S25?

What's great about the original Galaxy S25

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series is the best the company offers, with three sizes and three price points to fit everyone. Add in the S25 Edge and the newest S25 FE, and you have something for everyone.

Samsung's Galaxy phones offer one thing consistently: performance. You might not like some of the features or a few things about the way they look and feel, but when a phone gets the "Galaxy" name, it is Samsung's best-in-class offering. Both the small Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 FE fit the bill here. They're damn fine phones.

But they do have their differences. Here's what the standard Galaxy S25 simply does better.

It has a much better display. I'm starting here because this is the most important difference. The S25 FE has a good screen, a 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED panel. The regular Galaxy S25, though, has one that's better; it's denser, so it will look clearer, it's brighter, and it has full HDR support. These differences might sound minor, but the display is what you're looking at 100% of the time you're using your phone. Nothing is more important than the display.

The chip is better. The Galaxy S25 comes with a Qualcomm SM8750-AB, the Snapdragon 8 Elite. The FE uses a Samsung Exynos 2400 S5E9945. Both are more than powerful enough to do all your phone things, but the Snapdragon makes a big difference when it comes to battery life and network connectivity. If you're into benchmarks, the Snapdragon destroys the Exynos, too.

It has a better camera system. The telephoto lens on the standard S25 is a better piece of hardware, offering a higher zoom and better focal length. If you want to stand back and zoom in, you'll see the difference.

The fingerprint scanner is better. A small nitpick that really bothers me. I hate in-screen sensors, but the S25 FE uses an optical sensor while the standard version uses an ultrasonic variant.

What's great about the S25 FE

The S25 FE has a few things you won't find on the standard version, even though it's a little cheaper. The most notable features and specs:

It's bigger. At one time, every company was trying to make phones as tiny as they could. Not today! For a lot of people, a bigger phone is better, and the FE is big without being too big. A 6.7-inch·2340x1080px display is the sweet spot for a lot of folks, and the FE nails it when it comes to size.

The battery. It's bigger, almost 20% bigger. The FE has a 4,900 mAh battery compared to the 4,000 mAh battery on the standard S25. While the more efficient Qualcomm chip on the standard S25 means it doesn't last longer most of the time, the FE's extra capacity is the reason why. That's rare to see when comparing an Exynos phone to a Qualcomm phone, so the extra battery was a great choice.

The update cycle. The FE ships with Android 16 and will get seven years of updates. Since the original S25 debuted so much earlier, it shipped with Android 15 and also gets 7 years of updates. When all the dust settles, the FE could get one extra platform update because of when it was released.

My verdict

You're going to be happy with either of these phones. They are very similar to each other when it comes to features and performance, but the regular S25 has just a bit more to offer.

I like the better display on the standard S25, and when it comes to network operability, the Qualcomm chip means the standard S25 is not only faster at transferring wireless data, but also has Wi-Fi 7, mmWave support, and can connect to more FDD, TDD, and 3G fallback bands that you won't find on the FE. Depending on where you are, this might make a big difference.

The FE has a bigger display, enough battery power to make it last as long as the regular version (a big win for an Exynos chip!), and charges faster. More importantly, both phones charge safely. Samsung learned its lesson and offers the safest methods available when it comes to refueling your battery, since we're monkeys who always make bad decisions, that matters. 🐵

I would spend the extra few dollars on the regular S25 because I care about the display quality more than the other differences. But really, this is a toss-up. You'll pay more for the standard S25, but it's worth every penny. So is the FE. Grab either and you're good.

Everyone is racing to make the best AI phone, but it's really a two-horse race between Samsung and Google. There are pros and cons to choosing either brand, and I've tested the latest features from both Gemini and Galaxy AI. It's clear to me that, if getting the best AI features on your phone is your top priority, the Samsung Galaxy S25 series is the one to go with.

That's not to say that the Google Pixel 10 is doing anything worse than the Galaxy S25 — it's just a numbers game. Google is very generous, gifting its best AI features to other Android and iOS devices, whereas Samsung's Galaxy AI suite is exclusive to its own devices. If you use a Galaxy S25, you're still getting multimodal Gemini Live, Circle to Search, and AI editing tools in Google Photos. Access to both Google AI and Galaxy AI is a major plus for the Galaxy S25.

That's partly why I'm intrigued by a Verizon deal that claims to give away a Samsung Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S25 Plus for free, which sounds too good to be true. In some ways, it is — you have to add a line on the Unlimited Ultimate or Unlimited Plus plans. That means it's not completely free, but if you're looking to switch plans or already have one of these Verizon plans, this is a sweet way to get my favorite AI phone for less.

✅Recommended if: you already plan to add a new cellular line; you want a flagship Android phone with a robust AI suite; you need on-device AI and want to be able to fine-tune your privacy settings.

❌Skip this deal if: you don't want to be locked into a multi-year carrier contract; you don't see value in having both Galaxy AI and Gemini; Verizon coverage isn't great in your area.

Why I think Samsung is beating Google in mobile AI

There are two key ways the AI experience on Samsung Galaxy phones is better than the comparable experience on Google Pixel phones, and it comes down to feature availability and customization. Starting with feature availability, devices like the Galaxy S25 have access to Galaxy AI and Gemini, which is an impressive combination. You probably know all about what Gemini can do, but you should also be aware of the great things Samsung is doing on the AI front.

The Now Bar and Brief are both designed to use AI to put relevant items in front of you whenever you need them — think something like an AI-powered version of Apple's Live Activities and Dynamic Island, but for the Galaxy S25 series. These features are neat, but they heavily depend on whether you use supported services, like Samsung apps or Google Maps.

I find that the simpler Galaxy AI tools are more handy, like Object Eraser and Audio Eraser, which perform better than Magic Eraser and Audio Magic Eraser on the Google side of things. Additionally, if you're into wearables, Galaxy AI powers a daily Energy Score and Sleep Score with a Galaxy Ring or Watch. This is especially great when you consider these health insights are completely free, whereas Google has some Pixel Watch features behind a Fitbit Premium subscription.

Best of all, Samsung has the hardware and software needed to deliver a private and secure experience. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset is great at on-device AI processing, but so is the Google Tensor G5 chip. The difference is that Samsung gives you a helpful toggle that turns off every AI feature requiring cloud processing.

This toggle lets you choose to process data only on your device, which is something you won't find on a Google Pixel or iPhone. As the company explains, "for added privacy, you can prevent collection and processing of your data for Galaxy AI's advanced intelligence features."

It's a close race between Samsung and Google, but I think Galaxy phones have earned an edge due to their support of multiple mobile AI suites and their built-in privacy customization options.

Is buying a Samsung Galaxy S25 on a Verizon plan worth it?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus are excellent AI smartphones, but whether this particular Verizon deal is right for you will depend on a few things. Before you get sucked into the hype of a "free" phone, especially one as good as the Galaxy S25, review the fine print. In this case, be aware that you need to add a line, upgrade, or keep an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan to get the deal.

The savings that cut the entire retail price of the Galaxy S25 or S25 Plus down to $0 are applied as bill credits over the course of 36 months. If you cancel, switch plans, or upgrade early, you'll be on the hook for the remainder of the phone's cost.

That might sound scary, but it doesn't have to be, if you know what you're getting. With an Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan, you get unlimited talk, text, and data, plus extra perks like mobile hotspot and 5G UW support. Those who already need a great wireless plan can get one at Verizon while also snagging a free Galaxy S25 in the process.

Apple has a new crop of smartphones, and the iPhone 17 feels like the first base model in years to be truly competitive with the best Android phones. In the past, it was easy to criticize Apple for seemingly holding back basic features, like always-on displays and high refresh rates, from the cheapest new iPhone. The iPhone 17 flips the script, adding both of those long-awaited features and a whole lot more to make the base model eye-catching.

For those looking for a small and cheap flagship, the Samsung Galaxy S25 has looked great on paper for the past few years. It's the most compact out of the top options from Apple, Samsung, and Google, and it added a third rear camera before it was cool. Now, it's time to see whether the iPhone 17 can beat the Galaxy S25 at its own game in base-model value.

iPhone 17 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25: Design and display

The iPhone 17 and the Galaxy S25 are both small flagships, but Apple's smartphone is heavier and less compact than Samsung's. It comes down to the displays — Samsung is still using a 6.2-inch AMOLED panel on the Galaxy S25, whereas Apple moved to a larger 6.3-inch screen. Both are now capable of hitting 120Hz refresh rates, and have AOD options.

Apple is using Ceramic Shield 2 glass on the iPhone 17, and Samsung opted for Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the Galaxy S25. Both are made by Corning, but the key difference is that the iPhone 17's cover glass is optimized for scratch protection and has anti-reflective properties. To get an anti-reflective screen on a Samsung Galaxy phone, you have to go with the expensive Galaxy S25 Ultra model.

It's hard to understate the difference in size between the iPhone 17 and Galaxy S25. By just comparing the screen sizes, the gap looks minuscule, but there's more to the story. The iPhone measures 149.6 x 71.5 x 8mm and weighs 177 grams, which is larger by every measure compared to the Galaxy S25's dimensions of 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm. The Samsung base model's weight is particularly impressive at just 162 grams — even lighter than the iPhone Air.

Surprisingly, the Galaxy S25 packs flagship specs and a larger battery capacity than the iPhone 17 in that small form factor. The only key compromise here is the display, which is smaller by one tenth of an inch. Only you can decide whether the bigger, thicker, and heavier design of the iPhone 17 is a dealbreaker, but I prefer the compact and lightweight build of the Galaxy S25.

As for durability, both phones sport an IP68 certification against dust and water ingress. They're also made out of aluminum and have frosted glass backs.

iPhone 17 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25: Hardware and specs

Apple and Samsung both equipped their cheapest flagship phones with current-generation processors, but the Galaxy S25 goes a step further. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy mobile platform, the same one that powers Samsung's most expensive handsets. Meanwhile, the iPhone 17 runs on an Apple A19 chip that's a lower-tier offering compared to the A19 Pro in the Air and Pro models. This could help the Galaxy S25 excel in AI tasks and gaming, but that remains to be seen.

Samsung has the advantage in on-device memory, with 12GB of RAM on the Galaxy S25 compared to the iPhone 17's 8GB. However, the iPhone 17 crucially starts with 256GB of base storage at the same price as the 128GB Galaxy S25. There's more storage available on the higher-end configurations, too. You can buy an iPhone 17 with up to 512GB of storage, while the Galaxy S25 tops out at 256GB.

In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 17 and the Galaxy S25 both support Wi-Fi 7, 5G, satellite connectivity, and NFC. The iPhone 17 does support Bluetooth 6 compared to Bluetooth 5.4 on the Galaxy S25. On the flip side, the Galaxy S25 has a physical SIM tray, and all iPhones are eSIM-only in the U.S.

Samsung gave the Galaxy S25 slightly more battery life, but it charges more slowly and doesn't have internal magnets for Qi2 or MagSafe. The iPhone 17 can now do 40-60W fast wired charging and take advantage of Qi2.2 25W wireless charging, which is great to see.

While the A19 chip is a capable performer, Samsung likely does more with its on-device Galaxy AI processing than Apple does with Apple Intelligence at the moment. Between Galaxy AI and Gemini, the Galaxy S25 has the more robust AI suite.

iPhone 17 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25: Cameras

The iPhone 17 received a few major camera upgrades this year, headlined by the 18MP selfie camera. This new camera lens now uses a square sensor, a shift from typical 4:3 sensor. The practical benefit of this change is being able to take selfies in either orientation, portrait or landscape, without having to physically rotate your phone. And when there's a big group shot, Center Stage uses AI to automatically expand the view to fit everyone in.

The rear cameras are a bit less exciting — they're 48MP sensors, a main and an ultrawide. Still, they look to perform great and provide the stabilization and video recording Apple is known for.

Samsung has an extra rear telephoto lens, which adds a 3x optical zoom length into the mix. It's the handy tool in a triple-camera system that also consists of a 50MP, f/1.8 main sensor and a 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide with a 120-degree field of view. Google followed suit this year, adding a telephoto camera to its base-model Pixel 10, but Samsung pioneered this offering on cheaper flagships.

Compared to the 2x optical-quality zoom the iPhone 17 achieves using sensor crop, the Galaxy S25's true 3x optical zoom will undoubtedly produce better results.

iPhone 17 vs. Samsung Galaxy S25: Which should you buy

The iPhone 17 and Samsung Galaxy S25 are more similar than you may think — both feature the same chassis design as older models and come with key limitations compared to their higher-end counterparts. However, both also stand out in their own way. Aside from the obvious iOS 26 vs. One UI 7 debate, these phones focus on completely different things.

The iPhone 17 clearly puts an emphasis on the cameras, making it a great option for creators or anyone who loves to take photos or videos. Yes, it has one fewer rear camera than the Galaxy S25, but its 48MP main and ultrawide cameras are top-notch. Plus, the square front-facing camera that makes it possible to capture vertical or horizontal selfies without rotating your device is a standout feature.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 has more raw power with the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, and it does more with it thanks to Galaxy AI and Gemini. It'll run circles around Apple Intelligence, and the smarts may even help the phone beat the iPhone 17 in gaming and intensive tasks.

You can't go wrong with either one, but if you happen to care about camera or AI features, you may want to pick the iPhone 17 or Galaxy S25, respectively.

What you need to know

• A tipster on X (formerly Twitter) states Samsung has started internally testing a One UI 8.5 version with the Galaxy S25 series.
• It's unclear what the test contains this early on and, more importantly, the idea of a public beta for this version is still unknown.
• Samsung officially launched One UI 8 (Android 16) this week, bringing major security/privacy updates to the Galaxy S25 and personalization upgrades.

We're just barely getting our hands on Samsung's latest major Android OS, One UI 8 (Android 16), and it seems the company's already moving on.

Reported early this morning by Tarun Vats on X, it seems Samsung has started internally testing a One UI 8.5 version update using the Galaxy S25 series. Vats explicitly states that these are the "first test builds" Samsung has crafted using its latest flagship series. The builds bear version numbers S938BXXU5CYIA, S938BOXM5CYIA, and S938BXXU5CYIA for the S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.

While some users in the thread are holding out hope for a public One UI 8.5 beta, Vats expresses uncertainty.

There's not much else to dissect about this, as Samsung's only getting started with the 0.5 addition to its One UI 8 software. SamMobile theorizes that we likely won't see this update roll out until next year, when Samsung is expected to launch its Galaxy S26 series. This speculation could come to pass, especially when we consider the recent rumors we've heard about One UI 8.5.

One UI 8 first, please

Amidst the hype for One UI 8's original test period earlier this year, rumors surfaced, suggesting Samsung already had v8.5 on the brain. This update was speculated to bring "large improvements" to the Galaxy S26 series. Tipsters stated that the supposed existence of an 8.5 would bring more substantial updates to Samsung's Galaxy devices over a smaller, iterative "8.1" patch.

The assumptions didn't stop there, as another rumor states One UI 8.5 could bring the option to choose between gesture and button navigation during your initial device startup. The choices could be given on a dedicated splash screen, with each option available to tap before moving on to other new device setup items. Currently, after turning on your Galaxy device for the first time, you need to dive into its Settings to change your navigational preference.

This change would be a welcome one if Samsung is truly looking to do so.

We're putting One UI 8.5 to the side for now and getting starry-eyed at Samsung's recent official launch of One UI 8 (Android 16). The Galaxy S25 is just starting to finally receive the major Android OS upgrade this week, bringing it in line with the features and capabilities of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7. Upgraded privacy measures, courtesy of Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection, and network security to protect you when online.

• Phone deals: Best Buy | Walmart | Samsung | Amazon | Verizon | AT&T

What you need to know

• Samsung launches One UI 8, enhancing Galaxy S25 with AI features and a revamped user experience.
• New privacy measures include Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection and upgraded network security against online threats.
• Customizable lock screen designs and personalized wallpapers debut in One UI 8 for an improved aesthetic.

Samsung is finally rolling out the stable official version of One UI 8 (Android 16) to Galaxy models starting today (Sept. 15), as the company notes in its press release. After seeing almost six beta versions of the software, Galaxy S25 users were pretty much waiting impatiently for an official rollout, considering Samsung's latest foldables came with the official software out of the box.

With One UI 8, users will be able to leverage a better user experience on all form factors and gain access to advanced multimodal Galaxy AI capabilities. These capabilities are said to provide personalized suggestions to users, taking over mundane tasks and making things quicker while using their device.

As seen in multiple beta versions, One UI 8 will look through your routines and phone usability to give you proactive tips that are said to support your daily schedule. Speaking of schedule, Now Bar will show real-time app activity and media player progress directly on the right on your lock screen or a Z Flip's cover screen, making it extremely handy to keep an eye on things.

Now Brief provides even more personalized daily updates, including "traffic, important reminders, and weekly moments to reflect on your daily routine." It also gives you recommendations, including music and video picks tailored to your subscriptions and interests. With this feature, you can keep a tab on your sleep and energy scores just at a glance from Samsung Health.

Speaking of AI, One UI 8 also brings the power of Gemini onto these phones. Gemini Live and Circle to Search enhance the device's capabilities. Need a quick chat with Gemini for help, or just want to circle something on your screen? You'll get tips and tricks super easily, and the whole experience is seamless as ever. The Korean OEM notes that Gemini Live is now available directly through FlexWindow , which means you can summon it right from your cover screen.

Users also get to explore other AI features like Drawing Assist and Writing Assist, which amplify the user's creative process and help them explore ideas that could enhance their work.

Privacy and security

Samsung is also improving the privacy and security on the device with One UI 8, keeping things encrypted as much as possible for the user. Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP) creates secure, app-specific storage for AI. Additionally, the Personal Data Engine (PDE) also helps with security. Knox Matrix takes it a step further and signs users out of risky devices, alerts other Galaxy devices, and offers data protection advice. Lastly, upgraded PQC improves network protection against new online threats, even if you're on a public WiFi, which is a neat feature to have.

That said, with new software comes a new and improved user interface. You can now take personalization of the lock screen to another level, with the new clock design that stretches and adapts to match your wallpaper. "The clock’s font wraps around faces or objects, ensuring visibility without disrupting the image – whether it’s a close-up selfie or a scenic skyline. You can also customize the thickness, size, and color of the font to meet your personal taste," the post added.

With One UI 8, users will be able to create custom wallpapers effortlessly, drawing inspiration from Galaxy AI's suggestions and themes. The FlexWindow also allows for personalized emoji or background colors for emoji wallpapers.

As for now, the One UI 8 update is rolling out, starting with the Galaxy S25 series. The update will expand to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets throughout October, including the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy S24 FE, and more.

Apple just launched its new iPhone 17 series, and each model is available to preorder now. I've never owned an iPhone, and my last experience using one was probably the iPhone 6, but Apple's latest phones are admittedly pretty enticing, even as a long-time Android user.

Given Apple's unfortunate disinterest in developing another iPod Touch, I've gone back and forth about buying an iPhone, and each year, I feel like the temptation becomes stronger. With the iPhone 17 series, I feel like it's come to a head, and now all that's left is to decide which model would be best for me and look at how they compare to their Android counterparts.

The iPhone 17: A welcome step-up

To me, the base iPhone always felt like the poor man's iPhone, as it made quite a few compromises to keep the price down, especially when you put it next to comparable Android phones. However, Apple seems to have gotten the memo, bringing plenty of notable upgrades that finally make the base iPhone 17 worth looking at.

For starters, it has a 120Hz OLED display, up from the 60Hz panel on previous models. It's shocking Apple waited this long to bring it to an $800 phone. It also features a 1-120Hz refresh rate, which surpasses the Pixel 10's 60-120Hz display.

Faster charging means it reaches 50% in just 20 minutes, plus Qi2 25W MagSafe charging is something you'll only find on the higher-end Pixel 10 Pro XL. Unfortunately, there are only two rear cameras, but the front gets the upgraded Center Stage selfie camera, which lets you reframe your photos without physically rotating the phone.

At $800, both the Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10 come with an third camera for 3x and 5x telephoto zoom, respectively, one-upping the iPhone in terms of camera hardware. The Galaxy S25 misses out on magnetic charging, and both Android phones limit wireless charging speeds to 15W.

That said, for the same $800, the iPhone 17 also gives you double the storage at 256GB, something I hope becomes standard on more Android phones, although it has less RAM to work with.

Design-wise, the iPhone's pastel colors are admittedly much less interesting than the base Galaxy S25 or Pixel 10 colors. Still, there seems to be plenty of value here, making the base iPhone 17 a compelling buy.

iPhone 17 Pro/Pro Max: More of a good thing

The base iPhone 17 is tempting if you don't wanna spend an arm and a leg on a new phone, but the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max are for power users and anyone looking for the absolute best experience from Apple.

That means impressive photos, thanks to the triple 48MP camera system, upgraded video capabilities with support for ProRes RAW and Log 2, and an advanced A19 Pro chip that seemingly outpaces the Snapdragon 8 Elite by a wide margin. As someone who likes to dabble in videography, the cameras are the most enticing aspect of the Pro phones for me, especially compared to the Pixel's fairly lackluster video capabilities.

The new 48MP telephoto camera also inches toward the Galaxy S25 Ultra with its 4x optical zoom and 8x optical-quality zoom. That's just shy of the Galaxy's 5x telephoto and 10x optical-quality zoom ranges, but it's not a huge difference, especially given the iPhone 17 Pro has one less camera sensor to work with.

The A19 Pro chip has Neural Accelerators built in for improved AI capabilities, although we know that Apple Intelligence hasn't quite lived up to its promises. On the other hand, you'll find a robust AI suite on comparable phones, such as the Pixel 10 Pro and Galaxy S25 series, which sport Google AI and Galaxy AI. This arguably makes Android's offerings a bit more enticing for potential buyers who care about having the latest and coolest AI features.

Still, in terms of raw power, Apple likely the rest beat, and the Pixel doesn't come close.

Design-wise, the iPhone 17 Pro may take the win. I never cared for Samsung's subdued design, and although the Pixel 10 series has a fantastic design, the Pro models get the less interesting colors. The iPhone 17 Pro has a fairly unique look with a bit of glass on the back encased by aluminum. The Camera Plateau doesn't look half-bad, and the Cosmic Orange colorway is one of the best I've seen on a phone.

iPhone Air: Too many compromises?

The iPhone Air is where things get a little confusing. It's probably the best-looking iPhone I've seen in a long time, sporting a new design that's reminiscent of a Nexus 6P. As Apple's thinnest phone, there's no doubt it's a technological marvel, but there are some compromises to deal with if you're going to pick this $999 phone over competing phones (and even the iPhone 17 Pro).

Most notably, there's only one camera, which likely takes great photos, but it lacks flexibility. Even the Galaxy S25 Edge, which is nearly as thin, features a secondary ultrawide camera, which can be handy. And after using the Razr Plus 2024 for a year, I don't wanna have to go without one again.

There's also only a top-mounted speaker, meaning you won't get that stereo experience from having speakers on either side of the phone. To some, this may not be a huge deal, but I know for a fact that it would annoy me.

Apple claims all-day battery life, which I'm admittedly squinting at, but we'll have to wait and see how that claim holds up without resorting to a portable MagSafe charger. The Galaxy S25 Edge fared better than expected, but it isn't a battery king by any means.

Ultimately, I really want to like the iPhone Air. However, in this state, it feels too much like a gimmick, much like the Galaxy S25 Edge. If anything, this is good practice for an eventual iPhone foldable, but I'll probably hold off until the next iPhone Air to go thin.

What you need to know

• Samsung was spotted rolling out an update for its Camera Assistant app on Galaxy that surprisingly mentions "3D capture" and its "Galaxy XR headset."
• The feature says users can "create spatial photos and videos for Galaxy XR headsets," though it's not working properly just yet.
• A report from August claimed Samsung is preparing to debut its Project Moohan headset on September 29.

Samsung's premium XR headset looks a little more real after a recent update to a Galaxy app adds surprising support.

A post by SamMobile highlights an update for Samsung's Camera Assistant app on its Galaxy phones, which directly mentions "Galaxy XR headsets." When activated, the publication discovered a floating banner on the phone's viewfinder that says "3D capture." Additionally, at the top, the app informs the user that there needs to be more light before it can take a "3D photo."

In Camera Assistant's settings, the 3D capture feature's description reads, "Add a 3D capture option to the top of the preview so you can create spatial photos and videos for Galaxy XR headsets."

While this seems exciting, the publication had to go through some hoops before it could even see the feature in this capacity. Reportedly, the update for Camera Assistant, v4.0.0.3, has only rolled out for the recent Galaxy S25 FE; however, it could only be activated after transferring the updated app to a Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The safest (and current) speculation is that Samsung is still finalizing this software in preparation for its XR headset.

Getting ready for Galaxy XR?

The hype has been building for Samsung's Galaxy XR headset, which we've known as Project Moohan for a while now. A report from the end of August out of South Korea claimed Samsung could announce Project Moohan on September 29. Speculation says the company could follow this up with a market launch in mid-October in South Korea before other markets.

Those same rumors add that Project Moohan could cost somewhere between "2.5 and 4 million won," which roughly equates to $1,800–$2,800. Comparisons to Apple's Vision Pro continue to be made, and it seems Samsung's headset could see under the competition's $3,500 price tag.

Google had Samsung's Galaxy XR headset at its I/O event earlier this year, where Android Central had a chance to demo the product. The headset earned top marks for visuals and "natural" navigation across its apps. If Samsung is preparing to launch, we're only a few weeks away from seeing it.

How does music sound through wired USB-C headphones on the S25?

Anyone extra persnickety about sound quality knows that wired audio is always superior because the signal doesn't have to be compressed to go through a cable, the way it has when using wireless Bluetooth speakers or headphones. Even using high-tech codecs like LDAC doesn't deliver true hi-res audio because there's always a level of compression between your phone and Bluetooth earbuds.

Audiophiles worried about downgrading their audio quality by switching to a Galaxy S25 have nothing to fear. Samsung's engineers have ensured that you get excellent quality audio from the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, and Galaxy S25 Ultra, regardless of how you're listening to music.

While the Galaxy S25 family doesn't have a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, you can always pick up an inexpensive USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to connect wired headphones to a Galaxy S25. Thankfully, there's nothing to configure or pair when you use a pair of wired headphones. Just plug them in and enjoy the tunes!

The best music streaming service, Tidal Hi-Fi, works perfectly on the Galaxy S25 Ultra and is even better when paired with the best USB-C headphones. This ensures that you don't have to worry about remembering your adapter, and also never have to worry about charging a pair of headphones or earbuds just to use them. If you're looking for a few quick recommendations, try our favorite picks:

• Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4: Top-notch wired and wireless over-the-ear headphones with ANC and lots of included adapters.
• 1MORE Penta: Wired hi-res earbuds that'll give you the best audio quality with a tight ear fit.

Can the Galaxy S25 stream lossless audio over Bluetooth?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series supports most of the highest-quality Bluetooth audio codecs available today. Samsung prefers LDAC over aptX HD, so be sure to look for LDAC when you choose a pair of Bluetooth earbuds or headphones to get the highest possible wireless sound quality. The Galaxy S25 family supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and Samsung Seamless Codec for Bluetooth playback.

While LDAC and aptX HD are the best way to stream hi-res audio, there's no such thing as true lossless audio over Bluetooth. A Bluetooth signal always has to be compressed to some degree, and while most people probably can't tell the difference between a good pair of wired headphones and high-quality hi-res Bluetooth earbuds, audiophiles won't be fooled.

That being said, only Sony phones deliver higher-quality audio playback, as our sister site What Hi-Fi pointed out in their Galaxy S25 Ultra review. Our best hi-res Bluetooth earbuds guide will help you narrow down your choices, but here are a few quick picks from the top to get you started:

• Sony WF-1000XM5: The best hi-res Bluetooth earbuds on the market. They (unsurprisingly) support Sony's LDAC codec, which is perfect for the Galaxy S25 family.
• Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: We recommend these for non-Samsung Android phones, as they primarily support the aptX HD codec for hi-res audio transfer.
• Edifier NeoBuds Plus: A more budget-conscious choice that still supports LDAC and hi-res sound.

Does the Samsung Galaxy S25's sound quality really compete with Apple or Sony?

Sony has long been considered the de facto standard for Android phone audio quality, but Samsung is no slouch in the audio department. While Apple notably enhanced its audio quality with the iPhone 16 release, the Galaxy S25 family isn't too far behind, offering crisp and detailed audio quality, specializing particularly in delivering clear vocals.

Audio reviews of the Galaxy S25 family have often noted that low-level dynamics aren't quite as good as Apple's or Sony's latest phones, but that the S25 family is still in the overall top tier when it comes to sound reproduction. That's particularly true when using the built-in speaker on the S25 family, as Samsung's use of Dolby Atmos tuning transforms the phone's speakers into a virtual wall of sound.

The Galaxy S25 family supports everything you need to get a high-quality audio experience on the go. Wired headphones using a USB-C cable are the best option for the highest possible quality sound, while Bluetooth earbuds that support hi-res LDAC audio are the second-best option. We recommend browsing our best Galaxy S25 premium headphones guide so you can get a full understanding of what's available and what makes them the best for Samsung's 2025 flagships.

Is the audio quality consistent across different apps on the S25?

The Samsung Galaxy S25 family's audio quality is managed on a system level to ensure consistent audio quality between apps. Samsung offers a built-in audio equalizer with support for several Dolby Atmos profiles, sound presets, adaptive age filters, and even a UHQ upscaler for supported wired headphones.

While some apps may have individual equalizers that can be used in addition to the system equalizer, it's recommended to use Samsung's built-in option for the most consistent audio quality.

Each type of audio source can have its own settings, too, and the Galaxy S25 will intelligently remember which settings you prefer for each audio source. For example, if I connect my Bluetooth Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro to my Galaxy S25 Ultra, it will have individual settings I've tailored for it, while a pair of wired headphones will have a different set of settings saved and automatically applied.

Apps can individually have their own sound profiles, too. Here's how to configure that:

1. Launch your audio app of choice and start playing a song or video.

2. Pull down on the right side of the status bar and long-press the volume slider.

3. A Sound and effects box will appear with audio options for the specific app that's playing audio.

This way, each app can have its own distinct audio settings. This is particularly useful for adjusting audio mixes between video, music, and other sound sources. To reconfigure an app's audio properties, follow the steps above or go to the main audio section by following these steps:

1. Open system settings by navigating to the Settings option in the app drawer, or pulling down on the right side of the status bar and tapping the settings gear icon on the top right.

2. Select Sounds and vibration from the list.

3. Select Sound quality and effects from the list.

4. Select App sound settings from the list.

5. Select the app you want to adjust audio properties for. Only apps that have a configured profile will appear here.

Can I personalize sound settings based on my hearing profile on the S25?

Samsung offers a significant number of ways to customize the audio quality on a Galaxy S25 series phone. Individual hearing profiles can be made to adjust for hearing loss for different age ranges, as well as sound tuning via a 9-slider equalizer with various presets. Each audio source also includes its own customizable preset that is automatically saved.

To access the system-level equalizer and sound profiles, follow these steps:

1. Open system settings by navigating to the Settings option in the app drawer, or pulling down on the right side of the status bar and tapping the settings gear icon on the top right.

2. Select Sounds and vibration from the list.

3. Select Sound quality and effects from the list.

4. Choose the settings you want to adjust.

I recommend starting by enabling Dolby Atmos and choosing a sound profile you feel sounds best. Once you've done that, open the equalizer section and tune the sound further. Equalizer allows you to very specifically tune the audio profile, while the presets and the Dolby Atmos section are more automated.

Additionally, you might want to select Boost dialogue when listening to a podcast or other audio source where human speech is the most important thing to hear. You can also choose Loudness normalization to help keep explosions and other loud sound effects from hurting your ears while watching movies or videos.

Folks looking for age-specific audio profiles should choose Adapt sound, then select your specific age bracket from the list. Clicking the gear icon next to each age bracket allows you to also choose which ear will primarily use audio for phone calls, and if you prefer a clear or soft sound profile.

What you need to know

• Google launches LE Audio Auracast for synchronized listening on multiple devices like the Pixel series 8 and Sony headphones.
• Introducing Androidify: create your personalized Android bot with AI tools to reflect your unique style.
• Revamped Gboard enhances texting with AI suggestions and a new Emoji Kitchen for expressive sticker creations.

New month, new drop! Google just announced a whole host of new Android features, AI-powered tools, and an exclusive Pixel feature drop today (Sept. 3). This update brings several fun tools for Android users, along with expanded support for LE Audio sharing and Auracast.

Users will finally be able to pair two LE Audio Bluetooth headphones to one phone, so two people can listen to the same track at the same time. No more trying to hit play at the exact same moment — you'll both be in sync! This just makes it more intimate for two people to basically watch anything together, whether you're at a cafe or on a plane; watching your favorite show becomes seamless.

And this feature isn't limited to just two people; if you're with a group and want to share a catchy soundtrack you've just been hooked onto, you can also share the audio with multiple people, thanks to Auracast.

All you have to do is connect their headphones to your phone by scanning a QR code or with a single tap using Google’s Fast Pair — without needing to hand over your earbud. It can pretty much transform your next hangout session with your friends into a private silent disco, without the hassle of looking for a speaker or having them open up the soundtrack on their devices. However, for this feature to work, both the phone and headphones must support LE Audio.

Furthermore, LE Audio Auracast will now become available for Google Pixel 8 series and newer, Samsung flagship devices released since 2023, and some Xiaomi and POCO models.

Android bot that looks like you

Imagine yourself as an Android bot in a superhero costume, or you'd simply like to turn a fun picture of yourself into one that features an Android bot that looks just like you! Google is finally bringing a tool called "Androidify" that will let you build your own Android bot.

All you have to do is upload a selfie onto the web or the Google Play app, write a prompt, add some accessories, and see what AI builds. The tool will then use "Gemini 2.5 Flash to caption the photo, Imagen to generate your custom Android bot, and (in some cases) Veo 3, Google’s latest video generation model, to animate your bot with different vibes.

This is definitely a cool tool to bring tap into the creative side of you, or probably experiment with your style as an Android bot. You can check out some inspiration from Google's own experiments with their mascot, like their garage band filming a music video or an Oreo superhero saving the world from an asteroid.

Additionally, Google notes that animating your Android bot into an 8-second video on Veo is a feature restricted to Fridays in September, with a limited number of creations available.

AI tools keep getting better

Along with these major drops, Google is also making it easier to text with AI-powered suggestions on Gboard. It will seamlessly provide prompts on the go so you can "review your tone to be more formal, expressive, or concise." It will also help with spelling and grammar prompts to make sure your message is accurate and fully vetted, based on your personal needs.

Additionally, the tech giant is bringing Emoji Kitchen updates to help you mash up two of your favorite expressions or emojis into one fun sticker. For example, if you love flying shoes, you can pick both stickers and let AI do its magic!

"Browse the library, save your favorite options, and explore unique emoji suggestions, created just for you."

Finally, users will also be able to share their images and videos with just a tap. With the redesigned Quick Share, you can toggle between sending and receiving, preview the photos you’re sharing, and open received files right away.

It will also give you live updates, showing you how long it will take for your files to be transferred with a new progress indicator.

What you need to know

• Rumors from X tipster Tarun Vats claim Samsung is preparing one final One UI 7 update before One UI 8 hits the Galaxy S25.
• Supposedly, this update will be quite large, potentially 1GB or higher, but its specifics weren't detailed.
• Samsung recently had issues with a strange purple tint in Beta 4 on the Galaxy S25 Ultra when photographing the moon; however, One UI 8 Beta 5 has since rolled out.
• One UI 8 is expected to appear sometime in September, though it could happen later in the month, if these rumors are anything to go by.

If you're a Galaxy S25 owner and hoping to drop right into One UI 8, you might have to wait just a little bit more (again).

It seems that Samsung is preparing one final update for its Galaxy S25 owners, but for its stable One UI 7 software. These are the rumors coming from X tipster Tarun Vats this past weekend, at least (via SamMobile). This past Sunday (Aug 31), Vats posted information about Samsung's next steps, stating the "last One UI 7 update" will roll out as part of the company's September patch.

According to Vats, this "final" One UI 7 update will be quite large, somewhere around 1GB or more. As the rumor implies, this seems to be our final dance with One UI 7 (Android 15) before One UI 8 (Android 16) finally arrives. Vats didn't have more to say about the update itself, like what it would entail.

However, in response to one user, Vats said the patch should arrive "soon." Others started speculating, wondering if we could see the major One UI 8 toward the final week of September or, perhaps, into early October. Samsung's continued its One UI 8 beta in August, while also fixing quite a problematic camera issue.

One UI 8 waiting room

The company had a bit of an issue in August, as users reported a strange purple tint when photographing the moon in One UI 8 Beta 4. It was a bug that plagued testers with a Galaxy S25 Ultra when zooming in by 30x, 50x, and 100x with the Intelligent Optimization setting enabled. Others had this purple tint occur even with different settings.

Samsung encouraged users to provide as much information as possible via its Members app.

While we thought Beta 4 would mark the end of things, Samsung rolled out Beta 5 in August. It was a huge 1.78GB update that brought a host of bug fixes to its latest flagship line in preparation for Android 16. Samsung fixed problems with its DND (do not disturb), Now Brief content, Quick Settings window, and more. With Beta 5 in hand, there's speculation that One UI 8 will roll out officially sometime in September.

It lines up with what we've heard from Tarun Vats, so maybe we're actually seeing Android 16 on the horizon.

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What you need to know

• Samsung is rolling out a SmartThings update for Family Care that lets caregivers (son, daughter, etc.) stay in the loop about their loved one.
• Now, users can keep tabs on a person's "Activity," getting insight into when they've used the TV and other appliances, and get alerts if nothing's been used for a set amount of time.
• Caregivers can also set schedules for their parents and reminders about when to eat and take their medicine.

Samsung's SmartThings, which typically connects its smart devices, brought a Family Care feature last year, and it's not receiving an important update.

Earlier today (Aug 28), Samsung posted an update about its SmartThings Family Care feature, as it's receiving new features to better support families. One of the areas Samsung is trying to streamline is its link for "effortless" check-ins. Now, the person responsible for taking care of you (son, daughter, etc.) can send you a text message with a link to Family Care.

After receiving, the mother/father/grandparent can accept and agree to Samsung's standard consent options for health data gathering and more. Once that's complete, everything is set. Samsung states this streamlined approach should make it easier for those unfamiliar with using apps, as the steps required are quite minimal and straightforward.

The newest update also allows "families to define caregiver and care recipient roles more clearly." Through this, preferences on what you'd like to be kept in the loop about become clearer.

Family Care is a part of SmartThings, so that means it's connected to other smart home appliances the care recipient has around them. Samsung says users can decide which appliances the caregiver would like to stay informed about. Say, your mother has a TV at home and she typically watches it in the afternoon for her shows.

If an appliance hasn't been used for a while, Family Care can send an alert to the caregiver. The alert will let the caregiver "respond immediately," via phone call or text. Family Care's update lets users fine-tune how long down periods should be and which appliances they'd like to remain informed about.

This is all wrapped under the recipient's "Activity" logs.

Keeping track & Staying informed

Staying connected with our loved ones is important, especially when we're responsible for their well-being. Family Care is bringing a familiar feature, alerts that inform you when your loved one has left or arrived at a cataloged location. Additionally, there's a map where you can see where they've gone and the path traveled.

Lastly, daily meals and medicine at certain times are crucial. The Family Care update lets users set up schedules and reminders of when they should eat and take their medicine, so sudden scares are (hopefully) avoided. These updates should be rolling out soon for Galaxy devices, so keep your eyes peeled.

Does the voice assistant on the Galaxy S25 sound natural compared to Gemini?

It became clear with the launch of the Galaxy S25 series that Samsung is putting more of its focus on Gemini and less on Bixby. As a result, Gemini was the default voice assistant on the Galaxy S25, which users could activate by pressing and holding the power button. It's not surprising that Samsung has put Bixby on the back burner.

One of the reasons why Bixby continues to feel behind is that the voice assistant constantly reminds you that you're talking to AI. That's because it doesn't sound as natural as Google Assistant or Gemini. While you can choose between several voices, they all sound robotic, and conversations don't flow as naturally.

On the other hand, Gemini also has multiple voices to choose from, and they all sound very realistic, as if you're talking to an actual person. This makes it easier to have naturally flowing conversations without feeling like you're talking to a computer. This is one of the perks of features like Gemini Live, which lets you have free-flowing conversations where you can interrupt the assistant in the middle of an answer, something I can't do with Bixby.

One thing that Bixby has that Gemini doesn't is the ability to use your own voice as an option for the assistant, which you set up by reading a number of prompts to it. This allows it to capture your vocal intricacies and inflections. It works decently well, but it still sounds tinny and robotic.

Still, I prefer using Gemini over Bixby, and the voice is one of the reasons why Google's virtual assistant is generally better.