Samsung has been working on One UI 9 for months, and early versions show what users can expect when the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and other upcoming Galaxy phones receive the final version in the coming weeks. The software looks highly refined, with a focus on making the user interface both more intuitive and more adaptable to individual preferences.
Improved Quick Settings Panel
One of the most noticeable updates in One UI 9 is the redesigned Quick Settings panel. It features larger, more prominent sliders for adjusting volume and brightness. Additionally, the dark mode and volume settings have been removed from these sliders, appearing separately for more precise control.
The panel also brings new toggles for accessibility features. For instance, the 'Select to speak' option lets users have sections of the UI read aloud. Users who want to customize their settings further can now resize and rearrange the toggles more easily than in earlier versions.
For the first time, volume and brightness sliders can be set to a 2×1 format, allowing for more compact arrangements. The media player section has been updated as well, with circular buttons for play, pause, and navigation. Visual enhancements include richer colors, with playback visuals drawing hues from the album art in real-time for a more immersive experience.
One UI 9 also adds Gaussian blur to various parts of the interface, creating a more unified and modern appearance. The blurring effect is applied broadly but carefully, ensuring that readability and usability are maintained.
The status bar now supports a network speed indicator, a feature long popular on certain Android devices. It helps users monitor how their data is being used, whether on Wi-Fi or mobile networks. To activate it, you’ll need the Quickstar app from Good Lock, but the tool is well worth the extra step.
Samsung has increased the size of the status bar pill, which displays additional information at a glance. However, this change might lead to a more cluttered feel for some users compared to the smaller pill design used in previous versions.
Floating gesture bars have made a return in One UI 9. While these bars look clean and unobtrusive, they can sometimes cover elements in apps, which might be a minor annoyance for users who rely on them.
One UI 9 brings improvements to accessibility. The 'Select to speak' function allows users to have the UI narrated, making it easier for those with visual impairments to navigate the device. In the browser, a new feature lets users view open windows in the Recents section, returning a Material-era functionality that enhances multitasking.
The Routines feature now includes clearer explanations for each preset option, helping users understand how the features work without guesswork. Gamers will appreciate the updated Game Booster toolbar, which now allows adjustments to screenshot resolution and enables charging during gameplay sessions.
Samsung Notes gets a new tool that lets users draw over text or images, and then reveal the hidden content with the S Pen. It could be helpful for students or presenters but may not be essential for all users.
Another change involves security: One UI 9 now requires a PIN to restart or power off the device. This small change prevents accidental reboots and adds an extra layer of protection.
The camera app has also seen some minor but useful tweaks. One new feature allows users to record vertical video from both the front and rear cameras at the same time. While it might seem subtle, this could be a significant improvement for content creators who rely on vertical video formats for social media.
All of these updates are coming together to create a more refined and user-friendly experience. Whether you're a casual user or someone who relies on your phone for work and entertainment, One UI 9 looks poised to offer a fresh and adaptable way to interact with your Galaxy device.