We’ll answer all of that and so much more here. As this is everything you need to know about One UI 4.
What is One UI 4?
One UI 4 is the latest version of Samsung’s software for its smartphones, and it is based on Android 12. It was first released in Beta on September 14, 2021 to the Samsung Galaxy S21 series. It’s the fourth iteration of the software since Samsung revamped it a few years ago. Typically, we’ll see the .1 update come with the Galaxy S devices in the Spring, and then the .5 version come towards the fall with the new foldables (previously, the new Notes). Followed by the new version with the new version of Android. So this year we saw One UI 3.1 with the Galaxy S21, One UI 3.5 with the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Fold 3. And now One UI 4 with Android 12 is on its way.
When will it be released?
Samsung has gotten very quick with releasing updates in recent years. So while we don’t know for sure when the final, stable version will be released just yet. It would not surprise us to see it start coming out before the end of 2021 on the Galaxy S21. It’ll likely come to the Galaxy S21 series first, followed by the new foldables (Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3) along with the other older high-end devices from Samsung. The beta will also likely expand to other devices in the next month or so.
One UI 4 has been released for the following devices
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5GSamsung Galaxy Z FlipSamsung Galaxy Z FoldSamsung Galaxy S21Samsung Galaxy S21+Samsung Galaxy S21 UltraSamsung Galaxy S20 seriesSamsung Galaxy S20 FESamsung Galaxy S10 seriesSamsung Galaxy S10 LiteSamsung Galaxy Note 20 seriesSamsung Galaxy Note 10 seriesSamsung Galaxy A72Samsung Galaxy A52Samsung Galaxy A52s 5GSamsung Galaxy Tab S7 series
What devices will get the One UI 4 update?
Samsung has stated that the following devices will get updated to One UI 4, but it could also be expanded to other devices too. These are for sure getting update though.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5GSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 5GSamsung Galaxy S21 5GSamsung Galaxy S21+ 5GSamsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5GSamsung Galaxy Note 20Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5GSamsung Galaxy Note 20 UltraSamsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5GSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 2Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2 5GSamsung Galaxy Tab S7Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 5GSamsung Galaxy Tab S7+Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ 5GSamsung Galaxy S20Samsung Galaxy S20 5GSamsung Galaxy S20 5G UWSamsung Galaxy S20+Samsung Galaxy S20+ 5GSamsung Galaxy S20 UltraSamsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5GSamsung Galaxy S20 FESamsung Galaxy S20 FE 5GSamsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G UWSamsung Galaxy Z FlipSamsung Galaxy Z Flip 5GSamsung Galaxy Note 10+Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5GSamsung Galaxy Note 10Samsung Galaxy Note 10 5GSamsung Galaxy FoldSamsung Galaxy Fold 5GSamsungGalaxy S10 5GSamsung Galaxy S10+Samsung Galaxy S10Samsung Galaxy S10eSamsung Galaxy Note 10 LiteSamsung Galaxy S10 LiteSamsung Galaxy Tab S6 LiteSamsung Galaxy Tab S6 5GSamsung Galaxy Tab S6Samsung Galaxy A71 5GSamsung Galaxy A71Samsung Galaxy A51 5GSamsung Galaxy A51Samsung Galaxy A90 5G
It’s good to see Samsung going all the way back to the Galaxy S10 series for this update. As those came out in 2019, they aren’t super old, but we don’t typically see Android manufacturers updating phones that are over two years old (and approaching three years).
What’s new in One UI 4?
Here’s some of the bigger features that you’ll see in One UI 4. Starting with customization. Samsung is allowing users to customize the widgets in One UI 4. You can also customize your home screen, icons, notifications, wallpapers and so much more. The redesigned widget screen offers deeper customization. Allowing you to change up the appearance. One UI 4 also brings in some enhanced privacy and protection functions that is going to make it easier to keep your data protected. It expands on Android 12’s permissions options, and allows users to view their permissions history from the last seven days. Instead of just the last 24 hours (what Android 12 does).
There’s much more that is new in One UI 4, but it’s good to see that Android 12’s two biggest focuses are going to make it into One UI 4. Below, you’ll find the full changelog.
Here’s the full changelog for One UI 4
This is the full changelog, as of the first beta for One UI 4. This will likely get longer, and some features may be scrapped by the time the final version comes out.
Home screenHome screen widgets have been redesigned to give you more information at a glance while also making your Home screen more stylish. You’ll also get recommendations for widgets that may be useful for you.Lock screenYou can now change the audio output to a different device, such as headphones or a speaker, right from the Lock screen. You’ll also get customized controls depending on which music app you’re using.A new Voice Recorder widget for the Lock screen lets you record voice memos without unlocking your phone.A monthly calendar appears on the Calendar widget to help you keep track of your events from the Lock screen.Always On DisplayYou can set the Always On Display turn on whenever you receive a notification.New animated stickers are available.Quick panelManage your notifications more comfortably with an enhanced layout and an integrated section of alert and silent notifications.The brightness bar in the quick panel is larger so it’s easier to see and adjust.Dark ModeWallpapers, icons, and illustrations are now darkened automatically to provide a more consistent look and more comfort for your eyes.Charging effectsNew visual effects appear when you start charging to help you check the charging speed.Samsung KeyboardGet to your emojis, GIFS, and stickers directly from the keyboard with a single button. Self-expression is a tap away.Looking to express something new? Combine two emojis, then add an animation so you can really get your feelings across.New animated stickers are available for download.Keep your grammar and spelling on point with the new Writing assistant, powered by Grammarly (English only).TipsPreview videos now appear when you enter the Tips app, helping you learn everything your Galaxy can do.SharingYou can customize the list of apps that appear on the share panel to reduce clutter, and scroll left and right across the lists of apps and people for quicker access.When you try to share pictures that have problems like poor focus or framing, you’ll get suggestions for fixing them so your pictures always look their best.CameraEnjoy a simpler, clearer layout with a preview that shows only the information you need. The scene optimizer button will only appear in Photo mode if there’s low light or you’re scanning a document. Settings for Portrait and Night modes are now more intuitive.Lens and zoom: See the zoom level on the lens icons for easier zooming, even in modes that only support one lens.Video that never misses a moment: Recording naw starts immediately after you tap the Record button, instead of when you release it. In Photo mode, touch and hold the Shutter button to start recording a video. Drag your finger to the Lock icon to continue recording without having to hold down the button.Single take: Add extra time while recording in Single Take so you don’t miss important moments. After recording is finished, the content selection menu has been improved to help you easily choose the perfect shots.Pro made: Settings have been reorganized for a cleaner look. When grid lines are on, horizontal level indicators help you line up the perfect shot.Enhanced scan features: After scanning a document, you can zoom in for fine editing. When you scan a QR code, you can choose from several options depending on the type of QR code.GalleryStories now show a video preview on the cover and a highlight video inside. You can also see where each picture in a story was taken on a map.More options are available for sorting albums that contain lots of photos.Album covers are now shown at the top of the screen when you open albums.Search suggestions have been improved to help you find pictures and videos. Recent searches are also suggested.Remastered pictures can be reverted to their original versions at any time, even after they’re saved.You can now edit the date, time, and location that pictures and videos were taken.Photo and video editorAdd fun emojis and stickers to your pictures and videos.Create video collages by combining multiple images and videos from your Gallery. The new Light balance option lets you edit the tone of pictures more easily. The Highlight reel editor has also been enhanced to give you even more control.Revert edited videos back to their original versions at any time, even after they’re saved.Cut out a face, pet, building, or any other object from a photo and paste it onto a different one.AR EmojiUse an AR emoji as your profile picture in Contacts and Samsung account. You can choose from over 10 poses or create your own expressions.New AR emoji stickers that show only your face have been added. Have fun decorating your photos and sharing them with your friends.Make cool dance videos with your AR emojis. Choose templates from 10 different categories including #Fun, #Cute, and #Party.Use your awn drawings to create unique clothes for your AR emojis.MultitaskingPin the window option menu to the top of a pop-up window to make it easier to access.Easily resize picture-in-picture windows with pinch zoom.Keep your current app in view while using edge panels. Blurring has been removed to help you see more at once.SettingsThe new Safety and emergency menu lets you manage your emergency contacts and safety information all in one place.Improved search features help you find the settings you need, when you need them. You’ll get suggestions for related features depending on what you search for.Digital WellbeingKeep your eyes on the road with the new Driving monitor. You’ll get reports on how much you used your phone and which apps you used.ClockThe dual clock widget now shows different background colors for each city depending on whether it’s day or night.CalendarThe new Calendar layout lets you add events instantly. You can also find events more easily with improved search features.A new Home screen widget shows your monthly calendar along with today’s events.Create shared calendars and invite other Galaxy users to join.MessagesPhotos, videos, web links, and other content will now appear in search results in the Messages app.My FilesSearch features have been improved. You can still find the files you’re looking for, even if there’s a typo.The Recent files area has been expanded to help you more easily find files you’ve used recently.Samsung IntenetGet more search suggestions when you enter text in the address bar. Results will appear with an all new design.The new search widget helps you find what you’re looking for, right from the Home screen. ‘To protect your privacy, Samsung Internet will automatically start in Secret mode if you were using Secret mode during your last browsing session.Device CareThe main screen shows battery and security issues, making it easier to solve problems quickly.Your phone’s overall status is shown as an emoji, helping you check the status at a glance.Now you can get right to Samsung Members diagnostics phone, try the diagnostic tests to find out what the problem is and get suggestions for solving it.Samsung HealthA new tab layout at the bottom of the screen helps you access the features you need more easily.The new My page tab shows your profile. weekly summary, badges. and personal bests.For your gender selection, you can now choose “Other” or “Prefer not to say.”It’s now easier to invite your friends to team challenges by sending a link.Additional snacks have been added to the food tracker.Bixby RoutinesMore conditions are available for your routines. Start a routine during a call or when a certain notification arrives.Make your routines do more. You can now turn on Enhanced processing with a routine. There are also more options for connecting and disconnecting Bluetooth devices.Reorder actions by touching and holding actions on the edit page. Advanced options have also been added to let you wait before an action starts, confirm actions, and more.We’ve removed restrictions for some combinations of recommendations and actions so you can do even more with your routines.Create custom icons for your routines using the Camera or an image from Gallery.AccessibilityPerform actions more quickly by moving your mouse pointer to one of the 4 corners of the screen.Adjust contrast and size at the same time with custom Display mode (High contrast or Large display).Access accessibility features more quickly with a floating button that’s always available.More visibility options are available to meet your needs. You can reduce transparency and blur or make the screen extra dim.Set different colon for each app’s notifications so you can easily determine where notifications are coming from. ‘Magnifier window has been merged with the new Magnification menu, giving you more options and more control for magnifying content on the screen.PrivacySee which apps are accessing sensitive permissions such as Location, Camera. or Microphone in Permission usage history. You can deny permissions for any apps you don’t feel comfortable with.A green dot will appear in the upper right corner of the screen when any app is using the camera or microphone so you can see if an app is recording you without your consent. You can also use quick panel controls to temporarily block all apps from using the camera or microphone.Take more control over apps that want to access your location. For apps that on]y need to know your general area, such as weather apps. you can allow access to your approximate location so they can’t determine exactly where you are.Sometimes you need to copy sensitive information. like passwords or credit card numbers, but you don’t want it to fall into the wrong hands. You can choose to be notified any time an app accesses content copied to the clipboard in another app.
Should I join the beta program?
Typically, Samsung’s beta programs aren’t as rough as Google’s, so you may not have as many issues if you join the beta program for One UI 4. But, only time will tell.
If you’re excited to check out Android 12 and One UI 4 on your Samsung device, then it’s a good idea to check out the beta, if you have a compatible device. Remember that there will be bugs, so if you don’t want to deal with any bugs, it might be a good idea to wait for the stable build in a few months.
