It’s not supposed to be out yet, but the next chapter of Samsung’s software is already here. An early, pre-release test build of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra has leaked online, and I couldn’t resist the chance to install it and see what Samsung is cooking up for 2026. After spending some time with it, my impression is clear: One UI 8.5 is a major visual overhaul that introduces some brilliant new ideas, but also one deeply questionable change that could infuriate long-time users.
This build is clearly unfinished, buggy, and missing many of the major AI features we expect to see in the final release. However, it’s stable enough to give us a fantastic preview of the new design language and user experience coming to Galaxy devices. The core of One UI 8.5 is all about a fresh look and deeper personalization.
This is my hands-on first look at the key Samsung One UI 8.5 new features, the good, the bad, and the beautiful.
The Most Controversial Change: A Step Back in Usability?
Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. In a baffling design decision, this build of One UI 8.5 removes the text labels from the bottom navigation bar in several key Samsung apps, including the Gallery and Phone apps. You are now expected to know what the abstract icons for “Pictures,” “Albums,” and “Stories” mean without any text to guide you.
This is a classic case of “form over function” and a change made for the sake of change. For the millions of users who rely on these clear, readable labels, this is a significant step backward in usability and accessibility. While it’s possible this could be reversed before the final release, it’s a concerning first sign. This is the kind of detail that can make or break a user’s experience with a new gadget update.
The Quick Panel: Customization on a Whole New Level
Now for the brilliant news. The Quick Panel in One UI 8.5 has been completely reimagined and is, without a doubt, the most customizable and powerful version yet. Samsung is giving users an incredible amount of control over its layout.
You can now:
- Place any toggle or widget anywhere you want, breaking free from the rigid grid.
- Change the orientation of sliders, allowing for both horizontal and vertical brightness and volume controls.
- Strip it down to the bare essentials for a minimalist look.
This is a massive win for power users and a clear sign that Samsung is listening to its community’s desire for deeper personalization. It’s a fantastic evolution for the Samsung Galaxy series.
A Fresh Coat of Paint: App and UI Redesigns
The rest of the Samsung One UI 8.5 experience is defined by a beautiful and cohesive visual refresh. The changes are everywhere, and they make the entire OS feel more modern.
- Gallery App: The top half of an album no longer just shows the name; it now displays a large, beautiful preview of the latest photo or video, a design inspired by iOS that works wonderfully.
- Settings App: Menus now have more rounded corners, larger spacing for better readability, and smoother animations. The main search bar has also been moved to the bottom for easier one-handed use.
- My Files App: The search bar is also at the bottom, and key sections like “Internal Storage” are highlighted with a stylish, blurred glass background.
- Battery Icon: The traditional battery icon in the status bar is gone, replaced by a simple, clean percentage display that turns red at low battery and shows a leaf in power-saving mode.
Small Tweaks, Big Impact: Other Notable Changes
Beyond the major redesigns, this build of One UI 8.5 is filled with thoughtful quality-of-life improvements. The Camera app’s settings have been reorganized into clearer menus, making it easier to find options for video formats and audio. Samsung has also added its own, non-hidden One UI easter egg in the software update menu, a charming touch for enthusiasts. This feels like a more complete package than what was originally promised in the early One UI 8 new features list.
For those wondering, this is an unofficial, leaked build, not something you can get by following our guide on how to install the One UI 8 beta. The official beta program from Samsung will likely start later.
What’s Still Missing? The AI Features
This early build is noticeably missing the major AI features that are rumored for the final Samsung One UI 8.5 release. Leaks have pointed to new tools like “Meeting Assist” and the ability to transfer files via NFC by tapping two devices together. These will likely be added as development progresses towards the official One UI 8.5 release. The initial One UI 8 Beta will give us a better idea. This is all part of the established Samsung One UI 8 update schedule.
Devika’s Take: A Bold but Flawed First Step
Even in its early, buggy state, One UI 8.5 is shaping up to be a visually exciting update for all gadgets. The focus on deep customization in the Quick Panel and the fresh, clean look of the apps are major wins. However, the decision to remove text labels from navigation bars is a baffling step backward in usability. If Samsung listens to feedback and fixes that one glaring issue, this could be one of the best updates to come to the world of gadgets and reviews. We’ll be watching the development of One UI 8.5 closely as it moves from these early leaks to the official beta, a process we covered with the One UI 8 beta expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are the key Samsung One UI 8.5 details?
One UI 8.5 is primarily a visual update focused on a redesigned aesthetic for apps like Gallery and Settings, and a highly customizable Quick Panel. A controversial change is the removal of text labels from the navigation bar in some apps.
2. Is this the official One UI 8.5 release?
No. This is an early, unofficial, leaked test build. It is buggy and does not represent the final product. The official release is not expected until 2026.
3. What is the difference between One UI 8 and One UI 8.5?
One UI 8 (e.g., the Galaxy S25 One UI 8 update) is the major Android version upgrade. The “.5” updates are typically mid-cycle refreshes that focus more on design changes and feature refinements rather than a full OS version change.
4. What is the One UI 8.5 hands-on experience like?
The hands-on experience with this leaked build shows a visually fresh but unfinished operating system. The new customization options are powerful, but some design changes, like the removal of text labels, may harm usability.