Samsung is starting to roll out One UI 4 to its smartphones and tablets. Even old models can benefit from it. Here is everything you need to know about this new software overlay that integrates Android 12.
Samsung does not forget its most loyal users. The South Korean manufacturer had unveiled the progress of the update of its One UI software overlay which equips its smartphones and tablets. Version 4 started rolling out last December to Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, S21+, S21 5G, Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, and Galaxy Z Fold3 5G smartphones. Models released in 2021 and, of course, still in the catalog. But Samsung doesn’t stop there and also follows up with older models. The manufacturer thus began in January to offer its update on smartphones released in 2020 such as the Galaxy S20, Note 20, Z Fold2 and Z Flip ranges, and even the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 families (at exception of the Note 10 Lite) released in 2019. Better still, Samsung plans to offer One UI 4 on many other models in the coming months (see complete list below). Excellent news for brand loyalists, especially since the switch to this new overlay is accompanied by the update to Android 12, the latest version of the mobile operating system. We can only congratulate the manufacturer for this long-term monitoring policy, which recalls that of Apple with iOS.
What is OneUI?
One UI is the software overlay developed by Samsung for all its ranges of smartphones and tablets. It is superimposed on Android to provide it with additional functions and a particular interface design with its own icons, widgets, menus, settings, etc. The manufacturer is not the only one to affix his paw on the mobile OS of Google. Xiaomi smartphones thus embed MIUI, Huawei and Honor models run with EMUI, OnePlus still use OxygenOS, etc. Some manufacturers like Nokia, for example, or Google, of course, do not apply any overlay and keep the design of the system as it was designed.
Like all software and all overlays, One UI is not set in stone: it evolves regularly while improving, both ergonomically and visually as well as functionally. Thus, with One UI 4, Samsung is sticking to the latest version of Google’s OS, Android 12. Smartphones that benefit from this update therefore see the most recent version of the operating system installed. mobile which benefits from many improvements.
Which Samsung models are compatible with One UI 4?
Samsung started rolling out the update to One UI 4 in December and had been tight-lipped about what would happen next. At the beginning of January, however, the roadmap for Europe was unveiled on several sites. No less than 35 devices should benefit from it by August. Please note, however, that the dates are subject to change along the way.
In February 2022
- Galaxy Fold
- Galaxy Note10 Lite
- Galaxy A42 5G
- Galaxy A52, A52 5G, A52s 5G
- Galaxy A72
- Galaxy Tab S7, Tab S7+
In April 2022
- Galaxy A71
- Galaxy A51
- Galaxy A90 5G
- Galaxy Tab S7 FE 5G
In May 2022
- Galaxy A32 5G
- Galaxy X Cover Pro
- Galaxy Tab Active3
- Galaxy Tab S6, Tab S6 Lite
In June 2022
- Galaxy A41
- GALAXY A31
- GALAXY A32
- Galaxy A22
- Galaxy M21, M31, M31s, M32
- Galaxy Tab A7(2020), Tab A7 Lite
In July 2022
- Galaxy A03s
- Galaxy A12
- Galaxy A22 5G
- Galaxy M11, M12
In August 2022
What’s new in One UI 4?
Based on Android 12, One UI 4 offers a nice evolution and improvements, both in terms of interface and functions. Overview.
A more modern graphical interface
- Android 12 introduced Material You, a fresher design and above all that adapts to your tastes and the chosen wallpaper. One UI 4 incorporates this principle by offering a menu Color pallet.
- It lets you choose a color for graphic elements of the interface (navigation scrollbars, gauge, buttons, etc.) and even apply it to icons.
- Widgets are also experiencing a bit of a boost. First of all, the list allowing you to search for a widget benefits from a more pleasant and clearer presentation. It also offers a more readable overview of the widgets offered for the same application.
- Then the widgets themselves were redesigned to better match the Material You design of Android 12. A real success.
- The widgets on the lock screen are also changing. The one dedicated to music automatically switches the audio output of the device between the headphones and the speakers. The voice recorder gives the possibility of starting an audio recording without even having to unlock the smartphone.
- For those who struggle to handle the physical buttons of their smartphone, One UI 4 now includes a very practical function (which can also be found on iOS). A virtual button called menu wizard, can take place on the screen.
It opens a floating palette that provides access to volume change functions, screenshot, device lock, etc. It is to be activated from the Accessibility settings to section Interaction and dexterity.
New photography tools
- The Gallery application, which hosts the snapshots taken with the camera, is adorned with new functions. For example, you can “remaster” a snapshot. Press on the three dots verticals at the bottom right and choose Remaster.
- After a quick analysis by the artificial intelligence embedded in the mobile, the app shows you the improvements made to the shot (colors, contrast, sharpness, etc.) and allows you to compare them with the original photo using a sliding shutter.
- Another new feature is a quick clipping tool. All you have to do is roughly trace the outline of an object in the image to clip it in order, for example, to paste it into another image.
- If the clipping is not perfect the first time, it is always possible to refine it thanks to the tools offered.
- In addition, during shooting, the screen now displays the zoom level used and allows you to change it by simply pressing an icon.
- The Pro mode now has a level (for always straight photos) and more readable menus.
- Finally, you can easily change your mind while shooting and switch from photo mode to video mode. All you have to do is keep your finger pressed on the virtual button of the trigger then unlock the function by sliding your finger upwards. The camera starts filming immediately.
- You have a doubt about the fact that the camera or the microphone is still active when you seem to have quit an application that uses it? Now a small green dot nestled in the upper right corner of the interface (regardless of the app launched) informs you that an app is still accessing the microphone or the camera.
- By opening the notification panel, you can find out which app it is.
- A tap on the notification allows you to manage the permissions of the app in question.
More practical functions
- One UI 4 has other good ideas. Starting with the simplification of copy-paste. Simply select some text and then drag the selection to the left or right edge of the screen to paste it into another open application.
- The clipboard also benefits from an increased level of security. From the privacy settings and it is possible to ask to be informed as soon as an app tries to access its content. Convenient if you have temporarily copied a password there, for example.
- One UI 4 incorporates a feature from Android 12 to enhance location-based privacy. It is thus possible to manage, for each application that needs it, the way in which it uses the location of the device. You can then allow it access to your exact location or provide it with an approximate location.
- You could already customize the sound of SMS notifications from particular contacts. With One UI 4, it is also possible to make the screen flash a certain color depending on the application that issues a notification. Convenient to remain discreet while recognizing which application it is. This parameter must be activated from the Accessibility Settings > advanced settings > Indicator light notification.
No need to try to force the installation of the new overlay, especially if your device is not compatible. Everything is automatic.
- When One UI 4 is ready for your smartphone, you should receive a notification prompting you to install it. If you can’t wait to see anything coming, you can always access the device settings. At the bottom of the list, tap Software update.
- In the new page that appears, choose Download and install.
- If the update is available, you can proceed to install it. The operation takes about 45 minutes (Android 12 is also installed if it is not already).
