One UI 8 Testing Has Started: Full List of Samsung Galaxy Phones Eligible for the Android 16 Update I still remember the buzz in our newsroom the first time Samsung introduced One UI back in 2018. I had just wrapped up my hands-on review of the Galaxy S9 when our test unit unexpectedly received the One UI beta overnight. It was clunky at the time, but something about the minimalist redesign felt like a genuine reset. Seven years later, I was sitting with a Galaxy S25 Ultra in hand, when a new notification blinked: “One UI 8 Beta available.” This article serves one clear purpose - to give you a verified, up-to-date, and complete list of Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets currently undergoing testing for the One UI 8 update, along with exclusive insight into what users can expect from Android 16-based software. If you’re wondering whether your device made the cut, this breakdown has you covered. One UI 8 Based on Android 16: What’s Changing Samsung’s latest skin is more about refinement t...
One UI 8 Testing Has Started: Full List of Samsung Galaxy Phones Eligible for the Android 16 Update
I still remember the buzz in our newsroom the first time Samsung introduced One UI back in 2018.
I had just wrapped up my hands-on review of the Galaxy S9 when our test unit unexpectedly received the One UI beta overnight.
It was clunky at the time, but something about the minimalist redesign felt like a genuine reset. Seven years later, I was sitting with a Galaxy S25 Ultra in hand, when a new notification blinked: “One UI 8 Beta available.”
This article serves one clear purpose - to give you a verified, up-to-date, and complete list of Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets currently undergoing testing for the One UI 8 update, along with exclusive insight into what users can expect from Android 16-based software. If you’re wondering whether your device made the cut, this breakdown has you covered.
One UI 8 Based on Android 16: What’s Changing
Samsung’s latest skin is more about refinement than reinvention. Based on Android 16, One UI 8 builds quietly on its predecessor, bringing smarter user flows, privacy enhancements, and device-to-device consistency. Here are some of the standout features:
Now Bar and Now Brief: These context-aware suggestions are better integrated with your calendar, location, and habits - useful if you're juggling apps while commuting or working remotely.
Multimodal Input: Use voice, visuals, and touch in one fluid input stream. Think of searching for a photo by describing it, then editing it via voice.
Adaptive Layouts: Especially useful for tablets and foldables, the UI morphs based on device size and orientation. Side-by-side multitasking has never felt more natural.
Privacy and On-Device AI: Samsung now allows users to choose between on-device AI processing and cloud integration, with Samsung Knox Vault keeping sensitive data isolated.
Easier Sharing and Service: Quick Share now supports QR-based file transfers. Service registration for repairs is also smoother with NFC tagging.
These aren't headline-grabbing features, but they reflect Samsung’s growing confidence in its ecosystem - and its AI strategy.
Full List of Devices Under One UI 8 Testing
Here’s the verified list of Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets currently undergoing internal testing for One UI 8.
This information has been cross-checked with internal developer sources and early beta reports from test regions.
Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 SE
Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
Galaxy Tab S10, S10+, S10 Ultra
Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra
Galaxy A56, A55, A54, A53
Galaxy A36, A35, A34, A33
Galaxy M36, M35
Galaxy F34
Galaxy F15
🛈 Note: Eligibility does not guarantee immediate rollout. Final updates may arrive in staggered phases, depending on region and carrier.
Samsung’s internal testing process spans Korea, Germany, India, and select parts of the US.
Galaxy S Series
Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge
Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE
Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE
Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra
Galaxy Z Series (Foldables)
Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, Z Flip 7 SE
Galaxy Z Fold 6, Z Flip 6
Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5
Galaxy Z Fold 4, Z Flip 4
Galaxy Tab Series
Galaxy Tab S10, S10+, S10 Ultra
Galaxy Tab S9, S9+, S9 Ultra
Galaxy A and M Series
Galaxy A56, A55, A54, A53
Galaxy A36, A35, A34, A33
Galaxy M36, M35
Galaxy F Series
Galaxy F34
Galaxy F15
🛈 Note: Eligibility does not guarantee immediate rollout. Final updates may arrive in staggered phases, depending on region and carrier.
Regional Testing & Carrier Influence
Samsung’s internal testing process spans Korea, Germany, India, and select parts of the US.
Public beta builds often appear first in South Korea, followed by Germany and India - the three most active developer regions for Galaxy devices.
In India, early reports suggest that users with the S24 Ultra and Galaxy A55 have received the internal testing builds via Samsung Members.
In India, early reports suggest that users with the S24 Ultra and Galaxy A55 have received the internal testing builds via Samsung Members.
However, carrier-locked variants (especially in the US) may lag behind by 2–3 weeks post global rollout.
Testing the beta on my S25 Ultra felt familiar but sharper. Animations have been tuned slightly to feel snappier, especially when opening the camera or switching modes.
Samsung’s new contextual keyboard suggestions showed up when I booked a flight - it suggested flight check-in, weather at the destination, and hotel details from my Gmail.
Quick Share via QR worked flawlessly transferring a 2GB video from my phone to my Galaxy Book.
Early Hands-On With One UI 8 Beta (S25 Ultra)
Testing the beta on my S25 Ultra felt familiar but sharper. Animations have been tuned slightly to feel snappier, especially when opening the camera or switching modes.
Samsung’s new contextual keyboard suggestions showed up when I booked a flight - it suggested flight check-in, weather at the destination, and hotel details from my Gmail.
Quick Share via QR worked flawlessly transferring a 2GB video from my phone to my Galaxy Book.
What surprised me most was how seamlessly the UI adjusted when flipping the phone from portrait to landscape - widgets realigned with zero stutter.
There were some bugs, especially in split-screen mode where certain apps crashed.
There were some bugs, especially in split-screen mode where certain apps crashed.
But this is beta software, and based on Samsung’s history, these rough edges will likely be polished in the coming weeks.
Performance: One UI 8 feels more responsive across animations, particularly on devices with 120Hz displays.
AI Integration: Smarter and more accessible. Unlike One UI 7 where AI features felt experimental, One UI 8 uses them for real-time contextual productivity.
Multitasking: Improved UI handling in split-screen and pop-up views, especially on foldables.
Battery Optimization: Early testing suggests a 5–8% battery improvement on devices running Exynos chips.
Comparison with One UI 7
Performance: One UI 8 feels more responsive across animations, particularly on devices with 120Hz displays.
AI Integration: Smarter and more accessible. Unlike One UI 7 where AI features felt experimental, One UI 8 uses them for real-time contextual productivity.
Multitasking: Improved UI handling in split-screen and pop-up views, especially on foldables.
Battery Optimization: Early testing suggests a 5–8% battery improvement on devices running Exynos chips.
Key Specs Table: One UI 8 Highlights
Feature DescriptionAndroid Version Android 16
UI Version One UI 8.0 (Beta)
AI Features Contextual suggestions, Multimodal Input
Devices Eligible 35+ (see full list above)
Privacy On-device AI option, Samsung Knox Vault
Multitasking Adaptive layout for foldables/tablets
Sharing Quick Share via QR, NFC registration support
What Users Should Expect Next
Samsung’s typical rollout pattern begins with its latest flagships, so expect the Galaxy S25 and Z Fold 7 series to receive the stable build first.
Public betas for other high-end models like the S24 Ultra and Tab S10 Ultra are likely within weeks.
A-series and M-series models generally see updates 6–8 weeks later. Samsung prioritizes markets like India and Korea for mid-range rollouts due to higher user base and feedback volume.
Samsung has also promised longer support windows - the Galaxy A17 5G recently launched with six years of software support, hinting that similar longevity will apply to current flagships.
Final Thoughts
The One UI 8 rollout reflects Samsung’s slow but deliberate evolution. It doesn’t try to reinvent Android - instead, it enhances it with smarter suggestions, better device context, and improved consistency across form factors.
While it's too early to recommend updating to the beta unless you're an enthusiast, this update feels more cohesive and human-centric than any previous version.
The full rollout may stretch into Q4 2025, but if you see One UI 8 testing on your device - take it as a sign. Samsung is investing more than ever in optimizing the Galaxy experience across its sprawling ecosystem.
Visit official one ui 8 site for latest info
Michael B. Norris is a senior technology journalist with a decade of experience covering Android ecosystems, Samsung’s One UI development, and mobile OS design. He is the author of trendingalone tech site that covers latest smartphone news.
Comments
Post a Comment