Enjoy what you already have and take the advantage of the new features, welcome to Samsung’s One UI 5.0 review! An impressive interface upgrade, more reliability, and simplicity. we’ll deep dive into this later on, but let’s start with a simple overview of what One UI is and then dive into the new features and improvements of this Samsung’s latest smartphone software interface.
One UI is Samsung’s interface and software package that you’ll find on all its phones, from the flagship to the entry-level devices. The interface is future-packed with vivid colors and large icons that provide a signature look.
The app drawer is where you can store your apps, and it’s on by default. You can also keep all your apps on the home screen, in which case, swiping up on the screen opens a system-wide search.
You get the usual suite of pre-installed Google apps and some Microsoft apps, as well as Samsung’s proprietary apps like the web browser, file manager, gallery, and notes app. The task switcher is straightforward, and a long press opens apps in split-screen or pop-up view mode.
The Edge panel, a Samsung staple feature, is an area for shortcuts that you access by swiping from the edge of the screen. From here, you can launch apps in split-screen and store shortcuts for split-screen pairs.
Samsung’s Game Launcher acts as a hub for all your games and provides do not disturb options, and shortcuts to social media platforms. The Secure Folder is handy for keeping files and apps hidden and safe. It’s protected by Samsung’s so-called Nox encryption, and you can add a passcode or biometric lock.
Samsung’s DeX allows you to connect your phone to a monitor wirelessly or through HDMI to achieve a PC-like interface. If you have any Bluetooth peripherals, you can connect them to the phone and enjoy the full DeX PC experience. However, DeX is only available on the flagship cells and not the Samsung mid-rangers.
Samsung has been reliable in providing software updates for its phones for years down the line and has recently doubled down on delivering the One UI 5 update across the lineup as fast as possible.
Now, let’s get into what’s new with the latest version of the interface, One UI 5.0. First and foremost, the performance is supposed to be improved, and subjectively, it does feel noticeably more responsive than before. The looks have also been revamped with larger app icons and more contrasty colors.
Notification cards in the drop-down menu appear with a bigger colorful icon of the app, and the text alignment is optimized for better readability. The phone can create color palettes system-wide themes, which are based on the colors of your wallpaper, but now the color combinations are even more extensive.
Supported widgets can be stacked on top of each other on the home screen, and you switch between them by swiping. It’s super easy to customize your lock screen, and there’s even a video wallpaper option that lets you place a short video as your background.
One new AI-based feature in One UI 5.0 is that it can recommend widgets or apps based on your usage patterns. Modes allow the phone to trigger automated actions on the device when it detects certain preset conditions. For example, if it detects that you’re driving, it can turn on do not disturb and play music streaming.
Routines do the same thing, but these are more customizable. You set them up from scratch, and they can be triggered by various parameters like actions or time. The routines and modes have a lot to do with do not disturb options, and these can now be fine-tuned all the way down to individual contacts or apps.
Android 13 has a unique attribute where, upon using an app for the first time, you will receive a prompt asking if you wish to receive notifications from it. If you choose to decline, the app will not disturb you with notifications.
Additionally, the UI5 introduces a new menu that displays all connected devices, and it provides access to their respective features such as Quick Share, Smart View, and Dex. The privacy hub also makes it easier to navigate and modify security and privacy settings.
With Android 13, the clipboard is automatically deleted after a certain amount of time to ensure sensitive data is not left vulnerable. Furthermore, Samsung has taken extra measures by alerting you when an app accesses your clipboard. If you attempt to share a photo containing sensitive information, you will be prompted for confirmation.
The software also has the capability of recognizing text within images, which can be extracted for easy sharing or saving. The gallery is now more organized, and the pen tool in the photo editor produces perfect shapes and straight lines.
Another feature worth mentioning is that you can now create reusable stickers for chats and social media using your photos. The camera app has received an update as well, with the addition of a histogram and pro mode to help achieve the perfect exposure. You can also add a custom watermark or date to your photos.
In conclusion, One UI has evolved significantly with each generation, and the latest version offers a plethora of new features that are more responsive and fluid. If we missed anything, please let us know in the comments below. We’ll see you at the next one!
1 COMMENTS