Joe Mark / Android Authority
Samsung surprised us all this week by releasing One UI8 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, based on Android 16. After finalizing Google’s stable Android update, after a track record of an UI 7 and Samsung’s beta launch, the arrival of an UI 8 is a pleasant surprise. There are some welcome changes, from improvement in alarm groups to old galaxy buds.
Are you going to download a UI 8 beta?
503 votes
Yes
47 %
Not
31 %
When it is more stable
22 %
What is more surprising is that the version of Samsung’s Android 16 is more feature than Google, with two significant additions each person is already looking forward to working in an UI 8.
90:10 Split screen
The OnePlus Open came with a new type of spiral screen multi -tasking called Open Canvas. Google is bringing this feature to Android 16, but it is not available for Pixel devices in the current beta. It is here in an UI 8, though, as seen in the video.
This is a huge addition to the split screen. Enough to use each one is a game changer to be able to switch fast between the two apps, and I look forward to seeing how it performs on foldable and tablets. The question is, why is Samsung when Samsung has a UI 8 when Google has not enabled it in the official Android 16 son?
Direct updates
Direct updates are directly similar to the activity feature that you will find on iOS. This allows an app to display real -time information in a place that is easy to see, regardless of what you are doing on your phone, such as showing progress bar for your food order or instructions from Google Maps.
Zack Ki Danis / Android Authority
YouTube music directly notifications
Despite the exposure of direct updates in Google I/O, this feature is not yet available in Android 16 beta. This Samsung is available on the phone and does not require an UI 8. Samsung has named this feature directly, and it was introduced in an UI 7, based on Android 15. It does everything described above and even allows you to control your media playback.
A UI 8 does not have everything
Ryan Hans / Android Authority
However, Samsung does not get everything. Android 15 introduces the notification from Pixels, a feature that silences notifications for two minutes at a time if you get a lot of people immediately.
Even with Android 16 in a UI 8, it is not available on Samsung devices. We do not know why Samsung has chosen not to connect the notification Coldown, but it’s a shame. This is a useful feature that can prevent a permanent barrage of information from getting heavy.
It is strange that Samsung has permanent access to the features, while Google’s smartphone brand, Pixel, is often overlooked and has to wait. You can say that eventually it doesn’t matter until the pixel finally gets everything, but I disagree with it. Google, logically, people should buy a pixel phone. It sends a strange message when Samsung is often given priority over Google’s own products.
Have you just tried an UI 8 or Android 16 beta? What do you think about them? Tell us in the comments given below.
