Samsung One UI 7 Review: What Went Wrong and How One UI 8 Can Fix It

Samsung’s One UI 7 update has been rolling out to its devices for some time now, but it hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. While many flagship devices, such as the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold, and Galaxy Z Flip, have received the update, others are still waiting, and the delays have left many users frustrated. So, what went wrong with One UI 7, and how can Samsung improve with One UI 8?

What Samsung Aimed for With One UI 7

When Samsung introduced One UI 7, the goal was clear: improve the user experience by completely overhauling the design. This included:

• A new interaction system

• Moving the control panel to the right and notifications to the left

• Smoother animations and more fluid transitions

Samsung’s vision was to make One UI feel more modern and efficient. Many users appreciate how feature-packed One UI is, making it one of the best Android customizations out there. When combined with Good Lock, a Samsung-exclusive app, One UI becomes even more customizable, offering a truly unique experience that few other smartphones can match.

The Problem: Delays and Lack of Communication

While the features of One UI 7 were promising, the rollout process was far from perfect. Delays plagued the update, leaving many devices waiting for months. Samsung’s lack of communication regarding these delays caused frustration and damaged consumer trust. This is particularly concerning given Samsung’s promise of seven years of OS updates.

If Samsung had been more transparent with users and explained the reasons behind the delays, it would have helped to keep the trust intact. The secretive nature of the updates created a sense of uncertainty, which impacted consumer confidence.

How Samsung Could Have Handled It Differently

Instead of delaying the update multiple times, Samsung could have chosen a different approach. Here’s what they could have done:

• Launch One UI 7 as a small, iterative update rather than aiming for perfection.

• Save the big features and changes for One UI 8, giving them more time to work on the next version.

• Communicate a longer-term plan that would align One UI updates with Android’s release cycle, making future updates more timely.

Many people expect that One UI 8 will launch alongside Android 16 and the next Galaxy foldables, which could be a great way for Samsung to catch up and stay in sync with Google’s updates.

The Role of Foldables in One UI’s Future

Samsung has made it clear that foldable devices are the future of their smartphone lineup. To make foldables more mainstream, Samsung needs to focus on software optimization. One UI 8 could be the perfect opportunity to push foldable devices forward by offering new features and enhanced performance that better utilize the foldable screens.

Had Samsung chosen to delay One UI 7 and focus on a major One UI 8 overhaul, it could have given foldables a major software boost right out of the gate. With a powerful new update, Samsung could have shown how foldables work with the best possible software experience.

Current State of One UI 7: It’s Not All Bad

Despite the issues with the rollout, One UI 7 is actually quite a solid software update. Once the initial bugs, like issues with phone unlocking, were addressed, One UI 7 ran smoothly. Many users find it reliable and feature-rich, but the delays and secrecy have overshadowed its quality.

If Samsung had released One UI 7 as an incremental update, it could have bought them the time needed to perfect One UI 8. By focusing on the foldables and aligning One UI 8 with Android 16, Samsung could have reestablished consumer trust and set themselves up for a much smoother future rollout.

Moving Forward: The Launch of One UI 8

Samsung’s next move is crucial. The rumors surrounding One UI 8 and its potential release alongside Android 16 are exciting. If Samsung manages to get it right, they will not only restore trust with users but also set a strong foundation for future updates. Foldable devices could play a big part in this, and One UI 8 could finally be the software that matches the potential of these innovative devices.

What Do You Think?

Do you think Samsung should have taken a more gradual approach with One UI 7, saving the big changes for One UI 8? Or was it the right decision to push ahead with a new update, despite the delays?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!