Samsung’s One UI 8.5: A Comprehensive Overview of New Features and Enhancements
Samsung’s One UI 8.5 update introduces a suite of enhancements aimed at refining user experience, bolstering security, and improving device connectivity. This update, while not groundbreaking, brings several noteworthy features that enhance the functionality and usability of Samsung devices.
Customizable Quick Settings Panel
One of the standout features in One UI 8.5 is the fully customizable Quick Settings panel. Users can now tailor the layout by adding, removing, and resizing toggles and widgets to suit their preferences. This flexibility extends to arranging elements such as brightness and volume sliders in either vertical or horizontal orientations, providing a more personalized and efficient interface. ([sammobile.com](https://www.sammobile.com/news/top-3-one-ui-8-5-features-to-look-forward-to/?utm_source=openai))
Partial Screen Recording
Addressing the needs of content creators and privacy-conscious users, One UI 8.5 introduces the ability to record specific portions of the screen. This feature is particularly useful for creating tutorials or sharing content without exposing sensitive information. It also enhances productivity by eliminating the need for post-recording edits to crop out unwanted areas. ([readerescape.com](https://readerescape.com/trends/one-ui-8-5-features/?utm_source=openai))
Enhanced Search Bars and Control Tabs
The update brings a refined design to search bars and control tabs across various system apps. The search bar has been relocated to the bottom of the screen, facilitating easier one-handed access. Additionally, control tabs have been redesigned to be more compact, with labels beneath icons removed, resulting in a cleaner and more intuitive interface. ([androidauthority.com](https://www.androidauthority.com/one-ui-8-5-hands-on-3601412/?utm_source=openai))
Weather Alarm Backgrounds
A subtle yet thoughtful addition is the integration of live weather animations into the alarm screen. When an alarm rings, the background reflects current weather conditions, such as rain or sunshine, providing users with immediate contextual information as they start their day. ([readerescape.com](https://readerescape.com/trends/one-ui-8-5-features/?utm_source=openai))
Lockscreen Clock Automation and Fonts
One UI 8.5 enhances lockscreen customization by introducing more font options and improved clock automation. Users can now select from a variety of fonts to personalize their lockscreen clock, and the clock can automatically adjust its position to avoid overlapping with notifications, ensuring clarity and aesthetic appeal. ([sammyguru.com](https://sammyguru.com/one-ui-8-5-features-and-enhancements/?utm_source=openai))
Advanced Theft Protection
Security receives a significant boost with the introduction of advanced theft protection features. The update includes a Failed Authentication Lock that automatically secures the device after multiple unsuccessful login attempts. Additionally, the Identity Check feature has been expanded to safeguard critical settings, such as transferring a Samsung account or unlocking the Secure Folder, by requiring biometric verification. ([techradar.com](https://www.techradar.com/phones/samsung-galaxy-phones/your-samsung-phone-is-about-to-get-a-big-theft-protection-boost-thanks-to-one-ui-8-5-heres-how?utm_source=openai))
Pollen Count in Weather App
For users sensitive to allergens, the Weather app now includes a pollen count feature. It tracks three types of pollen—tree, grass, and ragweed—providing a three-day forecast powered by The Weather Channel. This addition helps users plan their activities and take necessary precautions during high pollen seasons. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/12/11/one-ui-8-5-seems-like-a-very-nice-but-small-update-video/?utm_source=openai))
Storage Share
The new Storage Share feature enhances device connectivity by allowing users to access files across multiple Galaxy devices seamlessly. Through the My Files app, users can remotely access and manage files stored on other Galaxy phones, tablets, and PCs, effectively creating a unified storage experience without the need for cloud services or external drives. ([content.techgig.com](https://content.techgig.com/technology/samsung-one-ui-8-5-beta-features-india-rollout/articleshow/125863102.cms?utm_source=openai))
Pro Mode Distraction Remover
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the Pro Mode Distraction Remover, which helps eliminate unwanted elements from photos. This tool uses advanced algorithms to detect and remove distractions, allowing users to capture cleaner and more focused images without the need for extensive post-processing. ([readerescape.com](https://readerescape.com/trends/one-ui-8-5-features/?utm_source=openai))
Continuous Editing with Galaxy AI Photo Assist
Building upon its AI capabilities, Samsung introduces an upgraded Photo Assist tool that enables continuous photo editing without the need to save each step. This feature streamlines the editing process, allowing users to make multiple adjustments seamlessly and enhancing the overall photo editing experience. ([androidcentral.com](https://www.androidcentral.com/phones/samsung-galaxy/one-ui-8-5-beta-official-galaxy-s25-series?utm_source=openai))
Now Brief Enhancements
The Now Brief feature receives updates to provide more personalized content recommendations. Integration with services like Spotify and YouTube has been enhanced, offering users tailored suggestions based on their listening and viewing habits. Additionally, Now Brief can recommend photo sharing based on facial recognition and suggest contact profile images, further personalizing the user experience. ([androidcentral.com](https://www.androidcentral.com/apps-software/android-os/one-ui-8-5-might-upgrade-spotify-and-youtube-recommendations-in-the-now-brief?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
While One UI 8.5 may not introduce groundbreaking changes, it brings a collection of thoughtful enhancements that collectively improve the Samsung user experience. From customizable interfaces and advanced security measures to improved connectivity and personalized content recommendations, this update reflects Samsung’s commitment to refining and evolving its software to meet user needs.
