Samsung made waves earlier this year by unveiling its latest smartphone software, mirroring a move often associated with Apple. Just weeks after Google rolled out Android 16 ahead of its usual schedule, Samsung followed suit with the introduction of One UI 8, which is built on android 16.
Currently, this new software is exclusive to Samsung’s seventh-generation foldable devices. I’ve spent some time testing it on the galaxy Z Fold 7, and several updates have caught my attention. Let’s explore what improvements Samsung has made this year.
Enhanced Multi-Tasking Features
Historically, One UI has been recognized for its strong multi-tasking capabilities. However, as foldable phones became more popular and Google began focusing on larger screens with Android 12L, Samsung's software started to feel outdated.
Othre brands like OnePlus surprised users with their innovative Open Canvas system for split-screen multitasking on foldables. Vivo also introduced a Stage Manager-like feature in their latest model. With One UI 8, Samsung is finally stepping up to the plate.
The standout change here is a new split-screen format that divides the display into a 90:10 ratio—perfect for using two apps at once on the cover screen. This means you can shrink one app window down to just ten percent of the screen while keeping your main app in full view.
This design gives you ample space for your primary app while maintaining an intuitive layout that feels natural thanks to the tall aspect ratio of the galaxy Z fold 7. You won’t experience any awkward distortions either; everything looks just right.
A meaningful advancement comes from how easy it is to switch focus between apps without needing to adjust any dividers manually each time you want to bring another app into play. A simple tap on either edge will instantly make that secondary app take center stage—quick and user-pleasant!
I often find myself needing information from one application while inputting data into another; this setup allows me seamless interaction without any odd cropping or interface issues when using both apps side by side on my Galaxy Z Fold 7's cover display.
Revamped Camera Application
A noticeable trend in smartphones today is their increasing slimness and lightness without actually becoming smaller overall. This can be frustrating when trying to reach items located at the top half of your screen—you might need an extra hand or have to adjust how you're holding your phone multiple times!
This issue becomes even more pronounced within camera applications where maximizing viewfinder space is crucial—especially when shooting in full-screen mode or vertical formats like 9:16—and especially challenging if you're using your phone unfolded like a tablet.
Fortunately, Samsung has tackled this problem head-on! Previously, switching between front and rear cameras required flicking within the viewfinder area itself; now you can customize that gesture so it opens essential camera controls instead!
The controls are still positioned at the upper right corner (which remains tricky for one-handed use), but now they slide down as a carousel above your shutter button whenever needed—a much easier way to access them quickly!
You can toggle flash settings easily now or set timers—all adjustments are just a flick away! You’ll also find shortcuts for changing aspect ratios and resolutions along with exposure settings available right there too! Even accessing Settings has become simpler since it's pulled down alongside these tools!
Streamlined File Sharing Process
If you've ever used AirDrop before—or even if you haven't—you know sharing files via Android can sometimes be cumbersome! While Quick Share has seen improvements over time (including rebranding), it still doesn't match Apple's smooth file-sharing experience yet.
With One UI 8 comes an entirely revamped interface for Quick Share! Now you'll see clear Send and Receive buttons prominently displayed at bottom sections making navigation straightforward compared previous versions where things felt cluttered instead!
The sending page features an organized layout allowing easy selection among files plus frequently shared devices appear conveniently arranged together eliminating unnecessary searching through lists every single time someone nearby wants something sent over quickly too!
if generating QR codes or URL links was previously intricate—it’s now simplified whether sharing individual items or entire bundles alike! When receiving files? Just stay put within Receive section until prompted automatically enabling wireless connections based upon visibility preferences set beforehand ensuring seamless transfers occur effortlessly each attempt made during usage experiences thus far observed under One UI version eight updates rolled out recently across compatible models available today too!!
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