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According to a new report, Samsung‘s first tri-fold could measure up to 10-inches across in its unfolded state. However, it may do so with a completely different design than the one showcased earlier this year by the Huawei Mate XT. In the process, Samsung’s foray into the world of tri-fold smartphones could surpass the durability of Huawei’s first attempt.
Samsung‘s first ‘tri-fold’ may resemble the Flex G, pictured. (Image source: The Korea Herald)
Huawei has well and truly beat Samsung to delivering the first ‘tri-fold’ smartphone. For reference, the Mate XT is exclusive to China for the time being. However, there have been suggestions that the company introduce the device internationally early next year.
Seemingly, Samsung has been working on its own attempt for some time, though. On the one hand, the company recently received approval from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a smartphone design that looks similar to Huawei’s first tri-fold release.
On the other hand, there have been multiple reports from South Korea that Samsung is seeking to perfect the tri-fold design before mass-producing a device that it intends to bring to market. Now, ETNews suggests that Samsung may launch its inaugural tri-fold in 2025, albeit with a completely different design to what has been discussed until now.
The Samsung Display Flex S features the same form factor as the Huawei Mate XT. (Image source: The Korea Herald)
Incidentally, Samsung Display revealed a prototype almost three years ago that closely resembled the Mate XT. By contrast, ETNews’ new report claims that Samsung’s production tri-fold folds inward twice with two hinges, thereby omitting the wraparound section of the Flex S and Mate XT.
In other words, it seems that Samsung may have settled for the form factor showcased by the Flex G, another prototype that popped up at trade shows in 2022. Theoretically, this would make Samsung’s effort more durable, considering that it will have none of its display showing when in its folded state.
Moreover, utilising this Flex G style design may be possible using existing Ultra Thin Glass (UTG) standards. Reportedly, Samsung‘s Flex G-esque design will span 9~10 inches, which would be roughly 2 inches wider diagonally than the current Galaxy Z Fold6.
Samsung Display exhibited the Flex G in two sizes during CES 2022. (Image source: The Korea Herald)
It’s time that Samsung DeX gets a massive overhaul
(Image credit: Future) In the last month, I’ve been trying to lighten the load in my backpack by trying to condense what I absolutely need to bring with me to work. One of the heaviest offenders has been my laptop, which at 3 pounds is still taxing on my back. That’s why I ditched my laptop for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 for 2 weeks, just to see if I could make due with a phone for all of my work-related duties.
With the Galaxy S25 Ultra tipped for an early launch in 2025, it will more than likely have Samsung DeX support to fill my need as a laptop replacement. While this has been a longstanding feature in Samsung’s flagship series, it desperately needs to be exploited more than ever if the Galaxy S25 Ultra stands any chance at beating the best phone out there in the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
I totally get that Samsung is probably gambling on new Galaxy AI features to drive people to get the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but Samsung DeX has long been flying under the radar and deserves an overhaul. I think it’s the key to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s salvation.
It pains me to know that Samsung DeX was first released in 2017 with the launch of theGalaxy S8. Since then, there have been new features added to the desktop PC interface here and there, but it’s been stale the last three years.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra could be the perfect opportunity for Samsung to revamp the experience because DeX is one of the few services that satisfies that gap between laptops and phones. This concept of a phone offering an experience similar to a desktop PC has long been around, but most people don’t realize that Samsung DeX works on touchscreen displays.
I’ve connected myGalaxy S24 UltraandGalaxy Z Fold 6to an old portable monitor I have lying around, and to my surprise, the interface offers touch interaction — so it very much feels and acts like a tablet. From a productivity standpoint, this ability to lean on touch controls make DeX even more valuable with my day-to-day duties.
My point here is that people crave multi-functioning devices, much like how smartphones integrated the functions of point and shoot cameras, MP3 players and dedicated phones. Samsung DeX on the Galaxy S25 Ultra could potentially be good enough to replace my laptop, but it’s going to need more in order to get there.
Another component of Samsung DeX that needs to be enhanced are the Air Gestures of the S Pen. I suspect we’ll still get it on the S25 Ultra.
Even though the S Pen is first and foremost a pressure sensitive stylus for that rich paper meets pen experience, I would love for Samsung to make it the key component to interacting with DeX. I want to think of it much like how the Apple Vision Pro relies on hand gestures to navigate around its interface, so the S Pen could do the same for DeX.
In the current iteration of Samsung DeX, I’m mostly using a physical mouse connected to my phone for navigating around the interface, but I’d like Samsung to somehow incorporate even more gesture support with the S Pen. For example, I’d like to see the S Pen acting more like the mouse cursor in DeX — as well as offering functions that could execute pinch and scrolling gestures by flicking the S Pen in the air.
Samsung can’t afford to overlook DeX again
(Image credit: Future)
Just with any major phone launch, I’m always hopeful that there’s no price increase — which could be true for the S25 Ultra considering how the S24 Ultra got one last year. Either way, Samsung can’t afford to just sweep DeX under the table yet again with no major improvements. The iPhone 16 Pro Max has nothing remotely close to this, which is why it’s imperative that DeX gets the proper upgrade it deserves.
I’ve only learned recently from my colleague’sMac Mini M4 reviewthat you can hook it up to a portable monitor touchscreen support. Just imagine if the iPhone 17 Pro Max could do the same? Samsung can’t neglect the utility that DeX offers, so it needs to take it to the next level and prove that the interface can be intuitive and more functional with the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Huawei recently launched the world’s first tri-fold smartphone with dual folding screens. Samsung is also working on its tri-fold phone, which will be released internationally, unlike the China-exclusivity of Huawei’s Mate XT smartphone.
Samsung seemingly speeding up its work on the tri-fold phone. The company has got approval on a patent in the US Patent Office, as spotted by batterymap. The move suggests that Samsung wants to commercialize a tri-fold in the future.
The patent teases what a triple-folding Galaxy device might look like. Notably, the company submitted a patent application on date backing in July 2021. The authority has now approved the submission and published it on the database.
Samsung’s potential Tri-Fold phone could open once to a small tablet size and then extend again to reveal an even larger display. The aim is to offer the experience of a regular bar phone, a tablet, and a laptop through a single handset.
Simply put, the Galaxy Tri-Fold could be a replica of the Huawei Mate XT in terms of form factor and functionality. As Samsung is entering the market late, it’s working on an even more flexible panel with increased durability.
The work to lessen strain is also underway, to this end, the panel could get an anti-reflective layer. It may help with visibility and incorporating “at least one of stainless steel, invar, glass, and a titanium alloy” which could potentially help with durability.
At CES last year, Samsung Display showcased several prototypes with innovative form factors. The array also included a tri-fold device referred to as Flex S. Approval on the patent should finally bring the dream Tri-Fold Galaxy to reality.
Increased Durability and Flexibility While Huawei has already released its tri-fold device, Samsung is working on improving the flexibility and durability of the folding screen to ensure a longer. lasting and more resilient device. Keyelements include: 1.Anti-Reflective Layer: The display may include an anti-reflective layer, which would help improve visibility under bright light and reduce strain during extended use. 2.DurabilityEnhancements: Samsung’s panel will incorporate materials like stainless steel, invar, glass, and potentially titanium alloys, all of which would contribute to a sturdier device, reducing wear and tear from the repeated folding and unfolding of the screen. 3. Less Strain on the Panel: Samsung is focusing on ensuring that the folding process places minimal strain on the screen, preventing damage from repetitive folding and ensuring alonger lifespan for the display
Samsung’s Tri-Fold: A Step Toward the Future Samsung’s Tri-Fold device is expected to be a major leap in foldable technology. The Flex S, a tri-fold prototype showcased by Samsung Display at CEs last year, demonstrated the potential of this innovative form factor. The approval of the patent suggests that Samsung’s tri-fold phone may finally move from the prototype phase to mass production.
Important Aspects of Samsung’s Tri-Fold Phone 1. Triple Folding Screen: The device would fold three times, creating a dynamic user experience that can shift between asmartphone, tablet, and laptop-like screen size. 2. Durability Focus: Samsung is working on a more durable design, incorporating materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloys, and anti-reflective layers to improve the device’s lifespan and user experience. 3. International Availability: Unlike Huawei’s Mate XT, which remains exclusive to China, Samsung plans to launch its tri-fold phone internationally, making foldable technology more accessible to a broader audience. 4. Increased Flexibility: Samsung is working on a more flexible folding panel. which aims to provide better performance and durability compared to existing foldable devices. 5. Patented Design: The recent approval of Samsung’s Us patent for the Tri-Fold design points toward the device’s eventual commercial release, making the long-awaited dream of a foldable phone with triple folding a reality.
Samsung’s next premium set of smartphones have been pictured before being release early next year. While the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus are hard to tell apart from the current Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus, the Galaxy S25 Ultra should be easy to tell apart from the outgoing Galaxy S24 Ultra.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra should look a fair bit different from Samsung’s current ‘Ultra’ smartphone. (Image source: via Roland Quandt)
The Galaxy S25 series is likely a way off from being released. Ultimately, Samsung has not confirmed anything yet. However, the volume of Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra leaks recently implies that a repeat of an official introduction in January should be expected.
To that end, it now appears that third-parties are getting their accessories in order for the replacement of theGalaxy S24,Galaxy S24 PlusandGalaxy S24 Ultraearly next year. Specifically, Roland Quandt has shared images of what look like unofficial clear cases on X (formerly Twitter). As is often the case, it is unclear who has produced these cases.
Nonetheless, they match existing expectations for the Galaxy S25 series, which could be available exclusively with Qualcomm’s recentSnapdragon 8 Elitechipset. As such, the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Plus are the spitting image of their predecessors. Thus, both devices should launch with three rear-facing cameras arranged vertically with thin display bezels and a flat overall design.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will represent another modest redesign for Samsung’s ‘Ultra’ smartphones. Based on all available information, next year’s Galaxy S Ultra will move away from its predecessor’s boxy design, albeit while retaining a familiar camera design and a flat display. Supposedly, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be smaller than theGalaxy S24 Ultratoo, all in the aid of improved ergonomics. Incidentally, colour options for all three models recently leaked online, whichwe have covered separately.
Samsung Galaxy S25. (Image source via Roland Quandt)
Samsungis gearing up to launch theGalaxy S25 Ultra, powered by a customized version of Qualcomm’s latestSnapdragon 8 Eliteprocessor, specifically tailored as a “For Galaxy” edition. This chipset, built on a 3nm process, promises substantial improvements over previous generations, with Qualcomm touting a 45% CPU performance increase and a 44% boost in power efficiency.
Galaxy S25 Ultra on Geekbench with improved scores
These upgrades align with the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s recent benchmark scores on Geekbench, where the device, identified by model number “SM-S938U,” achieves single-core and multi-core scores of 3,148 and 10,236, respectively.
This reflects a nearly 35% boost in single-core and a 45% jump in multi-core performance over the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which scores around 2,200 and 7,100 points in the respective tests.
For those unfamiliar, the S25 Ultrapreviously surfacedon the platform with single-core and multi-core scores of 3069 and 9080, respectively. So there have been some sort of improvement in heat dissipation or performance optimization that enables the phone reach higher scores.
Samsung had reportedly beentestingits own Exynos 2500 chipset for the Galaxy S25 line but appears to have committed to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for mass production, potentially limiting the Exynos 2500 to select markets. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s early scores fall just below those achieved by theOnePlus 13‘s standard Snapdragon 8 Elite (3,296 in single-core), Samsung’s “For Galaxy” chip tuning might improve the performance and stability even further by the time the phone hits the market.
Moreover, Samsung has retained its configuration of 12 GB RAM for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, consistent since the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Samsung is expected to maintain its established design language for the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus, while rumors suggest a significant redesign for the Ultra model. The S25 Ultra could finally come with rounded corners and a completely flat display, similar to the other two models.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra looks increasingly likely to do away with the sharp corners of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but a new leak suggests it will not look wildly different from its predecessor.
Early on in the Galaxy S25 leak cycle, a design change rumor gained steam, but as we inch closer to the January launch, it looks like the update will be subtle. Leaker Roland Quandt has posted images of third-party silicon covers meant for the Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra.
Apart from some subtle tweaks to their dimensions, the base and Plus models are rumored to look identical to the models they are replacing.
TheGalaxy S25 Ultra, on the other hand, is all set toditch its iconic boxy design. It was said to adopt rounded corners, but as recent leaks have been suggesting, the edges will only be slightly curved, so the new device is not going to be a huge departure from its predecessor in terms of design. This hints that Samsung will maintain the broader elements of the distinctive design.
That said, the two devices will look noticeably different, with today’s leak also suggesting that the Galaxy S25 Ultra will have flat sides. This will apparently also make the side bezels look slimmer, as the curved side rails of the Galaxy S24 Ultra look like an extension of the side bezels, making them appear thicker than they actually are. The entire Galaxy S25 family will reportedly be powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset in all regions. Early reports have raised some concerns about potential overheating issues, but it’s potentially a false scare.
The phones are not expected to feature the same highest-end display material as the iPhone 16 Pro.
Samsung’s Android 15-based One UI 7 update will be launched the same day as the Galaxy S25, which is also expected to be Samsung’s first flagship phone to support seamless software updates.
(The camera units of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL.)
If you’re interested in picking up one of the best smartphones for photographers, then two of the big name choices are the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, both of which have excellent specifications for photographers.
In our standalone reviews of both these phones, we found that they are capable of producing excellent results. But now it’s time to put them squarely head to head and see which one comes out best. As such, I’ve used the phone to photograph a range of different scenarios to better see the differences.
(The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. )
With the Google Pixel 9 Pro series, there’s two screen sizes – 6.3-inch, or 6.8-inch. Therefore, this can also be considered a comparison with the Pixel 9 Pro, if you prefer the smaller screen size. Sadly, there’s only one size variant for the Samsung S24 Ultra.
In the table below I’ve compared the two phones, taking into account specifications that will likely primarily appeal to photographers. Where something is better, I’ve bolded it – there’s bold to be seen on both sides of the table.
(The screens of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL showing the native camera apps.) With regards to the cameras, there’s four available on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but only three for the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The main sensor on the Samsung has 200MP, while the Pixel’s is “only” 50MP. It’s worth pointing out that either way, the standard output is 12MP though.
Both have an ultrawide lens, and both have a 5x zoom lens. But the Samsung has an additional 3x zoom as well to add to the mix.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
200MP f/1.7 main camera,OIS,12MP output, 24mm
50MP f/1.68 main camera,OIS,12MP output,25mm
12MPf/2.2ultrawide camera, 13mm
48MPf/2.8 ultrawide camera, 12MP output,12mm
50MPf/3.4, 5x telephoto camera,111mm
48MPf/2.85x telephoto camera, 113mm
10MP f/2.4 3x telephoto camera, 67mm
No fourth camera
12MP f/2.2 selfie camera, AF
42MPf/2.2 selfie camera, AF
8K 30fps
4K 60fps / 8K “upscaling” via the cloud
6.8-inch3120 x 1440 pixels, 2600 nits brightness
6.8-inch Super Actua OLED 2992 x 1344 pixels,3000 nitsbrightness
Qualcomm Snapdragon Gen 3
Google Tensor G4
30 hour battery life, wireless and Fast (45W) charging available
24 hour+ battery life, wireless and Fast (45W) charging available
256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
256GB, 512GB, 1TB storage
162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm, 233g
162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5mm, 221g
In terms of other specs to think about – take a look at the screen. Both of these models have a very large 6.8-inch screen, which can be quite cumbersome to use. However, with the Pixel 9 Pro, you can get a smaller 6.3-inch device but keep the exact same camera set up. Otherwise, the Pixel is brighter, but the Samsung has higher resolution. The Samsung also has impressive anti-reflective technology for its screen, too. It’s also worth noting that the Samsung comes with an S Pen Stylus, which you can use to trigger the camera’s shutter remotely – useful for group portraits and so on.
(The screens of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL showing the native camera apps)
The native camera apps for both of these phones is quite extensive. Both have “pro” options, and both can shoot in raw. There’s a slew of additional AI-type features for the Pixel phone however, such as the fun “Add Me” feature – where you can take group shots without needing an additional person to take the photo. Both offer a good degree of editing within the native apps, too, again including plenty of AI editing options.
Image Quality I took photographs with both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL across a variety of situations to directly compare image quality, and here are the results.
Note, the S24 Ultra is on the left every time, and the Pixel 9 Pro XL is on the right every time.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
On the whole, both phones produce excellent images. Here, we’ve got the same scene shot with the 1x lens in both instances. Both are great but the Samsung has gone a little overboard with the colours, giving us unrealistic colours in both the sky and the sea. By contrast, the Pixel has boosted reality a little bit, so as to be pleasing, but without going too far. Both have plenty of detail, with perhaps just a touch more detail from the Samsung if you zoom in quite closely.
Here again we can see the differences in colour, with the sky on the Samsung shot very saturated. Arguably of course you might prefer this look, and it certainly gives landscapes shot a “zing” that arguably the Pixel doesn’t achieve in quite the same way.
Here we’ve got the Samsung’s 3x lens, but the Pixel doesn’t have one of those. Instead, I’ve compared it against the 2x digital zoom option, as that is an option that is directly displayed within the native camera app. This 2x option very closely matches the Samsung’s 3x lens in terms of detail and quality – showing that you don’t necessarily need that extra lens.
Both of the phones have a 5x zoom lens. Looking at them side by side, they’re very closely matched in quality, with both showing roughly the same level of detail and similar colour output. Both are not as good as the images produced by the 1x lens, but that’s what we’d expect.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
With the Samsung S24 Ultra, you’re promised up to 100x digital zoom, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL gives you a more staid 30x. However, the 100x is very definitely a marketing gimmick, generally producing unusable images. Even 20-30x from both phones produces fairly unimpressive results. However, the 10x option from both is quite solid. Remember that Samsung decided to ditch its 10x lens in favour of a high-resolution 5x lens for the S24 Ultra, suggesting that the digital 10x version was just as good as the previous 10x optical one. Both of the images seen here are pretty usable for social media sites and the like, but if you zoom in you can see a loss of detail quite clearly. The two pictures are fairly evenly matched, with perhaps a slightly better result from the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Both the Samsung and the Pixel use the ultrawide lens by default for macro work. The result is pretty good from either option, but the Samsung is a little bit brighter and a little bit cleaner if you look closely.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
Both models produce great images when shooting in low light, thanks to Night modes. These modes should automatically activate when low light levels are detected, but with both you can also manually switch them on. I prefer the colours from the Samsung, but, there’s marginally more detail in the shadow areas from the Pixel. Note that I carry out this assessment looking at the pictures on a large screen – the differences are much harder to spot on a phone screen.
Again with the ultrawide lenses, we have similarly pleasing results from both phones. There’s better colours again in the Samsung, but again marginally more detail in the shadow areas with the Pixel.
(S24 Ultra )
(Pixel 9 Pro XL ）
Just like with the good light shot, I’ve compared the 2x digital from the Pixel phone with the 3x optical lens from the Samsung here. The Pixel’s looks OK on a phone screen, but on a larger computer screen you can easily see that it’s quite smudgy, while the Samsung’s looks quite a bit better. Both should be fine for social sharing, however.
Here there’s more of a marked difference. The 5x lens from the Samsung, despite having a narrower aperture of f/3.4, seems to have produced a much better image than the 5x f/2.8 lens from the Pixel. The Pixel’s image is very smudgy and misses out a fair amount of detail. With either I’d probably be inclined to avoid using the 5x zoom lens when shooting in similar situations.
With both models you can shoot in a dedicated Portrait mode to create shallow depth of field effects. With the Samsung, you can shoot at 1x, 3x or 5x. The Pixel is restricted to either 1.5x or 2x, which is a bit of a shame. Both produce fairly good results, with good detail and a nice fall off in focus to the background. The Pixel has produced nicer colours however, especially regarding skin tones.
Considering its price point, the Samsung S24 Ultra has a somewhat disappointing selfie camera, only being 12MP. Meanwhile, the Pixel has a 42MP selfie camera, which sounds like it should be better in theory – though it should be noted that the output from it is 10.5MP. The Pixel selfie has more pleasing colours, being darker and richer, while the blur is nicer, too. Note that you can edit the level of blur with either phones – this is the standard / default option.
Price and Value for Money There’s no way anyone would consider either of these models to be for the budget conscious. However, it’s also true that opting for a high-end like this phone should see you able to keep hold of it for quite a while.
It’s a shame that Google’s Pixel prices have risen quite a bit in recent years – they used to be quite a good budget option, but now have prices roughly in line with other flagships. That said, you can save money here by opting for the smaller Pixel 9 Pro, if you’re happy enough to have a smaller screen but still want the best camera.
（The camera units of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. ） Pixel 9 Pro prices are: $999 (128GB), $1099(256GB), $1299(512GB) and $1499 for 1TB. If you want the bigger version, prices are $1099 (128GB), $1199 (256GB), $1399(512GB) or $1599 for 1TB.
For the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, you’ll be looking at $1299 (256GB), $1419 (512GB) or $1659 (1TB).
It’s also worth remembering the second-hand market, the Samsung is older so you’re more likely to find some available at cheaper prices that way. You should also take note of how well the brand is likely to hold its price when it comes to resale or trade-in – a Samsung is likely to be worth more in the future than a Pixel.
Verdict
Both of these Android phones would make an excellent choice for photographers looking for the best camera possible.
It’s another one of those times when it’s hard to pick an overall winner as both produce good shots across a range of conditions. On the whole though, I’d probably say I prefer the Pixel, with its slightly more muted (but more realistic) colours. Others may feel differently here though, so it’s a pretty subjective opinion.
(The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra next to the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. )
In terms of apps and handling, the Pixel has a few more fun options going for it, so I’d also put it ahead there, just about. As for price, as we have seen, it depends on where you are on which is the cheapest – but the Samsung is arguably better value for money as it’s likely to keep its value a bit better than the Samsung.
Ultimately, these two Android flagships are very closely matched. Which you might choose to buy may come down to a number of factors, not necessarily limited to the quality of the onboard camera.
Rumors are floating around that we’re (finally) approaching the start of Samsung’s Android 15 beta.
Well-known X tipsterIce Universeclaims that Samsung is preparing to launch its One UI 7 (Android 15) beta later in November (via9to5Google). The tipster’s post reads, “it will take another half month before Beta starts.” As others on X have started to guess, thatcouldput us around mid-November (fingers crossed).
While this might seem too good to be true, another tipster spotted more evidence.
Another tipster, Tarun Vats, discovered Samsung’s official One UI 7 beta forum pages have started appearing. Samsung has placed forum pages for the Galaxy S24 and S23 series under its “One UI Beta Program” tag. Users chimed in, asking questions about specifics such as the timing for each Galaxy model. Vats states they “don’t think” the One UI 7 beta will begin simultaneously for the S24 and the S23.
It’s unclear how much of an increased delay the past-gen series could see if this proves true. Additionally, Vats states these forum pages have appeared on Samsung’s U.S. community forums, furthering suspicions behind an upcoming Public Beta start for One UI 7.
Breaking News 💥One UI 7 beta for the Galaxy S24/S23 series is confirmed, as the Beta forum page has been created for it.Repost 🔁#OneUI7 #GalaxyS24 #GalaxyS23 #Samsung pic.twitter.com/0RFTHRS9YnOctober 31, 2024
With Samsung’s forum pages reportedly created for the S24 and S23 series, the company might hit that “later this year” estimation for the beta. Samsung’s Sally Hyesoon Jeong appeared at SDC 2024 where they stated users could “preview” the software in an upcoming beta. While a test period for developers was confirmed, regular users will have a chance once a “schedule is confirmed” by Samsung.
Seeing how the rumors have progressed, perhaps there’s hope that a confirmed schedule will be shared soon. Samsung’s One UI 7 experienced a more substantial delay than we expected. While the update isn’t expected until next year with the Galaxy S25 series, the company demoed the software during SDC 2024. The major OS upgrade was shown off on a Galaxy S24 Ultra, shedding light on a change: the separation of its notification and Quick Settings panels. It seems users may have to swipe on the left or right side of their device to access either panel.
That demo also clued us into the Apple-like vibes Samsung is pushing for with One UI 7 and its UI changes. However, 9to5 highlights Samsung’s next SDC event in Korea on November 21. There’s a chance that we’ll either hear more about One UI 7 there or, perhaps, that’ll kick off its beta.
More recently, a massive One UI 7 leak surfaced, showing Samsung’s parental and AI-focused features. It seems parents will have more built-in ways of protecting their children from harmful online content on their Galaxy devices. Samsung isn’t letting go of AI advancements as the leak showed One UI 7 may incorporate Circle to Search and tools to enhance photography.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is set for release in a few months and one of its upgrades will mark the end of an era. It will bring a completely different look yet much closer to the iPhone.
It’s about the ‘Curve’ Samsung was the first company to introduce curved edge screens in smartphones. The company picked up this display as a revolutionary technology to offer something different. The Galaxy S and Note series introduced curved display variations from 2015 to 2018.
Since then, the unique display outlook has been well received by customers. However, it isn’t the only thing in previous flagships, it is also the frame.
These devices were sold with a curved/rounded frame, creating an arc between the rear and front. This build helps to support device grip and improve aesthetics.
This was certain However, the upcoming change was not imminent, instead, it was gradual. That brings me to the S9 and S10+. These two models are the turning point for this entire conversation.
The Galaxy S9 and Note 9 have the largest curved edges in Samsung’s flagship lineup. This display feature was highly noticeable and the same goes for the Galaxy S10+ but for a different reason.
Its display curves shrunk to almost 30-40% alongside the frame. Afterward, these curves keep on shrinking not only for display but also for the frame to date.
In the meantime, there’s one more thing that happened, Samsung ended the Note series and merged its features into the S flagship including the S-Pen.
S24 Ultra – The Final Milestone Earlier this year, Galaxy S24 Ultra unveiled a flat screen, which completed the last step in this flat device transition.
Compared to Ultra, the standard and Plus models already received a new makeover and a similar frame. Compared to these two phones, the S24 Ultra retained its curved frame but the message was clear for the successor.
S25 Ultra – Completing the Circle A month ago, OnLeaks collaborated with Android Headlines to share the first Galaxy S25 Ultra CAD renders. These images have revealed a whole new chapter for the Ultra model and the entire S series lineup.
Samsung introduced titanium with the S24 Ultra but still looks identical to its predecessor. The S25 Ultra has implemented this material with a flat side but no curves in either direction.
The rear, the front, and the frame are creating a complete flat phone experience just like the s24 (base and Plus model).
This new design has also removed those clear sharp corners. Instead, S25U has rounded all four corners. This gives us an iPhone vibe but there’s another side to look at it.
Existing and previous Ultra models come with low bezels but its round frame completely overshadowed this display feature. That means the frame’s radius (curve) contributes as an extra bezel outside of the display.
With a flat frame, the phone looks thin on corners and sides. This change will highlight the slim bezels and full-view visuals. The phone maker has already experimented with this change with the S24 and S24 Plus and well received by customers.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Release Samsung decided the end of this curve era years ago and the S24 Ultra set the course straight. Now, Samsung is ready to complete this flat-screen flagship transition with the S25 Ultra and there’s a high chance that we’ll see this change in action with the phone’s release early next year.
We know that Apple is expected to replace what would have been the iPhone 17 Plus with a new ultra-thin phone that was at first dubbed the iPhone 17 Slim and has since been given the possible moniker of iPhone 17 Air. While the early rumors call for this phone to have the highest starting price among all of the iPhone 17 models, this pricing must be due to the design since there is nothing in the rumored spec sheet that would act as an incentive for buyers to pay up for the device.
Alao:EB-BS928ABY Battery for Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra For example, instead of being powered by the A19 Pro application processor (AP), the iPhone 17 Air is said to be equipped with the A19 AP. While the phone will have 8GB of RAM, enough to support Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will both feature 12GB of the stuff. And there will supposedly be just one rear camera on the phone which leads us to believe that the design of the iPhone 17 Air will be spectacular.
Now, we’ve often seen other smartphone manufacturers copy Apple when it comes to a major change. For example, after Apple removed the 3.5mm headset jack from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, other smartphone firms followed. Five years later, Apple decided to remove the battery charger from the boxes for the iPhone 12 line and this also w copied by other companies.
(Render of the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air expected during Q3 2025. | Image credit-FPT)
Apple’s decision to offer an ultra-thin iPhone could be the next big change to Apple’s most important product that other companies will copy. For example, ETNews reports that Samsung is reportedly working on an ultra-slim phone that would be based on the Galaxy S25 model but would be released after the launch of the regular Galaxy S25 flagship device in January 2025.
The report adds that Samsung would produce a limited number of Galaxy S25 Slim units in order to get a read on the demand for such a device. Samsung would then decide whether it should make any changes to the Galaxy S26 series. The Galaxy S25 Slim could hit the market during the second quarter of 2025 ahead of next year’s Q3 release of the iPhone 17 Air. If that’s the case, Samsung might be copying Apple even though Samsung’s slim phone would be released first.
