One UI 7 is Samsung’s latest update to its Android interface, and it feels like the most refined version yet. Building on the foundation of One UI 6, One UI 7 fixes old problems, adds long-requested features, and introduces new tools. The outdated design elements are replaced by a modern, cohesive motif that retains the signature Samsung feel.
The new UI visuals feel clean and consistent
One UI 7 provides the visual upgrade I didn’t know I needed. Buttons, menus, notifications, and control bars adopt a consistent, rounded style. New color schemes and soft animations polish the interface.
Samsung split notifications and quick settings into separate panels. Swiping down from the upper-right corner opens quick settings, and swiping down elsewhere reveals notifications. This small change makes both panels easier to manage and gives toggles more space.
Samsung has gone big in folders. You can expand folders on the home screen to see all the apps inside without opening them. It’s a subtle productivity hack that keeps me from endlessly tapping around.
The app drawer finally scrolls vertically. This is a welcome change that I’ve longed for since earlier versions of One UI. New accents refresh app icons, and redesigned widgets appear consistent and are visually rich. The new Now Bar on the lock screen adds a subtle, useful touch. Plus, Samsung brought back lock-screen widgets and shortcuts.
One UI 7 still feels distinctly Samsung, but it’s cleaner and easier to enjoy. While the layout hasn’t changed dramatically, the little refinements add to a UI that feels well put together.
AI tools are now baked into the OS and everyday tasks
What sets One UI 7 apart is the deep integration of AI into everything. A four-star Galaxy AI icon appears if you select text anywhere (in Notes or another app). Tapping it opens writing tools that fix grammar, rephrase text, and change tone, which is handy when I reply to emails. The Phone app transcribes and summarizes recorded calls. This feature suits work calls and retrieves forgotten details. Samsung Photo Editor is now smarter. Galaxy AI suggests lighting and color adjustments based on image content.
One UI search can now understand natural language questions. I tested this by saying “tired eyes,” and Settings showed me screen brightness and Eye Comfort Shield. Samsung also doubled down on Google integration. Long pressing the side button opens Gemini to query the language model. One UI 7 brings in Google’s Circle to Search, and it’s easily one of the features I use most.
One UI 7 improves overall performance and system fluidity
On the performance side, One UI 7 delivers on many fronts. Scrolling through web pages and social media feels crisp and fluid, thanks to under-the-hood optimizations. I’ve noticed fewer frame drops while gaming. The updated Game Booster allows you to change the graphics settings for each game. I tested it with my favorite Android games, and the improvement was noticeable.
Battery life has been a mixed bag. I noticed the battery drained a bit faster. I think the battery hit in One UI 7 is due to the new AI upgrades. However, I’m optimistic Samsung will sort things out. Samsung still trails its rivals in charging tech, but One UI 7 brought new battery health tools. You can now cap charging at 80% to 95% to preserve longevity. While raw endurance may need future tweaks, Samsung has at least given us more control over charging habits.
New privacy features help protect your data
One UI 7 shows that Samsung takes security seriously. Improved Samsung Cloud backup and recovery protect sensitive data. If you lose your phone, you can recover passwords and health information on a new device by verifying the security of the old phone’s lock screen. I also like the new passkey support for Samsung accounts. Logging in without typing a password feels futuristic. It’s part of the broader move toward passwordless logins, and I’m all for it.
Default privacy settings in the Messages and Gallery apps now offer tighter control. You can strip location data from photos with a single tap before sharing. One UI 7 also allows blocking the USB data port while the phone is locked.
One UI 7 proves Samsung still knows what matters
Having lived with One UI 7 for some time, I’m convinced Samsung got it right. The core Samsung experience and all our familiar apps still work as they always did, but everything around them is more forward-thinking. It’s packed with thoughtful features that make me love using a Samsung again.
