Why One UI 8.5 Could Be Samsung’s Most Personal Update

Samsung's next firmware milestone, One UI 8.5, is shaping up to be more than a routine refresh. Leaks and early hands-on builds suggest a mix of practical refinements and welcome customization that could change how Galaxy users personalize and use their phones.

Five headline features worth watching

• Deeper control panel customization — One UI 8.5 appears to unlock new ways to tailor the quick settings and control panel, making it easier to surface the toggles and layout you actually use. That small change can speed up everyday interactions and make the phone feel more yours.
• DeX gains multiple desktops — Previously a tablet-only perk, multi-desktop support is coming to DeX on phones. Productivity-focused users who run DeX on the Galaxy S25 Ultra (and future models) will be able to create and switch between multiple desktop spaces with far less friction.
• Simpler eSIM transfers — Leaks hint that One UI 8.5 will streamline moving an eSIM from an iPhone to a Galaxy — a practical improvement for anyone switching ecosystems or keeping a secondary line.
• Potential battery and network optimizations — Early firmware shows settings that limit network usage in the background, which could translate into longer battery life in real-world use. Results will vary, but this kind of system-level control is a promising direction.
• Fresh visuals and smarter backups — Expect new wallpapers and tweaks to photo backup behavior, including reports of broader changes to how pictures sync and store. Small visual updates plus improved cloud workflows can make daily photo management smoother.

Hands-on: what the early builds reveal

Our colleagues at SamMobile have been testing a third build of One UI 8.5 on a Galaxy S25 Ultra and put together an in-depth video covering the most notable changes. Spending time with the firmware shows Samsung focusing on polish and practical improvements rather than dramatic redesigns — think smarter defaults and more options for personalization.

Why it matters for Galaxy users

Imagine a control panel that fits how you use your phone, or being able to switch DeX workspaces like tabs on a browser. Those are the kinds of small but meaningful changes that improve daily workflows. For switchers, simpler eSIM transfer removes a persistent pain point. And anywhere the OS better manages background network activity, users stand to see tangible battery gains.

One UI 8.5 doesn’t flip the script, but it refines key touchpoints across Samsung’s software. If you’re on One UI 8.0 now, it’s worth keeping an eye on staged rollout dates — the update could make your Galaxy feel noticeably more tailored and efficient.

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