Samsung’s One UI 7 Rollout: A Messy Affair Causing Doubts Among Users
Samsung's latest One UI 7 update has been plagued with issues, leaving many users questioning their loyalty to the brand. What started as a delayed release has now escalated into a feature-incomplete experience for some, raising concerns about Samsung's handling of software updates and its commitment to supporting older devices.
The initial rollout of One UI 7 was already marred by delays. It took Samsung six months after Android 15's release on Pixel phones to finally push One UI 7 to the Galaxy S24 series and the Galaxy Z Fold 6/Z Flip 6. Even after that, another month passed before the update was ready for older phones. This sluggish pace was further complicated by communication gaps, leaving users in the dark about the update's progress.
The situation worsened when users of older **Samsung Galaxy** devices, like the S23 series, discovered that key features present in the One UI 7 version on the S25 series were missing. Features like Log video support, Motion Photos, AI Audio Eraser, Photo Ambient Wallpaper, and AI-powered health insights in Samsung Health, are nowhere to be found. This discrepancy has led to frustration and a sense of betrayal among users who feel that Samsung is intentionally withholding features from capable devices to push sales of newer models.
"It's normal for companies to limit some software features to more modern smartphones," explains Robert Triggs of Android Authority. "Samsung, Google, Apple, and every other brand does it. But when that happens, we expect a disclaimer about it ahead of time. Samsung never did anything of the sort."
Adding to the chaos, the initial public rollout of One UI 7 had to be temporarily halted due to bugs, further damaging Samsung's reputation. This series of missteps has prompted some tech reviewers, including Ryan Haines from Android Authority, to reconsider recommending Samsung phones. "After all of the One UI 7 issues, are you going to keep buying Samsung phones?" he asks.
Despite these setbacks, Samsung has been working to rectify the situation. The company recently rolled out One UI 7 to 2021 and 2022 flagship devices, including the **Galaxy S21**, **Galaxy S22**, and **Galaxy Z Flip/Fold** series. However, the update process hasn't been without its hiccups, with some users experiencing delays and installation issues.
The One UI 7 update sizes and versions varies depend on the device, Scott Younker of Tom's Guide noted that the download took 15 minutes with the install scheduled much later in the day. However, phones do give users the option to install the updates right away if they are ok with rendering the phone unusable for about twenty minutes.
It's also worth noting that Samsung started opening One UI 7 up to a wider range of Galaxy devices in the US. This includes the **Galaxy S22**, **Galaxy S21**, **Galaxy Z Fold 4**, **Galaxy Z Flip 4** and **Galaxy Z Fold 3**. Also some Galaxy tablets should see an update in the coming months.
The ongoing One UI 7 saga raises critical questions about Samsung's software strategy. Will the company address the concerns of its user base and provide clearer communication regarding future updates? Or will these issues continue to erode trust and drive consumers towards competing brands? Only time will tell.
What are your thoughts on the One UI 7 rollout? Have you experienced any issues with the update? Share your opinions in the comments below!
