Samsung One UI’s Epic Evolution: From TouchWiz Woes to Android’s Feature King

Key Facts

Launch & Purpose:One UI debuted in late 2018 as Samsung’s complete overhaul of its Android software, replacing the laggy TouchWiz interface. It was designed for better one-handed use on big phones, with large headers and key controls shifted lower on the screen for easy thumb reach technastic.com en.wikipedia.org. A system-wide Night mode (dark theme) was also introduced from day one technastic.com en.wikipedia.org.
Iterative Updates: Samsung has delivered frequent One UI updates (often two major waves per year) aligned with Android releases and device launches. From One UI 1.0 (Android 9) in 2018 up to One UI 8.0 (Android 16) in 2025, there have been numerous version bumps, each bringing new features and refinements (see detailed timeline below) technastic.com technastic.com. Notably, One UI 7 (Android 15) in 2025 was one of the biggest overhauls, while One UI 8 focused on minor polish and AI integration sammobile.com sammobile.com.
Core Features: One UI has distinguished itself with feature richness and customization. It offers unique capabilities like Samsung DeX (desktop mode), an advanced Camera app (with modes like Expert RAW), Bixby Routines/Modes for automation, Good Lock modules for deep customization, and extensive support for multi-window multitasking androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Samsung’s UX emphasizes a cohesive look, smooth animations, and useful extras (e.g. Always-On Display, Secure Folder, etc.), albeit with some pre-installed bloatware apps androidauthority.com.
Competitive Standing: As of 2025, One UI is widely regarded as one of the top Android interfaces. Tech experts often rank it at or near the top for its “dizzying variety of features” and long update support, tied with Google’s Pixel in length of updates (up to 7 years) androidauthority.com. It’s frequently praised as the most complete Android skin, even compared favorably against Google’s Pixel UI and Apple’s iOS for its functionality androidauthority.com techadvisor.com (though critics note Pixel and iOS feel a bit sleeker with less bloat).
Recent Focus – AI & Updates: In 2024–2025, Samsung shifted focus to AI-powered features in One UI. One UI 7 introduced “Galaxy AI” features (like on-device recorder and content summarization, image generation, live translation during calls) and a contextual “Now Bar” on the lock screen for at-a-glance info androidauthority.com androidcentral.com. Samsung also revamped its update strategy: as of 2025, new foldable Galaxies now debut with the latest Android/One UI mid-year, while Galaxy S flagships launch with a mid-cycle One UI (with additional features) early-year sammobile.com sammobile.com. The One UI 8 update (Android 16) rolled out in late 2025, bringing modest refinements, faster release timing, and more AI enhancements across the board sammobile.com sammobile.com.

From TouchWiz to One UI: A Fresh Start for Samsung Software

Samsung’s One UI represents a radical reboot of the company’s software experience, shedding the infamous legacy of TouchWiz. Prior to One UI, Samsung’s custom Android skin (TouchWiz, later rebranded Samsung Experience) had a reputation for heavy, cluttered design and sluggish performance, often bloated with features that slowed devices technastic.com. In November 2018, Samsung officially unveiled One UI at its Developer Conference as the solution – a cleaner, more minimalist interface focused on usability on large screens en.wikipedia.org.

The design philosophy behind One UI was to make using big smartphones “natural” and one-hand friendly. Samsung observed that users struggled to reach the top of tall displays, so One UI literally rearranges the interface: common buttons, menus and pop-ups are positioned in the lower half of the screen, while the upper part often just shows large, easy-to-read headings en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org. This way, you can accomplish most tasks with your thumb without stretching. Many Samsung apps gained large blank headers at the top, pushing actionable content downwards. The overall look was also simplified – reducing visual clutter and distraction compared to TouchWiz. A built-in Night Mode (dark theme) was introduced in One UI 1.0, years before stock Android would natively support it, offering a darker color scheme for comfortable viewing at night technastic.com en.wikipedia.org.

Samsung initially rolled out One UI as an update to existing flagship phones (like the Galaxy S8/S9 and Note 8/Note9) on Android Pie, and it came pre-installed on the Galaxy S10 series in early 2019. From the outset, One UI was met with positive reception for dramatically improving Samsung’s software experience. It felt smoother and more coherent, shedding some gimmicks of TouchWiz in favor of a modern, Material Design-inspired aesthetic. The interface featured rounded icons, consistent styling, and lots of polish.

Crucially, One UI wasn’t a one-off — it became an ongoing project, with Samsung committing to regular updates and improvements. In fact, Samsung’s update tempo with One UI has been impressively swift for a third-party Android OEM. Major One UI versions have typically coincided with annual Android OS upgrades (often delivered to Galaxy devices by Q4 each year), and minor interim updates (.1 or .5 versions) often debut with new Galaxy launches in between technastic.com sammobile.com. Over time, One UI evolved from version 1.0 up to the latest iterations, each adding not just Android’s new base features but plenty of Samsung-exclusive enhancements.

Below, we present a detailed timeline of One UI versions, charting its evolution from 2018 through 2025 – including major features introduced at each step, right up to One UI 6 and beyond.

One UI Version Timeline: Releases and Key Features (2018–2025)

Samsung has released numerous One UI updates, both major and minor. Here’s a chronological breakdown of One UI versions along with their release dates and notable new features:

One UI 1.0 – November 7, 2018 (Android 9 Pie): First release of One UI. Brought the new one-handed focused design, with a “reachability” focused layout. Introduced system-wide Night Mode, cleaner app icons, and reduced visual clutter to replace TouchWiz’s busy look technastic.com.
One UI 1.1 – February 20, 2019 (Android 9 Pie): Minor update launching with Galaxy S10. Added Bixby Routines (automated if-this-then-that tasks), Wireless PowerShare (battery share UI) and support for the new ultrawide camera features on Samsung’s latest phones technastic.com.
One UI 1.5 – August 12, 2019 (Android 9 Pie): Shipped on Galaxy Note10. Brought DeX for PC (use Samsung DeX on a computer via USB), an improved Camera UI, and other tweaks technastic.com. This update further refined the initial One UI design and prepared the software for Samsung’s first foldable (the Galaxy Fold launched with a variant of One UI).
One UI 2.0 – November 7, 2019 (Android 10): Major update aligning with Android 10. Introduced improved gesture navigation, minimized notification pop-ups (less intrusive), an enhanced Dark Mode (expanded to wallpapers and more apps), and better Digital Wellbeing tools technastic.com. Overall UI polish and smoother animations were part of this release.
One UI 2.1 – February 14, 2020 (Android 10): Launched with Galaxy S20 series. Added Quick Share (Samsung’s AirDrop-like file sharing) and Music Share for sharing Bluetooth audio, plus new camera features like Pro Video mode for advanced recording technastic.com.
One UI 2.5 – August 21, 2020 (Android 10): Debuted on Galaxy Note20. Brought Wireless DeX (run DeX on a Miracast TV without cable), more Pro Video enhancements, improved Samsung Notes app (sync and audio bookmarks) and other refinements technastic.com technastic.com.
One UI 3.0 – December 2, 2020 (Android 11): Major redesign and refresh. Introduced updated UI elements with more blur effects and transparency, smoother system animations, and an improved lockscreen with new widgets (e.g. seeing widgets by tapping clock) technastic.com. Enhanced performance and stability were noted, addressing some lag from 2.x.
One UI 3.1 – January 14, 2021 (Android 11): Shipped with Galaxy S21 series. Brought features like Object Eraser (AI removal of objects in photos), Eye Comfort Shield (blue light filter enhancements), Private Share (secure file sharing with expirations), and Multi Mic Recording (record audio from phone + Bluetooth mic simultaneously) technastic.com.
One UI 3.1.1 – August 11, 2021 (Android 11): An update optimized for Samsung’s new foldables (Galaxy Z Fold3/Flip3). It introduced better multi-window and continuity features for folding screens, enhanced Flex Mode tweaks, and overall optimization for large displays and tablets technastic.com. This made One UI more adaptable across various form factors.
One UI 4.0 – November 15, 2021 (Android 12): Adopted Google’s Android 12 and its Material You theming. Added a Color Palette feature to theme UI accents based on wallpaper technastic.com. Brought improved privacy indicators (mic/camera usage icons), and redesigned widgets picker. Performance was further improved. This version solidified One UI’s modern look while integrating Android 12’s visual overhaul.
One UI 4.1 – February 25, 2022 (Android 12): Launched with Galaxy S22 series. Introduced Smart Calendar (auto-parsing dates from messages), RAM Plus adjustments (tweak virtual RAM size), and extended Pro camera mode support to more lenses technastic.com. Minor polish across the board.
One UI 4.1.1 – August 25, 2022 (Android 12L): Released with Galaxy Z Fold4/Flip4. Integrated Android 12L’s large-screen features, like a PC-like taskbar on tablets/foldables for quick app switching technastic.com, and enhanced dual-pane layouts in apps. Improved Flex Mode controls for foldable devices were added.
One UI 5.0 – October 12, 2022 (Android 13): Major update emphasizing usability and personalization. Brought redesigned notifications (bolder app icons, new layout), stackable widgets on the home screen, expanded Modes and Routines (upgraded Bixby Routines with preset modes for sleep, drive, etc.), and more emoji and visualization tweaks technastic.com. Animations got faster and smoother, making the UI feel more fluid.
One UI 5.1 – February 13, 2023 (Android 13): Shipped with Galaxy S23 series. Added Gallery app improvements like AI-powered Photo Remaster and GIF optimization, new battery widgets (to monitor device & buds battery), enhanced Weather widget, and minor UI tweaks technastic.com. Continued refining the Android 13 experience.
One UI 5.1.1 – August 11, 2023 (Android 13): Foldable-centric update with Galaxy Z Fold5/Flip5. Introduced two-handed drag-and-drop (use two fingers to drag content between apps), improved Flex Mode panel (new media controls when device is partially folded), and a more powerful taskbar for multitasking technastic.com.
One UI 6.0 – October 26, 2023 (Android 14): Brought a fresh coat of paint and quality-of-life updates. Samsung debuted a new default font called One UI Sans for a cleaner look, and redesigned the Quick Settings panel – making toggles and media controls more accessible and visually refreshed technastic.com. The notification shade and settings got minor layout updates. One UI 6 also added more emoji (including the latest Unicode set) and usability tweaks in camera and multitasking. This update continued Samsung’s trend of refining the UI’s look and feel without drastic changes.
One UI 6.1 – January 17, 2024 (Android 14): Introduced alongside Galaxy S23 FE and mid-cycle releases. It began infusing Samsung’s new “Galaxy AI” features into the UI technastic.com. Early AI additions included improved battery protection intelligence (e.g. adaptive charging to 85%), Super HDR camera enhancements, and smarter device care suggestions. This was a relatively small update feature-wise.
One UI 6.1.1 – July 10, 2024 (Android 14): Launched with new foldables (Z Fold6/Flip6). Further Galaxy AI enhancements arrived – such as Portrait Studio (AI-driven photo edits), Sketch to Image generation (AI art from drawings), and Suggested Reply in messaging notifications technastic.com. Multitasking got even better on big screens. Samsung signaled with these 6.1.x updates that AI would play a growing role in One UI’s future.
One UI 7.0 – January 22, 2025 (Android 15): A landmark update, touted by Samsung as “one of the biggest updates in One UI history” technastic.com. It delivered a complete UI revamp and deep AI integration. Visually, One UI 7 brought a bold new design with more modern, fluid elements and greater personalization options news.samsung.com. It finally introduced a vertically scrolling app drawer by default (no more horizontal pages) and a split pane for notifications vs. quick toggles – a departure that reviewers found made the interface cleaner and more intuitive androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. Now Bar was introduced on the lock screen as Samsung’s answer to Apple’s Dynamic Island; it’s a pill-shaped overlay that shows contextual live info (music controls, timers, etc.) at a glance, so you don’t need to fully wake or unlock the phone androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. One UI 7 also delivered a redesigned Camera app UI (with modes easier to reach with your thumb) androidcentral.com and lots of under-the-hood AI smarts: Galaxy AI features like AI Select (intelligently select text or elements on-screen), Live voice translation, Writing Assist for text summaries, Drawing Assist for generating images from sketches, and more were baked into the system news.samsung.com news.samsung.com. Samsung even integrated Google’s new Gemini AI (a powerful generative AI) deeply into One UI 7 – users can long-press the side key and ask conversational queries (e.g. find a nearby restaurant) and get results instantly via the on-device AI news.samsung.com. In short, One UI 7 was a massive upgrade that made the UI more vibrant, smarter, and more future-forward, though its rollout was slower than usual due to the scope of changes. (Galaxy S25 launched with it, but older flagships had to wait a bit) Samsung ultimately delayed One UI 7’s release to ensure stability, skipping any 7.1 minor update entirely to focus on this big leap technastic.com sammobile.com.

One UI 7’s new “Now Bar” (green pill at bottom) provides Dynamic-Island-like controls on the lock screen – showing media playback, timers, and other live updates that you can tap without fully unlocking the phone androidcentral.com. This was part of Samsung’s push for more glanceable, context-aware UI in One UI 7.

One UI 8.0 – September 2025 (Android 16): The latest chapter in One UI (as of 2025). Interestingly, One UI 8 arrived earlier than past cycles – Samsung began its beta by mid-2025 and the stable One UI 8.0 update landed in September (first on Galaxy S25 devices) sammobile.com sammobile.com. One UI 8 is based on Android 16, but by all accounts it is a smaller upgrade – more of a fine-tuning after the big changes in 7.0 sammobile.com. Visually and in layout, One UI 8 “looks and feels almost identical to its predecessor”, with only minor tweaks (some buttons in Samsung apps got new outlines, new blur effects in menus, etc.) sammobile.com. Under the hood, Android 16 itself was a modest update, and Samsung added only a few of its own features. One UI 8 mainly backports some Galaxy S25 and Fold7 exclusives to older models: for example, it adds “Now Brief” (a Galaxy AI assistant panel with personalized daily suggestions) to devices that lacked it, and brings the log video recording feature from the newest camera to older Fold/Flip phones sammobile.com. Samsung’s official changelog also notes improved Quick Share (easier file sharing), a redesigned Samsung Internet browser, better multi-monitor support in DeX, and productivity enhancements in Calendar and Reminders sammobile.com. One UI 8 thus feels like a polish release, focusing on stability and minor improvements – which is why some commentators even joked it could have been named “7.1” sammobile.com. Despite its smaller scope, One UI 8 represents Samsung syncing up faster with Google’s releases (thanks to Google expediting Android 16) sammobile.com. It comes preloaded on the late-2025 foldables (Galaxy Z Fold7/Flip7 launched with it) en.wikipedia.org, and is scheduled to hit most recent Galaxy models by end of 2025 in a phased rollout sammobile.com sammobile.com.

(Note: Samsung also offered a stripped-down “One UI Core” on some budget models in earlier years, which omitted certain heavy features to run more smoothly on low-end hardware. As of One UI 6, Samsung stopped using the Core variant and now even budget phones get the full One UI feature set (with some features simply disabled if hardware can’t support them) en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org.)

One UI’s Key Features and What Makes It Stand Out

One UI isn’t just about cosmetic changes – over the years, Samsung has packed it with features that differentiate Galaxy devices. Here are some core pillars of One UI’s experience:

Refined, One-Handed Design: One UI’s interface is crafted for ergonomics. Large phones become easier to use thanks to thumb-friendly layouts – common UI elements (menus, tabs, pop-ups) sit in the middle or bottom of the screen instead of the top, so you don’t have to use two hands en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org. Apps often start with a big blank space or title at the top (pushing content down) until you scroll. This “reachability” concept, combined with consistently smooth animations and a clean modern aesthetic, makes One UI feel cohesive. The style uses Samsung’s unique iconography and now even a custom font (One UI Sans) to give Galaxy devices a distinctive look. At the same time, One UI keeps pace with Android’s design trends – for example, adopting Material You theming in version 4, and refreshing widget designs and color palettes over time.
Customization & Good Lock: Samsung provides unparalleled customization in One UI, especially compared to stock Android or iOS. Beyond built-in options (themes, icon packs, Always-On Display styles, edge lighting effects, etc.), power users can use Samsung’s Good Lock app suite, which offers modules to tweak nearly every aspect of the interface. With Good Lock, you can redesign your task switcher layout, create your own quick setting buttons, radically customize lock screen clock, and much more – all officially supported by Samsung androidauthority.com. This level of deep customization out-of-the-box is something no other major OEM or even Android itself offers to the same extent. One UI also supports Modes and Routines (formerly Bixby Routines) to let users automate settings based on conditions (time, location, device state), providing a personalized, smart experience. In short, One UI can be whatever you want it to be in terms of look and function.
Feature-Rich Ecosystem Integration: Samsung differentiates One UI with features that leverage its broader ecosystem and hardware. A prime example is Samsung DeX – built into One UI, it allows your phone or tablet to power a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor/TV or even wirelessly technastic.com. This turns a Galaxy device into a PC replacement for multitasking with windows. One UI also includes tight integration with S Pen stylus support on Galaxy Note/S Ultra devices (with features like Air Command, Screen-off memos, handwriting recognition), and cross-device continuity with Samsung’s tablets and Windows PCs (e.g. Link to Windows, Second Screen). The Camera app in One UI is known for offering tons of modes and controls – from Pro mode adjustments to Single Take, and even a separate Expert RAW app for enthusiasts to capture RAW photos androidauthority.com. Samsung Knox security is another integrated advantage, providing secure folder encryption and business-grade protections as part of the OS. Even seemingly simple apps like Samsung Internet (browser) or Samsung Pay/Wallet are deeply tied into One UI to offer alternatives to Google’s default apps, often with added features (like ad-blocking extensions in the browser, or MST payment tech in older Samsung Pay). All these additions mean One UI devices come loaded with capabilities out of the box.
Multitasking and Big-Screen Excellence: One UI has increasingly focused on multitasking enhancements, especially with Samsung leading the foldable phone and large tablet market. It supports one of the best implementations of split-screen multi-window (drag an app out from the sidebar to open in split view or pop-up view), floating window (Picture-in-Picture and freeform windows for apps), and on foldables, a PC-like taskbar for quickly switching or launching apps side-by-side technastic.com technastic.com. Features like app pairs (to launch two apps in split screen with one tap) and the aforementioned Good Lock modules (e.g. MultiStar) give heavy multitaskers a lot of power. With foldable devices, One UI also adds unique features like Flex Mode panels (when the device is half-folded, controls move to one half and content to the other) and continuity (apps smoothly transition from the cover screen to the big screen). In short, One UI is built for productivity, turning phones into powerhouses for doing multiple things at once – an area where iOS and many other Android skins fall behind. Even on traditional phones, simple touches like pinning shortcuts in the recents menu, or quickly swapping split-screen app positions, make multitasking easier.
AI and Smart Features: As of 2023–2025, Samsung is heavily integrating AI-driven features into One UI. Some of these are user-facing, like “Galaxy AI” enhancements: One UI can summarize articles on-screen, recommend actions based on context, or intelligently edit photos. For example, AI Select can recognize and lift text from images or suggest the best screenshots, while Writing Assistant can auto-format or summarize text you’ve highlighted news.samsung.com. The Camera’s AI scene optimizer and new features like Photo Remaster (which uses AI to upscale or fix images) are also part of One UI’s offerings. Samsung even worked with Google to integrate the upcoming Gemini AI (Google’s next-gen AI model) for voice commands and intelligent search on device – One UI 7 lets you long-press the power button and speak naturally to perform complex tasks (like “find pet-friendly Italian restaurants nearby”), which the phone can handle in one shot news.samsung.com. This is Samsung’s answer to iOS’s Siri and Google Assistant, but more deeply woven into the system. We can expect One UI to continue expanding its AI features (with rumors of offline AI capabilities and more personalization in future releases).
Long-Term Updates and Device Support: Samsung has made significant strides in software support. One UI is not just feature-rich; it’s also supported for many years on devices. Samsung now promises 4–5 years of major Android/One UI updates and up to 7 years of security patches on its recent phones androidauthority.com – matching or exceeding Google and Apple’s policies. This is a huge selling point: a phone like the Galaxy S23 (launched with One UI 5) can expect to get One UI 6, 7, 8, 9 and beyond over its lifetime. Such longevity is rare in Android land (for instance, OnePlus offers 4 years Android updates on latest flagships, and Xiaomi about 4, which Samsung beats) androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. This commitment means One UI’s new features eventually reach older devices too, keeping the ecosystem consistent. Moreover, Samsung’s monthly update cadence delivers not just security fixes but also One UI feature drops and improvements periodically. For users, One UI combines the polish of a mature ecosystem with the assurance of long-term support, something once only associated with Google’s Pixel or Apple’s iPhone.
Yes, There’s Bloat (But Many Don’t Mind): One cannot talk about One UI’s features without addressing the bloatware question. Samsung historically pre-installs a bunch of its own apps (a whole Samsung suite parallel to Google’s), plus partners like Microsoft (Office apps, etc.) and occasionally carrier apps. By 2025, Samsung has improved – you can disable or uninstall many of these, and the software feels lighter than TouchWiz days – but there are still more pre-loaded apps than on a Pixel or iPhone. Reviewers note the “sheer variety of pre-installed Samsung apps, Microsoft apps, and third-party bloatware” as One UI’s main downside androidauthority.com. However, Samsung argues these add value (e.g., Samsung’s messages/phone apps support features Google’s might not in certain regions; Microsoft tie-ins improve productivity). For most users, the bloat is not deal-breaking given the hardware capacity of modern phones and the option to ignore or remove apps. Still, it’s an area where One UI’s philosophy (offer everything including the kitchen sink) contrasts with the minimalism of some competitors.

One UI vs. iOS, Pixel UI, and Other Interfaces: How Does it Compare?

Samsung’s One UI doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it competes with other smartphone interfaces, each with its own philosophy. Here’s a look at how One UI stacks up against Apple’s iOS, Google’s Pixel UI (stock Android), and other popular Android skins like OnePlus’s OxygenOS (and its cousin Oppo ColorOS), etc.

One UI vs. Apple’s iOS (iPhone)

Comparing One UI to iOS is essentially comparing Android to Apple’s ecosystem, but it’s instructive. iOS is known for its simplicity, smooth performance, and tightly controlled design. Apple’s design language is consistent across devices, but also quite rigid – you can’t customize the home screen beyond app icons and widgets, there’s no app drawer (all apps sit on home pages), and Apple tightly integrates services across devices. One UI, being an Android overlay, inherently offers more freedom: you have an app drawer, you can place icons or widgets freely or even install third-party launchers, and features like theme support or dynamic wallpapers are much more flexible.

In terms of user experience, modern One UI has closed the gap with iOS in smoothness – Samsung’s flagship phones feel snappy and animations are polished, though some users still find iOS’s UI transitions a tad more fluid and consistent (Apple tunes iOS specifically for its hardware). One UI’s advantage is in feature breadth: for power users, One UI can simply do more. For example, true multitasking – on a Galaxy, you can run two apps split-screen or pop-up, which iPhones (apart from some limited iPad features) still don’t allow. One UI has a file manager exposed to the user; iOS hides its file system. On the other hand, iOS wins on simplicity – it has fewer toggles and settings to manage, which some appreciate. One UI’s depth means there are dozens of options in settings (sometimes duplicating Android’s and Samsung’s own), which can be overwhelming.

In recent years, Samsung and Apple have drawn inspiration from each other. One UI 7’s introduction of Now Bar – giving quick info in a pill on the lock screen – is clearly influenced by Apple’s Dynamic Island on iPhone (which presents live activities around the notch) androidcentral.com. Samsung implemented it differently (at the bottom of the screen for easier reach), but the concept of surfacing contextual info is shared. Conversely, Apple has borrowed things like widgets and an app library (like Android’s app drawer concept) in iOS 14+, and introduced an Action Button on iPhone 15 Pro that in some ways mimics Samsung’s long-standing customizable side key (which can launch apps or routines in One UI).

In summary, iOS vs One UI often comes down to preference: simplicity and tight integration (iOS) versus customization and feature richness (One UI). A Tech Advisor review of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra perhaps put it best – it praised Samsung’s One UI 7 as “the best software experience we’ve ever seen on a Samsung phone (and maybe an Android phone full stop)”, noting its extensive AI features and polish techadvisor.com. iPhones still excel in consistency and some would argue ease-of-use, but Samsung has made great strides such that switching from iOS to One UI (or vice versa) is largely a smooth experience now, with each providing a very high-quality interface.

One UI vs. Google’s Pixel UI (Stock Android)

Google’s Pixel UI (the interface on Pixel phones, often considered “stock” Android) is actually One UI’s closest rival in many rankings. In fact, as of 2025, Pixel’s flavor of Android and Samsung’s One UI are often ranked #1 and #2 among Android skins by tech reviewers androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. They represent two approaches: Pixel UI is clean, minimal, and Google-driven, whereas One UI is feature-packed and Samsung-driven.

Design and interface: Pixel UI sticks closely to Material Design guidelines and now Material You dynamic theming. It tends to have a light, airy feel with Google’s design touches (e.g., bubbly notifications, Google Sans font). One UI uses a slightly different design language (Samsung’s icons, etc.), but since Android 12 onward the gap has narrowed with One UI supporting Material You color theming too. Still, Pixel UI feels more “Google” – e.g., the Google Feed is a swipe away, Google’s dialer and messaging apps are default, etc. One UI uses many Samsung apps by default (which some consider bloat), but also adds useful touches like more advanced volume controls, a robust Gallery app, etc.

Features: This is where One UI clearly outshines stock Android. As Android Authority notes, “nobody – not even Google – matches One UI for the sheer number of features.” androidauthority.com Pixel UI often introduces some smart features (call screening, Now Playing music ID, etc.), but Samsung usually has an equivalent or alternative: e.g., Pixel has Call Screening; One UI has Smart Call with Hiya or simply the ability to record calls. Pixel has Google Recorder; Samsung has its own Voice Recorder (and now text summary features). Pixel lacks things like scrolling screenshots until Android 12; Samsung had it long before. Pixel only recently added a basic Battery Share; Samsung had Wireless PowerShare since One UI 1.1 technastic.com. In multitasking, Pixel’s capabilities are bare-bones (split screen and PiP) whereas Samsung offers a desktop mode (DeX) and more. However, Pixel UI focuses on a few exclusive smarts: for example, Google’s Assistant and AI features are very well integrated (Pixel’s voice typing is superb, spam call handling is best-in-class, etc.). Samsung has Bixby and now some Galaxy AI, but Google Assistant is generally considered more powerful – though you can of course use Assistant on Samsung phones too.

Performance and updates: Pixel phones often get the latest Android version first (since Google releases it), whereas Samsung phones receive it with a short delay as One UI is adapted – but Samsung has dramatically improved here, often rolling out new Android-based One UI within 2-3 months of release. In terms of longevity, Samsung and Google are now tied: both promise around 7 years of updates on new devices androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Pixel UI has the advantage of zero bloatware – it’s very lean (no duplicate apps; you mostly get Google’s core suite) androidauthority.com. One UI, as mentioned, comes with more pre-installs, which can use extra storage and background resources. That said, on a high-end device you likely won’t feel much performance difference – One UI is well-optimized and Samsung’s hardware is powerful. Some enthusiasts still prefer Pixel UI for its purity and say it feels slightly more “buttery smooth” in animations (especially on mid-range hardware) compared to One UI which can exhibit occasional frame drops xdaforums.com. But Samsung has closed the gap to a negligible difference on flagships.

One notable area: Foldables and tablets. Samsung’s One UI leads here – Pixel UI (even on Google’s own Pixel Fold or Tablet) lacks some of Samsung’s advanced features for large screens, like the flexible multi-window layouts, per-app aspect ratio controls, or continuity features androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Google’s foldable software is improving, but reviews often point out that Galaxy Z Fold devices with One UI still provide a more refined big-screen experience than the Pixel Fold. Pixel UI’s philosophy is to keep things simple and let Android handle adaptability, whereas Samsung aggressively customizes for these form factors.

In sum, Pixel UI vs One UI is a classic minimalism vs maximalism choice. Pixel UI gives you a clean slate with Google’s intelligent additions and fastest updates, while One UI gives you everything plus the kitchen sink, from practical tools to whimsical customization, albeit with some added complexity. It’s telling that in a recent Android Authority ranking, Pixel UI took the top spot with praise for its lack of bloat and polished exclusive features, but Samsung’s One UI was a very close #2, winning on sheer functionality and tying Google on update commitment androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Many users actually prefer One UI over “pure” Android now, which is a testament to how far Samsung’s software has come.

One UI vs. OxygenOS and Other Android Skins (OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.)

Beyond Google and Apple, One UI competes with other Android OEM interfaces. OnePlus’s OxygenOS (now closely integrated with Oppo’s ColorOS) and Xiaomi’s MIUI/HyperOS are two prominent ones, among others like Huawei’s EMUI, Vivo’s Funtouch, etc.

OxygenOS / ColorOS (OnePlus/Oppo): Historically, OnePlus’s OxygenOS was admired for being close to stock Android with some handy additions – it was clean and fast. However, since 2021, OxygenOS merged codebase with Oppo’s ColorOS, becoming more feature-rich but also a bit heavier. In 2025, ColorOS/OxygenOS is quite polished and offers plenty of features (e.g., advanced theming, scrolling screenshots, secure vaults, etc.), arguably making it more similar to One UI than to stock. One UI still has the edge in features and polish for high-end devices, especially in areas like foldables and update length. As Android Authority notes, ColorOS/OxygenOS is very good and modern, but it doesn’t beat Samsung on updates (Oppo promises 5 years OS for some phones vs Samsung’s 7) and “lags behind Samsung One UI as far as foldable-specific features” and some advanced capabilities androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. OnePlus’s latest flagships offer 4 OS updates / 6 years security, which is a bit behind Samsung androidauthority.com. In terms of user experience, current OxygenOS 14 (Android 14) is smooth and still lighter on bloat than Samsung, but not by much – Oppo/OnePlus also include many system apps and some duplicates. Enthusiasts who loved classic OxygenOS’s near-stock feel sometimes prefer Pixel or even Samsung now, since One UI has become more streamlined while OxygenOS became more like a generic Chinese OEM skin. That said, OxygenOS/ColorOS do have some unique perks (for example, very granular theming and often faster animations), so it’s a tight competition. One UI generally wins on breadth of features and better global availability of services, whereas OxygenOS may win on a slightly cleaner UI and maybe faster charging and such hardware-software integration (OnePlus focuses on that too).
MIUI / HyperOS (Xiaomi): Xiaomi’s MIUI has been one of the most feature-rich (and heavy) Android skins, often compared to One UI in terms of how much it offers. Xiaomi recently started branding its new versions as HyperOS in 2023 for a revamped approach. MIUI/HyperOS packs a lot of functionality, from visual customization to proprietary apps. However, MIUI has drawn criticism for including advertisements and bloatware in the interface, especially in certain regions androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Samsung’s One UI is mercifully free of ads in system apps outside of a few markets, focusing instead on preloaded partner apps. MIUI also mirrors some iOS design cues (no app drawer by default, control center split from notifications, etc.), which some love and others dislike androidauthority.com. In pure features, Xiaomi’s skin can match One UI on many fronts (they have their own split screen, Game Turbo mode, etc.), but update consistency is where Samsung wins – Xiaomi is improving but still typically lags in major OS updates and provides 4 years OS on flagships vs Samsung’s longer support androidauthority.com. Also, One UI’s stability and coherence is often rated higher; MIUI, due to so many features, has had occasional bugs or performance hiccups on global versions. So while MIUI/HyperOS is a powerhouse of features, One UI is generally seen as more refined and less spammy.
Other Skins (EMUI, Funtouch, etc.): Huawei’s EMUI (now HarmonyOS for new devices) was once quite similar to MIUI in an iOS-like approach – feature-rich but heavy; it’s a smaller player globally now due to Huawei’s Google-less situation. Vivo’s Funtouch OS historically was one of the weaker skins but has improved to be more stock-like; still, Vivo doesn’t beat Samsung on support or features, using a simpler UI. Asus ZenUI is close to stock but with minimal add-ons (Asus focuses on near-stock plus a few gamer tweaks on ROG phones). Motorola’s MyUX is extremely close to stock with just a few Moto features (popular for purists but lacks the extra functions of One UI).

In a comprehensive comparison, One UI tends to come out on top or near-top among Android skins. In a March 2025 Android Authority ranking of major Android skins, Samsung’s One UI was ranked #2 (only behind Pixel) out of 11, explicitly because it offers a “dizzying variety of features”, excellent update longevity, and customization (like Good Lock) that is “unparalleled” – the main knock was the pre-loaded bloatware androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. OnePlus’s OxygenOS (now essentially ColorOS) was a bit behind in that ranking, and Xiaomi’s MIUI further down due to ads/bloat issues androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. This consensus shows that Samsung successfully transformed its software from a weakness (in TouchWiz days) to a key strength. One UI has become a big reason to choose a Galaxy device, often preferred by users who want it all in their phone interface.

What Experts and Users Say About One UI

One UI has generated plenty of commentary from tech experts. Here are a few perspectives:

Praise for Feature Set: Tech reviewers often laud One UI for how much it offers. Android Authority calls One UI “Samsung’s all-conquering Android skin”, noting that Samsung provides a “dizzying variety of features, including much-loved additions like DeX, Expert RAW camera app, lock screen widgets, and Bixby Routines,” along with new Galaxy AI capabilities androidauthority.com. They highlight that no one matches One UI’s sheer number of features – Samsung even matches Google’s 7-year update policy on new phones, while also delivering the Good Lock customization suite which offers “an unparalleled level of official customization” for power users androidauthority.com. This combination of breadth and longevity is rare, making One UI stand out.
Critiques of Bloat: The flip side of Samsung’s everything-and-the-kitchen-sink approach is bloat. As Android Authority bluntly puts it, “One UI just misses out on the top spot due to a ton of bloatware. It’s seriously hard to look past the sheer variety of pre-installed Samsung apps, Microsoft apps, and third-party bloatware” that come with Galaxy phones androidauthority.com. Reviewers often advise that while One UI’s core experience is excellent, users might want to spend a bit of time disabling or hiding unwanted apps for a cleaner feel.
User Experience & Design: With One UI 7, Samsung received acclaim for refreshing the interface. Android Central dubbed One UI 7 “Samsung’s best software update yet,” stating that “the interface is still familiar, but the new visual design makes it look that much more modern.” The review noted Samsung “struck the right balance” by delivering new features like the vertical app drawer, improved fluidity, and a good split notification panel, while “retaining the fundamentals” that long-time users expect androidcentral.com. They concluded there’s “nothing to fault” with One UI 7’s features – the only gripe was Samsung taking longer than usual to roll it out due to the scale of changes androidcentral.com androidcentral.com.
Performance: Many experts have observed that One UI’s performance has improved drastically from past Samsung skins. GSMArena and other outlets frequently note that on modern Galaxy hardware, One UI runs buttery smooth in day-to-day use. However, some power users on forums still report that stock Android (Pixel) or iOS have a slight edge in consistent frame pacing – for instance, an XDA user remarked that “iOS is more buttery smooth than One UI, [and] Pixel UI looks more buttery smooth than One UI”, though acknowledging One UI packs far more features xdaforums.com. These differences are minor on high-end devices but can be noticeable on mid-range phones, where One UI’s heavier animations might stutter a bit more compared to lighter UIs. Samsung has introduced toggle options like reducing animation scale and even a “Performance mode” in some devices to cater to those who prioritize speed.
Comparisons and Preferences: It’s interesting to see user polls and discussions on the “best UI”. One UI often emerges as a favorite among Android enthusiasts who value features. In Android Authority’s reader poll alongside the 2025 skin ranking, One UI was voted the second best Android skin (32% of votes), just slightly behind Pixel UI at 34% androidauthority.com androidauthority.com. Many commenters mention that One UI offers a great balance of customization and reliability. For instance, a popular Reddit thread called One UI “the most complete Android skin/fork out there,” praising that it has every feature one could need, whereas some other skins might be faster but less feature-rich reddit.com. On the other side, you’ll find users who prefer simpler interfaces – e.g., fans of OnePlus’s older OxygenOS or Pixel’s clean look might find One UI “too much” out of the box.
Real-World Example – Galaxy S25 Ultra Reviews: When Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra launched with One UI 7.1 (effectively), Tech Advisor’s review highlighted the software as a selling point: “You also get the best software experience we’ve ever seen on a Samsung phone (and maybe an Android phone full stop), with an extensive suite of genuinely useful AI features and class-leading seven-year update support.” techadvisor.com This kind of praise in mainstream reviews shows how far One UI has come – once upon a time, reviews of Samsung phones would gloss over software or criticize it; now it’s a headline feature.
Criticisms: Aside from bloat, one lingering criticism is that One UI can sometimes be slow to adopt certain new Android features if Samsung is implementing its own approach. For example, Android had new gesture navigation and UI paradigms that Samsung was slow to adopt (they eventually did). Also, Samsung’s pace of update rollout, while much improved, can still lag a bit for midrange devices – some experts note that by the time Samsung delivered Android 15 (One UI 7) to all its devices in 2025, Google was already releasing Android 16 androidcentral.com androidcentral.com. However, Samsung’s new strategy aims to mitigate this by aligning major releases with mid-year foldables so that delays are reduced.

Overall, the consensus from experts is that One UI has become a mature, refined, and powerful interface. It may not be as minimal or “pure” as some others, but for many users, that’s a strength. It makes Samsung phones a great choice for those who want to do more with their device. Even power users who in the past would install custom ROMs now often stick with One UI because it offers so much out-of-the-box. As Android Central summarized in their One UI 7 review: “The definition of a good update is when a brand introduces meaningful additions while still retaining the core experience, and Samsung did a great job nailing that balance with One UI 7… Ultimately, the only problem with One UI is just how long it is taking to show up [on devices]. But… it is worth the wait.” androidcentral.com.

Latest News and What’s Next for One UI (2025 and Beyond)

As of September 2025, Samsung’s One UI is at version 8.0 and continues to evolve. Here are some of the latest developments and rumors surrounding One UI and what to expect in the near future:

One UI 8.0 Rollout: Samsung began the official rollout of One UI 8.0 (Android 16) in mid-September 2025. The Galaxy S25 series received the stable update first (in South Korea on Sept 15, 2025) sammobile.com, and Samsung simultaneously published a release timeline for other models. According to the schedule, most recent Galaxy devices – including the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, Z Fold6/Flip6, etc. – are slated to get One UI 8 during October 2025, while slightly older or mid-range devices (like Galaxy Z Fold5/Flip5, S22 series, A-series phones, tablets) will receive it by November 2025 sammobile.com sammobile.com. This means Samsung will have many devices on Android 16 before year’s end, a faster deployment than previous generations. The quick rollout is helped by Google expediting Android 16’s release and Samsung skipping a 7.1 version to jump straight to 8.0 sammobile.com sammobile.com. Users have been advised that the update might come slightly later in some regions due to testing, but overall Samsung’s update cadence remains among the best in the industry in 2025.
New One UI Release Strategy: 2025 marks a significant change in how Samsung times its One UI updates. Traditionally, the Galaxy S series (launched in Q1 each year) would debut the new Android + One UI version (for example, S23 launched with One UI 5.1, S24 with One UI 6.x, etc.), and then later in the year the foldables might launch with a .1 or .1.1 refinement. Starting this year, Samsung flipped the script. The Galaxy Z Fold7/Flip7, launched in mid-2025, were the first devices to ship with Android 16 / One UI 8.0 out-of-the-box sammobile.com sammobile.com. Samsung decided to skip One UI 7.1/7.1.1 entirely and instead coordinate major releases with the foldable launch. Going forward, reputable sources (including a leak by @UniverseIce) indicate that mid-year Galaxy Z series phones will debut the next major Android + One UI (for example, Android 17 with One UI 9 in 2026 perhaps), and then the following year’s Galaxy S series (early in the year) will launch with a mid-cycle “One UI x.5” update that adds more features on top of it sammobile.com sammobile.com. In other words, Samsung is aligning with Google’s schedule (which releases new Android versions in Q3/Q4) by using the foldables to introduce them sooner, rather than waiting for the next S flagship. This means Galaxy S phones won’t always have the brand-new Android version at launch, but they’ll get a significant One UI x.5 update packed with features. Samsung believes this strategy will allow more time to polish features and also give the foldable line a cutting-edge appeal mid-year, without shortchanging S-series buyers (who will still get special features in .5 updates) sammobile.com sammobile.com. This is a notable shift that fans are watching closely.
One UI 8.x and 9.0 Rumors: Since One UI 8.0 turned out to be a relatively small update (essentially laying the Android 16 groundwork and fine-tuning the big changes from 7.0), many expect that the next feature-packed update will be One UI 8.5 (if following the new strategy, likely with the Galaxy S26 in early 2026). We could see more AI-driven features in 8.1 or 8.5 – for instance, Samsung might expand the “Gemini Live” AI capabilities (which in One UI 8 are used for live camera search and advice) samsung.com, possibly adding more on-device AI processing so that features work offline or faster. Samsung’s official One UI 8 overview touts the ability to “Talk to Gemini about anything you see” on screen in real time samsung.com, hinting that future updates might integrate this more deeply system-wide. There are also rumors about design tweaks on the horizon. One UI 8 already brought a subtle visual refresh (new blur styles, etc.), but Samsung’s design team may experiment further in One UI 9 or 10. Some unconfirmed leaks suggest Samsung is testing new iconography and animations internally for One UI 9, potentially to align with Android’s ongoing Material design evolution – but no concrete images have surfaced as of September 2025, so take that with a grain of salt.
Competing with iOS and Others: In the broader landscape, One UI will likely continue to incorporate popular features from rivals to stay on top. Apple’s iOS 17/18 have introduced things like StandBy mode (turning the phone into a smart display when charging) – Samsung might implement something similar via its Always-On Display or smart widget system in a future One UI if demand is there. Likewise, Google’s Android 16 focus was on privacy and refinement; Samsung will carry those changes and possibly add more privacy options of its own (Knox enhancements, etc.). Samsung recently announced Knox Matrix, a connected device security system, which could see One UI integration to monitor and manage security across your Samsung ecosystem samsung.com.
Galaxy Ecosystem and One UI: Samsung is also extending One UI-like concepts to other devices – for example, Galaxy Watches run One UI Watch on top of Wear OS, and Galaxy Books have some One UI design elements in their Samsung software. There’s talk that Samsung wants a more unified look and feel across phone, tablet, watch, and even appliances. So, One UI’s influence might expand beyond just phones/tablets. An example of this is the Connected Devices section in One UI, which, combined with apps like SmartThings, is making the phone a central hub to control and seamlessly interact with TVs, fridges, vacuums, and more. We might see One UI 9 emphasize this “hub” aspect even more, given Samsung’s push in IoT.
User Feedback: On Samsung’s community forums, current discussion around One UI 8 (beta) has been that it’s very stable but not a huge change. Some beta testers described One UI 8.0 as “basically One UI 7.5” in feel. This isn’t necessarily bad – Samsung took an “if it ain’t broke…” approach after the big 7.0 overhaul. The benefit is a likely smoother rollout and fewer bugs. Looking forward, users are already compiling wishlists for One UI 9: common requests include further improving animations (making them as fluid as Apple’s), reducing bloat and duplicate apps (a perennial request), and adding niche but useful features like per-app language settings (which Android 13 introduced and Samsung supports) or more robust theming options without needing Good Lock. Samsung does listen to feedback (for instance, they tweaked the battery icon in One UI 7 to include the percentage inside after users complained in 6.1.1 that it was outside) androidcentral.com.
Foldables and new form factors: Since Samsung is heavily invested in foldable phones, One UI will continue to adapt to new form factors. The Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 launched in 2025 with One UI 8 have improvements for Flex Mode and cover screen usability samsung.com samsung.com. Rumors suggest Samsung might debut new device types in 2026–27 (like rollable displays or the long-rumored tri-fold tablet). One UI will likely be at the center of making those experiences practical. Expect Samsung to perhaps showcase One UI for rollables at a future tech event, which could involve UI elements that reflow dynamically as the screen expands. These innovations will keep One UI in the spotlight as one of the most advanced UIs in the mobile industry.

Bottom line: One UI has come a long way in its first 7 years, and it’s now a cornerstone of Samsung’s identity. It transformed Samsung’s image from having clunky software to being a software leader in the Android world. The ongoing enhancements in One UI – especially the integration of AI and the adaptation to new device categories – indicate Samsung’s commitment to staying ahead. For users, if you pick up a Samsung Galaxy device today, you’re getting a refined, feature-packed interface that reviewers often call one of the best around. And with Samsung’s newfound reliability in updates, One UI is not only about what it is now, but also about what it’s set to become in the coming years – likely even more intelligent, personalized, and seamlessly integrated across the Galaxy of devices.

Sources: Samsung Official Newsroom news.samsung.com news.samsung.com; Android Authority androidauthority.com androidauthority.com; Android Central androidcentral.com; SamMobile sammobile.com sammobile.com; Technastic technastic.com technastic.com; SamMobile sammobile.com sammobile.com; Tech Advisor techadvisor.com.