Sometime this month or the next, Samsung will launch the One UI 7.0 Beta Program and invite Galaxy smartphone users in select countries to test the next version of One UI and Android 15.

Samsung will use feedback provided by beta testers to fix bugs and issues so it can get the final version of the Android 15 and One UI 7.0 update out as quickly as possible.

Not everyone will be able to test the new software, even if they own a device eligible for One UI 7 and Android 15. Only a limited number of Galaxy smartphones will be eligible for the beta program.

The latest flagships, like the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, are sure to be on the list, but what about other devices?

Galaxy phones that could get One UI 7.0 (Android 15) beta

Samsung has not officially revealed details about the One UI 7.0 beta as of August 2, but we can make an educated guess based on Samsung's long history of One UI beta programs. The following are the devices that have a high likelihood of getting the One UI 7.0 beta.

• Galaxy S24 series
• Galaxy S23 series
• Galaxy S22 series
• Galaxy S21 series
• Galaxy Z Fold 6
• Galaxy Z Flip 6
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy Z Fold 3
• Galaxy Z Flip 3
• Galaxy A55
• Galaxy A54
• Galaxy A35

Samsung may include more devices, particularly mid-range ones, in the beta program. However, Samsung doesn't follow a set pattern when it comes to bringing One UI beta updates to mid-range devices. We will have to wait and see what the company has in store this year.

For flagship phones launched in the last couple of years, One UI 7.0 will be preceeded by One UI 6.1.1. The time frame for the One UI 6.1.1 update's release is unknown as of August 2, but we expect it to go live sometime before September.

Be sure to bookmark this page so you can check back for any new information that becomes available in the coming days and weeks.

One UI 7.0 features: What to expect

One UI 7.0 will be among the biggest upgrades in years, especially as far as the user interface is concerned. Quite a few of the expected changes and new features have leaked online, and some of the major ones are listed below.

• New system app icons
• New background interface
• A new control area at the bottom of the lock screen
• Adjustment of shortcut icons (size?) in the left and right corners of the lock screen
• Pull-down shortcut bar and notification can be independent/merged
• The pill-shaped UI element in the upper left corner notification bar can display more apps
• Added interruptible animation and optimized app opening and closing animation curve
• New battery icon and charging animation bar
• New camera user interface
• Added support for 5G SMS messages
• New notification pop-up animations and closing animations
• Added unlock animation
• New button touch and page return animation
• Added many new desktop widgets of various sizes
• Added more lock screen widgets
• Added large folders

One UI 7.0 may not bring new Galaxy AI features. The new AI features from the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, which you can check out in the video below, will come to supported devices with the One UI 6.1.1 update.

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We’re gearing up for the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is rumored to launch at a Samsung Unpacked event on July 10, 2024. Samsung has yet to confirm or even tease anything about the upcoming top foldable, but we have plenty of leaks to paint us a fair picture of what to expect. We have seen renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 already, but now we have a really clean look at the front of what appears to be a live model of the Fold 6, positioned next to a Fold 5.

Leaker Ice Universe has posted a hands-on image of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 (right), positioned next to an image of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (left).

Smartphone GPUs have become insanely powerful over the last few years, but there's no denying the fact that a lot of that power goes to waste when it comes to mobile games. Game developers also don't take advantage of features such as high refresh rate displays.

120Hz displays are quite common on smartphones these days, but there are very few games that support running at that frame rate. PUBG: Battlegrounds, one of the most popular mobile games of all time, is one such title. It came out on Android (and iOS) six years ago, and to this day, it is limited to a 90 fps frame rate.

Story continues after the video

But that's set to change this month. A lot of PUBG players, including those who own a recent flagship Galaxy phone, will soon be able to battle it out at a smooth 120 fps.

PUBG is set to get a new update on May 13 that will add a 120 fps mode, and Samsung has confirmed that the Galaxy S24 series, the Galaxy S23 series, and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will be among the list of devices that will support that mode.

Samsung also says that it has worked with Tencent, the game's developer, on optimizing performance on these devices. The optimizations will be included in the latest version of the Game Optimization Service (GOS) and Game Booster app that comes installed on Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

PUBG is a graphically demanding game, so those optimizations will come in handy, especially for keeping temperatures in check. The optimizations will be complemented by the massive vapor cooling chambers inside the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra, though we will have to wait and see how long these devices will be able to sustain good performance when running in the 120 fps mode.

It also remains to be seen if other flagship Galaxy phones will receive support for the 120 fps option in PUBG. Samsung hasn't said anything on the matter for now, so even if the company intends to bring older devices into the fold, it could take a while.

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The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is one of the best Android foldables around, with impressive improvements from its predecessor, including a redesigned hinge and a more durable build. However, like any phone, the latest Samsung foldable suffers from its fair share of bugs and glitches. We look at some common Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 problems and how to fix them.

Problem #1: Delayed notifications

We’re finally seeing more foldable smartphones arrive in the US market. Samsung has dominated the US with its Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5, and only recently did we get the Google Pixel Fold. Now, OnePlus has arrived with the OnePlus Open, heating up the competition with its superior spec sheet. But which foldable should you buy? We compare the OnePlus Open vs the Galaxy Z Fold 5 to find out.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Specs

The OnePlus Open and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 are book-style foldables that have a full-sized outer display and open up to reveal an even larger inner display. Both foldables have two incredible displays, but the OnePlus Open edges out the Galaxy Z Fold 5 for the top spot.

Not only are both displays on the OnePlus Open better on the spec sheet than the Fold 5, but they are more useful, too. OnePlus has gone with a wider cover display that is akin to a regular smartphone, so you will find yourself quite content keeping the Open closed.

The OnePlus Open's cover display is like a normal smartphone, while the Galaxy Z Fold 5's is taller.

On the other hand, the Fold 5’s outer display is usable, but since it is fairly tall, you may find it constricted in certain situations, like two-hand typing.

We found the OnePlus Open’s hinge to be a bit snappy, completing the closing action if you reach under a certain angle. In comparison, the Fold 5’s hinge is rock solid at all angles and does not have a mind of its own. Both felt premium and sturdy, so no concerns in that regard.

Inside, both the OnePlus Open and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 are powered by a similar processor. OnePlus offers more RAM at 16GB, but also defaults to a single 512GB storage variant, whereas the Fold 5 has a lower RAM at 12GB but storage options of 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB.

One key area where the Galaxy Z Fold 5 retains the upper hand is the IP rating. The Fold 5 is IPX8-rated for water resistance, surviving being submerged in up to 1.5m freshwater for up to 30 minutes. The OnePlus Open is IPX4-rated for water resistance, which means it will be okay if you splash a little water on it.

The Fold 5's IPX8 water resistance is significantly better than the Open's IPX4 rating.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 also supports the S Pen Fold Edition, which is sold separately and housed externally. This means you’ll probably need an appropriate Galaxy Z Fold 5 case to keep it safe. You can use the stylus on the inner foldable display. The OnePlus Open supports the OPPO Pen active stylus, though this is not officially sold as a compatible accessory. It will work if you can manage to import one, and it will work on both the inner and the outer display.

As for software, Samsung has been in the foldable game for a while, and it shows in the maturity of One UI’s foldable optimizations. There are plenty of features — like app pairs, the ability to open a very large number of apps in floating windows, Flex mode, and more — that work tremendously well to take advantage of the large inner display. The Open is the first attempt from OnePlus at a foldable, and while Oxygen OS does have a few foldable-centric features, we found some room for improvement.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched with Android 13 and One UI 5.1.1. The OnePlus Open launched with Android 13 and Oxygen OS 13.2. Both phones are promised to receive four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Size comparison

This is where things get interesting and in favor of OnePlus. Both phones use typical glass and metal materials we see on foldables, though the camera hump on the Open is considerably larger than that on the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

When folded, the OnePlus Open is wide enough to be comfortable to use. In comparison, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a taller stance, which can feel unnatural and cramped.

When you unfold the phones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 becomes quite pleasant to use, while the Open manages to retain its comfortable characteristics.

Opening the Open isn’t required to use it as a daily driver smartphone, while you will find yourself opting to unfold the Fold 5 in more instances, comparatively speaking.

What further helps the OnePlus Open is its thin profile, which is over 1.5mm thinner than the Fold 5. It’s a relatively small difference, but it made a noticeable difference when we held it in our hands.

Combine it with the lower 239g (Black)/245g (Green) weight, as compared to the 253g weight of the Fold 5, and the OnePlus Open wins a lot of points for being the more practical smartphone to use daily.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Camera

The cameras are the biggest point of difference between the two phones. While the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a good camera setup that is practical and performs well across several scenarios, it does not compete against advanced camera setups that we see on glass-slab smartphones. In fact, the Fold 5 has the same camera setup as the Fold 4 before it. On the other hand, the OnePlus Open has significantly better hardware that comes very close to glass-slab smartphones.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5’s primary sensor is a 50MP Samsung GN3 sensor, while the OnePlus Open has the new 48MP LYTIA LYT-T808 sensor that gathers more light in a smaller footprint.

The OnePlus Open has a significant advantage over the Galaxy Z Fold 5 when it comes to cameras.

The differences widen for the ultrawide sensor (48MP on the Open vs 12MP on the Fold 5), telephoto (64MP vs 10MP), and exterior selfie camera (32MP vs 10MP). The inner selfie camera on the OnePlus Open is a 20MP conventional camera, while the Fold 5 opts for a 4MP under-display camera, which is technologically impressive but produces poor results.

We were very impressed with the photography chops of the OnePlus Open in our review. Check out our camera deep dive to learn more, but suffice it to say that it performed well in a variety of lighting conditions, giving Samsung a run for its money.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Battery life and charging

The OnePlus Open comes with a bigger 4,805mAh battery that supports 67W wired fast charging, which OnePlus claims charges from 0-100% in 42 minutes. The company also includes a compatible charger in the box. There’s no wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, though. In our testing, we got a solid six hours of screen on time between charges, easily lasting a full day and then some. It charged from 0-100% in just 41 minutes using the included charger.

The OnePlus Open has a bigger battery and charges faster, though the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has wireless charging.

On the other hand, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 has a smaller 4,400mAh battery that supports 25W charging. In our Fold 5 battery life and charging tests, we found that the Fold 5 lasts for barely a day, even when you rely more on the outer display. If you use the larger inner display more, then you’d cut some more hours out. The charging speed is also sluggish, taking an approximate 85 minutes for a 0-100% charge. There is also no charger in the box, so you have to buy a charger separately.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 does have 15W wireless charging through proprietary wireless chargers, 10W Qi wireless charging, and 4.5W reverse wireless charging.

In short, the OnePlus Open will last longer on a charge and will charge much more quickly when it does run out. However, if you are a fan of wireless charging, then the Fold 5 is your only choice.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Price and availability

The OnePlus Open has a lower starting price than the Galaxy Z Fold 5, marking the Open to be $100 cheaper. If you compare it against the equitable 512GB version of the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the OnePlus Open is $220 cheaper.

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 launched on July 26, 2023, and went on open sale on August 11, 2023, in the US. Samsung regularly has discounts and trade-in deals to keep the Fold 5 exciting for potential buyers.

The OnePlus Open has launched on October 19, 2023. It is available for pre-orders right now and will go on open sale on October 26, 2023, in the US. OnePlus will accept any phone in any condition for a trade-in and give you at least $200 in credit towards the Open.

OnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 5: Which should you buy?

The OnePlus Open has several distinct advantages over the Galaxy Z Fold 5, and its lower price tag also makes it all the more appetizing.

The OnePlus Open is better and cheaper than the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

For folks looking to make the jump onto a foldable, the OnePlus Open offers a comparable experience where they won’t be missing their old phone all that much.

The only few areas where the Galaxy Z Fold 5 makes sense are if you really need wireless charging, the better IPX8 water resistance, or if you want active stylus support (and don’t want to bother with importing one). The Fold 5’s software also has more tricks up its sleeve to take advantage of the large display. Samsung’s ecosystem is also better populated with laptops and wearables, and the integrated experience is good. If you’re already a Samsung fan, you probably won’t be disappointed.

But if these reasons don’t hold sway over you, the OnePlus Open is hands-down the better foldable against the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

The Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra were the first Samsung devices to run One UI 6.1, featuring several new AI features and additional tweaks. Samsung announced last month that it will release the One UI 6.1 update to older devices before the end of the first half of this year. The company has now offered a more accurate timeline for the release of the One UI 6.1 update.

One UI 6.1 update is coming to some high-end phones in March 2024

Samsung has announced that it will start rolling out the One UI 6.1 update to the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series at the end of March 2024. This update will bring several Galaxy AI features seen on the Galaxy S24 series to older high-end phones through a hybrid approach. Some AI features will work on-device, while others need an active internet connection.

By the end of 2024, Samsung aims to bring Galaxy AI features to over 100 million Galaxy smartphones, tablets, and wearables.

List of AI features coming with One UI 6.1 to older Galaxy devices

The One UI 6.1 update will bring Browsing Assist, Chat Assist, Circle to Search with Google, Generative Edit, Instant Slow-Mo, Interpreter, Live Translate, Note Assist, and Transcript Assist to the devices mentioned above.

The Browsing Assist feature allows users to create summaries of articles or webpages, and it only works with the Samsung Internet web browser. It helps users read content and understand it faster.

The Chat Assist feature will enable users to adjust the tone of their language while messaging. Users can get grammar and tone improvements, and the feature works with messaging apps in 13 different languages. With the Circle to Search with Google feature, users can circle anything on the screen to get more information about it online.

With Generative Edit, users can select and erase unwanted objects from images. They can also choose and realign/reposition objects to make an image look like a great shot. They can also adjust images with bad angles and fill the remaining space with matching content created by Generative AI. The Instant Slow-Mo feature lets users turn any regular video into a slow-motion video. It uses AI to generate intermediate frames to double the frames in a video.

The Interpreter mode allows people to converse with others who don't speak their language. This mode opens in split-screen mode on conventional phones, foldable phones, and tablets. Words spoken by a Galaxy device user are transcribed and converted to any other chosen language. Translated text is then converted to voice so the other person can hear it in their language. Similarly, the Live Translate feature translates languages in real time during voice calls. It also works in supported messaging apps, including WhatsApp.

You can check out all these features in our in-depth video below.

The Note Assist feature helps users summarize the text in a note inside Samsung Notes. Summaries can even be used with certain text formatting templates. The Transcript Assist feature works with Samsung's stock Voice Recorder app. It transcribes voice in the recording to text and can even tag up to ten speakers so that users can understand things better. All that transcription can then be summarized, which is great for classes and meetings.

In our video below, you can watch other non-AI features introduced with the One UI 6.1 update. Some of those features, such as wallpaper support on Always On Display, will not be coming to any Galaxy smartphone or tablet launched before the Galaxy S24.

As for other Galaxy phones, many will receive One UI 6.1, but the AI features are currently expected to be exclusive to Samsung's flagship devices launched in 2023 and beyond.

TM Roh, President and Head of the Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, said, “Our goal with Galaxy AI is not only to pioneer a new era of mobile AI but also to empower users by making AI more accessible. This is only the beginning of Galaxy AI, as we plan to bring the experience to over 100 million Galaxy users within 2024 and continue to innovate ways to harness the unlimited possibilities of mobile AI.“

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Part of what makes Android such a great option for smartphone users is the sheer number of choices to pick from. Of course, in the United States, there are far fewer options than in other parts of the world. But choices remain. Regardless of your budget or phone needs, there is a device that can check those boxes. That's not even accounting for the folding phones, of which there are options in both brand and form factor.