Galaxy S25 Receives Second One UI 8.5 Beta

Summary

• Beta 2 Release: The second One UI 8.5 beta is currently rolling out to Galaxy S25 devices.
• Initial Rollout Countries: Germany, India, Korea, and the UK are the first to receive the update.
• New Features: Headline additions include customizable Quick Settings, power-saving options, and shared storage across devices.
• Build Version: The ZYLH build is reported to have made significant progress.

The quick release of the second beta suggests Samsung is actively addressing user feedback and prioritizing system smoothness. The focus on quality-of-life improvements, such as customizable Quick Settings and enhanced power management, indicates a user-centric approach.

The ability to share storage space across devices aims to create a more integrated Galaxy ecosystem, potentially increasing user convenience and stickiness. Smoother animations and reduced UI stalls reported by early testers suggest tangible performance gains. The staggered rollout strategy allows Samsung to monitor crash telemetry and feedback, ensuring a more stable experience for a wider user base.

While the rapid iteration is promising, beta software inherently carries risks. Users may experience bumps, battery swings, and compatibility issues with essential apps like banking services. The availability of the beta depends on carrier and model, potentially excluding some S25 owners from early access. The feedback from the testers needs to be accurate to ensure that the fixes being implemented are effective, and not based on anomalies. Also, the success of shared storage hinges on seamless integration across devices, which may not be fully realized in the initial beta.

Future beta releases will likely focus on stabilizing the system and addressing remaining bugs. Monitoring crash rates, power metrics, and user feedback will be crucial in determining the timeline for a stable release. The expansion of the beta program to more countries and carriers will indicate Samsung’s confidence in the software’s stability. Keep an eye on user reports regarding eSIM, device-to-PC file flows, and accessibility services to ensure these features are fully functional. The rate at which Samsung addresses new bug reports relative to the rate of fix increases will be a key indicator of progress towards a stable release.