What’s in the Update
The latest beta, identified by firmware version ZZG4, is a substantial download at 1.25GB. That file size tells you this isn’t just a routine security patch. Alongside the core improvements, Samsung has bundled the July 2026 Android Security Patch, keeping test devices protected against the latest Android vulnerabilities.
Performance and Interface Improvements
Beta 4 zeros in on reliability and responsiveness across the board. Samsung has refined animation transitions throughout the system, which means smoother scrolling, better visual consistency, and less jank in everyday interactions. It’s the kind of polish that doesn’t sound exciting on paper but makes a real difference when you’re actually using the phone.
The Quick Panel gets specific attention here. You should notice faster panel animations, snappier tile responses, and more reliable brightness controls. Gaming performance also saw targeted fixes, with improvements to frame stability, stuttering issues, and Game Booster behavior. Thermal optimization has been worked on too, so demanding games should stay responsive without throttling.
Live Notifications, one of One UI 9’s new features, are now more polished. Better reliability, real-time sync, smoother animations, and improved responsiveness all round out what was already a solid feature.
Bug Fixes and Stability Work
As a late-stage beta, this release tackles numerous issues reported by testers across the system:
- Camera reliability improvements
- Battery optimization tweaks
- App compatibility fixes
- Lock screen behavior refinements
- Settings app stability
- Home screen responsiveness
None of these are headline features, but collectively they’re what separate a rough beta from software that’s ready to ship.
Where We Go From Here
Beta 4 signals that One UI 9 is entering its final stretch. Samsung typically uses remaining beta cycles to squash edge-case bugs, fine-tune battery life, and run final compatibility checks. If things go smoothly, expect a Release Candidate build next, followed by the public stable rollout shortly after.
For existing beta testers on the S26 Ultra, installing this update is worth doing. You’ll get a noticeably more stable experience, and you’ll be helping Samsung catch any remaining issues before the final release hits.
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