Why I'm already using One UI 8 on my main phone

Most people avoid beta software on their main phones, and for good reason. Bugs, crashes, and general instability aren’t worth the risk when your phone is your daily companion. But for the last few years, I’ve jumped on Samsung’s One UI betas from day one, that too on my primary device.

Every year, Samsung launches beta programs for major One UI and Android updates. This year, it’s One UI 8 (Android 16), and just like previous versions, I’ve been running it on my main phone—the Galaxy S25 Ultra—since the beta went live. And once again, it’s been surprisingly stable.

I’ve written before about how Samsung’s betas are incredibly polished from the get-go. One UI 8 is no exception. I haven’t run into any bugs that affect my apps or day-to-day use. In fact, the only sign that it’s still in beta is an occasional UI stutter when switching apps or going to the home screen. But even that's rare and not as bad as you would expect on software that isn't yet final.

What’s more, I even tested the very first One UI 8 build for the Galaxy S25 Edge, and that too ran well. Part of the reason is that One UI 8 isn’t a huge update in terms of features or design changes. But, again, I’ve had similarly stable experiences on previous, more feature-packed beta releases.

Now, that doesn’t mean I think everyone should try this. Your daily routine may rely on apps I don’t use—especially things like banking apps—which could still be buggy on the beta. If your phone is important for work or you're just generally unsure about some apps working properly, you're better off waiting for the official release.

When is that official release happening? Well, we had hoped Samsung would kick off the rollout with the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7, but that didn't pan out. However, there's a good chance the stable update will go live for the public, at least for those who own a Galaxy S25-series phone, before the end of the month.

Whether you're waiting for One UI 8 or are already using it through the beta program, be sure to check out our complete guide to everything that's new and improved with the next major OS update for Galaxy smartphones and tablets.