Samsung One UI 6.1 Update: New Features, Rollout Details, and Compatibility

Samsung’s One UI remains a standout among Android skins, and the latest One UI 6.1 update enhances this reputation further. While it might appear as a minor update, Samsung has packed it with several new features that will also benefit older flagship devices. The update initially arrived on the Galaxy S24 flagship series, but it is now reaching older flagships as well.

One UI 6.1 Features

Samsung has opted to maintain the familiar design language of One UI while focusing on enhancing functionality with this update, rather than making significant visual changes. A noteworthy update is the integration of advanced features under the Galaxy AI umbrella. While many of these features are available on older flagships, they are unlikely to be available on A and M series smartphones due to their resource-intensive nature.

What’s New?

• AI-Generated Wallpapers:
  Similar to Google’s AI wallpapers on the Pixel 8 series, Samsung devices will now offer a variety of categories and themes to create unique wallpapers with weather and portrait effects.
  
• Generative Edit:
  Using generative AI, One UI 6.1 allows users to relocate or erase objects in images, or even move subjects to different parts of the picture.
  
• Photo Expansion:
  Samsung’s Gallery app now supports expanding pictures beyond their original borders, akin to outpainting features in AI image generators. This feature requires a Samsung account and an internet connection.
  
• Live Translate:
  This feature enables users to answer phone calls in foreign languages.
  Translate the caller’s voice in real-time, and vice versa, without the need for the other party to use a Samsung device. Internet connectivity is required for this feature.

• Chat Assist:
  Samsung Keyboard now uses AI to translate and adjust the conversational tone of highlighted text, similar to Microsoft’s Swiftkey keyboard.
  
• Transcript Assist:
  Select phones running One UI 6.1 will use AI to generate transcripts, translations, and summaries of long voice recordings.
  
• Note Assist:
  Samsung’s Notes app will automatically condense large blocks of text into concise, bulleted summaries
  
• Circle to Search:
  Allows users to highlight specific parts of the screen for a visual search,like Google Lens but for on-screen content.
  
• Battery Protection:
  One UI 6.1 introduces new options for Battery protection. Including Basic, Adaptive, and Maximum modes, to prevent battery degradation to varying degrees.
  
• Super HDR:
  Similar to Google’s Ultra HDR, Super HDR enhances HDR photo highlights. This feature is available on the Galaxy S24 series and may expand to older flagships.
  
• Lock Screen Widgets:
  Widgets return to the lock screen in One UI 6.1, a feature that was previously removed without explanation.
  
• Quick Share:
  Samsung and Google have merged Quick Share and Nearby Share. Allowing users to share content with all Android phones, not just Galaxy devices, by clicking the Quick Share button.

One UI 6.1 Release Date: Device Compatibility and Rollout

The One UI 6.1 update began rolling out to Samsung’s last-generation devices, including the Galaxy S23 series, Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series in April 2024. However, older and less expensive phones are still awaiting the update. In terms of compatibility, all devices eligible for the One UI 6 update are expected to receive the One UI 6.1 update as well. Unfortunately, this excludes some older favorites like the Galaxy S20 series, which received its last major software update last year.

Conclusion

The Samsung One UI 6.1 update brings a host of new features and improvements to Samsung’s lineup of smartphones and tablets. With enhancements in AI capabilities, camera features, and user interface improvements, One UI 6.1 aims to provide a more intuitive and enjoyable user experience. Keep an eye out for the update on your device, as Samsung continues to roll it out to more devices in the coming weeks.