Samsung Electronics announced that One UI 5.1, which was newly unveiled with the Galaxy S23 series at Galaxy Unpacked 2023, will begin to roll out worldwide  for other Galaxy devices starting with the Galaxy S22 series[1], Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S21 series[2], and S20 series[3] in the coming weeks. With One UI 5.1, Galaxy devices will deliver a more visually appealing interface with new features that enable greater creativity and personalization for a more convenient overall experience.  

“One UI 5.1 is the up-to-date example of Samsung’s commitment to providing Galaxy users with the latest innovations as soon as possible,” said Janghyun Yoon, EVP and Senior Executive, Software Office. “Over the past several weeks, we have worked closely with our service providers and carrier partners to bring One UI 5.1 to current Galaxy smartphones and tablets around the world within a few short weeks of the Galaxy S23 series announcement.”

Professional-Quality Camera and More Engaging Gallery

One UI 5.1 expands upon the recently upgraded camera features announced with the Galaxy S23 series. Galaxy users now have greater flexibility to create professional quality photos with Expert RAW[4] features, now available directly as part of the Galaxy Camera app. Simply select “More” while taking a photo to capture high-quality shots in their raw format. In addition, enhanced AI-based Photo Remaster automatically improves deteriorated details of images by improving brightness, fine-tuning details and making colour corrections even in backlit scenes. It also removes unwanted shadows and reflections for a picture-perfect photo.[5]

Enhanced Photo Remaster

New navigation improvements also make it easy to find photos within the Gallery app and create shared family albums[6]. Simply tap a person’s face in a photo to conduct a search for more images while the Gallery app searches for faces of loved ones to recommend for family photo albums.

A Unique Mobile Experience Personalized for Every User

Samsung has also been focused on giving Galaxy users greater control over their devices by customizing various user interface aspects. One UI 5.1 delivers several exciting new features that allow people to fine-tune nearly every aspect of the mobile experience – from appearance, to communications, actions and more. Samsung introduced new features that can understand how devices are used and make recommendations accordingly. For example, the new dynamic weather widget analyzes current conditions and creates a custom design that reflects the climate. Modes and Routines have expanded to enable custom wallpapers, ringtones, touch sensitivity and fonts that can personalize specific activities for even more convenience. One UI 5.1 also improves the Smart suggestions widget[7] by adding the ability to recommend Spotify[8] tracks and playlists based on users’ activities, such as music for road trips or relaxation.

The new dynamic weather widget

Smart suggestions widget integrated with Spotify[9]

Greater Connectivity throughout the Galaxy Ecosystem

Samsung has also developed One UI to bring greater integration and connectivity throughout the mobile ecosystem and introduced features supporting this objective. Users can enjoy a connected ecosystem across their mobile and PC devices with expanded Multi control between their Galaxy Book and smartphones[10]. This enables users to share the mouse, keyboard or trackpad of their Galaxy Book not only with their Galaxy tablet, but now also with select Galaxy phones [11], allowing them to seamlessly copy and paste text and drag and drop images from one device to another — as if they’re the same, single device. Furthermore, Link to Windows enables users to browse with Samsung Internet on their phones to continue browsing the same pages on their PC[12]. These pages can also be opened either on one device or a different device, making everyday life easier.

Expanded Multi control throughout Galaxy ecosystem

Availability

One UI 5.1 software update starts to roll out on the Samsung Galaxy S22 series¹, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S21 series², and S20 series³ now. Software updates for additional Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3, will be available in the coming weeks.

For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/ca.

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[1] The Galaxy S22 series includes Galaxy S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra.

[2] The Galaxy S21 series includes Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, and S21 FE.

[3] The Galaxy S20 series includes Galaxy S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S20 FE, and S20 FE 5G.

[4] Expert RAW app is available on selective models including Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra, Z Fold4, S21 Ultra, Z Fold3, S20 Ultra, Note20 Ultra, and Z Fold2. Availability of functions may vary depending on the device model.

[5] Object eraser has supported shadow and reflection eraser feature, and they become firstly available at Photo Remaster from One UI 5.1.

[6] Samsung Account required.

[7] Smart suggestions availability may vary depending on region or device.

[8] To get suggestions, users need to sign in to a Spotify account in the latest version of the Spotify app.

[9] Image simulated. UX/UI subject to change. Valid only with Spotify Premium.

[10] Applicable to Galaxy S22 series , Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S21 series , and S20 series and requires Galaxy Book 1, Galaxy Book 2 or Galaxy Book 3 PC.

[11] Multi Control is available only on select Galaxy phone, Galaxy Tab and Galaxy Book devices. It works on tablets with One UI 4.1 or above, phones with One UI 5.1 or above, and Galaxy Book series launched in 2021 or later with either Samsung Settings v1.5 (Intel) or Samsung Settings v3.3 (ARM). Availability of functions may vary depending on the device model. Samsung account log-in required. Wi-Fi connections and Bluetooth on required.

[12] Recent Websites’ is only available when using Samsung Internet app on  Samsung Galaxy smartphone with One UI 3.1.1 or above (Samsung Galaxy S, Note,  Z Fold, Z Flip) and Windows PC with Windows 10 20H1 or above. Requires latest app updates to Microsoft Phone Link/Link to Windows/Samsung internet.

By: Dr. TM Roh, President & Head of MX Business

When I look around me, I’m astounded by how much innovation exists in our world today. Yet I am most excited about the evolution of the smartphone. This device gave way to new digital industries – to remote work, schooling, entertainment and fitness – and opened up exploration and communication opportunities with anyone, anywhere, with the touch of a finger. The smartphone is a portal to infinite progress. And at Samsung, we have never taken that for granted.

It’s not enough for mobile innovation to just evolve with the world. We have to be a step ahead, so our technology can help transform the way we experience everything around us and make our lives easier. That’s why at Samsung we constantly push ourselves to break the rules of what a smartphone can do.

Breaking the Rules to Start the Next Chapter in Smartphone History

In 2011, the Galaxy Note merged the convenience and portability of smartphones with the expansive screen and notepad-like functionality of tablets. Some balked at the display — considered enormous then — but Note created a legacy where a large display is now the standard. The S Pen also surprised everyone. It empowered people to bridge creativity and productivity – whenever inspiration struck, they could quickly write down their ideas and thoughts in Samsung Notes.

In 2019, we dared to redefine smartphones once again. We launched our Galaxy Z Fold series and brought an entirely new form factor to the mobile industry. Our cutting-edge foldable design changed how people used their phones. With Flex Mode^[1], video calls are hands-free and more convenient. Multitasking with multiple windows^[2] is also a breeze, with Galaxy Z Fold3 5G unfolding to an expansive, tablet-sized screen^[3].

Innovating by Listening to Consumers and Taking Note

In a sea of smartphone sameness and iterative updates, our ambition remains firm: to detect the signals that transformation is stirring by listening to feedback and continuing to deliver mobile experiences that empower smartphone evolution.

We know many of you were surprised when Samsung didn’t release a new Galaxy Note last year. You let us know that you loved the unparalleled creativity and efficiency of the Galaxy Note series, which enabled you to switch from gaming nirvana to high-octane productivity. You raved about the lifelike S Pen, which many say rivals putting ink to paper. We haven’t forgotten about these experiences you love.

Catalyzing the Next Evolution of Galaxy

For years, Samsung has converted skeptics who thought our ideas were impossible — whether it’s a screen that’s too big, a stylus no one knew they needed, or a pro-grade camera set to bring mobile photography out of the dark. With new Samsung Galaxy devices, we have introduced features that redefine the mobile category, and we’re about to rewrite the rules of industry once again.

At Samsung Unpacked in February 2022, we’ll introduce you to the most noteworthy S series device we’ve created so far. The next generation of Galaxy S is here, bringing the greatest Samsung Galaxy experiences together into one ultimate device.

With it, you will own the night, taking crystal-clear, bright videos, regardless of the lighting. You will also dominate the day, with power, speed and tools to expand the limits of your productivity. You will enjoy cutting edge-innovations made possible thanks to the smartest Galaxy experience yet, all while feeling good about being part of the most sustainable Galaxy ecosystem to date. And, yes, you will help Samsung rewrite the future of smartphones once again.

Get ready for the ultimate Galaxy experience.

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[1] Certain applications may not support Flex mode

[2]Certain applications may not support multitasking. Multi-Active Windows works with select applications; compatible apps growing through third party developers.

[3]Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold3 5G’s Main Screen size is 7.6” in the full rectangle and 7.4” when accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.

The official launch of One UI 4 will roll out in Canada starting with the Samsung Galaxy S21 series 5G, including Galaxy S21 5G, Galaxy S21+ 5G and Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, on December 6^th, 2021. With new customization options, privacy features, support for eSIM^[1], and access to the ever-expanding Samsung ecosystem, One UI 4 delivers an elevated mobile experience that puts you in control.

“We are committed to giving everyone access to the best mobile experiences possible, as soon as possible,” said Janghyun Yoon, Executive Vice President and Head of Software Platform Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “One UI 4 delivers on that promise, equipping Galaxy smartphone users with the latest customization and privacy features. But we won’t stop there. Soon, other smartphone and tablet users will also be able to benefit from this software update, enabling a more seamless experience across our entire ecosystem.”

Your Galaxy, Your Way

One UI 4 enables you to create a customized mobile experience to meet your unique needs and express your individuality. With a host of new colour palettes to choose from, you can alter the look and feel of everything from your home screen to icons, menus, buttons and background. And with reimagined widgets that offer enhanced customization, it’s now easy to put your own personal stamp on your smartphone experience. Self-expression opportunities have also been enhanced with a wider variety of emoji features, GIFs and stickers available directly from your keyboard.

Protect What Matters Most

With One UI 4, Samsung is delivering the latest privacy and security features so you can choose exactly what you want to share or keep private. From alerting you to when an app is attempting to access your camera or microphone, to a new privacy dashboard that brings all your settings and controls into one convenient place, with One UI 4, monitoring and controlling your privacy settings has been made easy and convenient.

Connecting You to an Extended Ecosystem

One UI 4 helps you to get the most out of the incredible extended ecosystem of Samsung devices and third-party apps, unlocking a more powerful mobile experience.

Partnerships between Samsung and other industry-leaders, like Google, ensure seamless experiences when using your favourite third-party apps and services. This means, you can enjoy apps like Google Duo, which provides high-quality video call opportunities for connecting with friends and family.

And whether you’re using a Galaxy Z Series smartphone, Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Tab, you’ll achieve a uniformed look and feel across all your devices with the ability to seamlessly sync them.

Availability

One UI 4 will be available on the Galaxy S21 series 5G starting December 6, 2021 and will soon become available on previous Galaxy S and Galaxy Note series devices, as well as the Galaxy Z series, Galaxy A series and Galaxy tablets.^[2] This announcement comes alongside a new software update for the Galaxy Watch series^[3] also available on December 6^th that will enable users to enjoy enhanced fitness features and new watch faces.

For more information about the Samsung Galaxy Ecosystem of products, please visit www.samsung.ca

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^{[1] eSIM support roll out may vary by device.}

^{[2] The update will also be made available on the Galaxy S20 5G , S20+ 5G, S20 Ultra 5G, S20 FE 5G, Note20 5G, Note20 Ultra 5G, S10, S10e, S10+, S10 5G, Note10, Note 10+, Galaxy Fold, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, Z Fold2 5G, Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Galaxy A52 5G, and Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+.}

^{[3] The update will be made available on Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Watch Active2 and Galaxy Watch3.}

Since then, the S Pen has undergone multiple innovations to transform it from a mere stylus into an independent device on its own. For example – you no longer need to rely on just your smartphone to take a picture; the S Pen can do that for you.

The 10 years that have passed since the debut of the S Pen have been filled with countless innovations and challenges. Follow along as we chart the evolution of this significant stylus, from its debut as a simple smartphone accessory to its latest form as its own separate device.

Identity: How the S Pen has Taken on Real Pen-Like Qualities

The S Pen is designed to provide the experience of writing with a real pen. Since its debut with the first Galaxy Note device in 2011, the S Pen has continued to provide improved pressure sensitivity from 256, 1024, and 2048 levels to a remarkable 4096 sensitivity level. Pressure sensitivity determines how much you can vary the width of the lines you draw with your S Pen; the higher it is, the more precisely the stylus will respond to your control. The S Pen’s high pressure sensitivity allows you to control the stroke weight of your stylus as you apply varying amounts of pressure to your screen, and the diameter of the S Pen’s tip has also been reduced over the years from 1.6mm to 0.7mm to allow for delicate strokes when drawing. This means that the S Pen not only feels like a real pen in your hands but also writes and draws like one.

When it comes to notetaking, every user has their own habits, be it using a specific highlighter to mark important passages in a text or preferring a slim pen tip for writing. The S Pen, which initially provided four pen types – Pen, Pencil, Brush and Highlighter – today offers a wide variety of pen options, including Calligraphy and Fountain pen options. The true-to-life S Pen experience even comes with a different writing sound for each pen option you choose, and the sound effect of a pen cap closing when the S Pen is re-inserted into the device provides a satisfying, realistic feel, too. Furthermore, the eye-dropper tool, which makes it easy to lift colours from an image or a text, has also been added for easy pen colour customization.

As the S Pen continued to evolve, a built-in battery was added for optimized usage and user convenience. Users need simply plug their S Pen back into their device to automatically charge it; Galaxy Note20 users can enjoy a fully charged S Pen in just 7 minutes, with a standby time of 24 hours.^[1]

In line with all these innovations, it is the S Pen’s response time that truly grants it that life-like writing experience. In the latest Samsung mobile devices, such as the Galaxy Note10 or Galaxy Note20, the S Pen features AI technology that bolster the pen’s acceleration and gyro sensors in order to predict pen movement and improve accuracy, resulting in a response time that is 80% faster than the previous model. Combined with a 120Hz display, this faster S Pen provides a remarkably smooth user experience.

Performance: Evolving from a Simple Stylus to a Pen

Over the past 10 years, the S Pen has developed into a versatile pen with a wide range of features. One such highlight of this evolution is the S Pen’s Air Command menu. When you eject the S Pen or click its button, a series of essential S Pen feature icons appear on-screen. These days, the Air Command menu emerges in a line, as opposed to the fan shape that earlier models featured, in order to display more icons at once. Users can even customize the actions and icons that appear so as to enjoy effortless and instant access to their most frequently used features.

Colourful messages written down using the Screen off memo feature

Another notable S Pen functionality is the Screen off memo function, which was included to broaden the horizon of quick notetaking. This feature lets users write their notes down directly onto the lock screen once they have popped out their S Pen. The resulting note can then be pinned to the Always On Display, or saved to Samsung Notes, and over the years, this feature has seen more options for pen tips, colours and canvas size included to help you capture your inspiration in real time.

Following the application of various improvements and innovations since its inception, the S Pen has evolved to truly became a device on its own. The revolutionized S Pen features Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) connectivity, meaning that users can control their music, camera app and more directly from their S Pen within a certain distance[2] – similar to a remote control.

In recent years, the S Pen has only seen more expansion of its scope. The introduction of S Pen Air actions allows users to control their smartphone’s applications by pressing their S Pen’s side button. With Air actions, you can harness intuitive actions to switch between camera and shooting modes, zoom in or out of a shot and execute a variety of other convenient functions – all with customizable gestures.

Using the very latest S Pen models, gesture control has only gotten easier with the introduction of five Anywhere actions. Users can now customize actions for the Back, Home, Recent App, Smart Select and Screen Write commands, making the S Pen easier to control.

Design: Write Intuitively, With Style

From a rounded form, a flat symmetrical design to a unibody type, Samsung has constantly been refining the design of the S Pen for more seamless pen handling and the most comfortable writing experiences possible. As a result, the S Pen has evolved to be an ergonomic pen that allows users a relaxed grip. Today’s S Pen boasts a sleek appearance thanks to its elegant, unibody design, and its very latest iteration, launched with the Galaxy Note20,  is the lightest and thinnest S Pen yet, coming in at just 3.04g and 5.8mm.

Galaxy Note9 packaging featuring S Pen imagery

An S Pen that comes in a range of colour options was developed to satisfy those users looking to showcase their personality through their devices. Each colour option even matches the corresponding device’s S Pen slot. One such change saw a clear ocean-blue device paired with a vivid yellow S Pen, with the corresponding packaging summarizing the evolution of the S Pen so far by featuring the stylus on the front of its box. This demonstrates that the S Pen truly became the key identifier of Samsung’s smartphone products.

Ecosystem: Diversifying the S Pen’s Canvas Options

The Galaxy Tab S7 series’ S Pen

These days, you can enjoy the versatility of the S Pen on larger screens like tablets and laptops such as the Samsung’s Galaxy Tab A and S series and the Galaxy Book, as well as on your smartphone. The S Pen models included with Samsung’s tablets and laptops have been developed differently than S Pen models developed for smartphones, featuring a rounded, unibody design and a glossy finish.

Users of Galaxy Tab S6 and S7 devices can easily store their S Pen on the side and back (respectively) of their tablets thanks to the magnetic storage feature, making it easier to keep track of your S Pen while also providing a simple way for you to charge your S Pen.

The expansion of the S Pen ecosystem also comes with more opportunities for pro-level S Pen usage. The Galaxy Tab S7 is the first to come pre-loaded with Clip Studio Paint, a professional drawing app for illustration, webtoon and animation production; Noteshelf, a dedicated note-taking app; and Canva, a graphic design app. Accordingly, the S Pen today is playing a key role in transforming the tablet into a device capable of servicing any user’s tastes and interests.

The S Pen has become the key identifying feature of the Galaxy Note series and Samsung’s latest tablet line-ups, but this has been taken a step further following its launch with the Galaxy S21 Ultra earlier this year. The very latest Galaxy S line device provides users with such S Pen benefits as drawing, notetaking and video editing; S21 Ultra users can take advantage of the delicate touch granted by the S Pen for precise and elaborate video editing capabilities unachievable by human fingers alone. The inclusion of the optional S Pen that is available for a S series device[3] is an innovation that improves both device portability and productivity and going forward, Samsung is determined to bring the outstanding performance of the S Pen into a wider range of categories for a more seamless mobile experience.

Since its inception, the S Pen has been a landmark innovation for Samsung. An elegant instrument that lets users create to their heart’s content on their digital screens, the evolution of this delicate stylus over the past decade has seen the S Pen grow into an independent, smart device on its own. Stay tuned to find out how the S Pen is set to develop further in the future and provide users with even better means of self-expression.

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[1] Based on average battery life under typical usage conditions. Average expected performance based on typical use. Results may vary.

[2] S Pen’s operable distance extends approximately 10 meters from the device in open space. Control range may vary depending on surroundings and other factors.

[3] Sold separately.

* All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice. Availability may vary by market, operator and connected device.