Packed with the best of Samsung’s foldable technology, the Galaxy Z Fold2 introduced a whole host of new smartphone experiences to users. Since December last year, users have been enjoying One UI 3 with Android 11 on the Galaxy Z Fold2. And now, following the release of One UI 3.1, the foldable experience is about to get even better.

Users can now multitask more efficiently on the Galaxy Z Fold2. In addition to simplifying everyday interactions on the device, the UX also provides a more natural visual experience. Read on to learn more about the exciting features on the device.

Multitasking Made Easy

On the Galaxy Z Fold2, users can now instantly return to up to three previously opened Multi-Active Windows on the Main Screen via the Recents tab. Users can also bring two Multi-Active Windows directly from the Main Screen to the Cover Screen via the Recents tab.

Need to reply to an urgent message while checking a document? The latest update allows users to launch Multi-Active Window directly from notifications in the Quick Panel. Just long press, drag and drop the relevant notification to open apps with Multi-Active Window.¹

Simplify Everyday Interactions

The latest update makes routine interactions on the Galaxy Z Fold2 easier and faster.

Users no longer need to reach for the power button to turn off the screen. By enabling the ‘Palm touch to turn off screen’ feature in settings, both the Cover and Main Screen can be put on standby with a touch of the palm or a double tap.

One UI 3 brings added flexibility to the Camera app. When shooting in Flex mode, the position of the controls can be adjusted for greater comfort. Following suggestions from users, Samsung also added a Delete and Share button to the preview window in Flex mode.

Notifications in the Quick Panel are now categorized, and you can switch between different media controls in the Quick Panel by swiping. The weather widgets on the Cover and Main Screen are also synced so users can get the same information, no matter how they use the phone.

Natural and Comfortable Visual Experiences 

The visual experience on Galaxy Z Fold2’s immersive Main Screen is even more comfortable. When making video calls in Flex mode, users can fill the top half of the display with the video of the person they are speaking to.

The updated Light and Dark themes bring extra depth to the overall visual experience on the Galaxy Z Fold2 while the redesigned vertical volume slider further minimizes clutter on the screen.

¹ This feature is only available with apps that support Multi-Active Window.

Unveiled in November 2018, One UI improved smartphone usability for millions of users. After two years of further evolution, Samsung launched One UI 3 in December 2020, building on the design, efficiency, and user experience of the original across various devices. Now Samsung is raising the bar yet again with One UI 3.1. From February 18^th, the latest One UI is bringing updates to support powerful functionality for some existing smartphones.¹

So what kind of experience can users enjoy with One UI 3? Samsung Newsroom sat down with the designers of One UI to ask them what we can expect.

The 4 Principles of One UI

1) Focus on the task at hand

2) Interact naturally

3) Be comfortable to view

4) Make things responsive

These four principles were established by One UI designers to give users the best experience possible.

Jeonggun Choi, Principal UX Designer in the Core UX Group, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics

The fourth principle is a completely new principle introduced for One UI 3.1.

“From tablets to foldable phones and regular smartphones, the types of devices people are using have diversified, and the number of features and functions has also increased,” said Principal UX Designer Jeonggun Choi. “Following this trend, new principles were needed to provide the best layout for our users.” Whether an app is running on the Galaxy S21, Galaxy Tab, or the foldable Galaxy Z series, the UI is optimized for each device.

When using the Samsung Notes app on smartphones with regular sized displays, for example, users can access the app menu by pressing the navigation button at the top left side of the screen. But on the Galaxy Z Fold and Tab series, users can take advantage of the larger display by having the entire menu always in view, without having to press anything.

As part of the fourth principle, Samsung has also improved the accessibility experience by recommending features that complement the ones already in use. When someone with impaired or weakened vision has High contrast fonts turned on, for example, One UI suggests other features that improve visibility such as Bold font or Dark mode on the Recommended for you screen. One UI also reduces the hassle of having to sort through several menus by allowing users to turn off any accessibility features they are using from a single screen.

“Accessibility features are so diverse that it can often be difficult to use them to their full potential,” said Jeonggun Choi. “The ‘Recommended for you’ function increases convenience and helps users get more out of those features by identifying and recommending ones that users may need. We’ve also made it easy to use these features only when needed by allowing users to turn the features on and off while in use on one page.”

Galaxy Ecosystem Allows for Seamless Connectivity Between Devices

Another perk offered by One UI 3 is the ability to seamlessly switch between smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Taking into account the increased use of tablets and laptops spurred by a boom in remote learning and work, the new update provides a ‘connected device experience.’ This seamless ecosystem is paramount to enhancing study and work productivity.

“A new feature called ‘Continue apps on other devices’² has been added so that users can continue whatever they were doing on their smartphone – whether browsing a web page or working on a draft in Samsung Notes – on their tablet,” said Principal UX Designer Min-Young Chang. “Users can also copy text on their smartphone and paste it onto their tablet.”

In addition, users can connect their Book Cover Keyboard to both their tablet and smartphone with the Wireless keyboard sharing feature. The new Auto Switch feature also automatically connects Galaxy Buds to whichever device is playing media, so that users can seamlessly switch between their smartphones and tablets.

Connected device experiences are not only available with mobile devices, they are also available on home appliances such as TVs. Starting with One UI 3, users can use Smart View to enjoy multimedia content from their smartphone on their TV alongside the camera feed from their smartphone. This is especially beneficial for users who work out at home, allowing them to compare their movements with those of their virtual instructor.

“Starting with the One UI 3.1 update, users can cast their Google Duo video calls onto their TV with a few clicks,” said Jeonggun Choi. “With an increasing number of people connecting with their family via video calls and conducting virtual work meetings, this is an especially useful feature.”

A Customizable Galaxy Experience to Suit Your Needs

Smartphones are no longer just a tool that gives users the power to do various tasks—they’ve become a means of self-expression. Perhaps the best example is decorating the Galaxy Z Flip with stickers to create your own unique phone. But there are many ways to create a custom smartphone experience with the latest updates. “We have implemented a diverse array of features to let users use their smartphone as a form of self-expression,” said Jeonggun Choi. “Users can enjoy a customized Galaxy experience by choosing a video as the incoming and outgoing call screen or changing the wallpaper in the Messages app.”

Before (left) and after (right) views of the quick panel. The design has been simplified and the most commonly used icons have been placed to speed up the search process. Users can add other icons by clicking the ‘See more’ button in the top right corner.

“We first analyzed the usage for each feature available in previous models,” said Min-Young Chang. “After ranking the features based on their popularity, we placed the most used features at the top while hiding the least used features to simplify the panel.”

Saving Your Time, Even if it’s Only 1 Second

Min-Young Chang, Principal UX Designer in the UX Design 2 Group, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics

Another updated feature available through One UI 3.1 is the integration of the Clock app with Digital Wellbeing’s Bedtime mode.³ After opening the Clock app, users can tap See More, then tap Set bedtime to set their sleep and wake-up times. Users no longer have to switch between two apps, making setting a daily sleep schedule easier and faster.

“Users might not be aware of all of the One UI design updates that have been made but these improvements combined help users recognize and react to various features quicker and in a more direct manner. Even if it saves 1 to 2 seconds of user’s time, I think it would have been worth the effort,” said Jeonggun Choi. “The One UI designers are going to continue coming up with designs that elevate our users’ happiness and satisfaction with Galaxy devices.”

¹ Features of One UI 3.1 may vary by device model. Updates may vary by carrier, country, and model.

² Both connected devices need to be running One UI 3.1 or above, have Bluetooth turned on, be signed into the same Samsung account and be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

³ The feature allows users to change the background to grayscale and mute incoming notifications in order to help them sleep better.

“Samsung is committed that our devices continue to deliver the up-to-date mobile experiences throughout their lifecycle,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “Following the announcement of 3-generation Android OS upgrades for select Galaxy devices, we ensure to equip our consumers with powerful new features as soon as they are available. Our One UI 3.1 update marks an important next step in that mission.”

Shoot Dynamic Photos and Videos With Smart New Camera Features

The Galaxy S21 with One UI 3.1 introduced incredible new camera innovations, making it easier than ever to capture stunning photos and shoot professional-looking videos. Now Galaxy S20 owners can experience these features with the One UI 3.1 update.

Never miss a moment with the improved Single Take² feature, which captures a variety of still and video formats simultaneously, with just a tap.

Once you’ve captured your shot, One UI 3.1 introduces the new Object eraser tool to help you to get that perfect image. Use this intelligent photo editing tool to cut out unwanted parts of your photos effortlessly, without time-consuming manual editing. If you want to edit out distracting objects, simply tap the area you wish to remove and it will be automatically selected and deleted.

One UI 3.1 features an improved touch autofocus and autoexposure controller³, making adjusting the focus and brightness of your photos easier than ever so you can capture your best shot every time. With just a swipe left or right anywhere on the screen, you can now edit the brightness of your image before you’ve taken the shot.

One UI 3.1 also introduces the new Multi Mic Recording⁴ feature, which, when in Pro Video mode, allows you to simultaneously record audio through both your phone and a connected Bluetooth device such as Galaxy Buds Pro, Buds Live and Buds+ ⁵. So whether you’re a vlogger, narrating a shot where you want to be heard from afar, or you’re a budding musician wanting to record the sound of your voice and instrument separately for more professional-sounding audio, with Multi Mic Recording you can get creative and make videos that look and sound incredible.

All your best shots and favorite moments are stored in the updated Gallery⁶, which now groups and arranges your videos and photos into a clean, easy-to-navigate feed.

Smart New Features That Enhance Your Everyday Life

Head into your Settings to find One UI 3.1’s new Eye Comfort Shield⁷ mode, which automatically adjusts the blue light based on the time of day. Using Eye Comfort Shield’s warmer tones can help you to fall asleep easier at night and you can set your device to automatically adjust your screen’s colors throughout the day or personalize the schedule yourself.

Your privacy is important and now One UI 3.1 makes it easier to control what you share. Remove metadata that reveals the location of photos before you share them or use Private Share⁸ to control who is allowed access to the content you send, and how long it is available.

With new One UI 3.1 on your devices, the experience of the Galaxy ecosystem is smooth and seamless. As well as a consistent interface that makes switching between your phone and tablet hassle-free, Galaxy Buds Pro, Buds Live and Buds+’s⁹ Auto Switch feature means that your audio follows you when you switch between Galaxy devices. If you’re watching videos on your phone or listening to your favorite song or podcast, you can enjoy more realistic and immersive sound by connecting your compatible phone and Galaxy Buds Pro thanks to 360 Audio – allowing you to stay at the center of your listening experience.

For more information about One UI, please visit www.samsung.com/one-ui.

¹ One UI 3.1 is available starting from today on Galaxy S20 series, Note20 series, Z Fold2 and Z Flip, and the S10, Note10, and Fold, A71, A51, A90, A80, A70, and A50 devices. Availability may vary by region and carrier.

² Single Take captures images and video up to 15 seconds.

³ The feature is available from One UI 3.0

⁴ The feature is available only in Galaxy S20 series, S20 FE, Note20 series, Z Fold2, Z Flip 5G. The feature is available on Galaxy smartphones or tablets with One UI 3.1 or above, which can be turned on and off in the Bluetooth^® setting. Requires the same Samsung account to be registered on the devices. The availability of the feature may vary by application.

⁵ Sold separately

⁶ The feature is available from One UI 3.0

⁷ Eye Comfort Shield is ‘off’ by default, and must be turned on in Settings. SGS, the world’s leading certification company, awarded Galaxy S21 series’ display the Eye Care Certification based on its ability to drastically reduce the harmful effects of blue light. This certification can be found on www.sgs.com.

⁸ Private Share works between Galaxy smartphones with Android P or later. App download required to send/receive Private Share link.

⁹ For Buds Live and Buds+, software update is required. Software update starts from late Feb.