Samsung Expands One UI 7.0 Beta Program for Galaxy S24 Series, Releases Second Update

Samsung continues to enhance the user experience for Galaxy S24 series owners with the expansion of its Android 15-based One UI 7.0 beta program to more countries and the rollout of a second beta update. Initially launched on December 5, 2024, the beta program was initially available only in Germany, South Korea, the UK, and the US. As of December 16, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra users in India and Poland can also join the beta program, marking a significant expansion.

With this expansion, Galaxy S24 series owners in these additional countries can now explore the latest features and improvements. Interested users can register for the beta program through the Samsung Members app and download the beta firmware from the Settings » Software update menu.

The second beta update is available globally, including in Germany, South Korea, the US, and the UK, and introduces numerous enhancements while addressing various bugs. This update signifies Samsung’s commitment to refining the One UI 7 experience based on user feedback.

New Features and Fixes in the Second Update

Samsung’s second One UI 7.0 beta update (build number ZXL5) delivers several fixes and improvements. Key changes include:

Knox Watermark Removal: The persistent ‘Secured by Knox’ watermark in the app drawer, a known annoyance in the first beta, has been removed.

Gaming Motion Smoothness: Samsung has introduced a new option in the Gaming Hub/Game Booster app that allows users to toggle between 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rates during gaming. This feature balances battery life with smoother animations. However, the previously available 48Hz option for power saving is currently absent, although Samsung may reintroduce it in future updates.

Changelog Highlights

The second beta update addresses a wide range of issues while improving the overall performance and stability of the software. Notable fixes include:

-Resolved continuous display issues after closing the Now Bar.

-Fixed display errors in the personal App Drawer.

-Improved wireless DeX functionality, resolving connectivity issues with certain TVs.

-Enhanced transparency for the Samsung Reminder widget.

-Smoothed transitions between apps on the Recents screen.

-Improved GPS functionality and fixed NFC/WiFi connection errors in routines.

-Resolved call termination and app crashes in Samsung Messages.

-Added an option to set the screen refresh rate directly in Game Booster.

These changes are complemented by numerous smaller improvements to system stability and usability.

Game Booster and Gaming Hub Enhancements

Users can now manage refresh rates directly in the Gaming Hub, where the new Gaming Motion Smoothness option provides flexibility for optimizing gaming performance. However, games with their own refresh rate settings or those that don’t support higher rates than 60Hz remain unaffected by this feature.

Samsung acknowledges that the development of One UI 7 is ongoing. While the second beta resolves many issues, it may introduce new ones as part of the iterative testing process. Users participating in the beta program are encouraged to provide feedback to help refine the software further.

The company plans to continue releasing additional beta updates in the coming weeks, with the official rollout of One UI 7 expected in early 2025. Galaxy S24 series users eager to experience these updates can register through the Samsung Members app and download the latest firmware from their device’s settings.

Samsung’s expansion of the One UI 7.0 beta program reflects its dedication to enhancing user experience and keeping pace with the latest Android advancements. The second beta update not only introduces new features like Gaming Motion Smoothness but also addresses critical issues identified in earlier builds. With more countries now included, Galaxy S24 series owners worldwide have an opportunity to shape the final release of One UI 7.