Samsung's One UI 7 update revitalizes the Galaxy S24 Ultra, giving it a fresh experience.

      I had been checking the Software Update section on my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for several days, eagerly anticipating the release of One UI 7. Then, on the morning of April 10, it unexpectedly became available, and I quickly installed it. Samsung’s One UI 7, running on Android 15 for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, is a significant achievement, but how does it perform on the flagship Galaxy phone of 2024?

      Not a massive update?

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      I was surprised to find that the One UI 7 update for the Galaxy S24 Ultra was reasonably sized, taking under three minutes to download and install without any issues. Besides a couple of setup screens to go through—one for Google Gemini and another showcasing the new Galaxy AI features—my phone was ready to use shortly after.

      For context, if you're waiting for the One UI 7 update, I have an unlocked Galaxy S24 Ultra in the U.K., and it seems that Samsung is rolling out the update gradually to ensure smooth performance. For instance, my Galaxy Z Flip 5 is still awaiting the update, even though it's also an unlocked phone in the U.K. There's no way to trigger the update manually other than continuously checking the software update section in Settings until it becomes available.

      The size of the update and the time spent installing it don't fully convey the wealth of new features and modifications in One UI 7, which enhances the appearance and functionality of One UI. If you've read our reviews of the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus, Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the Galaxy A56, you already know we regard One UI 7 highly, ranking it among the best current interpretations of Android 15 on smartphones, alongside OnePlus's OxygenOS 15.

      What should you explore first?

      Given the significance of the One UI 7 update, here are a few features we recommend trying out first.

      Now Bar

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      The Now Bar, located at the bottom of the lock screen, offers real-time information and quick access buttons for selected features such as Google Maps, Samsung Notes, and media playback. It looks great, its positioning is convenient, and it functions very well. Be sure to give it a try, though its current functionality is somewhat limited.

      New lock screen and always-on display styles

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      The Now Bar is just one of the many impressive changes related to the lock screen in One UI 7. The Edit Lock Screen option includes various widgets, ranging from the voice recorder to the calendar, along with options to customize the clock style, font size and weight, and colors. Don't forget to check the shortcut icons in the bottom corners, as each can be customized to access any feature available in the Quick Settings menu.

      Split pull-down menu

      This One UI 7 feature may spark differing opinions, but it represents a notable change from previous software versions. It splits the pull-down menu into two sections: notifications on the left and Quick Settings on the right. Whether you appreciate this design depends on personal preference, as factors such as muscle memory and hand size will affect usability. However, it remains an option, so you can choose whether to use it.

      New photo filters

      Prakhar Khanna / Digital Trends

      One of the standout new features in One UI 7 is the extensive range of photo filters and editing tools. When you access the Filter option in the Gallery app’s editing suite, you'll find various new filters, each with a unique appearance. The exciting part is that you can adjust each filter using intuitive slider bars, allowing for satisfying customization that noticeably alters your photos.

      Something is missing

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      This is just a brief glimpse of what One UI 7 offers for the Galaxy S24 series, making it worth exploring fully. I appreciate One UI 7’s overall smoothness, its intuitive menu layout, and the numerous new features it adds to last year’s Galaxy S24 series. While I won't go as far as to say it completely transforms the phone, it certainly brings it up to date and makes it feel refreshed. This update provides another argument against upgrading from the S24 Ultra to the S25 Ultra.

      However, Samsung has withheld a particular feature: Now Brief. This much-promoted Galaxy AI function, which is said to help users better organize their lives as it evolves with them, is exclusive to the Galaxy S25. It's difficult to understand why Now Brief wouldn’t function on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, especially with so many other Galaxy AI features already present, and considering that other brands like Nothing are running complex AI functions on less powerful processors.

      It seems that the exclusivity of Now Brief is a strategic decision by Samsung, likely designed to entice Galaxy S24 users to consider an upgrade. Should you feel tempted? That depends on your lifestyle. Now Brief would be beneficial if you lead a very busy life and use your phone to manage numerous