Hot topics

One UI 6.1 Update for Galaxy S23 Won't Bring All Exciting Features

NextPit Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
© nextpit

Samsung's Galaxy S24 (review) debuted with One UI 6.1 alongside new Galaxy AI features and enhancements. The update is slated to be shipped to older Galaxy models this week, but Samsung hasn't shared the full changelog for the older models. However, a new leak appears to indicate the update comes with fewer features than anticipated.

Which One UI 6.1 features and changes are coming to the Galaxy S23?

Prolific leaker Ice Universe shared details about the One UI 6.1 update on X and seems to be already running the latest firmware on a Chinese version of the Galaxy S23 Ultra (review). Based on the post, the premium Galaxy handset from 2023 will receive all AI features that were first introduced with the Galaxy S24 Ultra (review). Likewise, it also mentioned that this will include optimized and smoother animations in the UI.

Although that sound spromising, the source mentioned the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S23 Ultra will miss out on some improvements in the update. For instance, it is tipped the Galaxy S23 will not support the new full-screen always-on mode and new vivid screen settings.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with Instant Slo-Mo
Instant Slo-Mo on the Galaxy S24 Ultra is one example of Galaxy AI-powered features on the Galaxy S24 / © nextpit

Other major additions that are touted not to arrive on the Galaxy S24's predecessor include Ultra HDR photos in Instagram and the Photos app, the updated camera algorithm that allegedly improves shooting modes and picture quality.

Similarly, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (review) and Galaxy Z Flip 5 (review) could also miss out on those features, but both should be able to take advantage of the new suite of AI tools.

When should you expect the update to be available?

Coming from South Korea and China, Samsung is slated to start rolling out One UI 6.1 on March 28 while availability for devices and various regions could still vary.

The first set of eligible Galaxy models to receive the update are the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 series. Samsung said it is working to bring those AI features to more Galaxy devices such as the Galaxy S22, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and the Galaxy Tab S8 series — all which run on older Snapdragon chipsets.

Is your Samsung Galaxy phone eligible for the update? Which of the new features do you look to try the most? Let's discuss your answers in the comments.

 The best smartphones under $400

  Editorial tip Price tip 3rd place 4th place 5th place
Product
Image Google Pixel 6a Product Image Apple iPhone SE (2022) Product Image Samsung Galaxy A53 Product Image OnePlus Nord N20 Product Image Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Product Image
Review
Review: Google Pixel 6a
Review: Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Review: Samsung Galaxy A53
Not yet tested
Not yet tested
Price (MSRP)
  • $449.00
  • $429.00
  • $449.99
  • $299.00
  • $399.00
Offer*
nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
Go to comment (0)
Jade Bryan

Jade Bryan
Junior Editor

I still remember how amazed I was when I first got hold of the Nokia 3210 back when I was a kid, and it was during that time I developed my love for technology, particularly for mobile phones. I started sharing my knowledge through writing in different blogs and forums back in Nokia Nseries era. I even make videos before where I put different phones side-by-side. Today, I'm still an avid enthusiast of smartphones, but my interests have evolved into smart devices and electric vehicles.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
No comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing