Samsung’s early take on Android 16 is here. What do you think?

Samsung rolled out the One UI 8 beta just weeks after One UI 7 stable made its debut. The new beta is based on Android 16, which, on a Pixel at least, presents a massive jump over Android 15. However, based on our experience thus far, One UI 8 takes a considerably light touch regarding new features and changes.

My colleague Zac Kew-Denniss placed the two versions side-by-side to compare the tangible differences. We get some improvements within Samsung’s own apps, including Weather and Modes and Routines. There are also some welcome Now Bar enhancements and the arrival of 90:10 multitasking, which will be a boon for larger displays. Overall, a competent debut for One UI 8, but it’s not the electric shock-like debut that Android 16 QPR1 beta 1 was on the Pixel series.

Some will likely appreciate Samsung addressing core One UI 7 concerns and issues with One UI 8, but others will be disappointed by the new skin’s lack of big-ticket features. Which camp do you find yourself in?

Here are the other big questions:

• Are you impressed with what you’ve seen with One UI 8 so far?
• What is the One UI 8 feature that has impressed you the most?
• What feature do you hope Samsung includes or improves before One UI 8 stable arrives?
• Which Android 16 interpretation do you prefer: Google’s on the Pixel series, or Samsung’s with One UI 8?

Be sure to vote in the polls below, too!

👇Sound off in the comments: What do you think of One UI 8 so far — a competent start or a disappointing debut?