La Fourth beta of One UI 8.5 for the Galaxy S25 It's already in circulation and, against all odds, the testing program is still going strong. After the uncertainty of recent weeks, Samsung has opted to release a new version focused on polishing details and finalizing the work before the official release of the interface.
This iteration, identified by the firmware with ZZAL ending and a size close to 1,5 GBIt arrives with a fairly clear focus: correcting accumulated bugs, refining the interface's behavior, and adding a single eye-catching feature related to calls. All of this with the Android security patch dated early February 2026, which updates the system's protection for the coming months.
One UI 8.5 Beta 4 is now available on the Galaxy S25
Samsung is rolling out One UI 8.5 Beta 4 is being rolled out gradually in several key markets.In addition to South Korea, where the program began, the update is being received in Germany, United Kingdom, United States and India, the usual countries within the brand's tests.
Access is maintained limited exclusively to the Galaxy S25 familyThat is, the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, which remain the chosen testing platform. There is no opening to new models or additional users, so only those already registered in the program can download this build.
The file has a approximate size of 1,48-1,5 GBThis is a high number for a version focused on bug fixes, suggesting changes spread across several system modules. Even so, the changelog published by the company makes it clear that This isn't a major feature update.but rather a further step in the polishing prior to stable launch.
For those who are part of the program, the installation procedure is the usual one: simply go to Settings > Software Update > Download and Install and search for the compilation with firmware finished in ZZALThe rollout is being done in waves, so in Europe it may take a few hours or even a couple of days to appear on all participating devices.
In the European context, this beta is especially relevant because This practically marks the final stretch before One UI 8.5 arrives in a stable version. to Galaxy S25 devices sold in Spain and the rest of the region. The goal is that, when the general update is released, most of the everyday problems will already be identified and resolved.
A list of corrections focused on daily use
The focus of One UI 8.5 Beta 4 is clearly placed in fix bugs that affected basic phone functionsespecially in calls, the lock screen, and the AI-powered tools integrated into the layer.
One of the most annoying bugs that have been fixed affected the lock screen clockwhich sometimes shifted downwards in an odd way. It may seem minor, but these kinds of visual details affect the perceived quality of the system, and Samsung is ironing them out at this stage.
They have also been addressed several problems with the Phone app and call logThese include errors when tapping on the search history within the app, failures when pasting numbers into the dialer after tapping call links, and unexpected behavior when managing recent call lists.
Another highlight is the Bluetooth connectivity during voice callsThe company states that it has fixed an issue where, under certain conditions, the call would switch devices or speakers without user intervention. Additionally, in some cases, only one of the participants could hear the audio correctly when Bluetooth accessories were connected, something this beta version aims to resolve.
The bug fixing also extends to AI SelectThe tool that allows you to select and copy content with the help of artificial intelligence. Until now, the AI ​​Select menu could remain open after using the "Copy" option, forcing the user to manually close the interface. With Beta 4, The panel closes automatically once the action is completed.making the interaction somewhat smoother.
Beyond these adjustments, the company has been introducing small changes in previous versions geared towards everyday use, such as Data saving options for social apps or camera behavior settings that have had to be tweaked on the fly. This fourth beta is therefore positioned more as a consolidation update than a launch of major new features.
Direct Voicemail: the new voicemail with real-time transcription
The major functional innovation of One UI 8.5 Beta 4 for Galaxy S25 called Direct Voicemail, a feature that redefines the classic voicemail by relying on real-time transcription and becoming independent of the operator's services.
With this function, Calls can be sent directly to a voicemail box within the phone itself.The caller leaves a voicemail message that is stored locally on the device, either automatically after a few seconds of ringing or manually when the user chooses not to answer.
While the message is being recorded, the system displays it in the Phone app. a real-time text transcription of what the other person is sayingThis allows you to read the message content without having to play the audio, which is especially useful in situations where you cannot or do not want to listen to the voicemail with sound.
Furthermore, those who have tested the feature highlight that The quality of the transcription is already quite polished. For a beta version, one interesting detail is that if the user determines that an incoming message is urgent, they can... interrupt the voicemail and go directly to the call, picking up the phone conversation on the fly.
Samsung presents this feature as a possible replacement for conventional voicemailThis is especially important because messages are managed entirely from the mobile device and are not linked to the operator's voice platform. The user has the option to configure whether to activate Direct Voicemail manually or let the system do it automatically after a short time on an incoming call.
Combined with the rest of the functions powered by artificial intelligence that One UI 8.5 is introducing In the Galaxy S25 series, Direct Voicemail fits into the brand's strategy of adding tools that, while not spectacular, provide convenience in very specific moments of daily use.
Development pace, stability, and what's coming with the Galaxy S26
One of the aspects that is most frequently repeated among those who are closely following these versions is that The development of One UI 8.5 seems to be progressing well. and with a higher level of stability than some previous iterations of the layer.
The arrival of this fourth beta, launched after a wait a little longer of what was expectedThis had generated speculation about a serious problem or system crash. However, the final changelog doesn't reflect any unusual incidents, but rather a set of accumulated fixes typical of the final stage of a beta program.
Meanwhile, the company is preparing to unveil the new family Galaxy S26which is expected to be unveiled at an event at the end of February. Everything points to it These new models will arrive on the market with One UI 8.5 already installed from the factory, using this version of the layer as a base on Android 16.
Rumors indicate that the stable launch of One UI 8.5 for everyone else This could happen in early March, once the S26 models start going on sale. From then on, the update would be rolled out over the air (OTA) to compatible Galaxy devices. Galaxy S25 series as the main candidate to receive it first.
According to leaked internal schedules, Samsung's intention would be Extend One UI 8.5 to the majority of its compatible catalog during the first half of 2026Starting with the flagship models and continuing with other phones and tablets within the Galaxy range. In Europe, this would involve a gradual rollout by country and model, depending on local approvals and coordination with carriers.
Meanwhile, the company continues to focus on small aesthetic details that accompany the underlying improvements. One example is the new battery charging animationThis fourth beta version features a redesign with a slightly smaller tablet and a color gradient that recovers some of the style seen in One UI 7. These details do not change the phone's functionality, but they do help make the interface more coherent and less cluttered.
With all these adjustments, features, and subtle improvements, the fourth beta of One UI 8.5 for Galaxy S25 It is positioned as a version designed to finalize the work before the stable launch: it corrects errors that were noticeable in day-to-day use, incorporates a more flexible voicemail with real-time transcription, and leaves the door open for the final update to begin reaching users in Spain and the rest of Europe without major disruptions as soon as the Galaxy S26 family is officially launched.
