29 New Features In Samsung's One UI 2.5 You Won't Want To Miss

• By Jon Knight
• 8/25/20 8:45 AM
• Handy Roundups
• Samsung One UI Tips
• Gadget Hacks

  

Samsung's One UI has slowly become the model for Android skins. The old iOS-like TouchWiz already feels like a relic, thanks in part to the newer user interface's exceptional design and fast but meaningful updates. One UI is so good, other OEM skins have copied elements of it. The latest release is One UI 2.5, which has over 20 new features that make the skin even better.

Debuting on the Galaxy Note 20 and Note 20 Ultra, One UI 2.5 is the sixth version of Samsung's skin. It's also the last update for the One UI 2 family before One UI 3, based on Android 11, comes in the fall. It's surprising how many changes Samsung included in the 2.5 update, and best of all, Samsung promised it would arrive on the Samsung Galaxy S9 models and all newer devices. It has already been pushed out to the Galaxy S20 series and Galaxy Z Flip.

• Jump to a section: Camera | Home Screen | Keyboard | DeX | Notes | Wi-Fi | Messages | Edge Panel | Reminders

New Camera Features

1. Better Cinematic Video Recording

In the Settings app, there's a new option called "Pro video size" for Camera, which lets you adjust the resolution of the Pro Video mode. It also adds the cinematic frame rate of 24 fps to 8K, 4K, and 1080p video resolutions. Additionally, it adds the 21:9 aspect ratio to all but 720p video recording, the same ratio used by most films.

2. Zoom Slider Control

In the Pro Video mode in Camera, there's a new "Zoom" button, which reveals a slider to adjust magnification. The slider provides better precision than using pinch-to-zoom gestures.

3. Improved Microphone Control

In the Pro Video mode in Camera, there's now a microphone button. Selecting it will open up new options to manage audio capture. You can adjust the mic to record either omnidirectional, in front, or behind you. Additionally, you can choose the source when using an external Bluetooth or USB microphone. And you can use the Galaxy Buds as a lavalier microphone.

4. VU Meter for the Microphone

With the addition of the new microphone controls in Camera's Pro Video mode comes the inclusion of a VU (volume unit) meter, an indicator that represents the current signal level of the mics.

5. Adjust Focus Button

There are a couple of new button overlays on the viewfinder in Camera's Pro Video mode, one of which is for the autofocus area. You choose between having a single focus point in the center or multiple.

6. Histogram for Pro Shooting

Another new button added to the Pro Video shooting mode is the option to add a histogram, a chart that displays all the grayscale values of the image.

7. Video Playback Indicator

Instead of opening Settings to remember what options you chose for video playback resolution and frame rate, in Pro Video mode, there's a small indicator that displays the information. Here, you'll see either FHD (1080p), 4K, or 8K along with the frame rate, so you always know.

8. Reset Button for Pro Modes

There's a new "reset" button in both the Pro and Pro Video modes. So if you make adjustments, hitting the reset button will return everything to the defaults.

9. Touch Vibrations

In the Settings app for Camera, there's a new touch vibration option which, when enabled, adds small haptic feedback whenever you touch specific options in the Camera app.

10. Rearranged Icons

Don't be alarmed, but the icons have been rearranged in both manual shooting modes. So the exposure is now next to shutter speed instead of at the end of the row.

New Home Screen Features

11. Android 10 Gestures

Finally, after months of waiting, you can now set the Android 10 gestures to work with a third-party home screen launcher. Before One UI 2.5, the only way to use these gestures was to force them using ADB.

New Samsung Keyboard Features

12. Share YouTube Links

The Samsung keyboard in One UI 2.5 can now search within YouTube, directly from the keyboard. You can then add the link to a conversation or open the YouTube app to watch the video yourself.

New DeX Features

13. Wireless DeX

DeX got a considerable upgrade in One UI 2.5. You no longer need a cable to use the desktop version of Android. Instead, you can connect to a television wirelessly with Mircast support.

14. Multi-Finger Gestures

You can now use multi-finger gestures to control DeX on your phone, including swiping up with three fingers for recent apps, swiping down with three fingers to return to the home screen, and swiping left or right with three fingers to switch between apps.

New Samsung Notes Features

15. Audio Bookmarks

When creating a note, you can now add an audio recording and link it to a specific line of text. When reviewing what you wrote, once you select the text, the audio will begin playing automatically. You can also add audio without connecting it to text.

16. PDF Support

Samsung Notes is now able to manage PDF files, and you can import and write on them.

17. Folders

You can now create folders in Samsung Notes, allowing you organize your notes.

18. Page Styles

Notes can be constructed either as individual pages or one long page that you can scroll through.

19. Page Templates

One UI 2.5 adds ten different page templates to choose from for note-taking, ranging from a sheet of paper with narrow lines to a grid.

20. Action Icons

When enabled, icons will appear in Samsung Notes when a specific type of arrangement of the text is recognized. Selecting the icon will redirect you to the related action. This includes the ability to call numbers, send emails, solve equations, and visit websites.

21. Handwriting Lanaguages

Have you ever want to take notes in a different language? With One UI 2.5, you can adjust which language is recognized when writing handwritten notes. There are nine languages preinstalled and many more that you can download.

22. AutoSave & Sync

Notes can now be saved automatically and synced across all your Samsung devices.

23. More Add-Ons

One UI 2.5 adds several new add-ons to improve Samsung Notes, including the ability to convert handwriting to text, fix handwritten shapes automatically, and adjust the color and thickness of written text.

New Wi-Fi Features

24. Network Quality Information

Connections now display network quality information from networks that use Samsung or Google routers. Any supported nearby network will show the signal strength of the network on the Wi-Fi main page, without the need to sign in.

25. Request Passwords from Others

When your Samsung Galaxy detects other Samsung Galaxy users nearby that are in your contacts list, you can request a password from one of them to a network you are currently not connected to.

New Samsung Messages Features

26. Edit Categories

You can now edit categories created in Samsung Messages.

New Edge Panel Features

27. More Apps

The number of apps you can add to the Edge panel has increased from ten in One UI 2.1 to 22 apps.

28. All Apps Button

At the bottom of the Apps' panel is a new "All apps" button that opens a small version of the app drawer.

New Samsung Reminders Features

29. Preset Times & Locations

You can preset time and location information for meetings and tasks.

Don't Miss: Always-Updated List of Rumored & Confirmed Features Coming to One UI 3.0

Hot Deal: Set up a secure second phone number and keep your real contact details hidden with a yearly subscription to Hushed Private Phone Line for Android/iOS, 83%–91% off. It's a perfect second-line solution for making calls and sending texts related to work, dating, Craigslist sales, and other scenarios where you wouldn't want to give out your primary phone number.

Cover image and screenshots by Jon Knight/Gadget Hacks

Related

• News: Galaxy S9 One UI Update Is Now Available for AT&T, Sprint & Verizon Customers

• How To: Enable Samsung's New Swipe Gestures on Your Galaxy in One UI

• How To: Use Samsung's Hidden Screen Recorder on One UI 2

• Samsung Android Pie Update: Galaxy Devices Are Getting Better Edge Lighting

• How To: Force Stop Apps on Your Galaxy After the Android 10 Update

• How To: Enable Samsung's New Dark Theme on Your Galaxy in Android Pie

• News: Samsung's One UI Update Makes Internet Browsing Way Better at Night

• News: Here's What's New with Samsung's Messages App in One UI

• News: Here's When Your Galaxy Will Get Samsung's New One UI Update

• How To: Stop Incoming Calls from Taking Over Your Galaxy's Entire Screen

• News: Watch the Galaxy S8 Live Stream at Samsung UNPACKED 2017

• News: Samsung's Phone App Looks So Much Better on One UI

• News: Here's What's New in the Settings Menu on Samsung's One UI

• YSK: Your Android Phone Has an Alt-Tab Feature

• Galaxy Oreo Update: Samsung Adds Screenshot Labeling Feature in Android 8.0

• Apple vs. Samsung: How Does the iPhone X Stack Up Against the Galaxy Note 8?

• News: Samsung Anticipates Strongest Profits in Years Despite Note7 Debacle

• How To: Use Samsung's New Quick Share Feature to 'AirDrop' Large Files

• News: You're Going to Love the New Notifications in Samsung's One UI Update

• How To: Show Screen Touches with Samsung's New Built-in Screen Recorder

• Galaxy S8 Oreo Update: Camera App Gets Note 8 UI & Full View Mode

• How To: 7 Fun Galaxy S20 Features Everyone Should Know About

• How To: Galaxy Vibrates Randomly? Use This App to Figure Out Why

• News: Here Are Some of the Cool New Home Screen Features on the Galaxy S9

• How To: Add an Audio Equalizer to Your Galaxy's Volume Panel

• News: Qualcomm's Snapdragon 836 May Be Rolling Out with the Note 8

• How To: Get the iPhone's Swipe Gestures on Your Samsung Galaxy with Android 10

• How To: 13 Tips for Recording Better Videos on Your Galaxy

• It's Official: Worldwide Recall of Samsung's New Galaxy Note7

• How To: Undo Deleted Text with Your Samsung Galaxy's Keyboard

• How To: Enable Android 10's New Gestures on Your Samsung Galaxy with One UI 2

• News: 5 Android P Features the Galaxy S9 Already Has

• How To: Rearrange the Tabs in Your Galaxy S20's Camera App

• How To: Schedule Night Mode to Kick in Automatically on Your Galaxy

• News: Everything You Need to Know About the New Xposed Installer (Version 2.5)

• How To: Make Your Headphones Always Control Your Favorite Music App on Your Galaxy

• How To: Remove Any Status Bar Icon on Your Galaxy S8, S9, or Note 8

• News: Galaxy S8 Spec Sheet & Pictures Leak—Here's Everything We Know

• News: Bixby Is Official—Meet Samsung's Siri Competitor

• How To: Hide the Home Bar on Your Galaxy with Android 10's New Gestures

Be the First to Comment

Share Your Thoughts

You Login to Comment Click to share your thoughts

• Hot
• Latest

• How To: See Passwords for Wi-Fi Networks You've Connected Your Android Device To

• How To: Clone Any Android App on Your Samsung Galaxy Phone Without Using Any Third-Party Tools

• How To: Test Your Samsung Phone by Using Secret Code *#0*#

• How To: Use Odin to Flash Samsung Galaxy Stock Firmware

• How To: 19 Harry Potter Spells Your Android Phone Can Cast Using Google Assistant

• How To: Check Your Android Security Patch Level to See if You're Protected Against the Latest Vulnerabilities

• How To: Set Up Wireless Debugging on Android 11 to Send ADB Commands Without a USB Cable

• Android Basics: How to See What Kind of Processor You Have (ARM, ARM64, or x86)

• How To: 100+ Secret Dialer Codes for OnePlus Phones

• Magisk 101: How to Install Magisk & Root with TWRP

• How To: Boot Your Galaxy S8 or S8+ into Recovery Mode or Download Mode

• How To: Boot Your Galaxy S10 into Recovery Mode & Download Mode

• How To: Set Up Greenify Without Root & Save Battery Life on Any Android

• How To: You Can Still Swipe to Open Side Menus with Android 10's New Gestures

• How To: 9 Ways to Earn Google Play Store Credit and Discounts for Apps, Games, In-App Items, Movies, and More

• How To: Boot Your Galaxy S9 or S9+ into Recovery Mode or Download Mode

• How To: Hide the VPN 'Key' Icon on Android — No Root Needed

• How To: 20 Privacy & Security Settings You Need to Check on Your Google Pixel

• How To: Hide Photos in the Gallery App on Your OnePlus Phone for Extra Privacy

• How To: Replace the Tip of Your S Pen (& Why You Should)

• All Features

• How To: See Passwords for Wi-Fi Networks You've Connected Your Android Device To

• How To: Clone Any Android App on Your Samsung Galaxy Phone Without Using Any Third-Party Tools

• How To: Test Your Samsung Phone by Using Secret Code *#0*#

• How To: Use Odin to Flash Samsung Galaxy Stock Firmware

• How To: 19 Harry Potter Spells Your Android Phone Can Cast Using Google Assistant

• How To: Check Your Android Security Patch Level to See if You're Protected Against the Latest Vulnerabilities

• How To: Set Up Wireless Debugging on Android 11 to Send ADB Commands Without a USB Cable

• Android Basics: How to See What Kind of Processor You Have (ARM, ARM64, or x86)

• How To: 100+ Secret Dialer Codes for OnePlus Phones

• Magisk 101: How to Install Magisk & Root with TWRP

• How To: Boot Your Galaxy S8 or S8+ into Recovery Mode or Download Mode

• How To: Boot Your Galaxy S10 into Recovery Mode & Download Mode

• How To: Set Up Greenify Without Root & Save Battery Life on Any Android

• How To: You Can Still Swipe to Open Side Menus with Android 10's New Gestures

• How To: 9 Ways to Earn Google Play Store Credit and Discounts for Apps, Games, In-App Items, Movies, and More

• How To: Boot Your Galaxy S9 or S9+ into Recovery Mode or Download Mode

• How To: Hide the VPN 'Key' Icon on Android — No Root Needed

• How To: 20 Privacy & Security Settings You Need to Check on Your Google Pixel

• How To: Hide Photos in the Gallery App on Your OnePlus Phone for Extra Privacy

• How To: Replace the Tip of Your S Pen (& Why You Should)

• All Hot Posts

© 2025 WonderHowTo, Inc.