Samsung brings Galaxy S21 features to older devices with One UI 3.1
For the past month or so, Samsung has seemingly been in a mad-dash to update its 2020 lineup of devices to Android 11 via One UI 3.0. We’ve seen the Galaxy S20 series, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Z Flip, and a myriad of other handsets updated to One UI 3.0. However, it seems that Samsung’s not done bringing its users the latest version of One UI just yet.
Before the end of January, Samsung pushed its One UI 3.1 update to the Galaxy Tab S7 and S7+. Along with it came the ability to begin using apps on your Galaxy S21 and then continue using the same apps or browsing the same websites on your Tab S7. There is even a way to use your Tab S7 or S7+ as a secondary when connected to a Windows laptop.
Fast forward to tonight, and Samsung announced that it is bringing the One UI 3.1 update to all of its 2020 devices. This move makes perfect sense considering that the Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra all shipped with One UI 3.1 out of the box. Essentially, Samsung is trying to bring some of the best software features from its 2021 flagship to those “older” devices to keep some feature parity between them all.
What’s new in One UI 3.1?
With One UI 3.1, the big focus (pun intended) is on the camera software for Samsung’s 2020 devices. The update includes the Enhanced Single Take mode, which lets you take various types of pictures and videos with just a tap. Object Eraser is rather unique, as it removes the need for something like TouchRetouch since Eraser lets you do what the name suggests – erase objects.
Samsung seems to finally be loosening the stranglehold on forcing its users to either use Bixby or nothing at all. With the Galaxy S21, you are no longer forced into using Samsung Daily powered by Bixby as your leftmost screen. Instead, you can switch between the Google Feed and Samsung Free. This functionality is also now coming to those devices being updated to One UI 3.1.
Finally, those who stare at their phones for too many hours every day will get a little bit of help from Samsung’s software. Eye Comfort Shield is a new feature that adjusts the blue light emitting from your phone as the day progresses. This feature aims to help you get better sleep at night, even if you can’t bring yourself to stop playing games or scrolling through Twitter.
If you’re wondering what devices are being updated to One UI 3.1, here’s the current list:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20+ / S20 Ultra / S20 FE
- Galaxy Note 20 / Note 20 Ultra
- Galaxy Z Fold 2
- Galaxy Z Flip / Z Flip 5G
The update is starting to roll out now, so head over to your phone’s settings and check to see if the update has arrived for you yet.