TL;DR
Samsung has released a new One UI 8.5 beta (build CZA3) for Galaxy S25 testers, a roughly 1.2GB update that includes the January 2026 security patch. The release focuses on bug fixes—addressing lock-screen clock issues, phone app favorites, Now Briefing display, gallery Live Effect lag and some power-consumption problems—and is available to enrolled S25 beta users.
What happened
Samsung rolled out a fresh One UI 8.5 beta for Galaxy S25 devices at the start of 2026. The update, identified as build CZA3 and roughly 1.2GB in size, bundles the January 2026 security patch, making the S25 the first phone reported to receive that month's fixes. Release notes list several stability and usability fixes: corrections to lock-screen clock rendering, restored favorites behavior in the phone app, repair of Now Briefing display problems, smoother gallery performance when using Live Effect, reduced high power draw from a specific app, and improved visibility of the widget-search control. This marks the third beta push for units enrolled in early-December testing and the second beta for participants in Poland and India. Samsung did not enumerate any major new features; testers can download the build via Settings > Software update > Download and install if their S25 is enrolled in the program.
Why it matters
- Galaxy S25 testers get the January 2026 security patch ahead of other devices, which may improve platform security for those units.
- The update addresses multiple stability and power-consumption issues that could improve day-to-day reliability for beta users.
- Continued beta releases indicate Samsung is progressing toward a stable One UI 8.5 release, likely timed with upcoming flagship launches.
- Bug fixes across system apps and UI elements reduce friction for users participating in early testing, informing wider rollout decisions.
Key facts
- Firmware build: CZA3.
- Download size: approximately 1.2GB.
- Includes the January 2026 Android security patch.
- Bug fixes include: lock-screen clock display, phone app favorites, Now Briefing display, gallery Live Effect lag, a high power-consumption issue with a specific app, and visibility of the widget-add search button.
- This is the third beta update for S25 units enrolled in early-December testing.
- For beta participants in Poland and India, this counts as the second beta release.
- Samsung did not detail any notable new features in the release notes.
- Enrolled S25 users can get the update via Settings > Software update > Download and install.
What to watch next
- Whether Samsung releases the stable One UI 8.5 build in tandem with the Galaxy S26 launch (likely, per Samsung’s typical rollout pattern).
- If this beta hides any unannounced feature changes or interface tweaks (not confirmed in the source).
- Expansion of the beta program to more countries or models beyond current participants (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- One UI: Samsung's custom user interface layer that runs on top of the Android operating system, providing device-specific features and design.
- Beta program: A testing phase where enrolled users receive pre-release software to identify bugs and provide feedback before a public rollout.
- Security patch: A software update that addresses security vulnerabilities in the operating system and included components.
- Firmware build: A specific version of device software identified by a build number used to track updates and fixes.
Reader FAQ
Which phones get this beta?
The release is for Galaxy S25 units enrolled in the One UI 8.5 beta program.
How large is the update?
The CZA3 beta is about 1.2GB in size.
What does the update change?
The build applies the January 2026 security patch and fixes issues with the lock-screen clock, phone app favorites, Now Briefing display, gallery Live Effect lag, a specific high power-consumption case, and widget-search visibility.
When will One UI 8.5 reach stable release?
Samsung is unlikely to release a stable build before the Galaxy S26 debut, suggesting the stable rollout may coincide with that launch.
Samsung drops a new One UI 8.5 beta to start 2026 By Rajesh Pandey Published 11 minutes ago Rajesh started following the latest happenings in the world of Android around…
Sources
- Samsung drops a new One UI 8.5 beta to start 2026
- Galaxy S25 series gets third One UI 8.5 beta release
- Galaxy S25's third One UI 8.5 beta is here
- One UI 8.5 Beta 3 is full of improvements for Galaxy S25
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