Samsung is now focusing its energy on the final preparations for the Galaxy S26 launch. However, that doesn’t mean the current flagship is being ignored. To kick off the year, the company has released the One UI 8.5 beta 3 update for the Galaxy S25 series, also shipping the January 2026 security patch. This firmware, already available for the Galaxy S25, S25+ , and Galaxy S25 Ultra , polishes the software experience while providing a glimpse of what is coming in the next official release.
Galaxy S25 gets One UI 8.5 beta 3
Beta software often comes with small visual inconsistencies, and One UI 8.5 is no exception. Fortunately, the latest build (firmware version ending in ZA3) aims to address several of them head-on. One of the most noticeable fixes involves the lock screen, where the clock display previously suffered from alignment errors. Users who enjoy customizing their home screens will also find that the search button on the widget addition screen is now significantly easier to see. Now it should be simpler to find specific tools without hunting through menus.
The OTA brings fixes for users who rely on the phone’s more creative features. More specifically, it addresses a specific performance lag in the Gallery app. This issue occurred primarily when using “Live Effects” to add depth to photos. By optimizing how the software handles these animations, the experience now feels much more fluid.
Additionally, One UI 8.5 beta 3 for the Galaxy S25 series resolves a glitch with the “Now Briefing” feature. Now users can once again view their morning summaries and daily updates without interruption.
Efficiency and daily use
Battery life is always a priority for mobile users, and this beta optimizes power management . Samsung identified and fixed a bug that caused unusually high power consumption when certain apps were running in the background. This should result in better battery performance throughout the day. The core Phone app also received attention, specifically regarding the “Favorites” section, which had been experiencing stability issues in previous builds.
Global rollout with January 2026 security patch
This update isn’t just about interface tweaks; it also brings the first security enhancement of the year. Included in the 1.2GB download is the January 1, 2026, security patch. However, the specific details of the patch are still under wraps to prevent exploits—and so it will be for a few weeks to prevent exploits.
The rollout has already begun in South Korea, Germany, the UK, and India (via Tarun Vats ). While users in India are technically seeing this as their “second” beta, it is the same refined build being tested globally. Those in the United States and Poland should see the update arrive on their devices within the next few days.
