S23 users left in the dust: samsung rolls out one ui 8.5 beta – but only to the s26
The relentless march of Android continues, but for Galaxy S23 owners, it’s proving to be a distinctly chilly autumn. While users are eagerly anticipating a stable One UI 8.5 release, Samsung’s latest beta program is exclusively catering to the Galaxy S26, leaving the S23 line—including the FE—feeling decidedly out of the loop.
A patch for the forgotten flagship
Just yesterday, April 27th, renowned leaker Tarun Vats flagged a second beta build (S918BXXU9ZZDP) specifically targeting Galaxy S23 models in India and South Korea. This follows the initial rollout on April 9th, extending the One UI 8.5 Beta program to include older flagship devices.
Bug fixes, not feature fireworks
This isn’t a game-changer, let's be clear. Users who signed up for the initial beta won’t automatically inherit this update. It’s a restricted program, and access is strictly limited to those who initially registered. But the fixes included are… noticeable. Samsung is addressing several key issues, starting with that persistent ‘black screen’ anomaly during incoming calls – a genuinely frustrating glitch. They’ve also tackled the erratic proximity sensor behavior during calls, something that’s likely driven more than a few users to the brink of digital frustration.
A visual quibble and bluetooth blues
Beyond the core stability improvements, the update tackles some minor visual annoyances. Green lines appearing in 4K HDR videos within select camera apps have been squashed, and Bluetooth connectivity issues—reportedly causing sudden crashes—are finally under control. There’s even a targeted fix for multi-touch responsiveness, specifically when accessibility settings are engaged, resulting in a much more reliable touch experience.
S26’s innovations, s23’s limitations
The crucial caveat here is that this beta isn’t bringing any of the shiny new AI features that are currently dominating the S26’s narrative. Users are stuck with Bixby Text Call – essentially a glorified version of Call Screening – and AirDrop remains conspicuously absent. Frankly, it feels like a polite, if somewhat condescending, exclusion. Paying $1000 for a phone with the promise of years of updates shouldn’t equate to being sidelined with a patchwork fix.
The bottom line: progress, but not a leap forward
Samsung is undoubtedly addressing known issues, and the attempted remediation is appreciated. However, the decision to withhold the most compelling features – those AI integrations – from the S23 lineup feels…short-sighted. It’s as if the hardware simply can’t manage the processing demands, a convenient excuse for leaving the S23 effectively ‘aged’ while the S26 sprints ahead. It’s a frustrating exercise in digital triage.
A stark reality
The S23 series is now capped at Android 17, a reality that renders future major software updates unlikely. And yet, the device technically should receive these improvements. It’s a disconnect that’s difficult to ignore. Let's be honest: getting bug fixes is important, but it shouldn't come at the cost of feeling perpetually obsolete.