Samsung's cheap phones are in luck because they can now use the best features of the Galaxy S26.
Samsung can't be stopped. The company is developing its One UI 8.5 user interface with dozens of improvements and exciting new features and is rapidly rolling it out to its phone series. A few days ago, we told you that the Galaxy A36 had already received this update, and today we'll talk about two other affordable Samsung phones, considered among the most popular, that will soon be able to access these new features from the Galaxy S26.
Which devices are these? Well, according to Tarun Vats, the Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A55 will be the next to receive the One UI 8.5 update and all its new features. While this is great news for all users of these two phones, there are some reservations about it.
Why? Because the update coming to these two Samsung phones isn't the official release, but rather the beta version currently being tested on many devices. Therefore, adding more devices to the beta version soon means the official launch of One UI 8.5 will take longer.
Some sources claimed that One UI 8.5 was nearly ready for a global release this week or next, but if there's an additional testing phase, all indications point to a longer delay. We don't know the exact duration.
On the other hand, adding more devices to the beta version is a positive thing, as it means that the official stable update will arrive after more testing is completed and bugs are reduced.
What's new in Samsung's budget phones with One UI 8.5?
Besides aesthetic changes and some new AI features, the main feature of One UI 8.5 is its compatibility with Apple's AirDrop. Samsung devices updated to this version will be able to share content with iPads, Macs, or iPhones via the Quick Share feature in just a few seconds and, of course, receive that content as well.
How can I install the One UI 8.5 beta on my budget Samsung phone? It's very simple: just download the Samsung Members app, sign in with your Samsung account, look for the in-app ad advertising the beta, and then register using some information. If you're eligible, you can go to your Samsung device's settings and download the latest version of the software update.