Samsung One UI 7 Beta 2 Update: Smoother animations, Now Bar fixes, and new gaming options

Samsung has rolled out the One UI 7 Beta 2 update for the Galaxy S24 series. This update focuses on improving user experience with smoother animations, Now Bar fixes, and new features like refresh rate control for gaming.

The update is now live in Germany, the UK, Korea, and other regions. Users in the Beta Program can download it by going to Settings > Software update > Download and install. New registrations for the program are also open in Germany, India, Poland, South Korea, the UK, and the US.

Key Highlights of One UI 7 Beta 2

1. Faster, Smoother Animations

Samsung addressed issues with sluggish animations reported in the first beta. With Beta 2, app-switching animations are faster and smoother, offering a more seamless experience.

Previously, animations felt slow when opening or closing apps. Samsung has improved this for better responsiveness and smoother transitions.

2. Now Bar Glitch Fixes

One of the standout features of One UI 7 is the Now Bar. Beta 2 fixes the issue where the Now Bar would stay visible even after closing. Now, it will disappear as intended until you activate it again. This ensures a clean lock screen and a more reliable experience.

3. Refresh Rate Control for Gaming

A new option in Game Booster lets users switch between 60Hz and 120Hz refresh rates while gaming. This gives players the choice between smoother visuals (120Hz) and better battery life (60Hz).

• Previously, Samsung allowed games to limit frame rates to 48Hz for power saving, but this option is no longer available in Beta 2.
• This refresh rate feature doesn’t override games that already have their own settings.

You can access this option by opening the Gaming Hub app, tapping “More,” and selecting your preferred refresh rate.

Additional Fixes and Improvements

The One UI 7 Beta 2 update (firmware version ending in ZXL5) comes with several bug fixes and improvements:

• App Drawer Fix: The “Secured by Knox” watermark has been removed for a cleaner look.
• Widgets: Fixes include improved transparency in the reminder widget and background color issues with the weather widget.
• Connectivity: Samsung resolved wireless DeX connection problems with some TVs, and Wi-Fi/NFC routines now work better.
• Performance: The update enhances app performance and improves GPS accuracy. Issues with power-saving mode resetting intermittently have also been fixed.
• Samsung Apps: The Messages and Call apps now work more reliably.

Beta Program Updates

Samsung is actively listening to user feedback through the Beta Program community. The company plans to release Beta 3 around December 23 and Beta 4 on December 30, offering further improvements.

How to Install the Update

If you are part of the Beta Program, download the latest update by navigating to:
Settings > Software update > Download and install

The update is about 1GB in size, so ensure you have a stable internet connection.

Samsung continues to refine One UI 7 with faster animations, improved features, and bug fixes, ensuring Galaxy S24 users enjoy a smoother and more polished experience.