We usually see the One UI beta rollout for the Galaxy S and Z series. Sometimes Galaxy A5x devices are also part of the beta testing. The devices below rarely get the same treatment. So no one really expected the A36 to enter the program. Little did we know, Samsung had plans to unlock One UI 8.5 beta on the Galaxy A36 all along.
The company has been extra generous with the One UI 8.5 beta. They haven’t been putting any major regional restrictions on the OTA. Case in point, the beta program in India now includes the Samsung Galaxy A36. There’s a whole new firmware for it and many upgrades, at least for the members.
A366EXXU8ZZD2 is the firmware code being reported by the source close to the matter. This version of the One UI 8.5 beta has a 2507 MB download size, so it’s packing a lot. This is, after all, a UI and feature overhaul.
Not everyone can test the One UI 8.5 beta, because it’s exclusive only to Samsung members who sign up for it. And there’s a regional restriction, so not every country with the Samsung latest 5G model will have the opportunity. Sadly, Pakistan’s not on the list.
But it’s important to keep track of these beta updates, so we can learn what the stable update will bring. We’ve seen at least 9 versions of this update. Every beta package has had some sort of new features, improvements, or fixes. We know that One UI 8.5 beta is based on Android 16 QPR2.
It’s a mid-cycle refresh of the Original One UI 8. They’ve added complete customization to the quick panel. The search bar is moved to the bottom in many stock apps and across the OS, so it’s easier to tap with one hand.
The NowBrief widget on the lock screen will toggle the flashlight when you double-tap on it. There are plenty of visual changes in the apps. Three new lock screen clock styles and new animations are confirmed for the Always-on Display. Galaxy A36 is actually one of the eligible phones for the One UI 8.5. We’ll keep you in the loop on further developments. Stick around.