Power Users Port Leaked One UI 8 (Android 16) to Galaxy S23, A54, A33, and Galaxy J6

One UI 8 Arrives… Unofficially

Samsung is yet to roll out One UI 7, but the tech community has already taken a leap ahead. Thanks to an active and resourceful group of power users, a leaked One UI 8 firmware—based on Android 16—has now been ported to several Samsung devices, including:

• Galaxy S23

• Galaxy A54

• Galaxy A33

• Galaxy J6 (2018)

Yes, you read that right—even a 6-year-old Galaxy J6 is now running Android 16 through a ported One UI 8 firmware. The firmware, originally intended for the Galaxy Z Flip 6, was leaked and successfully adapted for multiple Galaxy phones by the ever-active Android customization community.

Samsung One UI 8 Port on Galaxy Devices – Galaxy S23, A54, A33, and J6

One UI 8 Port: What Happened?

The development came into light via popular X (formerly Twitter) tipster @chunvn8888, who shared that power users managed to port the leaked Z Flip 6’s One UI 8 build and make it installable on other Samsung devices.

The result? Devices like the Galaxy S23 and A54, which are yet to even receive the One UI 7 update, are already running One UI 8 based on Android 16—unofficially, of course.

The phones confirmed to be compatible with this ported firmware are:

• Galaxy S23 series

• Galaxy A54 (2023)

• Galaxy A33 (2022)

• Galaxy J6 (2018)

This is a massive feat for the Android modding community, considering the age and specs of the J6, a device that launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and hasn’t received official updates in years.

What Makes the Port Special?

Let’s break down what makes this unofficial One UI 8 firmware port so exciting:

1. Based on Android 16

The firmware brings the next major Android version, Android 16, to devices that Samsung hasn’t even prepared for One UI 7 yet. That’s a huge leap in terms of customization and innovation.

2. Expands Lifespan of Older Devices

One of the most surprising aspects of this port is that it runs on the Galaxy J6, which launched back in 2018. Samsung had long dropped support for this model, but custom firmware like this breathes new life into forgotten hardware.

3. Exclusive Features Ahead of Time

This port brings some unreleased One UI 8 features, potentially including UI refinements, redesigned apps, and more. Early screenshots show redesigned Gallery and My Files apps, hinting at a fresh new aesthetic.

How Does the Port Work?

It’s important to note: this isn’t something meant for the average user.

To install the ported One UI 8 firmware, users must:

• Root their device

• Install a custom recovery (like TWRP)

• Manually flash the firmware after wiping the existing OS

It’s a complicated and risky process, not recommended for daily drivers or users unfamiliar with bootloaders, rooting, or recovery tools.

Additionally, the port is unofficial and not stable for day-to-day use. Issues with app compatibility, system performance, and even security vulnerabilities are all possible.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Avoid flashing custom firmware on your primary device unless you are fully aware of the risks and backup your data beforehand.

What’s Inside One UI 8?

While Samsung hasn’t officially launched One UI 8 yet, here’s what we know so far about what the new version may include:

✅ Redesigned System Apps

Early leaks show redesigned My Files and Gallery apps, hinting at a refreshed design language. Rounded elements, smoother transitions, and more consistent iconography are expected.

✅ Now Brief for More Devices

Previously exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series, the Now Brief—a smart daily summary panel—is expected to arrive for more devices with One UI 8.

✅ Focus on Stability

Rather than introducing an overwhelming number of features, One UI 8 appears to be an iterative refinement of One UI 7. Samsung is expected to focus more on polishing the experience than reinventing the wheel.

Why One UI 8 Before One UI 7?

This is where things get interesting. Samsung has been delaying the One UI 7 update, but we’ve already seen signs of One UI 8 in Samsung’s remote test lab. The company even ran a Z Fold 6 prototype on One UI 8, indicating internal testing is in full swing.

Here’s the current timeline:

• One UI 7 is expected to launch globally in the coming weeks.

• One UI 8 Beta might begin soon after, possibly skipping long internal test cycles.

• Meanwhile, leaked builds like the one ported here are giving the public a sneak peek.

Galaxy Devices Seen Running the Port

Here’s how each supported model stacks up with the ported One UI 8:

📱 Galaxy S23 Series

• High compatibility with modern firmware.

• Runs the port smoothly, albeit with minor bugs.

• Supports Android 16 features well.

📱 Galaxy A54

• Mid-range hardware still powerful enough for Android 16.

• Works fairly well with the port; some features may be unstable.

📱 Galaxy A33

• Slightly older but handles the port with tweaks.

• Some visual glitches reported.

📱 Galaxy J6 (2018)

• The biggest surprise.

• Barely meets minimum requirements but still boots into One UI 8.

• Performance is laggy but usable as a testbed.

Should You Try This on Your Phone?

Short answer: No, unless you're an advanced user.

The risks include:

• Bricking your device

• Losing important data

• Breaking Knox and voiding warranty

• Disabling OTA updates and Samsung services

But if you’re curious, tech-savvy, and have a spare phone, this port offers an exciting glimpse into Samsung’s Android 16-based future.

What’s Next?

With One UI 7 still pending rollout, it’s fascinating to see One UI 8 already running (unofficially) on so many devices. This rapid development by power users shows just how active and enthusiastic the Samsung community remains.

In the coming months, we expect:

• One UI 7 Stable Release for S23, A54, Fold 5, Flip 5, etc.

• One UI 8 Beta Program launch—possibly earlier than usual.

• More firmware leaks and ports as testing continues.

• Official UI reveals showing more changes in My Files, Gallery, and system design.

Final Thoughts

The porting of One UI 8 to Samsung phones like the Galaxy S23, A54, A33, and even the Galaxy J6 marks an important moment in the world of Android custom development. While unofficial and unstable, these ports give us an early taste of what Samsung has in store with Android 16 and One UI 8.

It also highlights how enthusiastic and capable the Android community is, keeping older devices alive and exploring new firmware before it's even released. That said, always tread carefully when it comes to installing custom ROMs—especially when it’s your primary phone on the line.

Stay tuned to our blog for the latest updates on Samsung’s One UI, Android firmware leaks, beta programs, and porting guides. One UI 8 is coming—and it’s already here, unofficially.