Samsung One UI 8 to Bring Real-Time Call Captions – Accessibility Meets Innovation!
Samsung One UI 8 to Bring Real-Time Call Captions – Accessibility Meets Innovation!
Samsung is gearing up to release One UI 8, its next major software update based on Android 16, and the anticipation is building fast. The stable version of this update is expected to arrive next month, coinciding with the global launch of Samsung’s latest foldables — the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7.
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| Samsung One UI 8 Live Call Captioning on Galaxy Devices |
While we wait for the official rollout, Samsung’s One UI Beta Program has been giving enthusiasts early access to try out new features. And one such exciting addition recently spotted is “Call Captions” — a feature that has the potential to completely transform the calling experience for many.
Let’s dive deep into what Call Captions is all about, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for accessibility.
📞 What is Samsung Call Captions?
Call Captions is a new accessibility tool being tested in One UI 8 that transcribes your phone call conversations into real-time text displayed on your screen. It turns what the other person is saying during the call into readable captions, right as they speak.
This is especially useful in noisy environments, or for individuals who are hard of hearing, deaf, or simply prefer reading over listening. It ensures that no part of the conversation is missed, regardless of surrounding conditions.
Think of it as a closed-caption feature – but for live phone calls.
🔍 How Was This Feature Discovered?
The Call Captions feature was first spotted by well-known Samsung tipster @tarunvats33, who shared that it appears in the One UI 8 Beta 2 (ZYF5 build) currently rolling out for select Galaxy S25 devices.
While the feature is still in its early stages and not entirely polished, early impressions indicate that it works fairly well already, with smooth real-time transcription and basic integration into the phone app.
Samsung appears to be testing the feature internally before launching it widely with the final One UI 8 build.
🌐 Supported Languages
As of now, the Call Captions feature supports only English (India). The language option is currently locked, so users cannot switch to other languages like Dutch, Spanish, or French just yet.
However, this is expected behavior during early testing phases. Samsung will likely add multilingual support closer to the stable One UI 8 release, just as it did with other AI-powered features in the past.
Given Samsung’s global user base, broader language support will be critical for widespread adoption.
🔒 Privacy Comes First
One of the most commendable aspects of the Call Captions feature is Samsung’s focus on privacy.
Before using the feature, users are reminded to inform the person on the other end that their speech is being captioned. This ensures ethical and transparent usage, especially since live transcriptions can be sensitive or misused.
Samsung is clearly taking a responsible route here, which aligns well with the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital well-being and user trust.
⚙️ How Does Call Captions Work?
While Samsung hasn’t released full technical documentation yet, based on current beta tests, Call Captions likely uses a combination of:
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On-device speech recognition
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Real-time processing through Samsung’s AI models
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Integration with the Samsung Phone app
Once the feature is enabled, incoming speech during a call is transcribed on-screen as text. The captions appear live, similar to how Google Live Transcribe works — but directly within your call interface.
It’s important to note that only the speech from the other person is transcribed (at least in the current version), which is likely a decision made for both privacy and performance reasons.
📱 Which Devices Will Support It?
So far, Call Captions has been spotted in the One UI 8 Beta 2 build for the Galaxy S25 series. However, once the feature is finalized and launched with One UI 8, it will most likely roll out to:
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Galaxy Z Fold 7
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Galaxy Z Flip 7
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Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra
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Galaxy S24 series
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Galaxy Z Fold/Flip 6
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Galaxy A series (higher-end models)
Samsung generally rolls out software features in phases, starting with flagships and then moving on to mid-range devices. The availability may also vary by region and carrier.
🔄 Comparison: Call Captions vs Live Transcribe vs Google Call Screen
You might wonder – how does Samsung’s Call Captions compare to similar tools already available?
| Feature | Samsung Call Captions | Google Live Transcribe | Google Call Screen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works During Phone Calls | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| On-Screen Transcription | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Requires Pixel Phone | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Built Into Phone App | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Privacy Reminder | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Samsung’s approach offers a more seamless and user-friendly experience by being natively built into One UI, rather than requiring separate apps.
🗣️ The Bigger Picture: Accessibility and AI
Call Captions is more than just a feature — it’s a step forward in Samsung’s AI and accessibility journey. In the last few years, Samsung has doubled down on inclusive technologies, such as:
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Live Translate
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Galaxy AI features like Summarize, Translate, and Auto Formatting
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Samsung Voice Label for visually impaired users
With Call Captions, Samsung is adding another practical feature that could help millions of users communicate better, regardless of hearing ability or environment.
This aligns with Google's Android 15 vision as well, which also emphasizes on-device AI, accessibility, and privacy-first features.
🛠️ What to Expect Before Final Release
Here’s what we expect Samsung to do before officially launching Call Captions:
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Expand language support (starting with global English variants)
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Add customization options like caption font size and placement
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Ensure compatibility with third-party calling apps
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Integrate it into Samsung's Accessibility settings for easier access
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Enhance caption accuracy with AI updates
Samsung may also issue a public beta announcement highlighting the feature, especially as part of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 marketing campaign in July.
📣 Final Thoughts: Why This Feature Matters
Smartphones are communication lifelines, and not everyone experiences them the same way. With Call Captions, Samsung is making it easier for more people to participate in conversations comfortably.
Whether you’re hard of hearing, stuck in a noisy subway, or just prefer reading over listening, this feature could redefine how we interact during calls.
And while it’s still in beta, it’s shaping up to be one of One UI 8’s most thoughtful and impactful additions.
📢 Stay Tuned for More
Samsung’s One UI 8 update is set to launch next month alongside the Fold 7 and Flip 7. As the update nears final release, more features — including Galaxy AI enhancements, new lock screen options, and performance upgrades — are expected to roll out.
To stay updated with the latest One UI 8 developments:
👉 Bookmark our blog for updates
👉 Join the Samsung Members Beta Program if you’re eligible
