Rejoice, Galaxy A36 Users: One UI 8 Beta is Now Live!

Rejoice, Galaxy A36 users—Samsung has officially opened the doors to the much-anticipated One UI 8 Beta Program. The A36, one of Samsung’s hottest mid-range smartphones of 2025, is finally joining the Beta wave after weeks of anticipation. This comes as an exciting opportunity for users who want to experience Android 16 features early while helping Samsung refine the software before its global rollout.

While the Galaxy S25 series has been testing One UI 8 since May 2025, the expansion to the Galaxy A36 marks an important milestone for mid-range users. With a build version ZYHD, the first One UI 8 Beta weighs around 2.2GB and also includes the September 2025 security patch. That means you’re not just getting new features—you’re also keeping your device secured and optimized.

What is Samsung’s One UI Beta Programme?

Samsung’s One UI Beta Programme is a well-established initiative that allows Galaxy device owners to test pre-release builds of upcoming software. Think of it as a sneak peek into the future of your phone’s software, but with a twist—you get to influence its development.

By using Beta builds, participants provide feedback to Samsung through the Members app. This feedback helps the company identify bugs, optimize performance, and polish features before the official stable rollout begins.

For Galaxy A36 users, this means early access to One UI 8, an update built on top of Android 16, packed with improved AI features, smarter performance, and subtle refinements to the user interface.

One UI 8 Beta on Galaxy A36: What’s New?

Although One UI 8 isn’t a complete overhaul compared to One UI 7, it brings refinements and useful upgrades that Galaxy A36 users will appreciate.

1. Improved AI Features

Samsung is integrating new AI tools into One UI 8. While the most advanced AI features are reserved for flagship models like the Galaxy S25 Ultra, A36 users still get enhanced productivity tools. Expect smarter text predictions, better contextual responses in Samsung Keyboard, and AI-powered enhancements in the Gallery app.

2. Streamlined UX

At first glance, One UI 8 looks almost identical to One UI 7. But the difference becomes clear in daily usage. Animations are smoother, transitions are faster, and the overall UX has been streamlined to make navigation effortless.

3. September 2025 Security Patch

Security is a big part of this update. With the September 2025 patch, Galaxy A36 users get the latest defense against vulnerabilities. This ensures that even while testing Beta software, your device remains protected.

4. Battery & Performance Optimizations

Beta testers have already reported better app launch times and reduced background drain. Samsung is clearly focusing on making One UI 8 more efficient, especially for mid-range hardware like the Galaxy A36.

5. Exclusive Galaxy A36 Advantage

Interestingly, Samsung has given the A36 an edge over other A-series devices like the A55 and A54, which will receive the update later. This early rollout hints at Samsung’s confidence in the A36’s hardware capabilities.

Technical Details of the Update

• Update Name: One UI 8 Beta 1

• Build Version: ZYHD

• Base OS: Android 16

• File Size: 2.2GB

• Security Patch: September 2025

• Device Supported: Samsung Galaxy A36 5G

Given its size, Samsung strongly recommends downloading the update over a Wi-Fi or unmetered connection.

How to Download and Install One UI 8 Beta on Galaxy A36

Joining the Beta Program is simple, but you need to act fast because slots are limited. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Install Samsung Members App

Make sure you have the Samsung Members app installed on your Galaxy A36. It is available free on the Galaxy Store or Google Play.

Step 2: Look for the One UI Beta Banner

Open the app, and you should see a One UI Beta Programme banner on the homepage.

Step 3: Enroll in the Beta

Tap the banner, sign in with your Samsung account, and follow the enrollment process.

Step 4: Wait for OTA Update

Once registered, Samsung will push the One UI 8 Beta update to your device over the air (OTA). No data wipe is required, so your personal files and apps remain intact.

Step 5: Install the Update

When the update notification arrives:

1. Ensure your phone has at least 50% battery.

2. Connect to Wi-Fi.

3. Tap Download and Install.

Within minutes, your Galaxy A36 will reboot into One UI 8 Beta.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Joining

Beta programs are exciting, but they come with certain risks.

• Bugs & Glitches: Since it’s not final software, you may encounter occasional crashes, battery drains, or app compatibility issues.

• Limited Slots: Enrollment slots are first-come, first-served. If you’re interested, register quickly before Samsung closes registrations.

• Not for Primary Devices: If you rely on your A36 as your primary work device, you might want to wait for the stable rollout in October 2025.

One UI 8 vs One UI 7: What’s Different for A36?

While Samsung isn’t reinventing the wheel with One UI 8, A36 users will notice differences in everyday usability.

• UI & Navigation: Subtle visual enhancements like refreshed icons and smoother transitions.

• AI Tools: Added intelligent text predictions and smarter search inside apps.

• Security: More frequent patches and tighter integration with Android 16’s privacy features.

• Performance: Reduced lag, faster app load times, and more consistent multitasking.

In short, One UI 8 focuses more on polish and stability rather than groundbreaking new features.

Community Feedback: Early Reactions

On the Samsung Community India forums, early Galaxy A36 Beta testers have praised:

• Faster system performance compared to One UI 7.

• Noticeably smoother animations and gestures.

• Improved AI photo suggestions in the Gallery.

However, some users also reported:

• Occasional battery drain while gaming.

• A few apps (like banking apps) refusing to run on Beta.

This is normal for early builds and should improve in upcoming Beta releases.

When Will the Stable One UI 8 Arrive for Galaxy A36?

Samsung typically runs its Beta program for about 6–8 weeks before pushing the stable release. Since the A36 Beta started in September 2025, the stable One UI 8 rollout is expected in late October or early November 2025.

The stable release will iron out bugs, improve compatibility, and ensure smoother performance.

Why Galaxy A36 Users Should Try One UI 8 Beta

1. Early Access to Android 16 – Be among the first to experience Android 16 features.

2. AI Enhancements – Smarter tools for typing, media, and productivity.

3. Stronger Security – With the September 2025 patch included.

4. Community Contribution – Help Samsung build a better software experience.

5. Competitive Edge – The A36 gets updates earlier than some higher A-series models.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A36 One UI 8 Beta rollout marks a big win for mid-range users. While the update doesn’t reinvent the user interface, it offers refined performance, enhanced AI features, and stronger security. By joining the Beta, A36 owners not only get to try Android 16 early but also contribute to shaping Samsung’s future software.

If you’re excited about exploring what’s next, grab your chance now. Head to the Samsung Members app, enroll in the Beta, and unlock the One UI 8 experience before the stable release. Just remember—Beta software has its quirks, so proceed with curiosity and caution.