Samsung still hasn’t fixed the three One UI problems. Users are asking: “Why does it take years?”

Samsung One UI has long been regarded as one of the most extensive and functional Android overlays. The system receives new features from generation to generation, heavily develops Galaxy AI integration and improves performance. Despite this, users regularly point out three recurring problems that – despite numerous updates covering One UI 5, 6, 7 and the latest releases – still remain unresolved. Importantly, these are bugs affecting the basics of the device, not niche features.

1. unpredictable behavior of battery indicator at low charge level

The most frequently reported problem is fluctuations in the battery indicator, seen especially when the charge level drops below 10%. Users describe:

Sudden drops in percentages.
The phone can go from 5% to 1% in just a few seconds, without any load or background activity. There is also no shortage of reports of situations in which the device shuts down at an indicated 3-5% battery. Many people find this not only annoying, but downright dangerous – especially when driving with navigation turned on.

The recurrence of the problem.
Significantly, battery fluctuations have been reported in successive generations of Galaxy hardware, suggesting that the trouble lies not in the cells themselves, but in the way the One UI interprets their state. Thus, there are growing claims that the problem is due to software, not physical battery consumption.

2. aggressive reduction in performance after a drop below 5%

The second recurring issue is the sharp drop in the system’s smoothness when the device exceeds the threshold of about 5% charge.

Noticeable slowdowns.
In this mode, animations begin to cramp, scrolling becomes jerky, and opening apps takes noticeably longer. According to user testimonials, the device in this state “behaves as if it has a few years instead of a few percent battery life.” For many people, the last minutes of using the phone are virtually impossible.

Overly aggressive optimization.
Reducing performance with low battery is a standard practice found in every system. However, the implementation of this mechanism in One UI is perceived as too drastic and cumbersome. Samsung explains that this is a deliberate measure to prevent the device from shutting down unexpectedly. The problem is that precisely such shutdowns still happen – which undermines the point of this strategy.

3. no permanent solution despite successive generations of updates

What is most puzzling is that these problems recur in each successive version of One UI. Year after year, the system receives new features, longer support (up to seven years), and increasingly sophisticated AI tools. However, fundamental issues – such as the stability of the interface when the battery is low or the correct calibration of the charge – continue to raise concerns among users.

Priorities under the magnifying glass.
Some commentators point out that Samsung focuses primarily on showy marketing features rather than eliminating basic bugs that affect the phone’s daily usability.

Comparisons with competitors.
In this context, pure Android on Pixel devices is often cited, which does not experience such a drastic reduction in fluidity at low battery levels. The same is true of some Chinese manufacturers’ overlays. This raises questions about whether Samsung should revisit the way One UI manages power and processor limitations.

Official position and future prospects

Samsung has so far not issued a detailed statement regarding these problems. On social media forums, moderators indicate that the system’s low-battery behavior is intentional and intended to protect the device from damage or data loss. Users note, however, that practice clearly deviates from theory.

If future updates – including a possible One UI 9 – are to effectively strengthen Samsung’s position as a quality leader, it will be necessary to lean into these basic aspects. After all, even the most advanced Galaxy AI features won’t make up for a situation in which a smartphone shuts down at 4% battery or runs so slowly that it’s difficult to perform the simplest task.