- One UI 9, based on Android 17, arrives with the Galaxy S26 FE as the first device in the series.
- The new phone incorporates improvements in camera, performance and contextual AI features such as Now Brief and My FanCam.
- Available from September 4th starting at 799 euros, with seven years of guaranteed updates.
The wait is over for Samsung fans. The new version of its custom interface, One UI 9 , is ready to roll out to phones. And it won't be alone: it arrives with the Galaxy S26 FE, the first member of the S26 series to ship with this system. Based on Android 17, One UI 9 promises a subtle but effective facelift, with interface improvements, new artificial intelligence tools, and greater integration with Google services.
The launch of the Galaxy S26 FE coincides with Samsung finalizing the details of One UI 9. The company has confirmed that the device will be available in select markets starting September 4th . And while there's still no official release date for One UI 9 on other Galaxy devices, it's clear that this update will be one of the most anticipated of the year, especially since it coincides with the release of Android 17 and its new features.
One UI 9: the system that Samsung has been polishing for some time
One UI 9 isn't a radical departure from its predecessor, but rather a refinement of what we've already seen in One UI 8.5. The interface retains the rounded, glass-like appearance that Samsung recently adopted, but now with more refined transparencies and redesigned buttons. The lock screen also receives attention: widgets are more customizable, and an improved shortcut to Now Brief, the contextual summary feature that debuted with the Galaxy S25 series, has been introduced.
Now Brief is now a central component of One UI 9. This tool analyzes the user's context and offers cards with relevant information, such as weather or wellness data. The new feature is the ability to create personalized cards using written instructions , allowing each user to tailor the assistant to their daily routines. Furthermore, Now Nudge expands its compatibility with third-party apps, providing timely suggestions to help users convert notifications into concrete actions.
Another standout feature is the improved Rodea search functionality for Google. It can now identify multiple elements within a single image in one operation , incredibly useful for finding products, places, or objects without having to repeat the search. This tool has become standard on Samsung phones, and this version makes it even more precise and faster.
In terms of security, Android 17 introduces significant improvements that One UI 9 takes advantage of. For example, the ability to grant granular permissions to applications , such as allowing an app to access only one contact in the address book instead of the entire list. Multitasking options are also improved, allowing you to open any application in a floating window from the recent apps menu.
Galaxy S26 FE: Power and cameras with the new layer
The Galaxy S26 FE is the first device in the S26 series to come with One UI 9 pre-installed. Under the hood, it features the Exynos 2500 processor, built on a 3-nanometer process, which promises up to 39% better performance than its predecessor . It comes with 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128, 256, or 512GB. The display is a 6,7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with FHD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 1.900 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even outdoors.
The rear camera maintains a triple-sensor setup: a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 123-degree field of view, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The 12MP front camera expands its field of view to 85 degrees, perfect for group selfies. Among the most striking software features is My FanCam , which automatically tracks a selected person and reframes the video in real time, ideal for concerts and events. There's also Super Steady with Horizontal Lock, which keeps the horizon level in recordings with movement, and Nightography to improve low-light photos.
Image editing also benefits from AI: Photo Assist lets you modify scenes with natural language commands, such as converting a daytime photo to a nighttime one or adding elements. Gemini Omni, meanwhile, creates video clips from photos and videos stored in the gallery and is linked to the Google AI Pro subscription, which is included free for six months. However, after that, you'll have to pay to continue using it.
Launch, price and support in Europe
The Galaxy S26 FE will go on sale on September 4th in select markets, including Spain. It will be available in three colors: Blueberry, Graphite, and Pistachio , and the price starts at €799 for the base 128GB version. The higher-end configurations, with 256GB and 512GB, will cost extra. Samsung has not yet confirmed any promotions for the Spanish market, but launch offers are expected, as with previous releases.
The phone is IP68 certified, making it water and dust resistant. It has a 4.900 mAh battery with 45W wired fast charging , reaching 69% in about 30 minutes. It also features 15W wireless charging and reverse charging for other devices. Connectivity options include 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC.
One of the Galaxy S26 FE's strengths is its update policy: Samsung guarantees seven generations of Android and seven years of security patches . Furthermore, the new version of Smart Switch simplifies migration from other phones using a QR code, wirelessly transferring passwords, settings, and eSIM. With One UI 9, the warranty settings center allows you to manage Samsung Care+ directly from your phone.
With the Galaxy S26 FE, Samsung not only presents a new phone, but also marks the beginning of a new era for its software. One UI 9 arrives packed with improvements that will be rolled out to the rest of the lineup in the coming months. Users who want to try it out immediately can do so on September 4th, but other compatible devices will have to wait a little longer. However, when it does arrive, it will be a more mature system with features that, as we've seen, represent a significant leap forward in the daily user experience.
