One UI 8.5 Beta Brings Partial Screen Recording to Galaxy S25
Samsung has introduced a new screen recording feature in the One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25 series, allowing users to record only a portion of their screen rather than the entire display. This functionality was initially spotted in a test build last October, but it is now officially available in the current beta release. The feature intelligently detects which part of the screen the user might want to capture, though it also permits manual selection of the recording area.
Key Features and User Experience
The partial screen recording option enhances the user experience by offering more control and flexibility, especially on devices with larger displays like the Galaxy S25 Ultra. When initiating a screen recording, users can choose whether to capture the full screen or just a specific section. Samsung’s One UI attempts to automatically identify the relevant screen segment, but users retain the option to adjust the selection according to their needs. This update aligns Samsung’s software capabilities more closely with other platforms, as similar partial screen recording features are already present on OnePlus phones and desktop operating systems such as ChromeOS, macOS, and Windows.
Background and Context
Android itself does not natively support partial screen recording, so Samsung’s implementation represents a useful enhancement for its flagship devices. The leak was highlighted by well-known Samsung tipster Ice Universe, who shared a video demonstrating the feature working on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Additionally, Android Authority’s Zac Kew-Denniss confirmed the feature’s presence on his Galaxy S25 Ultra running the latest One UI 8.5 beta. This update is currently available for the Galaxy S25 series as part of the beta programme.
Looking Ahead: Stable Release and Wider Availability
One UI 8.5 is expected to be officially released in stable form alongside the Galaxy S26 series, which Samsung plans to unveil at its Galaxy Unpacked event in San Francisco on Wednesday, 25 February. Following the launch of the new series, the update will gradually become available for older Galaxy devices. This new screen recording feature is just one of several anticipated improvements in One UI 8.5, signalling Samsung’s ongoing efforts to refine the user interface and add practical tools for its users.
As the Galaxy S26 launch approaches, it will be interesting to see how Samsung further develops One UI and what additional features might be introduced to enhance the overall user experience.