Samsung One UI 8.5: Hands-On with the New Partial Screen Recording Tool

Samsung is once again pushing the boundaries of user experience with its upcoming software iteration. An upgraded screen recorder is one of the standout One UI 8.5 features that users will eventually gain access to, even if the Galaxy S26 isn’t currently on their shopping list. This tool represents a significant shift toward smarter, more intuitive utility within the Galaxy ecosystem, and we have been able to see it in action ahead of the official stable release.

A Smarter Way to Capture Your Screen

The redesigned screen recorder arrives as part of the One UI 8.5 update and is already performing impressively within beta firmware versions. While the software maintains the classic full-screen recording mode that users are familiar with, the headline addition is the partial screen recording capability. This isn't merely a basic cropping tool; it represents a more sophisticated approach to mobile content creation.

This new partial recorder allows users to manually define the exact portion of the screen they wish to capture. More impressively, it features an intelligent detection system that can automatically identify areas of interest, such as active video players. This automation ensures that capturing specific content is far more flexible and precise than previous versions allowed. You can see the tool in action in the demonstration below:

Evolution of Auto-Framing Technology

Samsung previously introduced a similar auto-framing concept in One UI 8.0, though that implementation was restricted solely to static screenshots. With the jump to One UI 8.5, the company has clearly leveraged that foundation, expanding the logic to dynamic video recordings. It is a natural and highly anticipated evolution for creators, gamers, and professionals who frequently share screen-based content.

Beyond the recording tool, the update brings several quality-of-life improvements. For instance, the search bar is now significantly easier to access across various contexts within the UI. While it may seem like a minor tweak, it greatly enhances the speed of navigation during daily use. The overall experience remains faithful to the core of One UI 8.0 but feels more polished with deeper customization and more robust AI-driven tools.

Availability and the Galaxy S26 Launch

Currently, Samsung is conducting One UI 8.5 beta testing on the Galaxy S25 in selected global markets. The official, stable rollout is set to coincide with the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 launch event. While a vast array of Galaxy smartphones and tablets are eligible for this update, Samsung has yet to provide a granular schedule for the wider rollout.

Samsung is scheduled to officially pull back the curtain on the Galaxy S26 series, which will come with One UI 8.5 pre-installed, on February 25. The Unpacked event will take place in San Francisco, marking the next major chapter for Samsung's mobile division.

What is the main difference between the old screen recorder and the One UI 8.5 version?

The primary difference is the addition of a "Partial Screen Recording" mode. Unlike previous versions that focused on full-screen capture, One UI 8.5 allows you to select a specific window or area of the screen to record, keeping the rest of your interface private.

Does the tool automatically select video players?

Yes, the new tool features an intelligent auto-detection system. When you initiate a partial recording, it can automatically snap to the borders of a video player or other relevant content areas, similar to how auto-framing works for screenshots.

When can I expect One UI 8.5 to arrive on my device?

One UI 8.5 will officially debut with the Galaxy S26 series on February 25. Following that launch, Samsung is expected to begin a wider rollout to eligible Galaxy S, Z, and A series devices, though the exact schedule varies by region and model.

Are there other UI changes in this update?

Beyond the screen recorder, One UI 8.5 introduces subtle UI refinements, improved search bar accessibility in various menus, and enhanced AI-driven productivity tools that make the system feel faster and more intuitive.

🔎 The introduction of partial screen recording in One UI 8.5 is a clear indicator of Samsung’s commitment to refining the tools users rely on most. By evolving existing screenshot technology into the realm of video, they have created a more versatile environment for both casual users and professionals alike. As we approach the February 25 Unpacked event, the excitement for these quality-of-life upgrades continues to build, promising a more polished and capable Galaxy experience for everyone.