Samsung’s Expert RAW Reveals One UI Update Flaws

We recently discussed Samsung’s flawed update process, and now we see the consequences of its poor structure. The “stable” One UI 8 is still in a beta-like state, mirroring One UI 7’s flaws. Don’t get me wrong, the Android 16 update isn’t overly buggy or anything. But it has some quirky flaws that show Samsung rushed the One UI 8 rollout. Expert RAW is one of the victims of this rushed rollout, as it now uses an inferior algorithm. Yes, Expert RAW is using the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s algorithm on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Expert Raw algorithm has regressed in One UI 8

I recently worked with Wvisioncreation to dissect the following images captured using Samsung’s Expert RAW app for One UI 7 and One UI 8. Before we discuss what is happening, let us take a look at the images first.

Expert Raw One UI 7

Expert Raw One UI 8

You can clearly see the quality difference: One UI 7 looks more detailed, while One UI 8 is noisy and has a smeared look. And if you zoom in, there are obvious artifacts on the latter. @Wvisioncreation identified “melting” artifacts and noted deficiencies. One UI 7 remains detailed and clear on zooming, but in One UI 8, the leaf at the bottom loses detail, appears “melted,” and the noise is evident.

One UI 7 (Left) vs One UI 8 (Right)

One UI Beta process affects the stable version

This is a prime example of Samsung’s misplaced priorities. Expert RAW showed issues during the One UI 8 beta phase, with reports surfacing early in September. However, the regressed algorithm made it into the final build.

It’s odd how @Wvisioncreation quickly identified issues right after the stable release of One UI 8. But why couldn’t he spot these during the beta to help fix them? Samsung’s regional beta is the culprit. The beta program has been historically limited to the US, the UK, Germany, Poland, India, and South Korea, with fewer eligible countries for older models. Samsung has shown no interest in launching beta updates globally.

This means @Wvisioncreation couldn’t participate, missing the beta and the chance to report issues he now identifies so quickly. This highlights why Samsung’s current update process methodology is flawed. It also raises an interesting question: If the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s algorithm reverted to that of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, how much of Samsung’s camera shortcomings would be attributable to software? I guess plenty.