Samsung appears to be in the middle of another round of visual experimentation with its upcoming One UI 8.5 software. A new pre-release build for the Galaxy S25 Ultra has surfaced, and this time, it reveals that the company might be taking a step back from the dramatic 3D-style icons showcased in earlier leaks. 
The updated firmware shows a much flatter look, with softer shadows and more subtle depth, signaling that Samsung could be rethinking how much dimensionality it wants to bring to its interface.
Earlier builds of One UI 8.5 sparked debate within the community. Some users appreciated the added realism and tactile impression of the 3D icons, saying they added freshness to the experience, while others criticized them as inconsistent with Samsung’s current minimalist direction. This mixed feedback may have prompted Samsung’s designers to refine the visuals, searching for a style that feels both modern and cohesive across devices.
In this latest iteration, the differences are visible even at a glance. The icon shadows no longer pop as aggressively, and the lighting gradients seem far more controlled. The result is something that feels cleaner and closer to the One UI 8.0 aesthetic – flat, minimal, and balanced. It’s not entirely devoid of depth, but the effect is more restrained and less distracting. The adjustment could reflect Samsung’s desire to unify the overall look of its software as it prepares for future flagship launches.
The leaked images comparing both versions show this evolution clearly: the older One UI 8.5 test build (on the right) features pronounced 3D shadows, while the newer version (on the left) embraces a smoother, more refined appearance. This design adjustment might also align with broader Android trends toward lighter, flatter iconography, as seen in Google’s own Material You evolution.
It’s important to remember that One UI 8.5 is still in active development. Samsung often tests multiple interface directions internally before settling on a final build for public release. What we’re seeing now might simply be one of several visual trials before the official debut. The company has followed similar patterns in the past – testing bold design choices, then dialing them back to something more universally appealing before release.
We’ll likely get a clearer idea of Samsung’s final design language when One UI 8.5 becomes available to beta testers or makes its official appearance alongside the Galaxy S26 series early next year. Until then, fans and designers alike will be watching closely to see whether Samsung’s next visual refresh embraces realism or continues its gradual move toward simplicity and clarity.
2 comments
They should just give us a toggle – 3D or flat, problem solved lol
Waiting for the final release before judging, leaks always change