Galaxy S25 gets One UI 8.5 beta 4 with a major kernel update

Samsung is preparing a major performance boost for the Galaxy S25 series in the next One UI 8.5 beta. According to insider Ice Universe, the fourth beta could arrive as soon as next week and bring more than routine bug fixes, with deeper system-level refinements also in play.

The tester indicates that a One UI 8.5 build with a firmware tag ending in ZZAA uses an updated Linux kernel. The version jumps from 6.6.77 to 6.6.98—an increase of 21 revisions. It’s the first kernel upgrade since One UI 8.5 development began for the Galaxy S25 lineup and potentially one of the most consequential shifts of the entire beta phase. A leap of that size during testing usually signals a deliberate push to tune the platform rather than mere housekeeping.

On Android devices, the kernel links software with the hardware. Updating it can positively affect system security, memory management, file system speed, and overall performance. New kernel releases also tend to include refreshed drivers, which can improve stability and the responsiveness of specific components.

Ice Universe notes that the Galaxy S25 Ultra feels noticeably smoother with the refreshed kernel. The improvements touch animations, overall interface responsiveness, and how quickly the screen reacts to touch. Still, a firm verdict will have to wait for the official rollout of the fourth One UI 8.5 beta and feedback from a wider pool of users; if early impressions hold, everyday interactions could see the clearest gains.