Samsung’s release of the One UI 6.1 update on March 28 seemed like a promising enhancement for its latest devices, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy S23 series. However, what was anticipated to be a leap in mobile interface sophistication has instead left many users grappling with a significant downside: faster battery depletion.
Just days after the update rolled out, reports began surfacing from users experiencing an unexpected increase in battery drain. At SamMobile, our hands-on tests with multiple Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 units echoed the same frustrating trend. More than a month has passed since One UI 6.1’s debut, yet it appears the issue of declining battery performance remains unresolved.
Comparing Battery Performance Across Devices
The impact of One UI 6.1 has not been uniformly negative across all Samsung devices. While users of the Galaxy S23 series, particularly the Galaxy S23 Ultra, report less severe battery issues, the change is still noticeable compared to their experiences on One UI 6.0.
Interestingly, older Galaxy S and Z models, as well as some mid-range phones, seem to be faring better post-update, with some users even noting improved battery life. It suggests that the effects of the update are more pronounced on newer models, possibly due to their more advanced hardware and feature sets.
Samsung’s Response and Possible Solutions
As of now, Samsung has not officially recognized the issue of increased battery drain post-One UI 6.1 update. Without acknowledgment from the manufacturer, users are left in limbo, uncertain if or when a solution might be forthcoming. We have reached out to Samsung for comment and await their response.
In the meantime, there are a few strategies that might help mitigate the battery drain. Disabling power-intensive features such as Always On Display, activating power saving modes, clearing the device cache, or even performing a factory reset (after backing up your data, of course) can provide temporary relief.
What’s Next for Affected Users?
For those affected, the waiting game continues. Samsung may address the issue in a future update, likely bundling it with other enhancements or security fixes. Until then, Galaxy users will need to manage their devices more actively to conserve battery life.
As this story develops, we will keep you updated with any new information from Samsung or further insights into how to better manage your device’s battery life post-One UI 6.1. Stay tuned and check back for the latest on how to keep your Galaxy running optimally.
