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Samsung might start putting ads into One UI and we can’t even right now
August 02, 2025
Update, June 07, 2025 (1:45AM ET):Samsung has come back to us via an emailed response, only saying that it “doesn’t comment on rumors or speculation.” In other words, we’re no closer to figuring out whether the firm is testing ads in One UI or indeed plans to implement it.
Nevertheless, the likes of realme and Xiaomi do this already in some markets, while offering cut-price budget phones. So we wouldn’t be surprised if Samsung follows suit too.
The source of this rumor is an image shared withTizen Helpby a reader. Allegedly, the image comes from a leaked version of One UI 2.5, which is the next expected iteration ofSamsung’s popular Android skin.
Check out the image below, which shows a pretty obtrusive ad on the lock screen of an unnamed Samsung phone:
The ad above is on a timer. Users would need to either tap on the One UI ads or wait for 15 seconds until the timer is up to unlock the phone. Allegedly, ads were spotted in Samsung-branded apps, too.
One UI ads: New for Samsung, old hat for Xiaomi
Samsung rivalXiaomialready does this with a lot of its devices, and it’s pretty much universally disliked. However, Xiaomi’s entry-level pricing is far lower than Samsung’s when it comes to most comparable devices, which is why a lot of people suck it up and deal. If Samsung introduces One UI ads but doesn’t also lower its pricing, it could be a bad look for the brand.
While we don’t know if Samsung will ever do this at all, it’s likely the company wouldn’t drop One UI ads onto its flagship phones. Instead, this would likely only apply to theGalaxy AandGalaxy Mseries of phones, which offer competitive specs and features at low prices.
We reached out to Samsung to get a statement on this news, but we didn’t hear back. We will update this article should Samsung reply.
What do you think? Would you buy a Samsung phone with One UI ads? Answer the poll below.
Would you buy a Samsung phone with One UI ads?
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