You probably know that Samsung isn’t introducing One UI 3.1.1 to its non-foldable devices. That’s because the latest iteration of the company’s custom Android skin mostly brings foldable-specific features. The Korean firm has already rolled out all the non-foldable-compatible new features to the likes of the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20, Galaxy S10, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy Note 10, and the Galaxy A52 5G. However, the version number remains One UI 3.1. Talking about One UI 3.1.1 features, there are plenty of them. Features like Drag & Split, Custom Aspect Ratio, and Cover Screen Mirroring significantly improve the user experience on the Samsung foldables. Let’s get into all the notable new features one by one.
One UI 3.1.1 new features
Firstly, we have this Drag & Split feature that elevates the internet browsing experience on mobile devices to another level. It is an extension of Multi Window and lets you drag a link to the edge of the screen to open it in a new window in split-screen mode. The feature also works with other apps such as Microsoft Office, Messages, and My Files, where you can drag an item to open it in split-screen mode. Samsung is making the Multi-Active Window and Natural Window Switching features more usable by allowing users to open any app in split-screen mode and arrange the three open apps in their preferred layout. Users can now adjust the height and width of opened apps as per their convenience. The “Multi-window for all apps” option is available under Settings » Advanced features » Labs. One UI 3.1.1 also lets users rotate all apps to use them in landscape orientation, even if they only support portrait mode natively. Users can choose a custom aspect ratio for apps as well. If an app doesn’t fill the whole screen natively, you can for it to full screen or switch to a 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratio. Of course, you can keep using the app as it is. App Split View lets you open apps in a two-pane view. For apps like WhatsApp, you can have the chat list on the left side and open a conversation on the right side. Something similar to WhatsApp Web. This feature works with all apps regardless of whether or not they natively support it. Samsung is also enabling Flex Mode for all apps. The Taskbar on the Fold series lets users quickly switch between apps. It leverages the large screen of the device to show a persistent taskbar that contains your favorite apps. You can tap on an app to quickly open it. You can also save a combination of two or three apps on the taskbar so you can open them all in split-screen mode with just one tap. Makes so much sense, doesn’t it? Last but not least, the Cover Screen Mirroring feature lets you mirror the layout of the outer display to the main foldable display. Your homescreen will remain the same across both displays, enabling a much smoother experience.
Some of these features are device-specific, Galaxy Z Fold 2 gets all
As you might have guessed, not all these features are for both Fold and Flip series. Features like Taskbar, Cover Screen Mirroring, and App Split View are for the Fold series only. The clamshell folding phones are essentially only getting force Flex Mode and Drag & Split. Additionally, the original Galaxy Fold will also reportedly miss out on Cover Screen Mirroring and force Flex Mode. The Galaxy Z Fold 2 is getting all of the new One UI 3.1.1 features. As said earlier, the One UI 3.1.1 update is now starting to roll out to all Samsung foldables. So if you’re rocking a Galaxy Fold, Z Flip, or the Fold 2, you’re in for a major update soon. Be on the lookout for a notification in the coming days. You can also manually check for the update from your foldable’s Settings app. Simply navigate to Software update » Download and install to see if you have an update pending download.
