One UI 8.5 may offer longer battery life by limiting network usage

Samsung’s next Android customisation for Galaxy phones and tablets, One UI 8.5, was expected to be a minor update. However, as we are digging deeper into the leaked One UI 8.5 firmware for the Galaxy S25 Ultra, it is turning out to be a major one, with small UI changes that make a huge impact on the overall look of the software. Well, it looks like it will also offer more than just visual changes, such as a nifty feature to save battery.

Android Authority has discovered strings of code in One UI 8.5 that mention a new feature called Network Battery Saver. This feature can recognise when your phone is not in use, such as when you are sleeping, and limit the network usage, helping lower the battery drain and offering a longer battery backup. To recognise if the phone is in use or not and to understand your usage pattern, this feature uses Personal Data Intelligence.

Personal Data Intelligence is a feature that is already available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse the patterns in which you use your device and create a knowledge graph of your habits. Using that, it can provide suggestions for various things, an enhanced user experience for multiple features, such as Now Brief, and better interaction with apps. 

Since Personal Data Intelligence already knows your phone usage pattern, Samsung is leveraging it for Network Battery Saver. This feature could significantly improve battery drain when you aren't using the device. There are at least three strings of code describing the feature. The first reads “Save battery by limiting network performance when your phone isn't likely to be used, such as when you're sleeping.” 

The second reads “Network battery saver uses Personal data intelligence to determine when to apply network performance limits, such as when you're at home or when you're unlikely to use your phone. You can manage the apps and services that use Personal data intelligence in Settings.” The third reads “To use Network battery saver, turn on Personal data intelligence in Settings.”

Samsung is expected to debut One UI 8.5 with the Galaxy S26 series in February 2026. The brand could start rolling it out to eligible devices soon after that. To check if your Galaxy phone is eligible for the update, click here.