Following its recent tablet software push, Samsung is continuing its One UI 8 rollout in East Africa, with the Galaxy Tab S9 series now picking up the Android 16-based update. The update, which follows the Galaxy Tab S10 lineup’s earlier release in Kenya, brings a substantial collection of new features, including the expanded Galaxy AI suite, major DeX improvements, and an overhauled tablet experience.
The upgrade is rolling out to the East African variants of the three flagship slates:
- Galaxy Tab S9 (SM-X716B) as version X716BXXU5DYJ1
- Galaxy Tab S9 Plus (SM-X816B) as version X816BXXU5DYJ1
- Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (SM-X916B) as version X916BXXU5DYJ1
While the update brings a wealth of new functionality, it arrives with the slightly behind September 2025 security patch. However, given the depth of the new features and Samsung’s aggressive update schedule, users are unlikely to complain about waiting a little longer for the very latest patch.
One UI 8 focuses on AI and productivity
This is more than just a fresh coat of paint. One UI 8 (based on Android 16) focuses on making the high-end tablet experience feel more intuitive and desktop-like, a key selling point for the Galaxy Tab S9 series.
Key features arriving in East Africa include:
- Expanded Galaxy AI: Core AI features are now on board, including the ability to see real-time call captions on-screen and the enhanced AI Select tool, which can be started immediately without waiting. For travelers, Galaxy AI can now automatically translate received emergency alerts.
- Massive DeX overhaul: Samsung DeX, the desktop environment, receives significant upgrades. Users can now swipe down from the top handle to seamlessly switch between tablet and DeX view. For power users, DeX now supports adding widgets to the Home screen on connected external displays and offers WQHD resolution and display rotation options.
- Enhanced multitasking: Tablet multitasking gets a boost with the ability to open three apps side-by-side in landscape mode. There’s also a new “push” feature in split-screen, allowing one app to be temporarily minimized to the edge while keeping the main app visible.
- Refined interface: The Lock screen has been enhanced with a new moving clock style that intelligently avoids covering subjects in the wallpaper. Widgets are more versatile, supporting new 2×2 sizes and a larger overall widget area.
- Productivity tools: Built-in apps see significant improvements. Samsung Notes now supports Sticky notes for quick, on-document annotations. My Files adds multi-pane browsing for easier file path tracking and the ability to filter files by the downloading app.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 owners in Kenya and the broader East African region should check the Software Update section in their tablet’s settings to pull the hefty new firmware. Given the scope of these changes, the Galaxy Tab S9 series is set up to deliver a much more powerful and refined tablet experience for the foreseeable future.
