One UI

[Sakib14]

I had to install the One UI 7 update with a heavy heart. 

I don't really like and now regretting it.

How are you liking it ?

[Cicastillo29]

I love it and I can't wait until OneUI 8 drops for the S25 Ultra

[realaud]

You'll get used to it once you learn how to tweak/normalize it. You may even come to like it.

[kadulee]

Just got a S23 yesterday. The new phone auto updated to the new UI, brought all the AI bs with it, and now I can't return the phone because the update nullified my return policy.

I'm not a fan at all and am aiming to get far far far away from Samsung/android phones because of it 😌

[realaud]

Why would the update nullify any return policy?  The update was going to happen as soon as the phone was turned on for any purchaser.  Phones do that - if there is a model eligible for an update, part of the setup process is that all updates are immediately installed.  You should be able to factory reset the phone and return it if you are in your return period - unless your return terms are that the phone can only be returned if the box was never opened (in which case, simply unpacking it would have nullified your return and the update would have no additional effect), or if it was defective.

[kadulee]

Oh I agree - I should be able to return. The phone is in working order, I had it less than 24 hours before I tried returning lol.

Per my carrier's return policy: "Return the device with your receipt, in its package, with all contents undamaged and in good working condition, with no material
alterations to the device's hardware or software."

The update falls under the "alterations to hardware/software". The staff member at the store literally asked "did you do an update?". I didn't, the phone automatically did, but yes an update happened.

Unfortunately that's enough to cancel the return policy. The staff member did say they'd waive the activation fee whenever I bring in another phone. But until then, I'm back on my dying s10e and have to try and sell (or trade in) the s23 to get my money back.

[realaud]

I would actually call the carrier.  I think the person at the store is mistaken.  Updates should not fall under the alterations category, as everyone knows that when you start up an electronic device, be it a computer, tablet or phone, updates happen automatically - you can't even complete a Windows install without the updates taking place.  I believe the software alterations clause was meant for those who would immediately root their phones, causing it to work improperly and then trying to return it.  Personally, I don't see any universe where an automatic update would fall under that category.

In any case, many of us here can likely help you make the phone serviceable for you, should the carrier continue to deny the return.

[kadulee]

Unfortunately- I can't call because I reactivated my dying s10e and my texts/calls aren't working lol. The texts/calls worked for about an hour after reactivation and then stopped working (which is why I was looking for a new phone in the first place, sadly).

Returns with my carrier never happen (they don't return "upgrades", there was a system update, etc. they always find a reason). This return was already denied and I don't think they'll change their mind on it.

At this point I just want the s23 phone out of my vicinity. I genuinely appreciate the support here on the forums, but I dont think anyone can make the s23 a suitable phone for me. The phone is the exact opposite of what I want, its a downgrade on multiple levels, its missing key factors that I need in a phone, and the new update is terrible. I tried forcing myself to like the phone, to try and compromise, to figure out how to navigate all the missing key factors, and it made the situation worse. So I'm back to the drawing board lol.

[realaud]

Well, you can always wipe it and sell it and recover whatever money  you can and then buy something else.  What were you looking for in a phone?  You can probably get it without all the AI garbage in an a series which  you can probably buy within whatever money you recover from selling. Who is your carrier?  Even with normal calling not working, you should still always be able to diale 611 from your phone to reach the carrier.  They should also have a social media customer service presence.  Most do.

Also, I know you said you tried to make it workable for you, but you have not mentioned what issues you were having besides what most people are complaining about - it looks and acts differently than before.  I am sure we can help you with that until you can offload the phone, as I'm pretty sure it's carrier locked and they won't unlock it until it's been on their service for 60 days and you'd have to unlock it to sell it anyway.

[kadulee]

I plan on selling it.

I'm looking for a small phone (5.8-6 1 size), headphone jack (I can compromise on that), SD card slot (cannot compromise on). No AI. Phone specific texting app, not Google messages. Good battery life, good camera specs. Ideally a phone that will last a few years, so it needs promise of future updates.

Carrier is metropcs by tmobile.

I settled for the s23 out of desperation for a new phone. It was a trade in by a different customer, and the only s23 at my metro. I have an issue with the lack of headphone jack, lack of SD card slot, the AI that came with the update that originally wasnt on the phone. The layout of the new update doesn't bother me, but the additional AI does. It cannot be removed, just "disabled". (We talked about this on my original post lol sorry to repeat my woes)

My issues with the phone are with the way it was created, with the way Samsung is taking their products. It's a serious downgrade in my opinion.

Didn't think about how it may not be able to be unlocked, dang.. I'll mention that in my selling post.

[realaud]

I believe T-Mobile and subsidiaries require 90 days on service to unlock. Metro should have some A series phones, at the very least if you can't return it, maybe you can 'trade it in" for an A series.  The A series have no AI and it has the SD slot.  Unfortunately, you will still get OneUI 7.0 with it.  I know of no mobile brand, other than Apple, that has its own native texting app.  All Android phones I have ever had only ever had Google Messages, and since Google is pushing very hard to keep it that way, I'm not sure switching brands will help you there.  Some carriers, over the years, have had their own texting apps, but I believe Verizon was the last one to do so, and they threw in the towel to Google last year.