Why Did Samsung Revert Back to OpenGL? Vulkan Was Clearly Better.

[divykhanna]

Hi Samsung Team,

I’m writing this as a long-time user and someone who closely follows performance improvements in Android.

When One UI Beta 1 introduced Vulkan for graphics rendering, I immediately noticed the difference — smoother animations, better gaming performance, and lower device temperatures during extended use. Vulkan is clearly a more modern and efficient API compared to OpenGL, and it finally felt like Samsung was using the full potential of its hardware.

But now, after the latest update, we're suddenly back to OpenGL — which is outdated, less efficient, and puts more load on the CPU. Why take such a big step backward?

Here’s why Vulkan was such an important step forward:

1. Lower CPU Overhead: Vulkan reduces CPU overhead by allowing better control over system resources, resulting in improved performance, especially on multi-core processors.

2. Better Multi-threading: Vulkan supports true multi-threading, enabling better task distribution across CPU cores. OpenGL, being single-threaded, creates performance bottlenecks on modern processors.

3. Improved GPU Utilization: Vulkan offers direct communication between the CPU and GPU, optimizing the use of hardware resources, which leads to better performance in demanding applications.

4. Optimized for Modern Hardware: Vulkan is built for high-end devices, fully utilizing modern GPUs and processors. OpenGL doesn’t leverage the full potential of today’s hardware.

5. Lower Latency: Vulkan’s reduced driver overhead results in lower latency, improving responsiveness, particularly in gaming and real-time applications.

6. Cross-platform Support: Vulkan works across multiple platforms (Android, Linux, Windows, consoles), which is a huge benefit for developers who want to ensure compatibility across devices.

7. Better Power Efficiency: Vulkan is more power-efficient, utilizing system resources better, which leads to longer battery life during heavy use.

8. Enhanced Visuals: Vulkan supports advanced rendering techniques, such as real-time ray tracing and compute shaders, providing richer graphics than OpenGL.

9. More Predictable Performance: Vulkan gives developers better control over hardware, leading to more consistent performance. OpenGL can vary from device to device.

10. Long-term Developer Support: Vulkan is supported by the Khronos Group, ensuring that it remains up-to-date with the latest hardware and software advancements, while OpenGL is gradually being phased out.

This change makes no sense from a user experience perspective. Vulkan was stable and provided a clear upgrade in performance. Reverting to OpenGL almost feels like you're intentionally limiting the performance of existing devices — maybe to push people toward buying newer phones. That may not be the intent, but it definitely feels like forced obsolescence.

If there’s a technical reason for this switch — like compatibility issues or bugs — please be transparent and explain it to us. Otherwise, this move just feels wrong.

Samsung makes some of the best hardware out there. Please don’t hold it back with outdated software decisions.

Looking forward to a proper explanation.

Thanks,
divy

[AlRy]

Thank you for writing this. I couldn’t agree more with every point you’ve made. The temperature difference and battery life improvement was evident in beta 1. Vulkan in One UI Beta 1 was a major upgrade—smoother animations, better gaming, and cooler temps. Reverting to OpenGL feels like a step backward. They should give an explanation. 

[EhsanG]

As a S24 FE user even tough i don't have S23 series, I can see how much the phone looks and feels laggier. And honestly Samsung shouldn't have switched to OpenGL, Vulkan is optimized for Exynos, why OpenGL.

I think Samsung is being greedy to lock all good features for newer flagships such as S25 and S24 series.

I will be switching to Pixel or iPhone if this continues for the S26 series etc.

[Kuldeep-jain]

I agree to what OP has said. Vulkan was clearly better. 

Samsung, we need an explanation on why the drivers were switched back to opengl when you knew vulkan was better.

[mounik009]

Totally agreed, vulkan was much better. Makes no sense to switch back to OpenGL.

[divykhanna]

Reply by samsung US moderators!

[Donixo]

Agree 🔝

[Bpunk]

I was part of the beta. In Beta 1, they were using Vulkan; in Beta 2, they switched to OpenGL. Now, I hear that the official S23 One UI 7 release is using OpenGL. It's nothing but planned obsolescence.

[Tiikow]

Yes I confirme, the s23u is the last ultra phone samsung made, they need you to move on, and give them more money. After 10 years they will release the same s23u with s34u name

[Rorschach1]

I Agree with OP. Honestly, Vulkan felt way better and smoother animations, less heat, and games ran noticeably better. Switching back to OpenGL just doesn't make sense. It feels like a step backward, and I really hope Samsung gives a proper reason for this change.