Are you a Samsung user looking to boost your phone’s gaming performance or get smoother graphics while using advanced apps? Then you’ve probably heard about the Vulkan API — the next-generation graphics and compute API that delivers better performance than OpenGL.
But here’s the catch — many Samsung users don’t know how to enable Vulkan API or even check if their phone supports it.
Don’t worry! In this detailed guide, we’ll explain how to enable Vulkan API on Samsung phones, why it matters, and how you can maximize your device’s gaming potential safely.
Vulkan API Is So Important for Samsung Phones
It’s designed to reduce CPU usage, provide faster rendering, and deliver better control over the GPU.
In simple words:
Vulkan helps your Samsung phone run games and apps faster, with less lag and better visuals.
Key Advantages of Vulkan API:
- Improved performance in graphics-heavy apps
- Lower CPU usage, leading to smoother gameplay
- Better battery efficiency compared to OpenGL
- Enhanced control for developers over hardware resources
- Cross-platform compatibility (Android, Windows, Linux)
Samsung Phones That Support Vulkan API
Most modern Samsung devices already support Vulkan out of the box. Here’s a quick list of compatible models:
Samsung Phones That Support Vulkan API
- Samsung Galaxy S Series (S7 and newer)
- Samsung Galaxy Note Series (Note 8 and newer)
- Samsung Galaxy A Series (A50, A70, A90, and newer)
- Samsung Galaxy M Series (M30s, M31, M33, M52, etc.)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models
You can confirm Vulkan support by checking your device specifications on Samsung’s official website.
How to Verify Vulkan API Support on Samsung Phone?
Before enabling it, let’s first check if Vulkan API is already available on your device.
Step-by-Step Method:
- Go to Settings → Tap About Phone.
- Tap Software Information.
- Look for the Vulkan Version field.
- If you see something like “Vulkan 1.1.128”, your device already supports Vulkan.
- Alternatively, install the CPU-Z or AIDA64 app from Google Play Store.
- Go to the “Graphics” section → Check for “Vulkan API Version”.
If Vulkan is listed, your Samsung phone supports it — but you may still need to enable or update it manually.
How to Turn On Vulkan API on Samsung Devices?
Note: Some older phones may need a system update before Vulkan becomes active.
Step 1: Update Your Software
- Select Settings > Update Software.
- Click the button Download and Install.
- Wait for your phone to update — newer versions of One UI come with built-in Vulkan support.
Step 2: Enable Developer Options
- Select Settings from the menu. You can then tap About Phone. Then tap Software Information.
- Hold Build Number for 7 seconds until you see “You are now a developer! ””
- Click Settings, then Developer Options.
Step 3: Check for Vulkan Graphics Settings
- In Developer Options, scroll down to Graphics Driver Preferences.
- Select Vulkan (if available) instead of the default driver.
Step 4: Install Vulkan-Enabled Games or Apps
Some apps may require Vulkan-specific support. Try installing:
- PUBG Mobile (Vulkan version)
- Genshin Impact
- Call of Duty: Mobile
- Fortnite
These games automatically use the Vulkan API when available.
Step 5: Restart Your Device
After enabling, restart your Samsung phone to apply the changes.
Update Vulkan Drivers on Samsung Easily (Full Guide)
Sometimes, your Vulkan drivers may be outdated — causing lag or incompatibility issues.
Here’s how to update:
- Go to Google Play Store → Search for GPU Driver Update.
- Download the Samsung GameDriver (available for some models).
- Once installed, restart your phone.
How to Check Vulkan Performance on Your Samsung Phone
After enabling Vulkan, you can check if it’s working properly using benchmark tools.
Recommended Tools:
- 3DMark (Vulkan Benchmark)
- GFXBench
- Geekbench 6
These apps let you compare OpenGL vs Vulkan performance scores — proving the difference Vulkan makes.
Pros and Cons of Using Vulkan API on Samsung Devices
| Pros | Cons |
| Faster graphics rendering | Limited support on older devices |
| Better gaming performance | Some apps may crash on unsupported phones |
| Reduced CPU load | Uses more battery during high-end gaming |
| Enhanced developer control | Requires manual setup for some apps |
Top Tips to Boost Vulkan API Performance on Samsung Phones
Want even better results? Follow these pro tips:
- Keep your phone updated (One UI + GPU Drivers).
- Close background apps before gaming.
- Use Game Booster under Samsung’s Game Launcher settings.
- Avoid overheating — Vulkan is powerful but heat-sensitive.
- Try enabling “Performance Mode” in battery settings.
Fix Vulkan Problems on Samsung Phones (Easy Solutions)
Issue 1: Vulkan Option Not Available
Fix: Update your device firmware. Some older models need Android 10 or above.
Issue 2: Game Crashes After Enabling Vulkan
Fix: Clear cache and reinstall the app. Use the default driver if instability persists.
Issue 3: Lower Battery Life
Fix: Reduce graphics settings or enable “Battery Saver Mode.”
Issue 4: Vulkan API Missing in CPU-Z
Fix: Your device might not support Vulkan or needs a driver update.
(FAQs) Bbout Enable Vulkan API on Samsung Phones
1. What is Vulkan API used for on Samsung phones?
It’s used to improve graphics performance, reduce lag, and enhance gaming visuals.
2. Do all Samsung phones support Vulkan API?
No, only newer models (from Galaxy S7 onward) fully support Vulkan.
3. Is Vulkan better than OpenGL?
Yes, Vulkan offers better performance, lower CPU usage, and more efficient rendering than OpenGL.
4. Can I install Vulkan manually?
You can’t install it manually, but you can enable or update it through software updates or GameDriver apps.
5. Will Vulkan improve battery life?
In some cases, yes — Vulkan reduces CPU load, which can save battery. But during high-end gaming, it may use slightly more power.
6. Is Vulkan API safe to enable?
Yes, it’s completely safe — it’s an official graphics API developed by Khronos Group and used by Samsung.
7. How do I disable Vulkan API if I face issues?
Go back to Developer Options → Graphics Driver Preferences, and switch back to the default driver.
Conclusion: Experience Next-Level Gaming on Samsung with Vulkan API
Now that you know how to enable Vulkan API on Samsung phones, you can unlock the full power of your device’s GPU and enjoy smoother, faster gameplay.
Whether you’re a gamer or a developer, enabling Vulkan brings out the best performance and visuals Samsung hardware can offer.
