Samsung Yepp U series

Samsung Yepp U series

Industry	Consumer electronics
Founded	2005
Products	MP3 players

A lineup of Samsung Yepp U series devices. From left to right: YP-U1, YP-U2R, YP-U3, YP-U4, YP-U5, YP-U6, and YP-U7

The Samsung Yepp U series represents a range of USB stick-style MP3 players developed by Samsung, first launched in 2005 with the introduction of the YP-U1. Samsung consistently released a new model annually, except for the YP-U7, which debuted two years following the U6. This series is both the most extensive—comprising seven models—and the longest-lasting Yepp lineup, spanning seven years. Its primary rival is the Sony Walkman B series, while in South Korea, the iRiver T series serves as a significant competitor.

All models within the U series share a uniform USB key design featuring a 1-inch 128x64 pixel display. They universally support MP3, WMA, and OGG formats, with certain units offering compatibility with additional audio codecs. The series has faced criticism for its maximum storage capacity capped at 4 GB and lack of expandable memory options, unlike the well-known Sansa Clip lineup.

Specifications

Model	Release	Color	Capacity	Dimensions	Weight	Display	SoC	Battery capacity	Battery life	Controls	USB connector	Sound Engine	MP3	WMA	WAV	OGG	FLAC	AAC	FM tuner	RDS	FM Recording	Voice Recording	Fitness feature	Connection	Latest firmware
YP-U1	2005	Black, White	256, 512MB, 1, 2 GB	24 mm (0.94 in) H 86 mm (3.4 in) W 13.2 mm (0.52 in) D	34 g (1.2 oz)	1" white FSTN LCD 128x64	Sigmatel STMP3550	280mAh	13 hrs	Tactile buttons	full size, rotating	SRS WOW	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	No	UMS	v3.150 KR, v3.152 EU/US
YP-U2(R)	2006	Black, White	512 MB, 1, 2 GB	24.4 mm (0.96 in) H 87.5 mm (3.44 in) W 12.6 mm (0.50 in) D	28 g (0.99 oz)	1" negative FSTN LCD 128x64	Sigmatel STMP3550	280mAh	13 hrs	Tactile buttons	full size, cap	DNSe 3D	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	MTP/UMS	2.212 EU, 2.168 RDS EU, 1.156 US, 2.160 KR
YP-U3	(2007)	(Black, White, Pink, Green, Blue)	(1, 2, 4 GB)	(24.4 mm H × 80 mm W × 11 mm D)	(22.8 g)	(1" blue OLED 128x64)	(Samsung S5L8424)	(250mAh)	(15 hrs)	(Touchpad)	(small size, slider)	(DNSe 3D)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(No)	(Yes)	(No)	(No)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(No)	(Yes)	(No)	(MTP/UMS))	(v1.12 KR/WA, v1.13 EU/US)
YP-U4	(2008)	(Blue, Red, Purple)	(2, 4 GB)	(27 mm H × 83 mm W × 13 mm D)	(27.5 g)	(1" 16-grey OLED 128x64)	(Sigmatel STMP3650)	(300mAh)	(16 hrs)	(Touchpad)	(small size, slider)	(DNSe 2.0)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(No)	(Yes)	(No)	(No)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(No)	(MTP/UMS))	(v1.34)
YP-U5	(2009)	(Black, Blue, White, Red, Pink)	(2, 4 GB)	(25 mm H × 88 mm W × 11.8 mm D)	(23 g)	(1" 16-grey OLED 128x64)	(Sigmatel STMP3770)	(160mAh)	(20 hrs)	(Tactile buttons)	(full size, cap)	(DNSe 3.0 Core)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	(Yes)	( MTP/UMS))	( v1.57)
YP-U6	( 2010 )|(Black, Pink )|(2, 4 GB )|(26.9 mm H × 86.2 mm W × 12.3 mm D )|(34 g )|(1" color CSTN LCD 128x64 )|(Sigmatel STMP3770 )|(165mAh )|(20 hrs )|(Tactile buttons )|(full size, slider )|(SoundAlive )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(No )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(Yes	( MTP/UMS))	( v1.10
YP-U7	( 2012 )|(Black, Silver, Pink )|(4 GB )|(26 mm H × 85.9 mm W × 9.72 mm D )|(28.4 g )|(1" color TFT LCD 128x64 )|(AIT508 )|(120mAh )|(20 hrs )|(Tactile buttons )|(full size, cap )|(SoundAlive )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(No )|(Yes )|(Yes )|(No )|(style="background:#9EFF9E;color:black;vertical-align:middle;text-align:center;" class="table-yes"|Yes)	( No )|( No )|( No )|( Yes )|( USB mass storage device class )|( v1.04 )|} YP-U1 The YP-U1 was unveiled in August 2005 and subsequently launched in October 2005 across Asia and Europe, followed by a release in the United States in early November 2005. Initially, it was available in three storage options: 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB, offered in two color variants—black and white. A 2 GB model was introduced in early 2006. As Samsung's inaugural MP3 player featuring a built-in USB key, the YP-U1 showcased a completely redesigned exterior; however, its firmware and UI bore strong resemblance to earlier models like the YP-MT6 and YP-C1. The device sports a 1-inch white FSTN LCD screen with a resolution of 128x64 pixels. While it includes a voice recording function, it does not support FM radio reception. Power is supplied by a fixed rechargeable battery, offering up to 13 hours of playback time. Supported audio formats include MP3, WMA, WAV, ASF, and OGG. The player provides three preset equalizer settings alongside a customizable 9-band EQ. Additionally, it supports SRS WOW HD audio enhancement, though this feature is exclusive to the latest Korean firmware version 3.150; the most recent European and US firmware releases (v3.152) omit this capability. Nevertheless, users can install the Korean firmware on units sold in Europe or America. Among the U series, only the U1 and the newest U7 models operate solely as UMS devices across all regions. YP-U2 Samsung introduced the YP-U2 at the CES in January 2006, with its US market release following in April 2006. This model was offered in three capacities—512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB—and two colors: black and white. The YP-U2 was distributed in various configurations depending on the region. In South Korea, it functioned exclusively as a MSC device and included an FM tuner. The US version operated under MTP (YP-U2J with Janus) and also featured an FM tuner. Europe received two MSC variants: one lacking an FM tuner and another (YP-U2R) equipped with an FM tuner supporting RDS. Each regional variant came with distinct firmware. Overall, the U2 closely resembles its predecessor with notable hardware updates: the USB connector is no longer retractable but protected by a transparent cap that allows illumination via two blue LEDs. The display now features a negative mode with white text on a black background. Firmware changes are minimal aside from incorporating the DNSe audio processing engine, which had debuted earlier that year on the YP-T7F model. YP-U3 The YP-U3 initially surfaced at the end of March 2007, followed by its formal announcement in May 2007 by Samsung Japan. It became available in Asia and Europe around June or July, with a subsequent release in the United States. The device was offered in three storage options (1, 2, and 4 GB) and five color variants: Black, White, Blue, Green, and Pink. Unlike its predecessor, the U3 featured touch-sensitive controls—a design choice that drew criticism in multiple reviews. It also introduced a new blue OLED display and incorporated a half-sized sliding USB connector. While the "now playing" interface and DNSe audio effects remained consistent with the U2 model, the main menu underwent significant redesign. Additionally, the device featured a blue LED that blinked either randomly or when buttons were pressed. Models distributed in Europe and the USA (YP-U3J Janus) operated using MTP and included a tags-based music library. European versions also supported the RDS function. Conversely, units sold across Asia and other regions utilized MSC mode, presenting users with a file browser instead of a tag library. Although unofficially possible to flash an MSC firmware onto an MTP YP-U3, this modification results in loss of RDS functionality. The most recent firmware releases were version 1.12 for MSC models and version 1.13 for MTP models. YP-U4 The YP-U4, also known as Litmus, was initially leaked in June 2008, officially unveiled in July, and launched in August 2008 within South Korea. It was available in two capacities: 2 GB priced at 69,000 won and 4 GB at 89,000 won. Subsequently, it expanded to other Asian and European markets; however, it was notably absent from certain traditional markets such as France and the United States. The color options included red, blue, and purple. Supported audio formats comprised MP3, WMA, and OGG. The device incorporated an FM tuner with RDS capability alongside FM and voice recording functions. According to the user manual, battery longevity could reach up to 16 hours when playing MP3 files encoded at 128 kbit/s; however, this duration might decrease due to sleep mode activity. Maintaining touch control input and a similar built-in sliding USB connector as found on the U3, the U4’s casing adopted a distinct plastic design. The OLED display shifted from blue to a monochrome screen capable of showing 16 grey shades. Its UI was redesigned: the vertical main menu transitioned into a horizontal layout with updated icons. The "Now playing" screen now displayed embedded album artwork from tags. The U4 featured three LEDs that flashed either randomly or upon user interaction. Audio processing employed the standard DNSe 2.0 engine, offering modes such as street mode, clarity enhancement, 3D sound effects, bass boost, ten equalizer presets, plus a customizable seven-band EQ. Samsung issued seven firmware updates for this model between August 26, 2008 (v1.17) and August 27, 2009 (v1.34), primarily addressing bug fixes. Notably, version 1.32 resolved intermittent playback noise issues but reportedly reduced battery life by approximately two hours according to official patch notes. In the Korean market (KR region code), the U4 operated exclusively under MSC, whereas European versions (EU region code) defaulted to MTP with an option to switch between MTP and MSC for PC connectivity. This model marked the first in the series to feature a region code adjustable via a config.dat file independently of firmware updates and enabled navigation through both tag-based libraries and traditional file/folder structures. Criticism directed at the YP-U4 often focused on its overly sensitive yet imprecise touchpad as well as occasional sluggishness within its UI. YP-U5 The YP-U5 made its debut at the CES in January 2009 and became available to consumers in April of the same year. It comes in five color options: Black, Blue, White, Red, and Pink, with storage capacities of 2 and 4 GB. Additionally, a special Hello Kitty edition featuring customized casing and packaging was launched in October 2009. Unlike its predecessors, the YP-U5 sports a plastic housing and incorporates a fixed USB connector rather than a retractable one. The touch-sensitive buttons found on the U4 model were replaced by physical tactile buttons to address previous user complaints. This model also includes an FM tuner with RDS support, along with capabilities for FM and voice recording. The user interface closely resembles that of the YP-U4 but offers significantly improved speed and responsiveness. The U5 introduces new elements such as the "Popcon" characters, a fitness tracking feature, and the DNSe 3.0 core audio engine. The fitness function estimates calories burned based on factors like body weight and selected exercise types—including slow or fast walking, slow or fast running, hiking, cycling, or yoga—though it lacks hardware sensors, which may affect accuracy. The DNSe 3.0 core is a streamlined variant of the full DNSe 3.0 effects first seen on the YP-Q1. However, it omits several features such as Clarity, Audio Upscaler, Wise Volume, and Level Optimizer, resulting in audio performance inferior to the standard DNSe 2.0 found on the earlier YP-U4 and other models. Samsung issued six firmware updates for the U5, ranging from version 1.12 to 1.57—the last of which was released on October 18, 2010—primarily addressing bug fixes. Partial unofficial support for AAC files existed in firmware versions up to 1.12 but was removed starting with version 1.33 and subsequent releases. YP-U6 First revealed at the IFA event in Berlin in September 2010, the Samsung YP-U6 launched in South Korea by early November that year. It is offered in two color schemes—solid black or a combination of pink and white—and comes with either 2 or 4 GB of storage (priced at approximately 59,000 and 69,000 won respectively). Marking a first for the series, the U6 features a color display: a four-line 128x64 CSTN LCD screen. Despite this upgrade, its user interface remains largely unchanged from that of the U5 but now supports color album artwork display. The device introduces an anodized aluminum casing instead of the traditional plastic shell. Its USB connector is retractable via a slider mechanism similar to those found on the U3 and U4 models; however, it now utilizes a full-size USB port designed for enhanced durability. Replacing the previous DNSe sound engine is Samsung's newer SoundAlive technology—initially launched on the YP-RB model in June 2010 (exclusive to Korea). Nevertheless, only a simplified version of SoundAlive is implemented on the U6. Several advanced features common in higher-end Samsung players—such as Clarity, Audio Upscaler, Wise Volume, and Level Optimizer—are absent here. Ultimately, the audio processing capabilities of the U6’s SoundAlive closely resemble those of the U5’s DNSe 3.0 Core, differing mainly in equalizer presets. Samsung released three firmware updates for this model: versions 1.05, 1.09 (dated November 29, 2010), and 1.10—the latter arriving unusually late on September 17, 2012, nearly two years after initial release. These updates focused solely on resolving bugs, including some related to battery charging functionality; no new features or enhancements were introduced. YP-U7 The Samsung YP-U7 represents the newest addition to the U series, initially launched in Russia in early September 2012. Subsequent releases occurred in France, Italy, and Germany by November of the same year. Interestingly, its introduction to the South Korean market came several months later, in February 2013. Notably, the YP-U7 was never made available in the United States. This model is unique within the U series for offering a single storage option: 4 GB. Consumers can choose from three color variants: black, silver, and pink. Similar to its predecessor, the YP-U6, it sports a 1-inch color display with a resolution of 128x64 pixels; however, it employs a TFT LCD panel instead of the CSTN LCD used previously, resulting in improved screen quality according to user feedback. The sliding USB connector found on the U6 has been replaced by a conventional USB port protected by a plastic cover. This change allows for a slimmer aluminum chassis but introduces the potential issue of losing the cap. The "now playing" interface remains consistent with that of the U5 and U6 models, while the main menu adopts a new design featuring cube-rotating icons inspired by the Android TouchWiz user interface. Unlike earlier versions which included a "user" button for assigning a single shortcut function, the U7 incorporates a "context menu" button similar to those found on higher-end players. This enhancement enables users to modify specific settings directly without navigating through the main menu or general options. The YP-U7 marks the first device in the series to omit a voice recording feature. Additionally, units distributed in Europe (bearing EU and FR region codes) lack FM radio functionality at the software level. It is believed that Samsung made this choice to circumvent European taxes imposed on FM tuners, thereby reducing costs or improving profit margins. Nevertheless, all U7 players are equipped with an FM tuner hardware component. Consequently, it is possible to restore radio capabilities on European models by altering the region code from EU/FR to KR—a method detailed online. However, since FM radio was not intended for use in Europe, Samsung did not implement firmware support for RDS display, despite this function being supported by the Silabs Si4709 FM tuner chip. Retaining features from its predecessors, the U7 includes study mode options such as A-B repeat and adjustable playback speed designed for language learning purposes, alongside fitness-related functions. However, it no longer supports MTP and operates solely as a MSC device; as a result, DRM-protected files are unsupported. Samsung released only two firmware updates for the YP-U7: version 1.01 and version 1.04—the latter issued on May 3, 2013. Although detailed changelogs are unavailable, these updates appear to address minor bug fixes exclusively.