Being a phone reviewer, I understand the importance of software in enhancing the overall user experience. The quality of smartphone hardware can often be overshadowed by subpar software. Even though most phones nowadays run on Android 15, the user experience can vary significantly across different brands.
Thoughtfully designed software can greatly improve productivity and enjoyment while using a phone. While many companies offer feature-rich user interfaces, two brands stand out for me: Google and Samsung.
Pixel and Galaxy phones offer a polished and intuitive user interface that makes navigating the device a breeze. The UI on these devices is well-organized, making it easy to find apps and features without any hassle.
Previously, I favored Google Pixel phones for their software experience. However, after trying out One UI 7 on the Galaxy S25+, my opinion has changed completely.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Now, I firmly believe that One UI 7 offers a better all-round experience than Pixel UI, and these four reasons prove it.
A home screen to be proud of
The visual appeal of the software is crucial when using a phone. While Pixel UI is not unattractive, One UI 7 excels in terms of aesthetics.
Widgets play a significant role in customizing the home screen. Both Pixel and Galaxy phones support a variety of widgets, but Samsung manages to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics better than Google.
The Pixel UI isn’t ugly by any means, but One UI 7 wipes the floor with it in terms of looks
Comparing the home screens of Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25+, the difference is clear. Samsung’s design is more visually appealing and streamlined.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
In the screenshots above, you might have noticed another key difference: app labels. Pixel does not allow you to remove app names below the icons, resulting in a cluttered look. Samsung allows for a cleaner design by easily removing app labels.
Improving the home screen on a Pixel phone requires downloading third-party launchers and extensive customization. In contrast, Samsung offers a more straightforward approach.
Setting me up for success
The quick settings menu is a feature I use frequently on my phone. On a Samsung device with One UI 7, accessing and toggling settings is quick and intuitive.
Swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen on a Samsung phone provides easy access to multiple settings icons, making it convenient to manage various functions.
Luke Baker
On the other hand, Google’s approach to the quick settings menu can be cumbersome. The need for multiple taps to toggle settings on a Pixel phone can be frustrating, especially for frequently used functions like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Furthermore, Google’s integration of the notification tray and quick settings menu can feel cluttered and limit access to settings with just a swipe.
Given how frequently I rely on quick settings, these differences between Samsung and Google phones have a significant impact on user experience.
My favourite-ever use of AI
Both Samsung and Google phones incorporate artificial intelligence into their devices, offering various AI-powered features. However, One UI 7 enhances the user experience by simplifying the search function in Settings.
One UI 7 makes it MUCH easier to find things in Settings
With One UI 7, searching for settings is more intuitive as it utilizes AI to display all relevant results, even if the search term is not an exact match.
For example, when trying to adjust the screen refresh rate on the Galaxy S25+, the setting was labeled as ‘Motion smoothness,’ but the search in Settings still yielded the correct result. In comparison, Pixel’s ‘Smooth display’ setting was harder to locate through search.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
This AI-driven approach in One UI 7 simplifies the user experience and reduces the need for manual searching.
Need a cheap phone?
Google focuses on quality rather than quantity when it comes to phone offerings. With only a few new Pixel handsets released each year, experiencing Pixel software may require investing in mid-range phones or opting for older models.
In contrast, Samsung’s One UI 7 is accessible across its entire range, including budget-friendly Galaxy A series devices. This makes it possible to enjoy a feature-rich experience on devices like the Galaxy A16 at an affordable price point.
