As somebody who opinions telephones for a dwelling, I do know first-hand how software program could make or break the expertise.
I can’t inform you what number of instances unimaginable smartphone {hardware} has been let down by underwhelming software program. And whereas virtually the entire telephones I’ve examined lately run Android 15, the way it appears to be like and performs varies massively between manufacturers.
When designed thoughtfully, the software program can dramatically improve my productiveness and delight whereas utilizing a cellphone. Loads of firms supply a slick consumer interface that’s brimming with options, however there are two that I preserve coming again to: Google and Samsung.
On Pixel and Galaxy telephones, the UI feels simply that bit extra polished and intuitive. All the things has a transparent place, and discovering the app or function I would like hardly ever appears like a chore.
Till lately, I’d have stated that Google Pixel telephones had the higher hand. However after making an attempt out One UI 7 on the Galaxy S25+, I’ve utterly modified my thoughts.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Now, I firmly consider that One UI 7 affords a greater all-round expertise than Pixel UI, and these 4 causes show it.
A house display to be happy with
While you use your cellphone, you need the software program to be as enticing as doable. The Pixel UI isn’t ugly by any means, however One UI 7 wipes the ground with it when it comes to appears to be like.
Let’s begin with widgets. The house screens on each assist a ton of various widgets together with inventory apps and plenty of third-party choices. Google’s strategy appears to give attention to performance, even when that comes at the price of aesthetics, but Samsung manages to attain each.
The Pixel UI isn’t ugly by any means, however One UI 7 wipes the ground with it when it comes to appears to be like
As an example this, I added roughly the identical set of widgets to each the Pixel 9 Professional XL and Galaxy S25+…or at the very least, I attempted to. Google doesn’t allow you to take away the ‘At a Look’ widget, so I used that for climate to create space for all the pieces else. You can also’t eliminate the search bar on the backside, so I had so as to add that to the Samsung to make it a fairer comparability.
Regardless of that, the tip outcomes communicate for themselves. You possibly can’t significantly inform me that you simply want the design of the Pixel – it’s no contest.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Within the screenshots above, you might need observed one other key distinction: app labels. For some motive, Google doesn’t allow you to take away the names of every app from beneath the icon, regardless of it being painfully apparent what these icons signify. Eradicating them on the Samsung requires simply a few faucets, and the entire design appears to be like a lot cleaner because of this.
Earlier than you come for me together with your pitchforks, I do know there are methods to make the house display on a Pixel cellphone look lots higher. But it surely requires you to obtain a (doubtlessly paid) third-party launcher and spend ages adjusting all the pieces. On the Samsung, it’s all proper there.
Setting me up for fulfillment
One cellphone function I exploit arguably greater than every other is the short settings menu. A number of instances a day, I’m swiping down from the highest of the display to toggle the likes of Wi-Fi, cell knowledge, Bluetooth and placement providers.
On a Samsung cellphone operating One UI 7, it’s a easy case of swiping down from the top-right nook of the display and tapping any of the accessible icons – 10 are proven immediately, with extra accessible if you happen to broaden the listing.
Luke Baker
In the meantime, Google inexplicably makes this harder for you. As you’ll know if you happen to’ve learn my ‘3 months with the Pixel 9 Professional XL’ piece, the very fact it’s important to faucet twice simply to toggle Wi-Fi or cell knowledge will get very annoying over time. It’s important to do the identical for Bluetooth!
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
In contrast to One UI 7, Google combines the notification tray and fast settings menu right into a single view. Not solely does this really feel cluttered compared to Samsung, however it additionally means simply 4 settings can be found through a single swipe.
Contemplating how typically I depend on fast settings, these comparatively small modifications make a giant distinction.
My favourite-ever use of AI
Synthetic intelligence is a large a part of each Samsung and Google telephones. Each embrace Gemini and Circle to Search, plus a great deal of picture modifying, transcription and writing instruments.
Nevertheless, One UI 7 makes it MUCH simpler to search out issues in Settings. Its search operate makes use of AI to floor all related outcomes, not simply people who match the particular time period you entered.
One UI 7 makes it MUCH simpler to search out issues in Settings
For instance, I wished to regulate the display refresh fee on the Galaxy S25+ however didn’t realise it was listed as ‘Movement smoothness’. Regardless of that, Settings nonetheless discovered simply what I used to be searching for.
Evaluate that to the Pixel 9 Professional XL, the place the setting is named ‘Clean show’. Trying to find ‘refresh fee’ didn’t supply something helpful.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
In consequence, I typically must search for methods to discover one of many Pixel’s settings on-line. With One UI 7, I can simply use pure language and it’ll discover it.
Want an inexpensive cellphone?
Google’s strategy to telephones focuses on high quality over amount.
In 2024, the corporate launched simply 5 new Pixel handsets, the most affordable being the £499/$499 Pixel 8a. So, to expertise the Pixel software program, you’ll have to pay mid-range cellphone costs or discover an older mannequin that’s nonetheless receiving updates.
In contrast, Samsung is rolling out One UI 7 to all of its handsets, together with the price range Galaxy A collection gadgets. You’ll quickly be capable of get the entire options above for simply £169 on the Galaxy A16, one thing Google merely can’t match.
Connor Jewiss | Foundry
However wait!
Earlier than you head off to purchase a Samsung Galaxy cellphone, it’s price noting that One UI 7 is in no way excellent. Samsung has its personal variations of many inventory apps, so if (like me) you favor the Google model, meaning loads of bloatware.
Nevertheless, the compromise you’re making in comparison with Google Pixel telephones is when it comes to updates. Whereas each are beneficiant in the case of software program assist (as much as seven years), Google will all the time prioritise its personal {hardware}.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
It meant older Pixel telephones obtained the Android 15 replace as quickly because it was launched in August. In the meantime, One UI 7 debuted on the Galaxy S25 collection in January, however Samsung has confirmed that it received’t start rolling out to older gadgets till 7 April.
Are you prepared to be affected person? If not, a Google Pixel cellphone is the best way to go.
However if you happen to’re like me, and worth the additional performance and design aptitude Samsung affords, a Galaxy cellphone operating One UI 7 can’t be crushed in the case of Android software program. It’s been a protracted journey from the times of TouchWiz, however Samsung has lastly made it.