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 nearly all the telephones I’ve examined just 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 telephone. Loads of firms provide a slick person interface that’s brimming with options, however there are two that I hold coming again to: Google and Samsung.
On Pixel and Galaxy telephones, the UI feels simply that bit extra polished and intuitive. Every thing has a transparent place, and discovering the app or function I need not often appears like a chore.
Till just 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 fully modified my thoughts.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Now, I firmly imagine that One UI 7 presents a greater all-round expertise than Pixel UI, and these 4 causes show it.
A house display screen to be happy with
Whenever you use your telephone, you need the software program to be as engaging as potential. The Pixel UI isn’t ugly by any means, however One UI 7 wipes the ground with it by way of appears to be like.
Let’s begin with widgets. The house screens on each help 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 realize each.
The Pixel UI isn’t ugly by any means, however One UI 7 wipes the ground with it by way of appears to be like
For example this, I added roughly the identical set of widgets to each the Pixel 9 Professional XL and Galaxy S25+…or at the 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 do away with 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 may’t critically inform me that you simply want the design of the Pixel – it’s no contest.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Within the screenshots above, you may 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 symbolize. Eradicating them on the Samsung requires simply a few faucets, and the entire design appears to be like a lot cleaner in consequence.
Earlier than you come for me along with your pitchforks, I do know there are methods to make the house display screen on a Pixel telephone look rather a lot 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 achievement
One telephone function I exploit arguably greater than some other is the short settings menu. A number of instances a day, I’m swiping down from the highest of the display screen to toggle the likes of Wi-Fi, cellular information, Bluetooth and site companies.
On a Samsung telephone working One UI 7, it’s a easy case of swiping down from the top-right nook of the display screen and tapping any of the obtainable icons – 10 are proven right away, with extra obtainable in case you broaden the record.
Luke Baker
In the meantime, Google inexplicably makes this tougher for you. As you’ll know in case you’ve learn my ‘3 months with the Pixel 9 Professional XL’ piece, the very fact you need to faucet twice simply to toggle Wi-Fi or cellular information will get very annoying over time. It’s important to do the identical for Bluetooth!
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Not like 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 adjustments make an enormous distinction.
My favourite-ever use of AI
Synthetic intelligence is a large a part of each Samsung and Google telephones. Each embody Gemini and Circle to Search, plus a great deal of photograph enhancing, transcription and writing instruments.
Nevertheless, One UI 7 makes it MUCH simpler to seek out issues in Settings. Its search perform 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 seek out issues in Settings
For instance, I wished to regulate the display screen refresh charge 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 ‘Easy show’. Trying to find ‘refresh charge’ didn’t provide something helpful.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Because of this, I typically must lookup how you can 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 telephone?
Google’s strategy to telephones focuses on high quality over amount.
In 2024, the corporate launched simply 5 new Pixel handsets, the most cost effective being the £499/$499 Pixel 8a. So, to expertise the Pixel software program, you’ll must pay mid-range telephone costs or discover an older mannequin that’s nonetheless receiving updates.
Against this, Samsung is rolling out One UI 7 to all of its handsets, together with the funds Galaxy A sequence units. You’ll quickly have the ability to get all the 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 telephone, it’s value noting that One UI 7 is under no circumstances excellent. Samsung has its personal variations of many inventory apps, so if (like me) you like the Google model, which means loads of bloatware.
Nevertheless, the compromise you’re making in comparison with Google Pixel telephones is by way of updates. Whereas each are beneficiant on the subject of software program help (as much as seven years), Google will at all times prioritise its personal {hardware}.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
It meant older Pixel telephones acquired the Android 15 replace as quickly because it was launched in August. In the meantime, One UI 7 debuted on the Galaxy S25 sequence in January, however Samsung has confirmed that it received’t start rolling out to older units till 7 April.
Are you keen to be affected person? If not, a Google Pixel telephone is the best way to go.
However in case you’re like me, and worth the additional performance and design aptitude Samsung presents, a Galaxy telephone working One UI 7 can’t be overwhelmed on the subject of Android software program. It’s been a protracted journey from the times of TouchWiz, however Samsung has lastly made it.