I’ve been using Samsung phones for a couple of years now, and the assortment of great features the Galaxy lineup offers is hard to beat. In fact, I wish other Android phone makers would adopt these features.
1
Pop-Up View for Apps
Although most Android phones support split-screen mode, it can only run up to two apps at once. Running apps with One UI’s pop-up view feature, however, allows me to run multiple apps simultaneously.
This feature essentially turns an app into a small, resizable window that floats over other apps, delivering a PC-like experience directly on a smartphone. I can adjust the size of the app window and even minimize it into a small, accessible icon.
This lets me fully utilize the large screen and interact with multiple apps at once. For instance, I can watch YouTube videos while responding to messages, browsing, or streaming, all without switching back and forth between apps.
2
Edge Panel
One of the standout multitasking features of Samsung Galaxy phones is the Edge Panel. Anyone who has used a Samsung device can attest to how practical and versatile this tool is.
It not only provides quick access to apps and contacts but also includes a variety of helpful utilities. With a simple swipe, I can access reminders, clipboard contents, and even perform quick actions like capturing screenshots, composing messages, or adding new contacts.
All in all, the Edge Panel streamlines workflow and provides an efficient way to access various features without interrupting the main screen, making it a handy feature every Android phone should adopt.
3
Option to Hide Apps
The option to hide apps is a subtle yet invaluable feature for anyone seeking privacy. I use it all the time to keep certain apps—be it personal finance tools, dating apps, or games—out of plain view without the need to uninstall them.
Samsung’s One UI makes it easy to hide apps, but many Android phones, including Google’s Pixel devices, lack this feature—except for OnePlus devices. As a result, users need to rely on third-party launchers, which isn’t always ideal.
4
Dual Messenger
Samsung’s Dual Messenger feature provides a native option to duplicate messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Messenger, and more. This is particularly useful for anyone like me who needs to manage two separate accounts—such as a personal and a work account—on a single device.
While it’s possible to install two copies of the same apps on other Android phones, it typically requires using a third-party app. Other Android OEMs should offer users the flexibility to manage multiple accounts to avoid the hassle and risk associated with third-party apps.
5
Secure Folder
Secure Folder has to be one of the most underrated features on Samsung Galaxy phones. It’s a private space where I can securely store photos, videos, files, and even apps, keeping them away from prying eyes. This data remains stored in the local storage protected by the PIN or password I set.
This level of privacy should be standard on all Android devices, as it provides peace of mind for those who want to keep their personal information secure and easily accessible.
6
Video Call Effects
While certain messaging apps like WhatsApp support video call effects like background blur, not all of them do. However, with One UI’s video call effects, I can change the background during a call to a solid color or an image of my choice. Additionally, there’s also this auto-framing feature that adjusts the camera to keep me in focus, no matter how much I move.
The best part? These video call effects work seamlessly across all apps, including Messenger, Meet, WhatsApp, and more.
7
Modes and Routines
Remember automation apps like IFTTT and Tasker? I can use One UI’s Modes and Routines feature to bring similar automation capabilities to my Samsung phone.
With Modes, I can customize device settings for different situations—such as work, sleep, or exercise—adjusting notifications, sound preferences, and more. For example, I can set up a Driving mode that, when enabled, automatically opens Spotify and reads notifications aloud.
Routines, on the other hand, take automation further by allowing actions based on triggers like location, time, or app usage. You can create a routine that automatically enables “Do Not Disturb” mode when you arrive at work. Having such options integrated directly into the Settings app can greatly enhance the experience on any Android phone.
8
Good Lock Modules
Customization is one of Android’s greatest strengths, and while most Android phones excel in this area, none can match the customization capabilities of Samsung’s Good Lock modules.
For example, the Keys Cafe module allows me to design my own keyboard from scratch, customizing color schemes, effects, size, and more. QuickStar lets me hide specific status bar icons—such as the alarm, VPN, or battery icon—for a cleaner look. Further, the Theme Park module enables me to create personalized themes by modifying elements like the Quick Settings panel, icons, and volume controls.
These are just a few examples, but there are many more Good Lock modules available that provide an unparalleled level of control over the device’s appearance and functionality.
9
Chat Assist
With Galaxy AI, Samsung has brought some incredibly useful features to Galaxy phones. However, if there’s one feature that every Android phone should adopt, it’s Chat Assist.
It can automatically correct grammar and spelling errors in the text you type, as well as generate messages from scratch based on your input. But that’s not all—Chat Assist also offers rephrasing options, allowing you to tailor your messages to different contexts, whether you want to be polite, casual, or professional.
10
Easy Mode
Not everyone who uses a smartphone is tech-savvy, which is where Samsung’s Easy Mode comes in. This feature simplifies the user interface to make the phone more accessible for those who are new to smartphones or find them overwhelming.
Easy Mode enlarges text and icons, simplifies menus, and reduces on-screen clutter. It’s especially beneficial for seniors, children, or anyone who prefers a less complicated device. For this reason, it’s a feature that all Android phones should adopt to provide a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for everyone.
From multitasking enhancements to customizable options, the above-listed features are highly practical. Adopting some of these functionalities could significantly improve the user experience across all Android phones.
