One UI comes with an intuitive and customizable camera app


Camera applications are something that every manufacturer does on their own, but of course there is also such a thing as a stock Google camera app... and it doesn't look or function great. Samsung's camera app in One UI, on the other hand, is quite brilliant: you can customize which exact modes to show in the camera app, the interface is well laid out, it supports gestures, it brings useful functionalities. It's one more thing other phone makers can borrow from Samsung.

One UI and Samsung apps

While we can all agree that having duplicate apps on your smartphone is super annoying, we can't also deny that some of the apps that Samsung bundles in One UI are genuinely useful in ways that Google apps might not be. For example, the Samsung Browser supports a dark mode that works great and makes reading at night so much easier on the eyes. The default gallery app is also very responsive and free of clutter. The weather app comes with a good amount of polish and visual flare that the stock Google weather app lacks. For some people, these particular features might not matter much, and for them, Google apps might be a better alternative. For others, however, these feature carry added value that is unique to the Samsung experience.

Samsung DeX and Samsung Link to Windows

Samsung's DeX system allows a level of cross-operability between your phone and your computer that you simply don't get on other phones. And then you also have Samsung's Link to Windows functionality (available on higher end Samsung phones like the S10, Note 10 and S20 series). Once set up, it allows you cross device copy and paste, plus it makes it possible to reply to texts and notifications from your Windows device which can be quite handy.

One UI has Lift to Wake


One of the most useful features on iPhones is how quickly the screen turns on when you just lift the phone up. Many stock Android phones, however, lack that functionality completely. Thankfully, Samsung's One UI has Lift to Wake. It's not turned on by default, but you can go into the settings and enable it, and it makes for a much more effortless and pleasing experience.