Samsung’s One UI, while packed with features, has been taken to task by critics for disrupting user experience. Users have been frustrated with dealing with the interface, complaining that it is challenging to locate straightforward settings and functionality. For example, operations like switching between mobile data SIMs can be hassle-prone and require users to dig deep through menus. This is compounded by the absence of critical aspects such as real-time internet speed measurement and simple tracking of data usage.
One UI’s inconsistent design has also been a point of contention. The newer versions, like One UI 7, have been panned for their inconsistent application of blur and transparent effects across different parts of the interface. Not only is this aesthetically unpleasant, but it also represents a larger issue with design consistency in Samsung’s UI.
Moreover, the auto-rotation and Samsung Pay features, though convenient, have been criticized due to the likelihood of accidental triggering. The auto-rotation feature, though a nice feature to have, triggers inadvertently when handling the phone with it at an angle, thus triggering screen orientation undesirably. The swipe-up motion to invoke Samsung Pay will similarly interfere with gestures like heading to the home screen or multistasking.
The Edge panels feature, also aimed to provide quick access to frequently used apps and utilities, has also been problematic. Users have reported accidental activation when switching between home screens, and the settings button in Edge panels is difficult to configure and disappears too quickly, making users even angrier.
Samsung’s One UI has been praised for its feature richness and customization options, but its positives are repeatedly undone by the execution of those features. The Accidental Touch Protection that prevents unintended action in the dark has been criticized in its execution, instead accidentally triggering unnecessarily.
Despite these issues, One UI remains one of the most feature-packed Android skins available with features like Secure Folder and integration of Microsoft services. However, Samsung’s failure to address these issues that have been lingering for some time has raised concerns among users as well as critics. The manner in which the company has been touting new features, particularly in One UI 7, has also come under scrutiny as many feel that feature discoverability is a significant issue.
Overall, while Samsung’s One UI does have a good collection of features, its interface is marred by design inconsistencies, discoverability issues with its features, and undesirable side effects of some of its most valuable features. Fixing these will be crucial to Samsung in order to maximize user satisfaction and maintain its competitive edge in the smartphone industry.
