Samsung’s OneUI is undoubtedly a popular Android user interface, but it’s not without its flaws. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why OneUI may not be as great as it’s often touted to be. We now have OneUI 6 but not much has changed over the last few years.
1. Underwhelming Customization
One of the main selling points of OneUI is supposed to be its extensive customization options. However in my view, it is one of the least customisable UI. You can’t customise icon shapes, you cannot customise app dock to scroll horizontally instead of vertically, and so on. The quality of Themes & Icon Packs in the Samsung Store is very poor to say the least. Good Lock which is available in selective countries is touted as a solution by many but it has a very poor UI & its implementation leaves a lot to be desired.
2. Bloatware
Samsung has been criticized for pre-installing a significant amount of bloatware on their devices. These are often apps and services that duplicate the functionality of Google’s apps or serve limited utility. Not only does this consume storage space, but it can also lead to a cluttered app drawer and user experience.
3. Inconsistent Design
OneUI has made strides in improving its design and user experience, but it can still feel inconsistent at times. The mix of rounded and square elements, various icon styles, and the sometimes overly large headers in certain apps can lead to a less cohesive and visually pleasing user interface.
4. Heavy System Resources
OneUI tends to be more resource-intensive compared to stock Android or lighter Android skins. This can lead to slower performance on older devices and even some mid-range smartphones. If you have a device with limited RAM and processing power, you may find OneUI to be a burden on system resources.
In conclusion, while OneUI offers a range of customization options and unique features, it’s not without its drawbacks. Overwhelming customization, bloatware, inconsistent design, slow software updates, resource-intensive performance, complex settings, and a divergence from stock Android can make it less appealing to some users. As with any user interface, personal preference plays a significant role in determining whether OneUI is a great fit for you. For those who value a more streamlined and lightweight Android experience, it might be worth considering alternatives or exploring custom ROMs and launchers such as Nova Launcher or Pixel Launcher to tailor your smartphone to your liking.