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Samsung's One UI 7 represents Android customization at its most refined, yet like any sophisticated tool, its true potential emerges only through deliberate calibration. After extensive testing across Galaxy devices, I've identified 10 configuration changes (plus a critical bonus) that transform the user experience from competent to exceptional. These adjustments address everything from display optimization to privacy controls, each delivering tangible performance gains.

1. Silence Intrusive Pop-Up Notifications

Distraction-free usage begins here. Disabling pop-up notifications prevents disruptive interruptions during focused tasks. Navigate to Settings > Notifications > Notification pop-up style > Apps to show as brief and toggle off All apps. This simple change maintains alert visibility without hijacking your screen.

2. Embrace Gesture Navigation

Ditch the archaic three-button system for fluid gesture controls. Activate via Settings > Display > Navigation bar > Swipe gestures. The transition reduces screen clutter and enables faster app switching through intuitive swipes.

3. Maximize Display Resolution

Your Galaxy's stunning QHD+ panel defaults to lower resolution. Unlock its full potential: Settings > Display > Screen resolution > QHD+. While this marginally impacts battery life, the visual clarity upgrade—especially on Gorilla Armor-equipped models like the S25 Ultra—justifies the tradeoff.

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Samsung's QHD+ displays deliver unmatched clarity when properly configured (Credit: Kerry Wan/ZDNET)

4. Reclaim Your Power Button

The "side key" often prioritizes assistants over functionality. Restore the power menu with Settings > Advanced features > Side button > Long Press > Power off menu. This bypasses unnecessary AI prompts for immediate access to shutdown/restart controls.

5. Customize Lock Screen Alerts

One UI 7's notification overhaul hides content by default. For clearer visibility, enable card-style alerts via Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications > Cards. Simultaneously activate Hide content to prevent sensitive messages from appearing on the lock screen.

6. Leverage Samsung Account Integration

While Google dominates cross-platform services, Samsung's ecosystem offers unique advantages. Registering unlocks theme customization, seamless device migration, and exclusive Galaxy Store apps—critical for accessing tools like Good Lock.

7. Install Good Lock for Advanced Customization

This Galaxy Store exclusive unlocks hidden capabilities. The Home Up module enables one-handed operation shortcuts—invaluable for larger devices. Configure swipe gestures to trigger Quick Settings or frequent actions, dramatically improving productivity.

8. Purge Preinstalled Bloatware

Samsung's app loadout includes redundant utilities. Aggressively uninstall or disable non-essentials like Facebook, Samsung Tutor, and Microsoft Copilot. Each removed app frees memory and reduces background processes.

9. Tailor Home Screen Efficiency

"Transparent widgets maintain functionality without visual clutter—a subtle but transformative detail."

Optimize your workspace: Apply wallpaper-matching color palettes (Wallpaper and style > Color palette), use transparent widgets (ideal for calendar visibility), and increase icon density via 5x5 grid layouts. These tweaks balance aesthetics with information density.

10. Enable Always-On Display

Maximize your screen's utility without excess power drain: Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Always-on Display > Always. Select Show without wallpaper for minimal battery impact while maintaining glanceable time/date visibility.

Bonus: Restore Classic Notification Panel

One UI 7's iOS-inspired split notification/control center frustrates many longtime users. Revert to the unified view: Swipe down > Pencil icon > Panel Settings > Together. This resurrects the efficient single-panel layout.

These configurations transform Galaxy devices from competent tools to personalized powerhouses. Combined with keyboard preference adjustments (Google Keyboard recommended) and alphabetical app drawer sorting, they represent a holistic optimization strategy. The true genius of Samsung's platform lies not in its defaults, but in its deep customizability—once properly unlocked.

Source: Prakhar Khanna, ZDNET