Unlock Hidden Potential: 10 Essential One UI Tweaks Every Samsung Power User Needs

Samsung's One UI 7 continues to set the standard for Android skins, offering unparalleled flexibility and polish. Yet, out-of-the-box configurations rarely deliver an optimized experience. For developers and tech-savvy users, unlocking a Galaxy device's full potential requires diving into settings often overlooked. Here are 10 essential adjustments, tested and verified, that deliver tangible performance and usability gains.

Main article image: Highlighting Samsung Galaxy device interface

Core UI/UX Enhancements

1. Ditch Pop-Up Notifications: Prevent distractions by disabling intrusive pop-ups. Navigate to Notifications > Notification pop-up style > Apps to show as brief and toggle off All apps. This keeps focus intact during workflows.
2. Embrace Gesture Navigation: Replace the archaic three-button system (Settings > Display > Navigation bar > Swipe gestures) for fluid, screen-real-estate-friendly navigation.
3. Maximize Display Resolution: Don’t settle for FHD+ default. Activate QHD+ in Settings > Display > Screen resolution. While slightly impacting battery life, the visual clarity on modern Galaxy Ultras justifies the trade-off.
4. Reclaim the Side Key: Redirect long-press from Bixby/Gemini to the power menu (Settings > Advanced features > Side button > Long Press > Power off menu). Essential for quick reboots or emergency shutdowns.
5. Lock Screen Notification Control: Restore informative card-style notifications and hide sensitive content via Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications > Cards and enable Hide content.

Performance & Efficiency Tweaks

1. Leverage Samsung Account Integration: Beyond seamless device transfers, a Samsung account unlocks Galaxy Themes, secure password management, and exclusive store apps—critical for ecosystem cohesion.
2. Install Good Lock for Advanced Customization: This Galaxy Store app is non-negotiable. Modules like Home Up enable gesture shortcuts (e.g., swipe-down for Quick Settings), transforming usability on large-screen devices like the S25 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S25 devices showcasing display and form factor

1. Purge Bloatware Aggressively: Uninstall or disable unused preloads (Facebook, Samsung Tutor, Microsoft Copilot, OneDrive). Freeing memory and background processes directly boosts responsiveness.
2. Optimize Home Screen Layout: Use 5x5 icon grids for efficiency, apply adaptive color palettes (Wallpaper and style > Color palette), and utilize transparent widgets to maintain aesthetics without clutter.
3. Enable Always-On Display Properly: Set AOD to Always (Settings > Lock screen and AOD > Always-on Display) but disable wallpaper display for minimal battery drain—crucial for all-day reliability.

Bonus: Restore Classic Notification Panel

Prefer notifications and Quick Settings together? Reverse the iOS-style split view: Swipe down > Tap pencil icon > Panel Settings > Together. Regain the streamlined Android interface familiarity.

Why This Matters for Tech Professionals

These tweaks transcend casual use. For developers:

• Testing Environments: Max resolution reveals true app rendering; streamlined notifications prevent workflow interruption during debugging.
• Battery/Performance Tradeoffs: Understanding settings like QHD+ impact informs app optimization decisions.
• UI/UX Inspiration: One UI’s granular controls showcase advanced Android customization capabilities.

Samsung’s strength lies not just in hardware, but in One UI’s deep configurability. Mastering these settings transforms a capable device into a finely tuned instrument—whether coding on-the-go, managing cloud services, or prioritizing security. The true power of Galaxy devices isn’t just shipped; it’s unlocked.

Source: ZDNet