4 Samsung Apps That Outshine Their Google Counterparts
When setting up a new Galaxy phone, it's no longer necessary to replace every preinstalled app with its Google equivalent. Samsung's recent One UI updates have transformed its default utilities into focused, hardware-tuned tools.
The result is several apps that quietly outperform their Google counterparts. Samsung Notes, for instance, offers a complete digital notebook experience. Unlike Google Keep, which works fine as a digital bulletin board but lacks depth, Samsung Notes provides nested folders to keep files organized, direct PDF markup without extra apps, and options to lock sensitive pages behind fingerprint security.
The app's audio sync feature is particularly noteworthy. It links every handwritten or typed word directly to that exact second of the recording, allowing users to tap any sentence in their notes later and jump immediately to the relevant audio playback.
Another standout app is Samsung Internet, which puts the navigation dock at the bottom, making it more convenient to use on a mobile screen. It also allows extension support, including ad blockers like AdGuard, and features a dedicated Video Assistant with native swipe controls for volume and brightness.
Samsung Gallery focuses entirely on local storage, unlike Google Photos, and provides fast offline browsing and metadata privacy. The app reads the device directly, letting users scrub through years of high-resolution shots without waiting on Wi-Fi or dealing with stutter.
Finally, Samsung Wallet offers quick swipe access to all your cards, as well as password security through its integration with Samsung Pass. This keeps everything encrypted in an isolated space on your device, far away from rogue apps.