Introduction
Ever find yourself juggling between apps, struggling with multitasking, or craving shortcuts to get through your day faster? If you’re someone who lives on their smartphone (and let’s be honest, most of us do), the software running your device matters just as much—if not more—than the hardware.
Samsung and Apple are titans in the smartphone space, but when it comes to software features that simplify daily tasks, Samsung often sneaks ahead. While iPhones are known for their sleek ecosystem and user-friendly design, Samsung’s One UI comes packed with clever tools that make day-to-day life easier. Let’s dive deep into 7 Samsung software features that truly elevate your mobile experience—and how they stack up against what iPhone offers.
1. Samsung DeX: Your Pocket Desktop
What is Samsung DeX?
Imagine plugging your phone into a monitor and getting a full desktop experience. That’s Samsung DeX. It transforms your smartphone into a PC-like interface—keyboard, mouse, and all.
Real-World Use Cases
Need to bang out a quick report? Open Word on DeX. Want to watch Netflix while you respond to emails? DeX multitasks like a pro. It’s perfect for professionals, students, and even travelers who want a laptop alternative without carrying extra gear.
How iPhone Compares
The iPhone, while powerful, doesn’t offer anything like DeX. Sure, you can AirPlay to a screen, but the UI doesn’t morph into a desktop environment. You’re still limited to a mobile experience.
2. Edge Panels: Shortcuts at Your Fingertips
The Power of Swipe Access
Edge Panels are like having a hidden drawer of superpowers. With a simple swipe from the side, you can access your favorite apps, tools, and contacts instantly—no need to hunt around your home screen.
Customizing Edge Panels
You can tweak them for multitasking, weather, reminders, clipboard access, or even a ruler! It’s like a customizable command center that makes everything quicker.
iPhone’s Alternative (or Lack Thereof)
iOS doesn’t really have an equivalent. You can add widgets to your home screen or lock screen, but you won’t get that swipe-in versatility Samsung users enjoy.
3. Bixby Routines: Automate Like a Pro
What Can Bixby Routines Do?
This feature lets your phone anticipate your needs. Want your phone to turn on Do Not Disturb at bedtime? Or play Spotify when you start your morning jog? Bixby Routines has you covered.
Setting Up Smart Automation
It uses conditions like time, location, device state, or even app usage to trigger specific actions. Once you get the hang of it, it’s like having a digital butler.
Siri Shortcuts vs. Bixby Routines
While Siri Shortcuts offer automation, they’re more manual and less intuitive. Bixby Routines run in the background, learning your habits, and making life smoother without constant input.
4. Multi-Window and Pop-Up View
Multitasking Mastery
Samsung’s Multi-Window and Pop-Up View let you open multiple apps on screen at once. You can browse the web while watching YouTube, or message someone while checking your calendar.
Best Use Cases for Daily Life
Students can take notes while watching lectures. Parents can shop online while keeping an eye on the baby monitor app. It’s multitasking, upgraded.
iPhone’s Approach to Multitasking
The iPhone only recently introduced limited multitasking with Stage Manager on iPads—but on iPhones? It’s still a one-app-at-a-time deal (unless you count picture-in-picture video).
5. Secure Folder: Privacy, Reimagined
Double Layered Protection
Samsung’s Secure Folder gives you a separate, encrypted space on your phone. Store sensitive files, apps, photos—basically anything you want under lock and key.
Everyday Scenarios for Secure Folder
Want to hide your banking app, confidential work files, or private pictures? Pop them in the Secure Folder. You can even have dual versions of apps like WhatsApp or Facebook.
How iPhone Handles App Privacy
Apple emphasizes app-level privacy, but there’s no dedicated private space like Secure Folder. Once someone gets into your iPhone, everything’s accessible—unless you lock each app individually.
6. One-Handed Mode: Big Phone, Small Effort
Easy Navigation for Larger Screens
Samsung phones are big, beautiful, and bold—but sometimes too big for one hand. Enter One-Handed Mode, which shrinks the display so you can reach everything with your thumb.
iPhone’s Reachability vs Samsung’s One-Handed Mode
iPhone does have Reachability, but it only lowers the top half of the screen. Samsung’s approach is more flexible and genuinely makes the phone usable with one hand.
7. Smart Select and S Pen Tricks
Productivity Meets Precision
If you’re using a Galaxy Note or S series with an S Pen, the magic of Smart Select is unmatched. You can capture specific screen areas, extract text from images, and create GIFs in seconds.
How Smart Select Elevates Workflow
Imagine snapping part of a webpage, highlighting text, or even translating snippets on the fly. That’s everyday power in your pocket.
The iPhone Equivalent?
Sadly, iPhones don’t have an S Pen or Smart Select. You get screenshots and markup—but that’s about it. It’s functional, but not revolutionary.
The Samsung One UI Advantage
Clean Design Meets Smart Features
Samsung’s One UI is intuitive, customizable, and visually friendly. You can tweak almost everything—from icon size to notification layout—without jailbreaking your device.
Why It Matters for Everyday Tasks
The combination of smart automation, powerful multitasking, and built-in productivity tools means you spend less time navigating your phone—and more time actually getting stuff done.
Final Thoughts
While iPhones are polished and powerful, Samsung’s software features offer undeniable advantages for daily use. From true multitasking and automation to smart shortcuts and privacy tools, Samsung phones are built to adapt to you—not the other way around.
If you’re someone who loves to optimize their day and squeeze the most out of their smartphone, Samsung’s One UI might just become your new best friend.
FAQs
1. What is the biggest difference between Samsung and iPhone in terms of software?
Samsung offers more customization and multitasking features, while iPhone focuses on simplicity and a tightly controlled ecosystem.
2. Is Samsung DeX really useful?
Absolutely. It’s great for mobile professionals and anyone who wants a desktop-like experience from their phone.
3. Can I use Bixby Routines without using Bixby Voice?
Yes! Bixby Routines works independently and runs in the background based on your set conditions.
4. Does iPhone have a secure folder like Samsung?
Not exactly. iPhones rely on Face ID, app permissions, and screen time limits, but they don’t offer a fully encrypted folder.
5. Is the S Pen only available on certain Samsung devices?
Yes, mainly the Galaxy Note and some Galaxy S and Fold series. It unlocks exclusive productivity features.
6. How does multitasking on Samsung compare to iPhone?
Samsung’s split screen and pop-up views offer true multitasking. iPhones are more limited in this area, especially on smaller devices.
7. Which is better for privacy: iPhone or Samsung?
Both are secure, but Samsung’s Secure Folder adds another layer of privacy that the iPhone currently lacks.