Why I keep coming back to Samsung Galaxy phones (it’s not just One UI)

Published Nov 3, 2026, 9:00 AM EST Cory Gunther is a senior author and Newsletter Editor at Valnet, covering cutting-edge tech, Android, and more for How-To Geek. He's covered Android, cars, and technology for over a decade. When he's not reviewing the latest gadget, you can find him off-roading in his Toyota truck, fixing said truck, or doing something outdoors with friends and family. He's covered CES, SEMA, and MWC and reviewed countless phones, TVs, speakers, EVs, e-bikes, and more. Before Valnet, Cory worked for GottaBeMobile. His writing has also appeared on SlashGear, InputMag, and AndroidCentral. He's written over 9,000 articles. I've been buying or reviewing flagship Samsung Galaxy phones for over 14 years, and along the way, I've tried everything from Nexus, Pixel, LG (R.I.P.), HTC, Motorola, OnePlus, and more. In the end, I always go back to my Galaxy. And while One UI is a huge part of that, it's far from the only reason. Go ahead and call me a Samsung fanboy, but know that I'm certainly not the only one. It's fair to say that Samsung makes the best phones. Even after reviewing the all-new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL, I still went back to my aging Galaxy S25+. At this point, I don't think anything will ever convince me to switch to Apple or Google, and here are a few reasons why. The complete package Flagship Galaxy phones are consistently great In my humble opinion, Samsung consistently releases the best phones when you look at the bigger picture. Each new release is a complete package that nails the basics, packed with features, and sprinkled with a little bit of everything. Sure, Samsung's latest Galaxy S26 Ultra might not have the best video recording or the biggest battery packs on the market, but overall, it nails everything to a degree the competition either can't or won't. Samsung phones have stellar hardware, solid battery life, beautiful screens, extremely capable and consistent cameras, a promise of 7 years of Android updates, fairly fast charging, great performance, a dizzying number of features, AI goodies, and endless customization. With a high-end flagship Samsung Galaxy phone, you're getting everything but the kitchen sink. Almost nothing is half-baked, and there's a certain level of polish that's hard to ignore. None of it might be the absolute best, but it's all near the top across the board. And that's pretty impressive. Buying a Galaxy means you're getting it all in a solid package you'll enjoy. Is it just me, or are Pixel cameras (and updates) getting worse? Even when they wander outside tried-and-true systems, like the Galaxy S26 Ultra's privacy display or the Z Fold, the controls and features are well thought out. And sure, despite some complacency of late, Samsung has a winning formula and sticks to it. As a result, we all benefit. Endless features and customization From Good Lock to Modes & Routines Ask anyone which phone brand has the most features and customization out of the box, and they'll all say Samsung. It's a strong point, has been for years, and isn't slowing down anytime soon. Or ask anyone who switched from Samsung to a Pixel what they miss most, and they'll say things like customization, a few key features like Modes & Routines, the cameras, or something as simple as the settings menu or quick settings toggles. Most people want their phone to be uniquely theirs and customizable, while remaining familiar across software updates and even phone upgrades. When you buy a new Galaxy phone, you know exactly what to expect, how the settings menu will look and operate, where all the fancy features or settings are found, and nothing will drastically change. Samsung gets it. Samsung loves to give owners more features and controls than they could ever ask for. Many of those are enabled out of the box, but some must be found deep in settings. Once you find them, you'll come to rely on them all the time. Samsung DeX is another prime example. Aside from all the features and customization you'll find in the general settings menu, Samsung also has Good Lock, which is hands-down one of my favorite things. With Good Lock, you can completely change and customize anything, way more so than any other phone out of the box. Tweak everything from notifications, the lock screen, icons, navigation bar, multitasking, and so much more. There are multiple Good Lock modules that'll completely transform how you use your phone. The more you dive in and enjoy everything, the harder it'll be to leave Samsung. Samsung's One UI software is key And I'm a creature of habit Samsung's One UI overlay on top of Android is as smooth, stable, and polished as ever. Everyone has their preferences, but One UI is consistently ranked among the best for the reasons I mentioned above. Pair that with fast and stable updates, even for aging or budget phones, long-term support, and more, and it's easy to see why so many prefer it. I'll be honest, I'm a creature of habit, and a huge reason I never stick with any other brand is that it doesn't look, feel, and operate like Samsung's One UI. I've been using it for nearly 15 years; there's muscle memory everywhere, features I've come to rely on, and a way of doing things that's always familiar compared to other brands. And when Samsung does make a change, it's optional and customizable, so you can choose which style, feature, or software controls you prefer. Prime examples are 3-button navigation over gestures, split notifications, launcher changes, physical button customization, quick settings, and so much more. I'm absolutely loving the latest One UI 9, and I'm certainly not the only one. There are rumors that Samsung might rename it to Galaxy OS in the near future, but rest assured, it'll be the same great experience we all know and love. TouchWiz is long gone, and One UI is better than ever. Something big needs to come along Show me a phone that's consistently great, fully customizable, packed with features, looks good, takes great photos, lasts for years, yet will still be familiar enough when a new one arrives in 2–3 years. That's Samsung, and it's why I keep choosing flagship Galaxy phones. Who knows, maybe one day something big will arrive that finally gets me to switch, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. Apple's always several years late with a fresh take, and most other Android brands either copy Apple or Samsung. I'm still waiting for the Pixel line to have its aha moment, and maybe that'll get me to team Pixel. For now and for the foreseeable future, I'll be carrying a Samsung Galaxy.