Samsung's Powerful Underrated Features That iPhone Users, Friends & Family Will Appreciate

When it comes to the smartphone battle between Samsung and Apple, the debate often revolves around cameras, performance, or the ecosystem. While Apple users flaunt the simplicity and cohesion of their devices, Samsung has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, offering features that often go unnoticed yet make a significant impact in everyday use. Let’s dive into some powerful, underrated Samsung features that even iPhone users, along with friends and family, will find surprisingly impressive.

1. One UI’s Customization Flexibility

Samsung’s One UI, a tailored skin over Android, is all about personalization. Unlike iOS, which maintains a relatively rigid user interface, Samsung users can modify nearly every aspect of their device, from themes and fonts to the layout of their home screens.

• Edge Panels: These allow quick access to apps, contacts, or tools like a clipboard from any screen. It’s especially handy for multitasking, something iPhone users might wish they had.

• Good Lock: Samsung’s Good Lock app offers unparalleled control over the UI. You can tweak the lock screen, navigation bar, and even animations, making the device feel uniquely yours.

• Custom Always-On Display: Beyond showing the time and notifications, Samsung lets users add images, GIFs, and even personalized text to the Always-On Display, a feature missing from iPhones.

2. Samsung DeX: A Desktop-Like Experience

Imagine turning your phone into a full-fledged computer. That’s precisely what Samsung DeX does. By connecting your Samsung phone to a monitor, you get a desktop interface, complete with resizable windows and multi-tasking capabilities.

• How iPhone Users Can Relate: While iPhones boast impressive processing power, they lack this versatility. Samsung DeX is perfect for professionals working on the go or students needing a lightweight alternative to carrying a laptop.

• Wireless DeX: You don’t even need cables; DeX works wirelessly with compatible smart TVs, enabling presentations, content streaming, or even gaming on a larger screen.

3. Advanced Multitasking: Split-Screen and Pop-Up View

Samsung has mastered multitasking with features like split-screen and pop-up view.

• Split-Screen: Users can run two apps side by side. Want to watch a YouTube video while scrolling through Twitter? No problem.

• Pop-Up View: For even more flexibility, apps can float as resizable windows on the screen.

iPhone users will find this feature particularly enviable, as iOS only recently introduced limited multitasking features, but these are still exclusive to iPads rather than iPhones.

4. Reverse Wireless Charging: PowerShare

Running out of battery on your earbuds or smartwatch? Samsung’s Wireless PowerShare lets you turn your phone into a wireless charger for other devices.

• How It Helps Friends & Family: This feature is a lifesaver during group outings. Imagine lending your phone to charge a friend’s device while you’re chatting over coffee.

• What iPhone Users Miss: While iPhones have wireless charging, they lack the ability to share power. It’s a small but impactful innovation that often goes underappreciated.

5. SmartThings Ecosystem

Samsung’s SmartThings platform is a one-stop solution for controlling smart home devices. From TVs and refrigerators to lights and cameras, everything syncs seamlessly.

• Bixby Routines: Automate everyday tasks based on time, location, or device status. For instance, you can set your phone to mute notifications and dim the lights when it detects you’ve gone to bed.

• Compatibility: Unlike Apple’s HomeKit, SmartThings is compatible with a wider range of third-party devices, giving users more freedom to build a truly connected home.

6. Samsung’s Superior Display Technology

Samsung’s AMOLED displays are world-renowned for their vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent brightness levels. But the magic doesn’t stop there.

• Adaptive Refresh Rate: High-end Samsung devices offer a 120Hz refresh rate that adjusts dynamically to save battery while maintaining smooth visuals.

• Outdoor Visibility: Samsung phones shine in direct sunlight, thanks to advanced brightness settings, making them a delight for outdoor photography or video playback.

• Edge Display: The curved edges aren’t just aesthetic; they also provide functional shortcuts and alerts.

7. Advanced Camera Features

Samsung’s cameras come packed with features designed for both casual users and photography enthusiasts. While iPhones are known for simplicity, Samsung takes the lead in versatility.

• Single Take: Capture multiple types of photos and videos with one tap, ensuring you never miss the perfect shot.

• Director’s View: Record videos while switching between multiple cameras seamlessly.

• Pro Mode: Advanced users can manually control settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

These features make Samsung cameras not just tools for capturing memories but creative outlets, something iPhone’s limited controls can’t always match.

8. Expandable Storage

Although Samsung is slowly phasing this out in its flagship models, many mid-range and older devices still offer expandable storage. Pop in a microSD card, and you instantly have more space for photos, videos, and apps.

• What iPhone Users Face: With iPhones, you’re locked into the storage capacity you purchase, which can be limiting and expensive.

9. Battery Life Optimization

Samsung’s devices are equipped with features to help users get the most out of their batteries.

• Adaptive Battery: AI learns your usage patterns and optimizes app performance to extend battery life.

• Power Saving Modes: Choose between different levels of power saving, from limiting background activity to reducing performance.

• Fast Charging and Customizable Charging Speeds: Whether you want ultra-fast charging or prefer slower speeds to preserve battery health, Samsung gives you control.

10. S Pen Integration

The S Pen, exclusive to Samsung’s Galaxy Note and some Galaxy S Ultra models, is a productivity powerhouse.

• Handwriting-to-Text: Jot down notes, and Samsung converts them into editable text.

• Air Actions: Use the S Pen as a remote control for your phone, whether it’s changing slides during a presentation or taking photos.

• Creative Applications: Artists and designers will love the precision and pressure sensitivity the S Pen offers.

This feature remains unmatched in the iPhone lineup, even with the advent of the Apple Pencil, which is restricted to iPads.

11. Samsung Pass: A Secure Password Manager

Samsung Pass securely stores your passwords and autofills them across apps and websites, saving time and effort. It’s integrated with the device’s biometric security features, making it both convenient and safe.

• For iPhone Users: While Apple’s iCloud Keychain offers similar functionality, Samsung Pass excels in its integration with Samsung’s browser and apps.

12. Offline Sharing with Quick Share

Samsung’s Quick Share is an excellent alternative to Apple’s AirDrop.

• Universal Sharing: Share files not only with other Samsung devices but also with Windows PCs and tablets.

• Large Files: Quick Share supports transferring large files effortlessly, a feature that even AirDrop struggles with at times.

13. Rugged Durability and Water Resistance

Samsung’s high-end phones often come with an IP68 rating, meaning they’re dust-proof and can survive underwater. Some devices are even military-grade certified for shock resistance.

• Perfect for Adventurers: These features make Samsung phones ideal for outdoor activities, where durability matters most.

14. Dual Messenger for Social Media

Dual Messenger lets you run two instances of social media apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger on the same phone.

• For Work-Life Balance: This is particularly useful for people managing personal and professional accounts. iPhones don’t natively support this feature.

15. Advanced Security Features

Samsung goes beyond just Face ID or fingerprint scanning. Features like Secure Folder provide an encrypted space for sensitive files and apps.

• Knox Security: Samsung’s defense-grade security ensures your data stays protected, a feature that enterprise users especially appreciate.

Why These Features Matter

These underrated Samsung features highlight the brand’s focus on user-centric innovation. While iPhones prioritize simplicity, Samsung’s versatility and advanced tools cater to a broader range of needs, often exceeding expectations.

Whether it’s the productivity boost from Samsung DeX, the creative possibilities with the S Pen, or the convenience of PowerShare, these features are bound to impress not just iPhone users but anyone looking to elevate their smartphone experience.

So, the next time you’re debating smartphones with your iPhone-using friends or family, share these Samsung gems. They might just rethink their preferences!