Let’s be real — if you’ve ever switched from Android to iPhone, one of the first things you probably missed was screen customization. Apple has made strides with iOS in recent years, but Samsung? They’re in another league. From flashy themes to granular UI tweaks, Samsung’s customization tools offer freedom that iPhone users can only dream of.
So if you’re curious (or feeling a bit of FOMO), here’s a breakdown of 11 Samsung screen customization features iPhone can’t match — and why they matter.
1. Always-On Display (AOD) Customization
AOD Styles and Clock Designs
Samsung’s Always-On Display isn’t just a static clock. You can choose from digital, analog, world clocks, calendar views — even mix and match with different fonts and colors.
iPhone? Sure, it has an always-on feature now, but it’s locked down. You can’t change much, and there’s no flavor to it.
Bitmoji and Animated GIFs on AOD
With Samsung, you can slap your Bitmoji on your screen, throw in a GIF, or even display a quote. It makes your phone feel more like you. Apple doesn’t even come close here — iPhone AOD remains strictly business.
2. Edge Panels for Quick Access
What Are Edge Panels?
Samsung’s Edge Panels are like secret drawers on the sides of your screen. Swipe in from the edge, and voilà — apps, contacts, tools, tasks, or even clipboard history.
How You Can Personalize Them
You can rearrange, add, or remove panels as you like. Need a calculator? Toss it in. Want quick access to your notes or Smart Select? Done.
iPhone? Well, you’re still swiping through multiple home pages or control center.
3. Good Lock Modules for Total UI Control
What is Good Lock?
Good Lock is Samsung’s secret weapon. It’s a suite of modules that unlock deep customization — like redesigning your lock screen, task switcher, and even notification panels.
Key Modules like LockStar, QuickStar, and Theme Park
- LockStar: Redesign your lock screen elements.
- QuickStar: Customize the quick settings panel.
- Theme Park: Build your own themes from scratch.
iPhone offers no equivalent — Apple wants a unified experience, but that comes at the cost of personalization.
4. Complete Home Screen Grid and Layout Control
Resize Grid & Icon Arrangement
Want 5 icons in a row? Or 6? Or a massive 6×6 grid? On Samsung, you can completely control your app layout.
Hide Apps from the Home Screen
You can also hide apps without uninstalling them. Handy for decluttering or privacy. Meanwhile, on iOS, you’re stuck with the App Library and very limited layout options.
5. Lock Screen Widgets and Shortcuts
Dynamic Lock Screen Widgets
Add widgets directly to your Samsung lock screen — like music controls, calendar, or weather. And you can move them around too!
Instant Access to Custom Shortcuts
You also get quick app launch shortcuts (like opening the camera or flashlight) — and yes, you can pick which apps.
iOS just started allowing some widgets, but you’re still working with limited options and zero layout freedom.
6. Wallpaper Services and Dynamic Lock Screens
Wallpaper Carousel with Categories
Samsung’s Wallpaper Services let you rotate wallpapers from various categories — nature, landscapes, art, animals — whatever suits your vibe.
Auto-Changing Lock Screen Wallpapers
Imagine your lock screen changing every time you pick up your phone. That’s standard with Samsung. Apple? Not so much — unless you’re willing to manually change it or use Shortcuts workarounds.
7. Full Theme Engine
Downloadable Themes and Icons
Samsung has a whole store of themes where you can change icons, fonts, sounds, and wallpapers in one go.
Applying Themes to System UI
These themes don’t just change app icons — they go deep into the settings menus, message bubbles, and notification tones.
iOS? Nope. You get Light or Dark Mode and a few wallpaper options. That’s about it.
8. Always-On Edge Lighting
Customizable Edge Glow Colors
On Samsung, notifications can light up the edges of your screen with customizable Edge Lighting — you pick the colors and effects.
Sync With Music or Notifications
You can even sync lighting effects with music or incoming calls. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it’s yours to tweak. iPhone offers nothing similar.
9. One-Handed Mode Enhancements
Tailored Screen Positioning
Samsung understands that phones are huge now. Their One-Handed Mode lets you shrink the screen to a corner and control where it sits.
Gesture-Based Activation
Activate it with a swipe-down gesture or shortcut — super handy when you’ve only got one hand free. iOS? It has Reachability, which just shifts the screen halfway down. Not even close.
10. Pop-Up View and Split-Screen Multitasking
Run Two Apps Side-by-Side
Samsung lets you split your screen and use two apps at once — like YouTube and Notes or Instagram and Maps. It’s a game-changer.
Floating Windows for Extra Productivity
Pop-up view creates floating app windows — just like on a desktop. iOS multitasking? Limited to iPads, and even then, it’s clunky.
11. Advanced Font and Icon Customization
Download and Apply Custom Fonts
On Samsung, you can change your system font completely — from fun to fancy, all available in the Galaxy Store.
Change Icon Styles Individually
You can even create your own icons or apply icon packs from the Play Store. Apple? Once again, you’re stuck unless you use tedious Shortcuts hacks.
Why iPhone Can’t Match Samsung Yet
iOS’s Closed Ecosystem
Apple loves control — and that’s fine for some, but it means customization options are nearly non-existent. You get what Apple gives you.
Lack of Deep UI Customization
Samsung lets you build your phone’s UI from scratch, from icons to layout, font to color. iPhone simply isn’t built that way — and probably never will be.
Conclusion
When it comes to screen customization, Samsung is the undisputed king. They’ve given users power — not just to tweak but to transform how their phones look and work. The iPhone might win on simplicity, but if you want your phone to reflect your personality, Samsung offers more freedom, flexibility, and fun.
If you’re tired of being boxed in, maybe it’s time to try something different.
FAQs
1. Can I make my iPhone look like a Samsung?
Not completely. While you can mimic certain features with Shortcuts or widgets, iPhone doesn’t allow the deep UI changes that Samsung does.
2. What’s the best Samsung app for customization?
Good Lock. It’s free (in most regions) and offers the deepest level of customization for Galaxy devices.
3. Do Samsung themes slow down the phone?
Not at all. Official Samsung themes are optimized for performance, and you won’t notice any lag.
4. Is Good Lock safe to use?
Yes! It’s developed by Samsung and available via the Galaxy Store. No rooting or hacks required.
5. Can I remove Samsung customizations later?
Absolutely. You can revert to default settings or uninstall any themes, icon packs, or modules.
6. Does iPhone have anything like Edge Panels?
No. iPhones lack any kind of swipe-out app drawer or panel functionality.
7. Which Samsung phone offers the most customization?
The Galaxy S series and Galaxy Z series have the most robust customization tools, especially when paired with Good Lock.