Customization: iPhone vs. Samsung – Which Offers More Flexibility?

 Customization: iPhone vs. Samsung – Which Offers More Flexibility?

When choosing between an iPhone and a Samsung smartphone, one major factor for many users is customization. While both brands offer personalized experiences, Samsung has traditionally been known for its extensive customization options, whereas Apple has taken a more controlled approach. In 2025, how do these two giants compare when it comes to flexibility in customization? Let’s break it down.

1. Home Screen and UI Customization

Samsung, running on One UI 7, continues to lead in customization. Users can freely change icon packs, apply third-party launchers, resize widgets, and even adjust the grid layout of their home screen. The addition of AI-driven smart widgets allows Samsung users to automate their experience further. Samsung’s Theme Store provides a wide range of themes, fonts, and wallpapers, giving users complete control over their phone’s aesthetic.

Apple, on the other hand, has significantly improved its customization options since the introduction of iOS 16 and further enhancements in iOS 19. iPhone users can now customize their lock screen, change app icons using the Shortcuts app, and use interactive widgets. However, Apple still lacks native support for third-party launchers, and customization remains more restricted compared to Samsung.

Winner: Samsung – Offers deeper customization and third-party support.

2. Always-On Display & Lock Screen

Samsung’s Always-On Display (AOD) is highly customizable, allowing users to choose different clock styles, notifications, and animations. Users can even add GIFs or custom text to their AOD. Samsung’s lock screen customization also extends to choosing different clock styles and widgets, making it one of the most flexible features.

Apple’s Always-On Display, introduced with iPhone 14 Pro and improved in iOS 19, now allows users to tweak brightness levels, show specific widgets, and even integrate Focus Modes for different lock screen setups. However, it still lacks as many customization options as Samsung.

Winner: Samsung – More personalization options for AOD and lock screen.

3. App and System-Level Customization

Samsung allows users to modify system settings extensively. From deep control over animations and gestures to using Good Lock—a suite of customization tools—Samsung offers unparalleled flexibility. Users can remap buttons, tweak multitasking behaviors, and even change system-wide colors based on wallpaper.

Apple has gradually allowed more system-level modifications, such as changing default web browsers, email apps, and even customizing lock screen widgets. However, core elements like the Control Center, app grid layout, and notification styles remain relatively fixed compared to Samsung.

Winner: Samsung – More control over system UI and functionality.

4. Customization for Power Users

For power users who love rooting or modifying their devices, Samsung remains the better option. It supports features like DeX mode, extensive file system access, and sideloading APKs. Apple remains locked down, preventing sideloading unless using developer tools, and restricts deeper system modifications.

Winner: Samsung – Better for advanced users.

Final Verdict

Samsung is the clear winner in terms of customization, offering more control over UI, system settings, and personalization. While Apple has made strides, its ecosystem remains more restrictive. If you love to tweak every aspect of your phone, Samsung is the way to go!