Samsung’s One UI Packs Unique Features That Other Android Skins Lack

Samsung’s One UI continues to differentiate itself from other Android skins

Samsung’s Galaxy line remains the most widely‑sold Android platform, and the company’s custom skin, One UI, adds a suite of capabilities that are not found on competing devices. Engadget’s recent walkthrough of five standout features – Multi Control, Separate App Sound, Music Share, Good Lock, and Auto Blocker – highlights how Samsung leverages its hardware ecosystem and software expertise to offer practical benefits for power users, audio enthusiasts, and security‑conscious consumers.

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1. Multi Control – a mouse and keyboard that hop between devices

What it does – Multi Control lets a single Bluetooth mouse and keyboard be paired with any combination of Galaxy phones, tablets, and even a Windows PC. Users can type, click, and drag files across devices without needing a PC to act as a hub, a distinction from similar solutions such as Motorola’s Smart Connect or Oppo/OnePlus’s O+ Connect, which require a computer in the middle.

Practical implications

• Turn a large tablet (e.g., Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra) into a secondary monitor for a phone, using the same keyboard and trackpad.
• Seamlessly move the cursor from a PC to a tablet or phone, enabling mixed‑device workflows such as drafting a document on a laptop while pulling up a music playlist on a phone.

How to verify – Open Settings → Advanced features → Multi Control on a compatible device running One UI 9 or 8.5. The toggle should list paired devices and allow you to switch control focus. Samsung’s official support page also lists supported models.

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2. Separate App Sound – keep music playing while watching videos

What it does – The feature lets users route audio from individual apps to different output devices. For example, a TikTok video can continue playing through the phone’s speaker while Spotify streams to a Bluetooth car stereo, preventing the video from pausing the music.

Practical implications

• Avoid embarrassing moments on road trips when a video’s audio overrides the playlist.
• Use the built‑in Sound Assistant module (available via the Good Lock suite) to set system‑wide rules that allow multiple apps to output audio simultaneously.

How to verify – Navigate to Settings → Sounds and vibration → Separate app sound, select an app, and choose a distinct output. The setting is visible on devices with One UI 9 and earlier versions that support the feature.

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3. Music Share – let friends DJ without re‑pairing Bluetooth

What it does – Music Share extends a phone’s Bluetooth connection so that nearby devices can stream their own audio through the same speaker. When enabled, the speaker appears on a friend’s device as “*Speaker name* via *Your name*.”

Practical implications

• Quickly hand off a car’s Bluetooth speaker to a passenger without navigating the vehicle’s infotainment menus.
• Control who can connect (default is contacts only) and set an inactivity timeout ranging from five minutes to never.

How to verify – Pull down the Quick Panel, long‑press the Music Share tile, and review the list of allowed connections. Samsung’s documentation lists the exact steps for enabling and customizing the feature.

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4. Good Lock – a deep‑customisation toolbox

What it does – Good Lock is a container app that hosts a growing library of plugins (23 at the time of reporting). Modules such as Home Up, Camera Assistant, NavStar, and Display Assistant let users tweak everything from home‑screen layout to camera lens selection.

Practical implications

• Users who enjoy granular control can replace the navigation button with a custom GIF, adjust screen‑off timers per app, or reorder the Settings menu.
• The interface is not aimed at casual users; some options are hidden behind ambiguous labels and occasional translation errors.

How to verify – Download Good Lock from the Galaxy Store, then explore the available modules. Samsung’s official Good Lock page provides a feature list and compatibility matrix for One UI 9, 8.5, and 8.

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5. Auto Blocker – an extra security layer

What it does – Auto Blocker adds several protections that complement Google’s Advanced Protection. It blocks installations from unknown sources, disables USB command execution, and offers a Maximum Restrictions mode that:

• Prevents device‑admin apps from running remotely.
• Blocks all USB connections except charging.
• Stops automatic connections to insecure Wi‑Fi networks.
• Disables 2G network use, which can be exploited by rogue cell‑site simulators.

Practical implications

• Reduces the attack surface for “rubber‑ducky” USB exploits in public charging stations.
• Helps users who need to install side‑loaded APKs by automatically re‑enabling protection after a temporary disable.

How to verify – Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Auto Blocker. The menu shows toggles for each protection tier and explains the impact of enabling Maximum Restrictions.

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What this means for Android users

While many Android manufacturers add their own skins, Samsung’s One UI bundles a set of features that address real‑world use cases – from multi‑device productivity to audio management and enhanced security. Users who value these capabilities may find it difficult to switch to a different brand without losing them.

If you own a Galaxy device and want to confirm whether a feature is present, the safest approach is to check the Settings menu on the device itself or consult Samsung’s official support site, which lists feature availability by model and One UI version.

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Source: Engadget, “5 Samsung One UI features you won’t get with other Android phones,” https://www.engadget.com/2299207/one-ui-features-not-on-other-androids/ (accessed 31 Oct 2026).