6 problems that drive Samsung phone users crazy

For those who really like Samsung phones, the company's devices still have a few recurring issues that annoy them. While they're not enough to make them switch phones, they pop up often enough to make many people groan every time they use them.

6. Too much junkware

Almost every Android phone comes with a few apps pre-installed, but Samsung takes it to the next level. Out of the box, Galaxy phones come with dozens of apps you probably never need or use.

Start with Samsung's own app catalog, like Samsung TV, Samsung Members, Smart Tutor, SmartThings, and Wearable apps. Then, thanks to a partnership with Microsoft, you also get apps like Microsoft 365 , LinkedIn, OneNote, and OneDrive on your phone right out of the box.

Add all of this up and even a brand-new Samsung phone can feel cluttered right out of the box. There are too many pre-installed apps, and they don’t just sit there. They take up space, drain your battery, and silently eat up system resources in the background. The problem is even worse on budget Galaxy models, which already have limited storage and performance.

Sure, it's not hard to delete most of the pre-installed apps on Samsung phones. But first impressions matter, and One UI doesn't exactly make a great one.

5. Still doesn't support multiple user profiles

One of the best features Android phones have that the iPhone still doesn’t have is the ability to set up multiple profiles or guest accounts. This essentially gives you separate spaces on the same device, just like you would have multiple users on Windows or macOS. Each profile has its own home screen, apps, accounts, and settings. It’s like having two phones in one without the extra hardware.

This is extremely handy if you want to have a separate space for your kids or to separate work and personal matters. Although Samsung phones run on Android, for some reason they do not support this feature. Oddly enough, the multi-profile option appears on Samsung tablets.

On Samsung phones, the closest equivalent is Secure Folder. This lets you lock apps, photos, and other personal data with a passcode, which is great for privacy. However, it's not the same in terms of functionality, as you can't use it to create separate spaces for different users.

4. Confusion between One UI and One UI Core

While all Samsung phones technically run One UI, the experience isn’t the same across all devices. Flagship phones like the Galaxy S series or the Z Fold and Flip have the full One UI, which has all the features built in. But many budget and mid-range Galaxy phones have a simpler version called One UI Core.

The “One UI Core” name used to be a handy way to let you know you were getting a lighter, more limited version of the software. But Samsung has quietly stopped calling it that. So now, two devices can both run One UI 6.1, but only one will give you the full experience.

The differences between One UI and One UI Core are subtle. For starters, phones with the Core version don’t have features like Edge Panels or Edge Lighting. You’ll also lose features like Link to Windows, Secure Folder, and support for Samsung’s Good Lock app. So if you’re using one of these devices, you’ll be missing out on a bunch of customization options, multitasking tools, and additional security features.

While it makes sense for low-end phones to skip some features, it’s puzzling that Samsung no longer makes this clear. Unless you search the forums or read detailed reviews, you probably won’t realize what’s missing until you buy the phone and try to use a feature that’s not there.

3. Duplicate Applications

Samsung ships its Galaxy phones with its own apps like Gallery, Phone, Contacts, Messages, and more. And to be fair, some of them are pretty good, with features you won’t find in Google’s versions. The problem is that Android already includes Google apps by default, so you end up with two apps for the same purpose.

So even if you never intend to use Samsung Internet or Samsung Messages, they'll still be there and you can't delete them. You can hide them if you want, but you won't get back the storage space they take up.

2. Annoying ads everywhere (even on flagship models)

If you’ve ever used a Samsung phone, you probably know how common ads are. They’re not just hidden in random corners of the interface. You’ll see them right on your lock screen, in your notifications, or even inside Samsung’s default apps. And it can get annoying quickly.

Ads aren't unusual on budget phones, where companies have to cut costs, but Samsung isn't stopping there. Even high-end devices like the Galaxy S25 Ultra or Fold 6 — phones that cost upwards of $1,000 — are still packed with ads.

1. Slower charging speed than competitors

Most Samsung phones offer great value for money, with top-notch displays, solid performance and premium build quality. But when it comes to charging speeds, Samsung still lags behind many other Android brands.

While brands like Motorola, Oppo, and OnePlus are pushing fast charging speeds to 68W, 80W, and even 100W, Samsung is barely making a dent. Even its latest flagship , the Galaxy S25 Ultra , maxes out at 45W. That might have seemed impressive a few years ago, but in 2025, it’s not enough to compete.

Samsung phones are still among the top choices for anyone looking to buy a smartphone. But even the most loyal fans can’t ignore the occasional annoyances they encounter. Hopefully, future models will address these issues. Until then, we can only rely on workarounds to make the best of the experience.