Parth, a seasoned tech writer, wields the keyboard (or pen) with finesse to unravel the intricacies of both Windows and Mac operating systems. He has covered evergreen content on mobile devices and computers for multiple publications over the last six years. You can find his work on AndroidPolice, GuidingTech and TechWiser. Whether it’s demystifying system updates, deciphering error codes, or exploring hidden features, Parth’s prose guides readers through the binary maze. When not immersed in tech jargon, you’ll find him sipping chai, pondering the next software review, and occasionally indulging in a friendly debate about mechanical keyboards.
I have always been willing to pay for third-party apps that improve productivity, simplify everyday tasks, and unlock additional customization options on my phone. Over time, however, I realized I was paying for features my Samsung Galaxy already offered for free.
After exploring some of these built-in tools, I was surprised by how much they could accomplish without costing me a dime. Here are the five One UI apps that have helped me rethink the need for several paid apps.
Samsung Notes
It made Evernote unnecessary
I have used Evernote in the past, but Samsung Notes has turned out to be a much better fit for my workflow. It’s an absolute joy to use with the S Pen on my Galaxy S25 Ultra. I can just pull out the stylus and start scribbling ideas with Screen off memo without even unlocking my phone.
But Samsung Notes is far more than a digital notepad. It comes with a robust editor with rich text formatting, images, voice recordings, and plenty of drawing tools. I can import PDFs, annotate documents, sign them, highlight important sections, and save my changes without switching to a dedicated PDF app.
I also love the flexibility it offers for organizing notes. I can tweak page color and style, change the notebook cover, and arrange everything into folders and subfolders. There is even an option to password-protect sensitive notes.
For my everyday note-taking needs, I find it more enjoyable and practical, without having to pay for another subscription.
Samsung Reminders
My to-dos no longer need subscriptions
I used to rely on paid task managers, but Samsung Reminders now handles most of my daily to-dos without another subscription. One UI 8.5 gave it a neat makeover, with a cleaner interface, categories at the top, and easier task management.
I can organize work and personal reminders into separate lists, create recurring tasks, and add reminders quickly using natural language. My favorite feature is the full-screen alert. When a reminder goes off while my screen is off, it takes over the entire display.
Unlike regular notifications that are easy to dismiss or overlook, this one demands my attention. I can even customize the alert background with different colors or images.
My only wish is a dedicated stats menu to track completed tasks and productivity trends. That would make Samsung Reminders more compelling.
Samsung Routines
No longer need Tasker for my Galaxy
Samsung Routines is built into One UI, so I don’t have to deal with complicated profiles, plugins, or scripts. The simple if-this-then-that approach makes creating automations straightforward.
For example, whenever I connect to Android Auto, my Galaxy automatically switches to Light performance mode, enables power saving, and disables always-on display. I also have a music routine that plays a specific YouTube Music playlist whenever I connect my Bluetooth headphones to the phone.
I can even create location-based routines, automate sound profiles, and tweak settings when specific apps launch. The possibilities are endless with Routines.
Good Lock
Why pay for an Android launcher?
I used to explore paid launchers like Nova, Smart, and Action to customize my Android experience. But Samsung Good Lock has made them largely unnecessary. It’s one of the most powerful customization tools I have used, and the best part is that it’s completely free.
Good Lock offers several modules that let me personalize almost every corner of One UI. With Home Up, I can tweak my home screen layout, app drawer, folders, and recent apps screen. Theme Park lets me experiment with custom themes, icons, and colors, while LockStar gives me greater control over my lock screen.
The customization doesn’t end here. I can fine-tune navigation gestures with NavStar, modify the Quick Panel with QuickStar, and even personalize my Samsung Keyboard using Keys Café. Because everything integrates directly with One UI on my Galaxy S25 Ultra, I no longer need to install another paid launcher.
Samsung Secure Folder
My private files deserve better protection
I used to think protecting sensitive photos, documents, and apps required a dedicated privacy vault from the Play Store. But Samsung Secure Folder offers a much better solution without charging me a penny.
It’s backed by Samsung Knox security and creates a separate encrypted space on my Galaxy S25 Ultra. I can move private photos, videos, and documents directly into Secure Folder and protect them with a PIN, password, or biometrics.
I can even install separate copies of apps and have sensitive information isolated from my regular phone setup. I can even hide Secure Folder from the app drawer to keep it out of sight. Unlike many third-party vault apps that lock useful features behind subscriptions, Samsung gives me these privacy tools for free.
Samsung already thought of everything here
Samsung has come a long way with its built-in apps, and I think they deserve far more attention than they get. After spending a month with them, I have realized that I don’t always need to look beyond One UI to get things done.
They offer useful features, deep integration with the Galaxy ecosystem, and a polished out-of-the-box experience that can go head-to-head with expensive alternatives from the Play Store.
In the future, I would love to see these Samsung apps making their way to the desktop platforms.