Samsung Gallery vs Google Photos: Which Photo App Is Best for Samsung Users?

Are you a proud owner of a Samsung Galaxy phone, grappling with the choice between the Samsung Gallery and Google Photos for your photo management needs? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will break down the unique features of both applications to help you make an informed decision tailored to your needs.

Application Availability

For users seeking convenience, the Samsung Gallery app comes pre-installed on Samsung Galaxy devices, making it the simplest choice for managing your photos without new installations. On the flip side, Google Photos is readily accessible via the Google Play Store for those who prefer its features or are already integrated into the Google ecosystem.

By sticking with Samsung Gallery, you leverage the immediate organization and syncing possibilities without additional downloads, thus enhancing your photo management experience right out of the box.

Comparative User Interfaces

When it comes to user experience, both apps shine, but they cater to different preferences. Samsung Gallery provides a classic interface that showcases your images organized in albums, making browsing intuitive.

Switch to the Pictures tab to view your most recent snaps, including photos from messaging apps like WhatsApp. The app also features a hamburger menu with categories such as Videos, Recent, and Shared Albums to streamline navigation.

In contrast, Google Photos sports a sleek, modernist interface. It prioritizes your most recently taken pictures on its homepage, effectively excluding images from messaging apps. A particularly engaging feature is the Spotlight section, which curates nostalgic images, reminding you of cherished moments.

Google Photos also categorizes images in Collections, which are albums that may curate automatically. This capability helps users discover potentially overlooked photos.

Backup & Syncing Options

Samsung Gallery primarily saves your images on your device but offers integration with OneDrive for backups, necessitating a Microsoft account. This feature is particularly beneficial for users with Windows PCs, enabling seamless access to your media files across devices.

The sync process requires manual activation; users must press the cloud icon and link their Samsung and Microsoft accounts to proceed. You have flexibility in choosing which albums to sync and the usage of mobile data versus Wi-Fi.

Conversely, Google Photos is more attuned to those using Google’s services extensively. Syncing is enabled by default and is tightly woven into the app experience, ensuring regular backups of your media. Do proceed with caution while deleting images in Google Photos, as it can delete copies from your device too.

Backup option showed as on in Google Photos.

Essentially, Google promotes cloud storage as an integral part of its service, which contrasts with the more user-controlled options of Samsung Gallery.

Storage Capacity Explained

When it comes to storage, a free Microsoft account grants users 10 GB on OneDrive. For those willing to invest, subscriptions offer plans of 100 GB or 1 TB, allowing ample space to store your photo library along with other Microsoft attachments.

On the other hand, Google Photos provides 15 GB of free shared storage across various Google services, including Gmail and Google Drive. Given the interconnected nature of Google’s ecosystem, users who rely heavily on multiple apps may find this limit quickly reached. The option to create and utilize multiple Google accounts to back up photos is helpful but could still lead to upgraded paid subscriptions if storage runs low.

Editing Capabilities

Samsung Gallery is robust in editing features and supports actions such as cropping, applying filters, and adjusting settings like Brightness, Contrast, and Exposure.

Excitingly, newer Galaxy models even include an Object Remover tool to eliminate unwanted distractions from your photos. Plus, users can create creative GIFs and collages effortlessly.

Samsung Gallery app editing options view.

If you prefer a hands-off approach, Samsung Gallery’s magic wand feature automatically enhances images for you.

Similarly, Google Photos offers a bunch of editing tools as well, including AI-driven features such as Magic Editor and Photo Unblur, even available to free users with certain limitations. An Enhance tool is also housed within the app, optimizing image quality with a single tap.

Google Photos supports various adjustments including HDR effects and Shadows. However, it falls short of allowing users to add stickers or alter text fonts. Yet, both apps allow users to create collages and GIFs effortlessly.

Additional Features

Samsung Gallery stands out with its integration of Bixby Vision, a tool that analyzes images and can identify objects, translate text, and more, enriching the user experience.

The ability to transfer sensitive media into Samsung’s Secure Folder, which provides additional security via PIN or biometrics, is a significant advantage for privacy-conscious users.

Secure Folder option visible in Samsung Gallery app.

In comparison, Google Photos incorporates Google Lens for advanced image recognition and also has a Locked Folder feature that operates within Google Photos itself rather than as a separate application.

Pricing Structure

Both Samsung Gallery and Google Photos are free to download and utilize; however, exceeding available cloud storage may require a subscription upgrade.

Microsoft 365 subscriptions commence at $19.99 per year for 100 GB of storage.
Google One plans begin at $1.99 per month for 100 GB.

The Final Verdict: Samsung Gallery or Google Photos?

While Google Photos is feature-rich, Samsung Gallery remains the standout choice for Samsung Galaxy users due to its seamless integration and user-friendly design. As an app preloaded onto your device, it eliminates fussing with additional installations.

With its matching interface and customization options, along with a plethora of editing tools, Samsung Gallery offers a well-rounded experience while allowing users greater control over their media storage without the pressure to rely on cloud backups.

Moreover, Microsoft 365 delivers more cost-effective storage solutions compared to Google One, a significant consideration for those with extensive image collections.

For strictly Android users, while this debate may not apply, Google Photos remains a viable alternative. For enthusiasts already leaning toward Google Photos, don’t miss out on our guide on how to find and delete duplicates within the app.

All images and screenshots by Alexandra Arici.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which app is better for quick access to photos: Samsung Gallery or Google Photos?

Samsung Gallery may provide quicker access since it comes pre-installed on Galaxy devices, while Google Photos requires installation via the Google Play Store.

2. How do backup options differ between Samsung Gallery and Google Photos?

Samsung Gallery allows backups to OneDrive and gives users more manual control, while Google Photos automatically syncs and backs up to Google’s cloud services by default.

3. Can I easily edit photos on both apps?

Yes, both apps offer substantial editing capabilities; Samsung Gallery has a wider array of manual features, while Google Photos offers innovative AI tools like Magic Editor.

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