Samsung and Google phones could benefit from adding extra buttons.
It's time the two biggest Android phone makers in the US joined their rivals in on the fun.
Customizable hardware buttons are a useful design addition that has re-emerged recently. While standard power and volume button layouts are typical, additional buttons have been a recurring concept in phone design.
Apple has driven the resurgence of this trend, replacing its ring switch with a customizable Action Button and introducing a Camera Control button. Many Android manufacturers have followed suit, adopting and improving upon Apple's design.
The Oppo Find X9 Pro, OnePlus 15, and Vivo X300 Pro are recent examples of Android devices incorporating such buttons.
These buttons add functionality to phones without drawbacks. The alternative is having no extra buttons at all.
The customizable button commonly located on the left side allows users to switch between ring modes and access features like Do Not Disturb, Camera, Flashlight, or Translate. This offers greater utility than having no button.
The camera key, often on the right side, provides added value. It can be useful for one-handed operation and quick photo capture. These buttons also allow users to zoom without their finger obstructing the screen.
More options are generally beneficial.
Having experienced the benefits of these design choices from Apple and some Android manufacturers, it is surprising that Samsung and Google, two major Android manufacturers in the US market, are not exploring these hardware features more extensively.
While styluses are useful, a customizable action button on the Galaxy S26 Ultra or a camera key would be a functional enhancement.
These additions would improve functionality.
Google should also consider this. Previously, Pixel phones had unique features like Squeeze for Assistant and hand gestures. While these features may not have endured, current Pixel phones lack hardware variety, with the thermometer sensor being the only distinguishing feature.
Samsung and Google should consider the current custom button design trend, and hopefully, both manufacturers will take note of their competition.
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