Android has always been about freedom—customization, options, and that sweet, sweet flexibility. But lately, manufacturers like Samsung and Google seem to be treating us like we can’t handle these choices. They’ve dumbed down features, even for power users, all in the name of appealing to the masses. And honestly, it feels like they’re stripping away the very essence of what makes Android great.
Take the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. The moment I booted it up, the display looked dull compared to older models. Samsung decided to make colors more “natural.” Sure, great for people with eye strain or those who need a color-accurate screen. But, what about the rest of us? Remember the neon colors that made your phone feel futuristic? Gone. And why? They could’ve just given us the option to switch back, right?
Luckily, Samsung did offer some control with a vividness slider, but it’s like they’re holding back. I want to turn my phone from muted to retina-burning neon with a simple toggle. If the tech can handle it, why aren’t we given the option by default?
Displays Aren’t Just About Colors, People
One thing I loved about the Razer Phone? The ability to adjust frame rates for different games. Some games run better at 60Hz, while others take full advantage of that buttery 144Hz. It was smart, simple, and made for an optimized experience. Yet, here we are with Samsung and Google, where frame rate locking is nowhere to be found.
PC users have been tweaking frame rates for years, so why is Android limiting us? Developer options are also being cut back—Samsung even removed frame rate locking from the settings on their new tablets. It’s like they’re actively holding us back, and for what? To keep things “simple” for the average user?
Yes, We Get It—Phones Need to Sell
I’m not naive. If Samsung and Google don’t sell enough phones, we don’t get shiny new models next year. I understand that. But there has to be a middle ground. You can make the UI beginner-friendly without stripping away the power-user features. The Pixel 9 series, for instance, is designed to attract casual users, which is fine. But don’t forget the Android enthusiasts—the ones who like to tweak display temps, frame rates, and all the other things that make Android fun.
Android’s strength is its versatility. Let’s not lose that just to chase sales.
