Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones both let you personalize the lock screen, but the documented controls differ. Pixel offers detailed notification controls and shortcut choices, while Samsung’s One UI 7 materials describe flexible clock placement, widgets, and the Now bar. What you can use depends on your phone model and installed software.
Where to find Pixel lock screen settings
On a Pixel, open Wallpaper & style, select Lock screen, then swipe up to see the settings. Google’s clock-style instructions apply to Android 16 and higher. Google describes the purpose of these controls as letting you choose what appears on the lock screen, including notifications, a personal message, a clock, and Wallet. Google Pixel Phone Help
How Pixel customization compares with Galaxy
| What you can customize | Pixel | Samsung Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| Clock | On Android 16 and higher, choose a preset style, adjust width, color, and shade, or turn on the large-size option. Google Pixel Phone Help | One UI 7 materials describe clock styles, line thickness for the default clock, animated clocks, and resizing or repositioning the clock. Samsung One UI 7 |
| Widgets and ongoing information | Google’s documented controls include Dynamic clock and Now Playing; its guide does not list a comparable collection of lock-screen widgets. | One UI 7 describes lock-screen widgets, including Gallery pictures and stories, and the Now bar for ongoing information and tasks such as media controls, Stopwatch, Timer, Voice Recorder, and Samsung Health. Brief widget app support may change over time. Samsung One UI 7 Samsung UK Support |
| Shortcuts | Choose left- and right-side shortcuts, including Do not disturb, Home, QR code scanner, Wallet, Camera, Flashlight, Mute, and Video camera. Google Pixel Phone Help | Samsung says One UI 6 added the ability to add or remove lock-screen shortcuts from the lock screen. Some shortcuts require the phone to be unlocked before opening. Samsung US Support |
| Notifications and privacy | Choose whether to show notifications, use a compact or full-list presentation, show viewed or silent notification icons, and show sensitive content. Google Pixel Phone Help | The cited Samsung materials do not establish a directly comparable set of notification display and sensitive-content controls. |
| Availability | Google’s documented clock-style flow is for Android 16 and higher. Lock-screen wallpaper on Always-on display is limited to Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL. Google Pixel Phone Help | Samsung warns that available screens and settings vary by model, software version, and carrier. Its clock, widget, and Now bar descriptions are specifically for One UI 7; Brief widget app support can change. Samsung US Support Samsung One UI 7 Samsung UK Support |
What you can adjust on a Pixel
Clock appearance
In the Pixel lock-screen settings, the clock controls let you choose a preset style and adjust its width, color, and shade. A large-size toggle is also available in the Android 16-and-higher flow.
Shortcuts and information
Set a shortcut for each side of the lock screen. Google’s listed choices include Do not disturb, Home, QR code scanner, Wallet, Camera, Flashlight, Mute, and Video camera. Other documented options include adding a line of text, enabling device controls, Dynamic clock, and Now Playing.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Notifications and screen behavior
Pixel lets you choose whether notifications appear and whether they use a compact or full-list view. You can also control viewed or silent notification icons and whether sensitive content appears. Related options include Tap to check phone, Lift to check phone, and waking the screen for notifications.
What Samsung documents for Galaxy phones
Shortcuts on One UI 6
Samsung’s US support instructions say One UI 6 added shortcut editing directly from the lock screen: select a shortcut to change it or remove it. If an app requires an unlock, you must unlock the phone before opening it. The exact options can differ by model, software version, and carrier. Samsung US Support
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Clock, widgets, and Now bar on One UI 7
Samsung’s One UI 7 feature page describes clock style choices, line thickness for the default clock, animated clocks, and the ability to resize and reposition the clock. It also describes lock-screen widgets, including Gallery pictures and stories. The Now bar can surface ongoing information and tasks, including media controls, Stopwatch, Timer, Voice Recorder, and Samsung Health. These are One UI 7 features, not a promise of identical controls on older software or every Galaxy model. Samsung One UI 7
Samsung’s UK support page calls its lock-screen widget feature Brief widgets and notes that supported apps may be added, removed, or updated over time. Samsung UK Support
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhich approach fits your priorities?
- Choose based on notification controls: Pixel’s documented settings explicitly cover notification layout, viewed or silent icons, and sensitive content.
- Choose based on clock placement and widget-style information: Samsung’s One UI 7 materials describe resizing and moving the clock, lock-screen widgets, and the Now bar.
- Check the exact phone before relying on a feature: Pixel’s clock instructions are tied to Android 16 and higher, while Samsung’s options can vary by model, software, and carrier. Samsung’s One UI 7 features and Brief widget app support also have their own availability limits.
These are differences in documented features, not measured usability results; the official materials do not establish a universal winner. Samsung India also documents wallpaper, clock, widget, shortcut, and recovery-contact categories, but its instructions are market- and device-dependent. Samsung India Support
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
