Google Pixel Adopts Samsung’s Navigation Buttons in Android 16 Beta
▼ Summary
– Google Pixel phones are adding support for the reversed three-button navigation layout used by Samsung Galaxy devices, but currently only in the latest Android beta.
– The classic three-button layout remains an option in Android, with Samsung’s default order being “Recents,” “Home,” and “Back,” which is reversed from stock Android’s “Back,” “Home,” “Recents.”
– Samsung has long allowed users to switch the button layout, and Google is now introducing a similar option for Pixel phones.
– The new setting to reverse the button order is found in the navigation mode settings within Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1.
– This change is appreciated for users with muscle memory from Samsung devices, and the beta is available for all Tensor-powered Pixel models.
Google Pixel devices are gaining a new customization feature that aligns them more closely with Samsung’s interface, specifically within the latest Android 16 beta. This update introduces the ability for users to switch their three-button navigation layout to the order Samsung Galaxy phones have used for years. While gesture controls have become the modern standard, the classic three-button setup remains a popular alternative, and this change addresses a long-standing difference between the two Android experiences.
Traditionally, the navigation buttons on “stock” Android, like that found on Pixel phones, are arranged from left to right as Back, Home, and Recents. In contrast, Samsung has always defaulted to the opposite sequence: Recents, Home, and Back. This divergence has meant that users switching between brands often face a period of adjustment, fighting against ingrained muscle memory. Samsung has long offered the flexibility to switch the layout to match Google’s standard. Now, Google is reciprocating by providing the same option to adopt Samsung’s preferred button order.
The new setting is available in Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1. Pixel owners enrolled in the beta program can find it by navigating through their device settings: go to Settings, then System, select Navigation mode, choose 3-button navigation, and finally tap on Settings to access the toggle for reversing the button order. This move is a welcome addition for anyone who has spent years using Samsung devices and prefers that specific configuration, making the transition to a Pixel smoother.
It remains unclear what prompted Google to implement this feature now, but its inclusion is a nod to user preference and cross-platform consistency. The beta is currently available for all Tensor-powered Pixel models. As Android continues to evolve, such small but significant tweaks demonstrate a focus on refining the user experience by accommodating different habits and histories.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
