The Top-Ranked Android Multitasking Interfaces
Understanding Android Multitasking: A Comparison of Top UIs
Modern smartphones have evolved into powerful devices, similar to computers, enabling users to run multiple applications simultaneously. However, a small screen limits how effectively you can multitask. A poorly designed user interface (UI) can severely hinder the multitasking experience, especially on Android devices, which is often seen in the stock Android multitasking UI called Overview.
The Shortcomings of Android’s Stock Multitasking
Since the Android 9 Pie update, the Overview UI was redesigned to a horizontally scrolling card layout. This system replaced a vertically scrolling design that displayed multiple apps at once. Although the new layout was inspired by earlier models, such as Palm Pre, it proved to be inefficient. The user can only see one app card in full, with just a tiny glimpse of the next app. This makes switching between multiple apps cumbersome. Users can easily feel frustrated when trying to manage several tasks at once.
Fortunately, various smartphone manufacturers have recognized these shortcomings and have developed better multitasking solutions. Here, we will take a closer look at the best multitasking UIs available on Android phones.
Best Multitasking UIs on Android Phones
1. OnePlus: The Multitasking Leader
OnePlus delivers the best multitasking experience on Android phones today. Unlike the initial adoption of the unsatisfactory UI trends, OnePlus listened to user feedback and soon developed a more functional layout. Its multitasking UI allows users to quickly access and switch between up to seven apps effortlessly. You can simply swipe to view your last ten used apps instantly.
OnePlus also supports a unique feature allowing you to run two apps simultaneously while hovering a third app in a floating window. You can activate split-screen or floating modes by dragging your finger from the bottom of the screen. The default layout makes it easy to tackle multiple tasks efficiently.
2. Vivo: A Strong Contender
Vivo offers users a more customizable experience. With Vivo phones, you can switch between the standard layout of large cards and a more efficient grid view that shows multiple apps on the screen. This flexibility makes it easier for users to multitask as they can select four apps at once with a tap, and another four apps by swiping.
Vivo has also incorporated a swipe-up feature for split-screen or floating windows, similar to OnePlus, enabling swift access to multitasking options. The grid layout is user-friendly and doesn’t require complicated steps to enable.
3. Samsung: Power User-Friendly Options
Samsung has made improvements with its One UI since the rollout of the beta version. Although the stock multitasking UI was initially subpar, the updated version features visually appealing stacked cards. The icons at the bottom of the screen, however, do not reflect active apps but rather the most frequently used ones, leading to some inconsistency in usability.
For those aiming to maximize multitasking efficiency, Samsung offers a Good Lock feature, which allows you to customize your multitasking interface. With multiple UI options like grid or vertically-scrolling layouts, users can find a setup that best suits their multitasking needs.
4. Foldable Devices: The Future of Multitasking
Foldable smartphones, like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and OnePlus Open, offer cutting-edge multitasking capabilities. They allow users to run three apps simultaneously on their larger screens, significantly enhancing usability. Some foldables keep a dock at the bottom for quick access, promoting efficient multitasking. The OnePlus Open stands out by offering a smooth multitasking experience, replicating features from its standard device layouts.
5. Brands with Barely Improved UIs: Google, Motorola, and Honor
Various brands, including Google and Motorola, have maintained closer ties to the original stock Android UI with only minor modifications. Unfortunately, they do not enhance multitasking capabilities significantly. Google’s Pixel phones carry quick access buttons for screenshots and app locking, but overall, their design remains cumbersome.
Honor, too, has not strayed far from the stock design, working with minimal enhancements that do not drastically improve the multitasking experience compared to more advanced systems.
Why Android Needs Improvement
Despite advancements from various manufacturers, the original Android Overview multitasking UI remains outdated and ineffective. The need for improvement is clear as users look for more efficient multitasking solutions.
Most notably, the best function is found in OnePlus’s design, allowing easy access to the most used apps. With other models offering enhanced experiences via grid views or customized layouts, the stock Android remains a less favorable option for multitasking enthusiasts.
Conclusion: A Call for Improvement
With the emergence of new models and interfaces, it’s evident that Google should rethink its approach to the multitasking UI. There’s ample room for improvement in Android’s default settings, aiming for a more flexible and user-centric multitasking experience. While brands like OnePlus and Vivo lead the market in this domain, others still compromise user experience, necessitating urgent changes for Android’s future.
Ultimately, multitasking should be an enjoyable and efficient experience rather than a cumbersome task, and there are many options available that can elevate the current performance of Android smartphones.
