Samsung's best productivity app got better with One UI 9; I can't shut up about it

Published Sep 9, 2026, 11:15 AM EDT Parth is a technology analyst and writer specializing in the comprehensive review and feature exploration of the Android ecosystem. His work focus on productivity apps and flagship devices, particularly Google Pixel and Samsung mobile hardware and software. He provides expert guidance on productivity software, system optimization, and the advanced functionalities that allow users to maximize their device's potential. His analyses are crucial resources for readers seeking to master complex operating system features and streamline their digital workflows. When he is not busy with technical analysis and software evaluation, Parth dedicates his time to watching K-dramas, studying mobile technology trends and the role of artificial intelligence. I already consider Samsung Notes one of the strongest reasons to stay inside the Galaxy ecosystem, and One UI 9 has somehow made that argument stronger. One UI 9 doesn't reinvent the app, but it adds enough polish and useful new touches to make my favorite Samsung productivity app even harder to replace. Samsung Notes was already doing far more than taking notes There is a reason why I prefer it over Google Keep Samsung Notes has been one of my go-to apps on the Galaxy S25 Ultra because it fits naturally into almost every part of my workflow. I use it for quick notes, article outlines, project planning, checklists, screenshots, and longer notes that need more structure. When I want to work with a PDF, I can import it and annotate it. When I need to sketch something quickly, the S Pen turns the phone into a proper digital notebook. I can also mix typed text, handwriting, images, tables, and drawings on the same note without jumping between apps. That flexibility is what keeps me coming back. Samsung Notes can be as simple or as detailed as I need. Some days, I write down only a few quick points. On others, I build a complete outline, mark up a document, or organize ideas for a larger project. The Galaxy S25 Ultra makes the experience even better because the S Pen is always there when I need it. Tape is the One UI 9 feature I didn't expect to like The customization features are insane Tape is the One UI 9 addition I underestimated the most. At first, it looked like a small visual tool, but I have found several practical uses for it. One of the biggest is with NDAs and other sensitive documents like invoices, architecture drawings, travel details, and more. If I need to share a screenshot or quickly show someone a part of a note, I can cover names, figures, clauses, insurance details, hotel prices, or other confidential information without editing the original content. I have started using it in project notes, especially when I want to hide a section before sharing my screen or sending a note. What makes Tape more useful is that Samsung has not treated it like a basic redaction tool. I can change the pattern and color, adjust the thickness, and make the covered section fit the text neatly. The straighten option is especially handy because my first attempt is rarely perfectly aligned. I can quickly clean it up and make the result look much more intentional. I have also found it useful for hiding answers in study-style notes, where I cover figures in drafts and keep parts of a document out of sight. The new pen styles make the S Pen better Straightening lines fixes my messy diagrams The S Pen was one of the biggest reasons I enjoyed using Samsung Notes on my Galaxy S25 Ultra. I use it to jot down quick ideas, annotate PDFs, circle important details, sketch rough layouts, and mix handwritten notes with typed text. The new pen styles give me more control over how those notes actually look. I can switch between different line types depending on what I am doing, use cleaner strokes for diagrams, and make annotations stand out without turning the page into a mess. None of these changes how the S Pen works, but that is exactly why I like the update. Samsung had the fundamentals right. One UI 9 gives me more flexibility and makes an already excellent writing experience feel more complete. My future wishlist for Samsung Notes There is always room for improvement Samsung Notes is already excellent, but I'd still love to see a few features. A dedicated sticky notes section for lock screen notes would be useful for quick reminders. I'd also like to password-protect individual folders instead of specific notes. Proper native apps for Windows and macOS would make Samsung Notes useful outside the Galaxy ecosystem, especially when I am working at my desk. And finally, basic math support with simple equations and calculations would make it more suitable for planning, budgeting, and everyday work. This app keeps justifying my Galaxy Samsung Notes didn't need a dramatic redesign to win me over again. It was already one of the most complete productivity apps on my Galaxy, and One UI 9 makes the experience feel more polished and capable. The new additions may look small on paper, but they matter when I use the app every day for everything from quick ideas to PDFs and handwritten notes. That is why I keep coming back to it. One UI has plenty of useful tools, but Samsung Notes quietly makes my phone more useful every day. At this point, switching away from it would feel like a productivity downgrade.