Megan Ellis / Android Authority
There have been many times that Android phones have copied UI elements that were first introduced on iPhones. I’m not usually that picky about these features since I frequently switch between Android phone brands and have become used to differing approaches.
The exception, however, is when it comes to UI elements that affect the way I use my phone. It’s why I still use navigation buttons on every phone, rather than gestures. Split notifications are another development I’m not fond of — but my most recent device gave me no choice.
Do you prefer split or combined notifications on your phone? 32 votes Split panels for notifications and quick settings. 22 % A single, combined notifications and settings panel. 78 %
Split notifications are becoming the norm on Android
Joe Maring / Android Authority
For as long as I can remember, Android smartphones have included a combined notifications and control panel. But in recent years, more brands have been incorporating split notifications. This setup separates notifications and your control panel/quick settings into two separate screens. When swiping down from the top of your screen, depending on the side of the screen you choose (left or right), the UI will bring up either your notifications or settings. You can swipe right or left to access the separate screens.
The first time I really noticed this was when Samsung launched One UI 7, giving you the option to choose between combined or separate panels. But as I’ve tried out different smartphone brands, I’ve noticed it across more flavors of Android. This includes Honor’s MagicOS, Xiaomi’s HyperOS, and realme’s realme UI. Meanwhile, Google is working on split notifications for Android. OnePlus phones also have the option for split notifications.
More Android manufacturers are including split notifications in their UI as a choice, but some have incorporated the split panel as the default.
Brands like Samsung and realme still give you a choice about which format to use — but for some brands, split notifications are the only option available. This includes Xiaomi and Honor’s latest OSes.
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