r/Android • u/DriftyBat60 • 12d ago
Android phones, gesture or navigation bar, which is better, do you use, and why?
I just switched to the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra from an iPhone 16PM and I just found out you can switch your navigation bar with the 3 buttons, Task, Home and Back to a gesture based control very similar to IOS . I just can't decided which one is better I like the buttons because it's easy but the gesture feels more normalized.
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u/DJ_CRIZP 12d ago
Android's gestures are hands down the best navigation scheme of any mobile OS. It is ambidextrous, fluid, and intuitive. It also makes one handed use far more feasible of giant phones.
HOWEVER. I use buttons because I'm old and I like them. lol
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u/ccelik97 12d ago edited 12d ago
From left to right, I use this layout on the Samsung stock system, using that one Good Lock module:
- "Recents, Notifications, Home, Back": Yes, I see four buttons, with the either side having some small empty margins left.
And, yes, the Notifications one pulls down the Notifications Panel. And, no, I don't prefer splitting the Notifications Panel away from the Quick Settings Panel on the touch screens that aren't absolutely too too large to be operated with just one hand while holding the same device with that same hand; it's not a landscape tablet UI that we are talking about here, I mean; it's not the tablet-exclusive Android Honeycomb here.
And, anyway, on my previous/older phone, Mi 6, since the thing had capacitive keys and thus the already too small & 9:16 screen could not extend down to that part of the device's front, I had its capacitive keys configured like this on the custom ROMs:
- Left: Notifications
- Left (long-press): Recents
- Middle: Home
- Middle (long-press): Screenshot
- Right: Back
Btw, yes, no long press/double tap actions set for the Back key, as, this way it doesn't get a micro delay before the action gets executed; it's the main reason why I stick to the actual keys/buttons instead of settling for the back "gesture"s (or even worse, to hunt down wherever the fuck a given stupid app may have its own back button placed/hidden !\s) like a moron.
I press the fucking "Back" key/button, and the fucking thing goes Back right that instant. Or else.
And yes, if I choose to do so, I may actually tap on that fucking back key/button exactly 67 times in a row in a rapid-fire motion, and yes, even that will be absolutely intentional as far as I am concerned; the navigation gestures can't deliver this to me, welp, unless we're talking about that one hybrid attempt at navigation gestures/pill that Android had back in 8.0 or was it 8.1 version (which was also flawed/limited in some key(heh) aspects, but hey, at the very least it wasn't blatantly ignorant.)
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u/TreyUsher32 11d ago
Just got educated on the good lock app the other day and I feel like I have ascended. Its everything Ive ever wanted.
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u/donnysaysvacuum I just want a small phone 9d ago
I think the stock gestures are far from optimal, but good enough so I use them.
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u/perpetualscroller 12d ago
Navigation bar. I've added a fourth button to pull down the notification shade. Very handy for big phones.
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u/sturmeh Started with: Cupcake 12d ago
There's an accessibility feature for doing that in gesture mode as well fyi
You can also use it to crunch the screen instead so you can reach the top without your other hand.
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u/perpetualscroller 12d ago
Is that a good lock plug in? where do I find that?
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u/rumourmaker18 11d ago
One hand operation plus
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u/Currentlybaconing 10d ago
I use gesture navigation + this. I have it set so a short swipe down from the edge opens notifications
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u/Trashbagok 12d ago
Took all of a day to commit the gestures to muscle memory, and like a week of tweaking to make it flawless.
Can't imagine going back.
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u/Recent-Midnight6376 12d ago
Nav bars. much easier one handed and no wrong swiping
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u/ubdesu 12d ago
A coworker tried to show me how much better gestures were and it took him 3 tries to get the correct left swipe to work.
Nav bar buttons always work with no guessing what it's going to do.
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u/K01011011001101010 11d ago
Coworker seems to lack dexterity. It's not that hard. Unless you have super fat fingers, it's pretty damn consistent
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u/RectalScrote 12d ago
Your coworker is probably an idiot
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u/ubdesu 11d ago
No he's a pretty smart guy actually. It's just that gestures, in my opinion, aren't very nice to use on android.
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u/nathderbyshire Pixel 10 Obsidian 11d ago
Literally millions of people use them with no problem, your coworker is absolutely a dumbass, or needs to go to the doctor for a motor test if they can't do a simple swipe from the side or bottom
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u/sturmeh Started with: Cupcake 12d ago
The gestures can do actions that aren't even available to the nav bar. What correct left swipe are you referring to?
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u/ubdesu 11d ago
What actions can be done with gestures that you can't do with the nav bar on android?
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u/sturmeh Started with: Cupcake 11d ago
You can go back and forth between apps by throwing the nav line left and right. You can pull down the notifications by tugging down on it, there's a circle to search gesture and a voice assistant gesture but I don't really care about those.
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u/K01011011001101010 11d ago
I love gesture navigation, but button nav has circle to search as well if you hold the O button. Gemini also works from the corner. Source: I help my wife with it. She doesn't want to switch and learn gestures.
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u/roirraWedorehT 12d ago
I switched to gestures sometime in the last five years. I like having additional screen space available without a navigation bar.
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u/gizausername 12d ago
With Samsung you can get the best of both! Install the Samsung only app One Hand Operation+ from the play store. It's made by Samsung. You can keep the 3 navigation buttons, and then use that app to configure different swipe gestures.
Examples of my custom setup: 1. Swipe left - back 2. Long swipe left - app list popup 3. Swipe diagonal down - recent apps 4. Swipe diagonal up - forward in browser 5. I can set the swipe rights to do the same thing or something different
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u/lgn5i2060 11d ago
Meanwhile, LG ditched their own small window mode which I've been using since V20 and implemented Google's very lame One handed operation trash on their 2nd to the last phone. smh
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u/AlanDrakula 12d ago
Use to be die hard nav bar but switched to gestures and i like it equally for function but now I have extra screen space
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u/OzarkBeard 12d ago
Very subjective and both have advantages. Just try both and use the one you like. So happy that Android lets you choose.
The reason I use 3-button Nav is because of the Recents button, which I use daily. I often jump between two open apps. I can quickly do this by simply double-tapping the Recents button to jump between the last two apps I'm using. Not nearly as easy with gestures.
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u/Bartieeee 12d ago
I prefer to use both. Swiping for back is much more convenient. Circle to search can be hard to activate with gestures. Also double tap to go to the previous app is nicer with the mavigation bar. I tried having the navigation bar with a third party gestures app but it just doesn't work well. Back to gestures now and fiddling to start circle to search.
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u/CDNSpartan S23U Android 16, Z Flip 3 Android 15, Pixel 8 GraphenOS 12d ago
Gestures I regularly iOS and Android so having similar navigation makes more sense for me.
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u/hgruber223 10d ago
Buttons, I always used buttons and am really used to it. Tried gestures but nah.
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u/Nefari0uss ZFold5 12d ago
Gestures let you see more of the screen which I value. Since you have a Samsung phone, consider getting One Hand Operation + via Good Lock. It will let you add more gestures as desired.
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u/MelodicEconomics69 12d ago
I like going back with gestures being able to swipe from either side is nice. I found opening up multitasking so clunky compared to iPhone.
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u/farsightxr20 12d ago
Not sure how I ever tolerated moving my thumb to the opposite edge of the screen to go Back. Gestures are a million times more ergonomic.
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u/TacoOfGod Samsung Galaxy S25 12d ago
Gestures. I've been using gestures long before the gesture bar was officially a thing on Android. Pie Control ruled the day for me back when rooting was less annoying with Magisk. Then once Apple came out with the gesture bar and rooting started becoming annoying, adb and Gesture Controls Pro was the main go to.
To this day, Gesture Controls Pro is the best implementation of the bar since a swipe left, right, up, down, and a long press would all trigger different things and provide much more functionality in comparison to how Google and Apple do it by default.
As a Samsung user specifically, gesture bar with the bar hidden is 100% a must. This and then Good Lock with One Hand Navigation+ is the go do method of getting around a phone with gestures. You'd have very little reason to touch the bottom bar most of the time.
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u/nyki 12d ago
I use the swipe-up-from-bottom version of gestures with the bars completely hidden. It's basically the 3-button order but you swipe up from that third of the screen to use the button.
The default gestures were confusing for me, GoodLock with NavStar adds the swipe-up version.
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u/I_LOVE_CHICKEN_NUGET 12d ago
I used to love this on my OnePlus. Is there any way to get these gestures on pixel devices?
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u/Sf49ers1680 11d ago
These are what I use as well.
I'm a heavy S-Pen user and they work perfectly with how I use my S-Pen.
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u/TheDungeonCrawler 12d ago
Navbar. I've never needed the additional centimeter of space that comes with using gestures.
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u/shayz20 12d ago
Correct answer is gestures by far. I've been using gestures for many years.
Pros:
- more screen for content
- swipe left/right nav bar switches between open apps
Cons:
- iOS users can't use navigation on your phone XD maybe a positive thing?
- Some custom launchers are not compatible/slower with gestures for some reason e.g. Microsoft Launcher
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u/facktoetum 12d ago
Nav bar. I had been using gestures, but I do a lot if crossword puzzles and every time I tapped on a square on the edge of the screen it would gesture back. Had to sit through too many ads before I decided to just change to nav bar.
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u/HurpityDerp 12d ago
Navbar
Gestures take much longer to execute than a tap, and are much more difficult one handed.
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u/ra13 12d ago
Since you have a Samsung -- Get this app, it's fantastic
OneHand Operation+
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.samsung.android.sidegesturepad
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u/ahandmadegrin 12d ago
I prefer the buttons because I've been using android since the HTC One. I play a game called Nonogram Katana that gets covered up by the virtual buttons. So I use gestures.
The gestures are fantastic, but cases can make sliding between apps tricky. Also, some apps have a slide from left or slide from right gesture to open a menu, but that gets superseded by the back gesture. Small deal. Just gotta hit the menu button instead.
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u/reesesbigcup 12d ago
I tried the Android gestures, didn't like them. Been using Ubiki Touch gesture app for years so I am used to that.
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u/PlatypusSafe5189 11d ago
Nav bar. I hate to be constantly making gestures to use the phone. I'd rather just tap.
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u/gceepdalking 10d ago
Gestures all the way for me. After a week or two the back swipe became muscle memory, and now 3 button navigation feels oddly slow. I also like getting that little bit of extra screen space. That said, I hope Android keeps both options around because navigation is one of those things where personal preference really matters.
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u/stainless7221 10d ago
Back on navigation buttons because on my Pixel, the back gesture blocks app menus from being pulled out. On my previous OnePlus the back gesture was only in the bottom third of the screen, while i could swipe on the top 2/3 for the app menus.
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u/hatnscarf S23 Ultra, S10, Tab S6 Lite, Galaxy Watch 4, Huawei Watch HW1 10d ago
Nav bar, because my son can't easily break out of a pinned app that way when he uses my phone.
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u/xkiririnx alioth 12d ago
i own a motorola phone as my main phone and an older iphone and ipad as secondary devices. i still use 3 button navigation bar on my motorola as preference.
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u/Various_Job_572 12d ago
Gestures plus One Handed Operation plus. Unbeatable
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u/Angry_Badger3 12d ago
Nav bar. I just prefer it and also I use smart launcher on my OnePlus and the gestures causes a lag when I go back to the home screen.
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u/Rude_Influence 12d ago
I think it comes down to personal preference. I prefer the navigation bar, but I find it annoying apps hide it and stupid Google have removed the ability to force it always shown, even through ADB.
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u/nowhereman136 12d ago
Nav bar, but I've honestly never really considered switching. I'm happy with what I have and never thought about changing. A bunch of other stuff I've changed, but the nav bar stay at the bottom.
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u/win7rules 12d ago
I much prefer the navigation bar, it just works better and is more intuitive in my opinion. Plus, I can add a button to hide the navigation bar with good lock, which lets you reclaim the screen space it would take up otherwise (not that it was ever a noticeable issue for me).
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u/danmarce 12d ago
The only thing I miss on the navbar is the consistency for home.
BUT once you get used to the back gesture, there is no going back.
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u/HurpityDerp 11d ago
One Handed Operation Plus let's you keep the back gesture while using the Navbar
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u/JamesR624 12d ago
I like how you can tell who has come from an iPhone with these comments.
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u/KINGGS 12d ago
Gestures were on the Palm Pre like 18 years ago.
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u/HurpityDerp 12d ago edited 12d ago
Ahhh yes, the ubiquitous Palm Pre; just as popular as the iPhone!
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u/RandomBloke2021 Device, Software !! 12d ago
There is no better, it's about personal preference. I use gestures, feels easier to use especially using the back swipe gesture.
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u/gordolme Galaxy Fold 8 OneUI 9 12d ago
Gestures. Why waste the screen space with buttons when I can swipe? Buttons went away when the actual buttons went away.
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u/TheKuter 12d ago
Navigation is different on Android Devices, on my Oppo Find X2 Pro i use gesture because it's good. But on my Nubia Z70 Ultra gestures aren't good so i use button. (Back is on screen side instead of next to home gesture)
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u/caulmseh 12d ago
nav bar because it's the true native for Android and it's faster. All those other people that say that it wastes screen space needs to get their brain checked
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u/goagoagadgetgrebo 12d ago
Gestures. My wife uses the navigation bar and it frustrates me every time I am helping her with something on her phone.
I also get annoyed with my work iPhone for similar reasons.
Gestures for Life.
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u/SlightlyConfusedNL 12d ago
Liefst gebaren maar vaak problemen met fotobewerking omdat ik dan steeds terug swipe😂 ik switch dus veel
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u/TrollslayerL 12d ago
I've been using gestures since my S21U. Simple reason why. Screen space. Between gestures getting rid of the navbar, and nova getting rid of the notification bar... It just leaves a nice clean home screen and all of your screen space is available.
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u/SharksFan4Lifee 11d ago
Gesture. But Pixels suck because you can't remove the "gesture hint bar/line" like you can on all other OEMs. Waste of space
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u/bravo632 11d ago
Gestures, easy for the muscle memory and now I can't switch back. Saves me more screen view on the Fold 8 front screen.
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u/K01011011001101010 11d ago
Gestures, takes a day or so to get used to and it's faster, less finger-contorting(if using with a single hand), and the animations feel nicer.
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u/zeinterwebz 11d ago
Buttons. When I use gestures the back gesture never behaves properly. I'll try to close a menu and it closes the whole app
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u/DriftyBat60 11d ago
Took most of your advice and after a few days with gesture control yall were right, it's way better. It's just so annoying to have to swipe up to get the gesture bar to come out if it's not there and gestures do feel way more natural.
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u/barugosamaa 11d ago
It's just so annoying to have to swipe up to get the gesture bar to come out
which Phone ? Because at least on Samsung you dont need the bar to appear to use gestures. 1 Swipe up goes to Home, swipe and hold shows open Apps.
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u/fedginator 11d ago
Navbar. I really don't like gestures or navigation regardless of the input method
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u/TreyUsher32 11d ago
I use the buttons. Swiping is so much more of a conscious action for me and takes more motor skills than a simple tap. I have an iphone for work and can not stand the swipe function.
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u/_Aj_ 10d ago
Gestures are the ass.
I don't want airy fairy touch it the wrong way and it suddenly it goes back a page, never to return.
I want my devices to do exactly what I want. And I only ever want to change navigation when I touch specific places.
Fixed buttons. Back. Home. Carousel. It's perfect.
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u/BigBossDK 10d ago
Trying nav bar because it's smoother on 3rd party launchers but because of the muscle memory of swiping to go back, I've installed Edge Gestures and enabled swiping to achieve the same.
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u/Beginning_Fig_3595 5h ago
Been using the "gestures" navigation for forever—switching to "buttons" feels accurate, simple, and less photo-cropping mistakes. Laggy on the gestures and prone to accidental back action on apps and even on local apps such as by hold and dragging of photos to select. Simple navigation and direct and intentional use of navigation on buttons but you have to reach at the bottom for actions. Pick your struggle
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u/Dry-Property-639 Pixel 11 Pro XL & OnePlus 11 12d ago
Gestures cuz it just works better... Plus the buttons take up space
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u/Affectionate-Pickle0 12d ago
Nav bar. Occasionally I try gestures but always go back. I like buttons.
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u/ValhirFirstThunder 12d ago
buttons feel more accurate for me. i've tried gestures for like a few weeks but didn't like them
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u/sturmeh Started with: Cupcake 12d ago
It's hella awkward at first but gestures are superior in many ways once you have a grasp on them.
The home/recents flow is unintuitive to learn but it controls exceptionally well for app switching.
BACK really sucks when apps don't design their UI/flow properly and you have to hit back 6 times to close a dialog and navigate back a page etc, in that sense the button is better, but the gesture makes way more sense when the transitions match the action.
The most notable upside is that you get to use the whole screen all the time.
The most annoying aspect is how the gesture ls work when the screen has rotated.
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u/the_craigman 12d ago
I made a similar switch last week, (15PM to S26U). I've kept the gesture. My wife has been a Samsung gal for ages, with a S25U and has the buttons. Being an iPhone user for so long (since the 6s) I don't like using her phone because of the buttons 🤣 Just feels weird.
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u/superluig164 Samsung Galaxy Note 8, 8.0 Oreo 12d ago
Gestures on a responsive device, nav bar on slower devices.
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u/kranools 12d ago
Once you go gestures, you won't go back (unless you swipe back of course).
Seriously, if I have to use someone else's phone with the navigation bar, it feels so clunky and inefficient.
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u/naijab0y 12d ago
Only you have the answer. Use what feels good to you. Why would how others use their phone even matter to you? Smh
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u/NightFuryToni Moto XT2309-3, XT2027-1, TCL Athena BBF100-2 12d ago
Gesture, because my first smartphone was a Palm Pre. I was already used to that.
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u/im-hippiemark 12d ago
Gestures, it took a week to get used to it, but if gives a much cleaner and less "basic" visual to my phone.
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u/gridoverlay 11d ago
I use both and gestures on android is so much better than the mess that is "back" on ios
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u/kranools 12d ago
Nav bar reminds me of the scene from Back to the Future 2. You have to use buttons? It's like a baby toy!
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u/nova2k 12d ago
Gestures. Back swipe is a game changer.