El Samsung Galaxy S9 It is one of the best devices of its generation, as we can see in our video analysisHowever, not everyone is comfortable with Samsung's custom interface. If you prefer the clean aesthetic of stock Android and Google apps, you can customize your Galaxy to resemble the Android experience. Google Pixel 2 visually and functionally, without needing root access.
In this guide you will see how to combine launchers, Pixel themes y google apps to get very close to the Pixel experience, while maintaining the performance and features of the Galaxy S9.
How to turn the Samsung Galaxy S9 into the Google Pixel 2
El Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus It's a fantastic phone, probably one of the most complete in its category. If you're interested in design, read about the Pixel 2 design. On camera This puts it above many competitors, the system fluidity is beyond all doubt and its screen It's truly spectacular. Everything this phone offers is on par with a high-end device. Even so, you might not be convinced by the interface of Samsung Experience (the Samsung layer formerly known as TouchWiz), especially if you prefer the minimalist look of pure Android.
Important clarification: you cannot completely eliminate the samsung softwaresince it's integrated into the system. What you can do is overlay apps and settings that mimic the behavior of the Pixel 2, as happens when convert a Galaxy S7From the home screen to the phone dialer, the messaging system, or the wallpapers.
La general idea is
- Use a Pixel-style launcher as a basis of experience.
- Apply a theme similar to stock Android for Settings, buttons and menus.
- configure the google apps as default options for calls, messages, browser, keyboard and calendar.
- Take advantage of google services (Google Photos, backups, RCS, etc.) to make the transition to a future real Pixel even easier.
Step 1: change the launcher
The first step is to replace the Samsung launcher with one that looks like the Pixel. The launcher is the application that manages the starting screen, app drawer and icon gridSo it's the most visible change.
You can choose Nova Launcher Prime and configure it little by little to make it as similar as possible to the Pixel 2. This is the option with the most possibilities, since it allows you to adjust almost every aspect of the device: gestures, icon size, animations, style of the However, and even the style of the search bar.
If you prefer something simpler and more straightforward, it's best to try options like Rootless Pixel Launcher 3.0 or, if you dare, fiddle and try to see what happens if you install the Android Go Pixel LauncherThese launchers more faithfully replicate details such as "At a glance" widget, google feed to one side or the sliding gesture to open the drawer.
Please note that when installing these launchers via APK, the system may ask you to grant permission. installation permission from the browser that you use. You'll just need to activate that option in the pop-up notification and, once installed, press the home button and select the new launcher as your default. default home screen app.
Step 2: install a theme that looks like the Google Pixel 2
Although simply installing a Pixel-style launcher will almost completely transform your phone, there are still some system details that will continue to look "Samsung-like": Settings menu, notification panel, numeric keypad for callsnavigation buttons, etc. To refine the result as much as possible, it is advisable to apply a visual theme that imitates the Pixel style.
What you should do is look for a topic in the pre-installed theme store of the Samsung Galaxy phones. The two we usually recommend are Pixelize y PixelizeDDepending on whether you prefer a light or dark theme, these themes adjust colors, system icons, and some basic backgrounds to align with Google's visual language while maintaining the full system compatibility of Samsung.
If you combine a Pixel-style launcher with one of these themes:
- La starting screen and the app drawer They will look practically like they do on a Pixel.
- The system menusQuick buttons and the notification panel will have a more neutral and less cluttered aesthetic.
- You improve the visual coherence among the various Google applications that you install later.
Step 3: use Google apps
Once all this is done, all that remains is to use the apps that would come pre-installed on a Pixel 2. This way you not only replicate the appearance, but also a good part of the functionality. user experience of the Google ecosystem.
Choose options like the Chrome browser, Android messages, google phone (Google Dialer), gmail, Google Calendar and keyboard GboardConfigure each one as default app In your Galaxy S9 settings (Applications > Default applications section) set them to open automatically when you make calls, browse the internet, or send SMS messages.
Also, if you already save your photos in Google Photos Instead of just on internal storage, you'll be able to continue sharing images on social media Without any problems, just like you would on a real Pixel. The apps will recognize the Google Photos gallery and allow you to select items seamlessly, which will be helpful if you ever decide to permanently switch to a Pixel device.
For future migrations to another Android phone, this approach has another advantage: thanks to the backup of Googleyou will be able to transfer Messages, call logs, contacts, wallpapers, WiFi settings, and many apps almost automatically when setting up a new compatible device.
Choose a launcher
The next part of the process is closely related to the first step, but it focuses on ensuring you fully understand what changing the launcher entails. First, you need to modify Samsung's default launcher. If you're unfamiliar with this tool, it's essentially the app you use as your home screen. home screen and icon managerChanging it doesn't affect your data, only how it's displayed.
There are many personalized offers to choose from in the Google Play Store, but if you try to get that one standard Android appearance, we recommend you opt for Pixel Launcher or one of its optimized variants. These launchers replicate the Pixel design, including the bottom dock with search bar, app drawer when you swipe up and using rounded icons.
To install a launcher using APK, go to the corresponding website on your mobile device and select the blue button. Descargar APK Located near the bottom of the page, save the installer to your device. Once downloaded, open the notification, or go to the app. MyFiles on your phone, and select the APKFollowed by InstallAfter successfully installing the launcher, tap the start button and select it from the resulting list. If you wish to use the launcher continuously, Pixel Launcher, select the option Always in the lower right corner.
If the notification does not appear, you can also go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and choose your preferred launcher as your home screen. This way, every time you press the Home button, you'll always access the Pixel-like environment.
Change the messaging app
The next thing you'll want to adapt is the messaging applicationOn Pixel phones, sending SMS messages and rich chats is handled through Android Messages (Google Messages), which stands out for a very clean interface, support for RCS (enhanced messaging with file sending, write indicators, read receipts, etc.) and seamless integration with the rest of the ecosystem.
Personally, many users prefer Google's proposal, given that it allows manage conversations in a more visual way and take better advantage of carrier features that support RCS. However, if you're only interested in traditional SMS, most users will likely be perfectly happy with the Android Messages app without needing any extras.
To configure this alternative, simply go to Google Play, install the application Google messages and follow the on-screen instructions to set it as your default messaging platform. We also suggest you choose Google's standard keyboard, the Gboardwhich will perfectly complement Android messages: the installation and configuration process is very similar to that of the messaging platform.
In many cases, the Messages app itself will ask if you want to make it your default message. default SMS appAccept that change and, if you want to fine-tune it even further, activate the RCS chat in the app settings, provided your carrier is compatible.
Set Chrome as your default browser
Next, you must configure Google Chrome as your default web browser for a Pixel-like experience. On Google devices, Chrome is the core browser and is integrated with bookmark synchronization, Passwords y browsing history using your Google account.
To do this, tap the gear icon in the upper right corner of the home screen (or access Settings from the notification panel), select Applications and tap the three dots in the upper right corner.
Then select Default applications In the resulting menu, tap the application of the navigator and mark the bubble next to ChromeFrom now on, whenever you open a link or any content that requires your browser, your phone should automatically open the content in Chrome, with all your synchronized tabs between devices and functions such as reading mode o page translation.
Dial-up and contacts
Once you've set up your default browser, it's time to turn your attention to marker and your ContactThe Pixel uses the app of Google PhoneHowever, it's not always available on the Play Store for all Samsung models. Meanwhile, there are alternatives that mimic the look and feel of stock Android.
There is no version of stock There's no fully official version available for any of these sections (that we know of), but there's a decent clone on the Google Play Store called ExDialerThis app offers a simpler interface, closer to the aesthetics of pure Android, with a clean dial pad or with a contact manager less cluttered than Samsung's solution.
After downloading and installing the application, open the menu Configuration, Select Applications and tap the three dots in the upper right corner. Then select Default applications In the resulting menu, tap the application. Call and select ExDialerIn this way, calls will be managed with this interface, which is more similar to that of the Pixel.
If it is available in your region Google Phone On Google Play, you can install it and follow a similar process to set it as your default calling app, achieving behavior even closer to that of the Pixel 2, including caller id, search history and a clearer presentation of the contacts.
Select a calendar
The next step is to establish Google Calendar as your main calendar app. This app should already be on your device, but if it isn't, you can easily get it from the Google Play Store. Its biggest advantage is that it syncs instantly with your Google account and displays all your events, reminders, and tasks on any device you use.
Once installed, go to the menu Configuration, Select Applications and touches Calendar. Look for the option of Clear defaults or reset preferences. The next time you need to enter an event or open a calendar invitation, the system will ask you to choose an app: select the Google calendar Select it from the list of available options and mark it as the always-used option.
So, every time you sync your account on another device, including future Pixel or other Android phones, your appointments and reminders They will continue to be effortlessly available, taking full advantage of Google integration.
Implement live wallpapers
One of the most striking features of the Pixel is its live wallpapersThey depict outer space and other exotic locations and essentially function as live wallpapers that add a modern touch to your device. While not exactly a feature exclusive to "standard" Android, it has become a hallmark of Google's mobile devices.
Adding these wallpapers to your Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus is a multi-step process. First, go to the Google Play Store and download the app. Wallpapers from Google. Then, navigate to the XDA website on your mobile device, download the APK file indicated in the first post (usually a port of the Pixel Live Wallpapers) and save the installer directly to your phone.
Once downloaded, open the notification and tap InstallFrom that point on, a specific section should be enabled for animated wallpapers within the Google Wallpapers app. Access it, choose your favorite wallpaper, select Set wallpaper in the upper right corner and decide if you want to configure it as home screen only or as home screen and lock screen.
By combining these dynamic wallpapers with the Pixel-like launcher, Pixelize/PixelizeD themes, and Google apps as default, your Galaxy S9 will offer an experience very close to that of a Pixel 2, while maintaining the advantages of Samsung hardware, such as its curved screen and high quality cameraFor those unsure about switching to a Pixel phone in the future, this configuration also serves as an ideal way to try the Google ecosystem in depth before making the final decision, for example to convert a Galaxy S10.
