The release of Android 17 is imminent.
The next major update to Google’s mobile operating system is approaching, with at least four public beta versions already available for users with a Pixel 6 or newer. The final version might be released as early as June.
This update seems to be more evolutionary than revolutionary, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Some of the features I already appreciate include separate toggles for Wi-Fi and mobile data in quick settings, the ability to remove app labels on Pixel devices, and a dedicated slider for adjusting the virtual assistant’s volume (referred to as Gemini).
However, one area remains a concern due to Google’s apparent lack of attention, and it’s a significant reason why I hesitate to switch back to a Pixel as my primary smartphone.
I am fond of widgets. At their best, these small app extensions offer a wealth of information at a glance, saving you from multiple taps and swipes.
However, I’ve realized that functionality is only part of the equation. For widgets to be used consistently, they also need to be visually appealing. Given how frequently we check our phone home screens, an unattractive widget can become a constant annoyance.
Widgets on Pixel phones are often hidden behind outdated, cluttered, and confusing designs that fail to utilize space effectively.
Regrettably, Google seems unaware of this issue. Their first-party widgets on Pixel devices, while detailed, suffer from outdated and cluttered designs that poorly utilize available space.
This is particularly noticeable on the Pixel 10 Pro XL, which I’m using to test the Android 17 beta. Despite its large 6.8-inch display, the home screen can quickly become cluttered with unattractive widgets that clash with the otherwise smooth software experience.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
When Google allowed users to remove the ‘At a Glance’ widget last year, I hoped to find a better first-party alternative that suited my needs. However, the experience has been underwhelming.
The Weather widget seemed like a logical choice, but the Pixel Weather app provides only two options: a simple temperature indicator or an oversized panel with forecasts and a ‘feels like’ temperature. Neither seems appropriate—why isn’t there a middle ground?
Foundry
Perhaps a clock widget would suffice, I thought. Google does offer more options here, but the designs are incredibly basic. A simple digital display showing the date and time is the best available.
What about a calendar to view upcoming events? Unfortunately, Google Calendar is one of the worst in this regard. It offers only two options: a small schedule view that’s too cramped to be useful or a large month view that’s hard to interpret. There’s so much untapped potential here.
Foundry
Digital Wellbeing is another frustration point. Seeing my screen time when unlocking my phone has been a great way to curb unnecessary use, but the presentation on the Pixel is disappointing for unexpected reasons.
While Google does include three bubbles of different sizes to show your most-used apps for the day, the colors chosen in dark mode are nearly indistinguishable: light grey, medium grey, and dark grey. In light mode, they switch to black, grey, and off-white.
Foundry
This color choice defeats the purpose of a chart, which is to easily interpret the data. Without distinctive colors, it’s difficult to quickly identify the key information.
At times, I also like to pin a Google Keep note to my home screen as a reminder. Yet, the widget is so unattractive that it becomes a painful experience. See the example below:
Foundry
This unsatisfactory pattern is consistent across nearly every Google widget I’ve tried on the home screen. They are often too large, unattractive, or cluttered, with the worst offenders managing all three.
The lack of focus on widgets in Android 17 is a significant oversight
While many third-party apps offer superior widgets, I prefer using Google’s stock apps, making it frustrating to switch to another service just for a better widget.
Poor first-party widgets have been a persistent issue on Pixel phones. Although Google has made some overdue improvements, the continued neglect of widgets in Android 17 is a notable oversight.
One UI Shows the Possibilities
If no other Android phone maker could do better, Google might be excused. However, Samsung’s One UI demonstrates what’s possible with thoughtful design.
As an experiment, I searched for alternatives to the Pixel widgets on my Galaxy Z Fold 7. Within minutes, my Samsung home screen was equipped with a selection that looked and performed far better than Google’s.
The dual clock widget automatically adjusts the background based on local time, offering a striking two-tone effect. Samsung’s weather app provides clean, minimalist visuals, with the background matching current conditions.
Within minutes, my Samsung home screen was kitted out with a selection that looked and performed 10 times better than Google’s
The Calendar app strikes a better balance, combining a compact month view with key events for the day. It’s precisely what I seek in a calendar widget.
For me, Digital Wellbeing is the standout. It shares the basic concept of Google’s version but replaces the unsightly bubbles with a sleeker bar, clearly indicating each app using bright colors (green, blue, and purple). What a concept!
Foundry
Samsung’s Android skin was once criticized for its unattractive design, but that’s no longer the case. The excellent array of first-party widgets is a testament to this change.
In reality, almost every Android phone maker surpasses Google in widget design. Pixel users deserve better.
A Key Difference-Maker
While a few widgets on the home screen might not seem significant, they are a major deterrent for me. I rely on widgets daily, and if they’re lacking, using the phone becomes a chore.
Google shouldn’t underestimate the impact widgets have on a phone’s look and feel. Pixel’s software is celebrated for its smooth, intuitive user experience, but this remains a problematic area.
Unless Google implements extensive changes in the final version of Android 17, we may face another year of subpar widgets. As a result, I plan to stick with Samsung phones for the foreseeable future.
