Last updated: December 18th, 2025 at 19:45 UTC+01:00


Even Pixel phones now have Samsung-style navigation keys

It makes it easier for those who have switched from a Galaxy phone to a Pixel phone.

Asif Iqbal Shaik

Reading time: 2 minutes

google pixel 10 pro xl
Phone

Even though Samsung phones and tablets are based on Android, a lot of Samsung's software ideologies are different from stock Android. One such aspect is the way UI navigation buttons are laid out. The three-button on-screen navigation button layout on Galaxy phones is different from what Google offers in stock Android. However, a new version of Android brings Samsung-style navigation keys as well.

The Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 update was released yesterday, and it brings some new features, including the Samsung-style three-button navigation keys. When you choose the 3 Button Navigation option in the Navigation Mode section of the Settings app, you get two options:

  1. Back, Home, Recents (stock Android style)
  2. Recents, Home, Back (Samsung style)
google pixel android 16 qpr3 beta 1 3-button navigation
google pixel android 16 qpr3 beta 1 3-button navigation layout options

Samsung has offered these options for a long time, allowing users to choose the style they are more comfortable using. Now, Google is offering those options with the latest beta version of Android 16. If you have a Pixel phone and have installed Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 on that device, you can find the new option by navigating to Settings > System > Navigation mode > 3-button navigation > Settings.

This option is great for those who have used Galaxy phones for a long time and have now switched to a Google Pixel phone.

Image Credits: Google, 9To5Google