Google Pixel embraces Samsung’s three-button navigation layout in the latest Android 16 beta, bringing a familiar option back to life for some users.
For years, Android has leaned into gesture navigation, yet the traditional three-button setup remains available. On Samsung Galaxy devices, that classic trio is still the default, but with a key difference: Samsung’s button order is reversed compared to the stock Android arrangement. Android normally positions the buttons as Back, Home, and Recents from left to right, while Samsung shows Recents, Home, and Back.
Samsung users have long had the ability to toggle to their preferred layout, and Google is now offering the same flexibility.
In Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, Google Pixel phones gain a setting to mirror Samsung’s button order. The new option can be found under Settings > System > Navigation mode > 3-button navigation > Settings.
Why Google added this choice remains unclear, but it’s definitely a welcome nod to long-time users who rely on muscle memory built around Samsung’s layout.
Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is available to all Tensor-powered Pixel devices.
More on Android 16:
- Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 rolling out for Google Pixel
- How to install the latest Android 16 Beta on Google Pixel
- Android 16 QPR3 lets you remove At a Glance from your Pixel’s home screen
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But here’s where it gets controversial... Does giving parity between Pixel and Samsung layouts truly improve usability for most users, or does it dilute the distinct experiences each brand builds around its own hardware and software choices? Share your thoughts in the comments: do you prefer a universal option or brand-specific defaults?
