Last month, Samsung announced that its Gallery app would discontinue support for OneDrive syncing, with the feature set to be fully retired by September 30. While users can still access the syncing feature in older versions of the app, newer iterations have removed this capability entirely. For those who relied on this functionality, it presents an opportunity to explore alternative photo backup and gallery applications.
Google Photos
Google Photos emerges as a strong contender, primarily designed for cloud storage rather than local media management. This app allows users to access their photos from virtually any device, making it a convenient option for those prioritizing cloud syncing. Although its user interface may not be as gallery-centric as Samsung’s, it offers a robust set of editing tools, including AI-driven features for object removal and basic adjustments like brightness and saturation. For users seeking a straightforward experience with cloud capabilities, Google Photos is an excellent choice, especially when paired with a Google One subscription for expanded storage beyond the free 15GB limit.
Amazon Photos
Amazon Photos has recently undergone a significant update, enhancing its user interface and adding features like natural language search for images. Prime members benefit from unlimited full-resolution photo storage, along with 5GB for videos, while free-tier users receive a total of 5GB shared across both formats. Although it lacks some of Samsung’s advanced editing tools, Amazon Photos serves as a reliable option for storage, allowing users to maintain Samsung Gallery for viewing and basic edits if desired.
Piktures
Piktures stands out as a third-party application that combines a user-friendly interface with powerful features. Its card-based design is reminiscent of Windows Metro, making navigation intuitive. Piktures supports integration with various cloud platforms, including Google Photos and OneDrive, and even offers a Secret Space feature for added privacy. However, users should note that it is ad-supported, which can be removed through a one-time payment.
The official OneDrive app gives you even more options
For those who prefer a dedicated photo app with built-in cloud syncing, Microsoft OneDrive offers a basic photo backup system. While it may not boast advanced editing features, it allows users to continue utilizing Samsung Gallery while handling backups through OneDrive. This presents a valuable opportunity for users who may not have been fully satisfied with Samsung Gallery to explore other options.
Focus Go
Focus Go is an ideal choice for minimalists, featuring a clean layout that organizes images by folder. It simplifies file management while offering essential functionalities like fingerprint lock and HDR rendering for images.
Aves Gallery
Aves Gallery provides a deeper dive into photography management, featuring a statistics page that tracks user habits, including file types and shooting locations. Its search functionality combines user-added tags with existing metadata, enhancing accessibility to specific images.
Fossify Gallery
Fossify Gallery, a fork of the popular Simple Gallery, retains many of its predecessor’s best features while offering extensive customization options. Its straightforward UI is complemented by a range of functionalities suitable for photographers at any level.
Google Gallery
For users who appreciate Google’s ecosystem but prefer a more traditional gallery experience, Google Gallery offers a minimalistic approach. While it may not be as feature-rich as other options, it supports Android 8 and higher, making it a viable choice for users with older devices.
