Megan Ellis, a tech enthusiast, has found herself in an unexpected love affair with Samsung’s Clock app, a relationship that has evolved over the years into something essential for her daily routine. While she once relied on the default clock app that came with her phone, her experience with Samsung’s offering has made it difficult to switch back to anything else.
Samsung’s Clock app has become an essential part of my routine
The allure of Samsung’s Clock app lies in its remarkable customizability, particularly the snooze feature. For Ellis, who grapples with chronic fatigue, the ability to adjust her wake-up time based on her daily needs is invaluable. Unlike many other apps that restrict snooze durations to preset increments, Samsung’s version allows for a flexible snooze time of up to 60 minutes. This feature, combined with intuitive plus and minus icons to adjust the snooze duration on the fly, has transformed her mornings.
“I place a lot of importance on an adjustable, repeatable snooze feature,” she states, emphasizing how her first alarm serves merely as a gentle nudge from deep slumber. Depending on her condition—whether recovering from a migraine or preparing for a busy day—she can easily modify her snooze settings to suit her needs.
The alternatives just don’t measure up
Ellis’s journey took a turn when she transitioned from a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra to an Oppo Reno 10 Pro+. Despite the excitement of a new device, she soon realized that the clock app on her new phone fell short of her expectations. After exploring various options in the Google Play Store, she found that most alternatives, including Google’s own clock app, capped snooze durations at 30 minutes, leaving her longing for the flexibility she had grown accustomed to.
Even after acquiring a Galaxy S23 Ultra as a secondary device, primarily for photography, it quickly reclaimed its role as her alarm clock. The S23 Ultra became a vital part of her morning routine, proving that sometimes, old habits die hard. Despite her attempts to find a brand-agnostic solution, the limitations of other apps left her feeling frustrated. Many apps either imposed a snooze limit or required permissions that made her uncomfortable.
For now, I’m stuck using two phones in bed
As her search for the perfect clock app continues to yield disappointing results, Ellis has come to terms with her current setup: two phones sharing her bedside table. While it may seem cumbersome, especially during travel, the dual-device arrangement ensures she has access to the snooze functionality she relies on.
Though she has contemplated returning to her S23 Ultra as her primary device, the lack of support for her dual SIM setup has kept her from making the switch. She acknowledges that some might suggest adapting to a 30-minute snooze limit, but her specific needs dictate otherwise. “I’ve often forced myself up before I’m ready, triggering migraines or exacerbating my chronic fatigue,” she explains.
With hope for the emergence of new clock apps that respect her privacy and offer the customization she craves, Ellis remains optimistic. Until then, she will continue to navigate her unique alarm clock dilemma, balancing the demands of her health with the technology at her fingertips.
