Google Pixel “Rules” are a joke compared to Samsung’s Modes & Routines

It took a while, but automation tools are now built into most smartphones. They’re actually pretty good too, with one exception. While Samsung’s modes and routines (even iPhone shortcuts) are great, Google’s Pixel “rules” are embarrassing.

Although I’m a long-time Pixel user, I’d never really explored the “Rules” feature until recently. I purchased some NFC tags and was hoping to use them in my home. The frustration of trying to configure anything made me realize how far behind Pixel phones are in the automation department.

The power of Samsung modes and routines

Underrated and super impressive

It’s no secret that Samsung Galaxy phones are packed with features, for better or worse. Part of that “worst” is how easy it is to miss some of the best things. Fashions and routines are clearly one of those things that few people know about.

I’ll start with the “Routines” half of “Modes & Routines”, which is essentially an “if this, then that” automation system. Applications like Tasker and Macrodroid, even Pixel Rules, use the same concept. However, as great as these apps are, they are not integrated at a system level, which means they are somewhat limited.

Modes & Routines does not have these limitations, and this is where its true power manifests itself. It can fully delve into hardware-related actions and actions in Samsung apps. You can create routines based on things like Android Auto, connecting to mobile hotspots, DeX desktop mode, Bluetooth accessories, battery level, device theme, app activity and much more.

I really can’t adequately explain everything that is possible with fads and routines. Depending on your ecosystem, you can do crazy things. For example, you can create a routine that turns off all the lights you left at home when you arrive at work. In my case, I can control the lights by tapping the NFC tags.

The “Modes” half of “Modes and Routines” is similar to the iPhone’s focus modes, which are pretty awesome in their own right. Think of the modes as an enhanced Do Not Disturb mode. They include specialized settings for who and what can send notifications, as well as fully customized wallpapers and home screen layouts.

The inability of Google Pixel rules

Automation without purpose

Like I said, it’s really hard to put into words the power of fads and routines. I could include a dozen screenshots and still not scratch the surface. I have the exact opposite problem with Google’s Pixel Rules. There are exactly eight possible routines, and even that could be generous.

Like modes and routines, rules are essentially an “if this, then that” automation system. The problem is that there’s not much to say about “if” or “that.” Here is the complete and exhaustive list of triggers:

Not impressed? Well, here is the full list of actions that can be associated with these triggers:

• Enable Do Not Disturb

• Set the device to silent

• Set the device to vibrate

• Set the device to ring

Needless to say, it’s a far cry from fads and routines (and iPhone shortcuts). The original quest that led me down this path – smart home automation with NFC tags – is virtually impossible with a Pixel phone. I can’t connect to the SmartThings app and Google Home doesn’t include NFC as a routines trigger.

This is just one specific example, but even something as basic as launching a music app when Bluetooth headphones are connected isn’t possible with Rules. Of course, you can use the aforementioned apps for this, but a native solution would be nice.

Pixel phones have nothing to do with Samsung’s fashions. “Focus Mode” on a Pixel phone is nothing more than a smaller version of Do Not Disturb. You cannot create multiple modes, each with their own wallpapers and home screen layouts.

A big hole in the Pixel ecosystem

I tend to prefer Pixel phones for their simplicity, but every now and then it becomes a nuisance. The Rules feature is so simple that it might as well not be included. It’s these types of “quality of life” elements that put Samsung Galaxy phones and iPhones over the top. I’d like to see Google do more with the rules in the future. Maybe Android 17 will fill this gap? We can hope.