Samsung Gallery Integrates Direct Cloud Syncing With Google Photos
Samsung replaces Microsoft OneDrive with a native Google Photos synchronization feature for Galaxy devices.
1New Native Cloud Integration
Samsung has officially launched Galaxy Sync, allowing users to back up photos and videos directly from the native Gallery app to Google Photos. This integration replaces the previous Microsoft OneDrive partnership, which ended in September. Users can now manage their cloud backups without switching between different mobile applications for storage.
2One UI 9 Requirement
The new synchronization feature is currently rolling out exclusively to Galaxy devices running One UI 9. Samsung plans to expand this capability to additional devices in subsequent phases. Users can activate the service by tapping the cloud icon within the Gallery app or navigating directly to the application settings menu.
3Cross-Device Media Access
Once enabled, the feature allows seamless access to synced media across multiple Galaxy devices. If a user captures a photo on a smartphone, it becomes visible in the Gallery app on a connected Galaxy tablet. Both devices must be signed into the same Samsung and Google accounts to enable this functionality.
4Storage and Capacity Limits
The feature utilizes the user's existing Google account storage, which is shared across Gmail, Drive, and Photos. While Google provides 15GB of free storage, users requiring more space can opt for Google One subscriptions. Recent updates have also increased the Google AI Pro plan storage capacity from 2TB to 5TB.
5Freeing Up Device Space
Samsung introduced a new tool to manage local storage by removing original files after they are backed up to the cloud. The Gallery app continues to display thumbnails of these images, allowing users to download the original high-resolution versions whenever necessary. This helps maintain available space on the physical device.
6One-Way Sync Limitations
The integration currently functions as a forward-facing sync tool. Existing photos already stored in a user's Google Photos library will not automatically appear in the Samsung Gallery app. Only media synced through the Gallery app after the feature is enabled will be visible across the supported Galaxy device ecosystem.
7Strategic Shift from OneDrive
The transition to Google Photos follows the removal of Microsoft OneDrive integration from the Gallery app earlier this year. This move simplifies the user experience by aligning Samsung's native interface with the primary cloud storage service used by the Android operating system, reducing reliance on third-party cloud storage platform partnerships.
8Future Ecosystem Implications
By centralizing media management within the Gallery app, Samsung is deepening its integration with the Google ecosystem. This shift suggests a long-term strategy to streamline data portability for Galaxy users. Moving forward, owners should monitor phased rollout updates to determine when their specific hardware models will receive the One UI 9.