Samsung's Secure Folder vs Google's Private Space | In-Depth Comparison

Summary

In this video, Jimmy compares Samsung's Secure Folder, which has been around for 7 years, with Google's newly introduced Private Space in Android 15 Beta 2. Samsung's Secure Folder offers a more refined experience, with easier app and file management, encryption, and seamless transfer to new devices. In contrast, Google’s Private Space is more isolated, requiring users to start fresh with apps and files, and lacks advanced features like encryption and customization. While both offer a secure environment for personal data, Secure Folder is the more robust, feature-packed option for managing confidential information.

Takeaways

• 📱 Samsung Secure Folder has been available since 2017, while Google Private Space is new with Android 15 Beta 2.
• 🔍 Secure Folder can be accessed via quick settings, app icon, or settings, whereas Private Space is primarily in the app tray or settings.
• 🛠️ Setting up both features is done through Security & Privacy settings, but Secure Folder offers a more comprehensive setup experience.
• 🎨 Samsung Secure Folder provides full-screen, distinct profile experience, while Private Space occupies only a small area at the bottom of the app tray.
• 📂 Moving apps and files into Secure Folder is simple; Private Space requires installing apps separately and cannot transfer existing files.
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• 🔄 Data transfer is easier with Secure Folder via Samsung Smart Switch; Private Space requires starting from scratch on a new device.
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• 🔒 Secure Folder offers immediate lock on exit, multiple auto-lock options, full encryption, and notification management; Private Space has basic PIN/fingerprint/face lock and limited auto-lock options.
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• ✨ Customization in Secure Folder includes changing icon, color, name, notifications, and clipboard settings; Private Space customization is minimal.
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• 🗂️ Both Secure Folder and Private Space allow separate app logins, making it easy to manage personal vs business accounts or multiple game accounts.
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• 🎯 Use cases for Secure Folder include storing confidential info, holiday planning, sensitive photos/documents, and keeping certain apps private from the main phone view.

Q & A

What are Samsung Secure Folder and Google Private Space, and how do they differ in terms of release history?

Samsung Secure Folder is a feature introduced in 2017 that allows users to securely store apps and files, while Google Private Space was introduced with Android 15 beta 2, making it less than a week old at the time of the video. Secure Folder is more mature and refined due to its longer development history.

Where can users access Samsung Secure Folder and Google Private Space on their devices?

Samsung Secure Folder can be accessed via the app icon, quick settings, or device settings. Google Private Space is found in the app tray or through settings and can be hidden from the app tray if desired.

How does the initial setup of Secure Folder and Private Space differ?

Both are set up through the Security and Privacy section of device settings. On Samsung, it’s under 'More Security Settings → Secure Folder,' while on Pixel devices, it’s labeled as 'Private Space'.

What is the difference in user experience between Secure Folder and Private Space?

Secure Folder functions like a full, separate profile with a dedicated interface, making it easier to manage apps and files. Private Space appears as a small section in the app tray, offering a more limited and constrained user experience.

How do Secure Folder and Private Space handle adding applications?

In Secure Folder, users can easily add existing apps from the main device or install new ones, often with a simple plus button. In Private Space, apps must be installed individually and cannot be directly imported from the main device.

Can users move files between the main device and Secure Folder or Private Space?

Yes, in Secure Folder users can move files such as photos, videos, and documents from the main device. In Private Space, files cannot be transferred from the main device, as the spaces are completely separate.

How do Secure Folder and Private Space manage backups and transfers to new devices?

Secure Folder supports transfers to a new device using Samsung Smart Switch, retaining all apps and files. Private Space requires users to start over on a new device, with no direct transfer of data.

What security and locking options are available in Secure Folder compared to Private Space?

Secure Folder offers multiple lock types including PIN, password, pattern, and fingerprint, along with encryption and detailed auto-lock settings. Private Space offers PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock, with fewer auto-lock options and no encryption feature.

What customization options does Secure Folder offer that Private Space does not?

Secure Folder allows users to change the folder’s name, color, and icon, as well as customize notifications and app visibility. Private Space has minimal customization options.

What are common use cases for Secure Folder and Private Space?

Both can be used for separating personal and work data, storing confidential information, and managing multiple logins for apps or games. Secure Folder, however, provides a more robust solution for these use cases due to its advanced features.

How does encryption work in Samsung Secure Folder?

When Secure Folder is encrypted, all apps stop working and notifications are disabled until the folder is reopened. This ensures that sensitive data remains secure when the folder is not in use.

Can notifications from apps inside Secure Folder or Private Space be controlled?

Yes, Secure Folder allows notifications to be hidden or disabled entirely while encrypted. Private Space offers more basic notification control but does not include encryption-based notification management.