From scratch to Android developer for Samsung: complete guide 2026

Smartphones Samsung occupy the lion's share of the Android device market, and their proprietary shell One UI requires a special approach from developers. If you dream of creating applications optimized specifically for the ecosystem Galaxy, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes and save months on training.

Unlike universal development for “naked” Android, working with devices Samsung involves taking into account nuances: from support DeX Mode to adaptation under Knox Security. We will analyze not only the basic steps (installation Android Studio, study Kotlin), but also specific tools like Samsung SDK, and also tell you how to test the application on real devices Galaxy without purchasing each flagship.

Important: this The material is aimed at beginners, but will also be useful for experienced developers who want to adapt their applications to the ecosystem Samsung. We will do without “water” - only specific instructions, tested on Galaxy S23 Ultra, Z Fold 5 and other current models.

1. Why is development for Samsung different from regular Android

The proprietary shell One UI from Samsung is not just a “skin” on top of Android, but a deep modification of the system with unique APIs and services. Here are the key differences that will affect your work:

• 🔄 DeX Mode: Your application must scale correctly for desktop mode, otherwise users will get a blurry interface on the monitor.
• 🔒 Knox Security: If the application works with sensitive data, you will have to integrate with Samsung Knox SDK for encryption and authentication.
• 📱 Multiwindow: on Galaxy Z Fold/Flip and tablets Tab S applications can be launched in several windows at the same time - this requires adapting layouts.
• 🎮 Game SDK: for games Samsung offers separate performance optimization tools, including control over cooling and processor clock speed.

In addition, Samsung actively promotes its own services like Samsung Pay, Health i Bixby. Integration with them can give your application an advantage in Galaxy Store a branded application store, where competition is lower than in Google Play.

⚠️ Attention: Some APIs Samsung (for example, for working with S Pen) are available only on certain models. Always check the compatibility in the documentation Samsung Developers before starting development.

2. Minimum requirements: what you need to start

To start developing for Samsung, an average PC and free tools are enough. Here is a checklist of equipment and software:

Download Android Studio (version 2023.2.1 or later)

Install Samsung SDK and plugins for One UI

Download a Samsung emulator or connect a real device

Register with Samsung Developers to access documentation

Create a developer account in Google Play Console (if you plan to publish there)-->

Pay attention to hardware requirements:

• 🖥️ Processor: Intel i5/Ryzen 5 or better (the emulator Android Studio is heavily loaded CPU).
• 🧠 RAM: 16 GB - minimum for comfortable work with the emulator and Android Studio at the same time.
• 💾 Disk space: 50 GB of free space (emulators and SDKs weigh dozens gigabyte).
• 🔌 USB ports: It is advisable to have USB 3.0+ for quick debugging on real devices.

If you have a weak PC, consider the option with cloud development: Samsung offers free access to remote devices for testing through the app Remote Test Lab. This will allow you to test the application on Galaxy S24 or Z Fold 6even if you only have Galaxy A10.

3. Installing and configuring Android Studio for Samsung

Let's start with the base: installation Android Studio and environment settings. Follow the instructions to avoid common errors (for example, problems with Gradle or lack of support for Samsungspecific functions):

1. Download the latest version Android Studio s official website and install it. During installation, check the following boxes:

   • 📦 Android SDK
   • 🖥️ Android Virtual Device (AVD)
   • 🔧 Performance (Intel HAXM) - will speed up the emulator.

Now create the first project:

1. Select File → New → New Project.
2. In the list of templates, find the section "Samsung" and select One UI Template.
3. Indicate the minimum version of Android (we recommend API 33 for Galaxy S23 and newer).
💡

If during synchronization project Gradle gives the error "Failed to resolve Samsung SDK", check the proxy settings in File → Settings → Appearance & Behavior → System Settings → HTTP Proxy. Selecting the "Auto-detect proxy settings" option often helps.

After creating the project, open the file build.gradle (Module: app) and add a dependency for Samsung SDK:

dependencies {
implementation'com.samsung.android.sdk:sdklib:1.0.0'
}

4. Emulator vs real device: what to choose for testing

Testing on an emulator is convenient, but about 30% of bugs appear only on real Samsung devices due to the peculiarities of the One UI firmware. Here is a comparison of the options:

Criterion	Android Studio emulator	Samsung Remote Test Lab	Real device
Cost	Free	Free (time limit)	From 5 000 ₽ for used Galaxy A
Testing accuracy	70% (no hardware features)	95% (real devices)	100%
DeX support	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Performance	Depends on PC	Stable (cloud)	Maximum

For beginners, the best option is a combination of an emulator and Remote Test Lab. For example:

• 📱 Test the basic functionality on an emulator with an image Pixel 5 API 34 (fast and free).
• 🌐 Use Remote Test Lab to test for Galaxy S24+ or Z Fold 5 (10 devices available simultaneously).
• 🔧 Buy a real device only for final testing before release (for example, Galaxy A54 as a budget option).

⚠️ Attention: When testing on real devices Samsung disable Optimize battery usage for your application in the settings (Settings → Device care → Battery → Background work). Otherwise, the system may pause its operation, simulating bugs.

5. Optimization for One UI: 5 key points

The shell One UI imposes specific requirements for design and functionality. Here's what you need to consider:

1. Responsive layouts for DeX: Your app must support two modes:

   • 📱 Mobile: standard vertical/horizontal view.
   • 🖥️ DeX: scaling to resolution 1920×1080 or 2560×1440 with mouse/keyboard support.

Use Configuration Changes in AndroidManifest.xml:

<activity android:name=".MainActivity"
android:configChanges="orientation|screenSize|screenLayout|keyboardHidden">

<style name="AppTheme" parent="Theme.MaterialComponents.DayNight">

6. Publication: Google Play vs Samsung Galaxy Store

You have two main application distribution channels for Samsung: Google Play and branded Galaxy Store. Let's compare them:

To publish the application in Galaxy Store:

1. Register on Seller Office (passport data will be required for verification).
2. Prepare materials:
   • 📸 Screenshots in resolution 1440×3040 (for Galaxy S23).
   • 🎥 Video presentation (optional, but increases the chances of getting featured).
   • 📝 Description in Korean (if the target audience is South Korea).

⚠️ Attention: Samsung blocks the publication of applications that duplicate the functionality of standard services (for example, alternative launchers or browsers). if your solution offers unique features that are not available in One UI.

7. Earning money from applications for Samsung: monetization and affiliate apps

Monetization of applications under Samsung has its own nuances. Here are working strategies:

• 💰 Paid applications: IN Galaxy Store users buy software more often than in Google Play (average bill - $2-5) Popular categories: utilities for DeX, themes for One UI, games with support Game Launcher.
• 📺 Advertising: Use Samsung AdHub —a proprietary advertising network with a CTR 15% higher than that of AdMob, thanks to deep integration with One UI.
• 🔄 Subscriptions: Samsung supports In-App Purchases with automatic renewal. For example, a fitness app might offer monthly access to premium content.
• 🤝 Affiliate apps: Integration with Samsung Health, Pay or SmartThings can bring bonuses from the company (for example, free devices for testing).

An example of a successful monetizacji: the application "Good Lock" (a set of tweaks for One UI) earns $50,000/month only from donations, despite the free distribution model. Its author used:

• 🔹 Free basic version in Galaxy Store.
• 🔹 Subscription plugins ($1-3/month).
• 🔹 Affiliate with Samsung Members (promotions for users).

To increase income, optimize the application for Samsung Knox this gives access to corporate clients. For example, banking applications with support Knox can be sold according to the model B2B with a price tag of $10,000 per license.

8. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced developers make mistakes when working with Samsung. Here are the top 5 problems and their solutions:

1. The application does not run on Galaxy Store:

   • Reason: There is no support 64-bit (mandatory from 2022).
   • Solution: In build.gradle add:

     ndk {
     abiFilters'arm64-v8a','x86_64'
     }

2. Crashes when rotating the screen:

   • Cause: One UI aggressively clears memory when changing orientation.
   • Solution: Save the state in onSaveInstanceState and use ViewModel.

3. Dark Mode does not work:

   • Reason: Colors are hardcoded in colors.xml.
   • Solution: Use dynamic colors:

     <color name="primary_color">?attr/colorPrimary</color>

4. The application is not visible in the search Galaxy Store:

   • Reason: Missing metadata for Samsung.
   • Solution: Add to AndroidManifest.xml:

     <meta-data
     android:name="com.samsung.android.vending.DISPLAY_NAME"
     android:value="@string/app_name" />