Neither Samsung Keyboard nor Gboard can be called the universal privacy winner, and current evidence does not establish a consistent difference in how their recent-emoji lists work or can be cleared. Your best choice depends on the controls available in your phone’s software and keyboard version: Samsung documents Galaxy-focused customization and ways to manage personalized predictions, while Google documents conditional use of personal context for Gboard suggestions and a separate federated-learning approach.
Samsung Keyboard vs. Gboard at a glance
| What matters | Samsung Keyboard | Gboard |
|---|---|---|
| Recent emoji history | Samsung documents emoji suggestions, but the available documentation does not establish how a separate recent-emoji list is stored or cleared across current versions. [Samsung Canada support] | A forensic presentation shows a “RECENTLY USED” emoji panel in the specific Gboard version it examined. It does not establish behavior for every current version. [Gboard forensic presentation] |
| Prediction controls | Samsung support describes Smart typing controls and options to erase personalized prediction data; labels and availability vary by device and region. [Samsung Caribbean support] | Google says typing history and supported messaging-app screen context may be used for relevant suggestions when the user gives permission and enables “Personalized suggestions.” [Google Gboard Help] |
| Customization | Samsung documents Galaxy keyboard options. A software update notice for model SM-G781B gives version-specific examples including emoji pairs, rearrangeable emoji/sticker buttons, kaomoji, and spacebar-row choices. [Samsung update notice] | Customization options depend on the installed app and device. The sources cited here do not provide a comparable, current feature inventory for Gboard. |
| Privacy evidence | Samsung provides prediction controls and a product statement about personalized data, but the available sources are not a full independent audit of all keyboard processing. [Samsung US support] [Samsung Galaxy Store listing] | Google describes conditional personalized suggestions and federated learning for certain improvements. These statements cover different functions, not every data flow. [Google Gboard Help] [Google Safety Center] |
How recent emoji history works—and what remains unclear
A “recently used” emoji panel is a practical convenience, but the available evidence does not support a reliable, current, device-wide comparison of its behavior between Samsung Keyboard and Gboard. A forensic presentation documents a recently used panel in the Gboard version it analyzed; that is evidence about that version, not a guarantee about the app you have now.
Samsung documents emoji suggestions and emoji/sticker integration, but that does not establish that every version maintains a separate recent-use list or explain whether clearing prediction data also removes one. Samsung’s support pages describe clearing personalized predictions and cache, not a universal recent-emoji reset.
Check the keyboard installed on your phone
- Open the keyboard in a text field and tap its emoji button. Look for a “Recent” or “Recently used” section and note which keyboard is active.
- Open that keyboard’s settings and look for prediction, personalization, history, or reset controls. The names and locations can change with the app, system version, region, and language.
- After changing a setting, return to the emoji picker and check whether the recent list changed. Do not assume that clearing personalized predictions or cache clears emoji history unless the installed app confirms it.
- If you switch keyboards or update an app, check again: the list and available controls may differ after the change.
What each keyboard documents about privacy
Gboard: personalized suggestions and federated learning are distinct
Google’s Gboard Help says: “With your permission, when ‘Personalized suggestions’ is enabled, Gboard can use your typing history, as well as screen context taken at the time of use from supported first- and third-party messaging apps, to provide relevant suggestions.” The statement is conditional on permission and the setting being enabled; it describes this suggestion feature, not all Gboard data handling. [Google Gboard Help]
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Separately, Google Safety Center describes using federated learning to improve Gboard autocorrect and word and emoji suggestions. It says learnings may be sent to Google services without including what the user typed or spoke. This is Google’s description of that learning approach; it should not be read as a blanket account of every Gboard feature or data flow. [Google Safety Center]
Samsung: controls are documented, but they are not a complete audit
Samsung support describes Smart typing controls, including options to turn features off and erase personalized prediction data. The Galaxy Store listing says personalized data is used to improve recommended performance. These product descriptions and controls do not establish how every keyboard function processes data. [Samsung Caribbean support] [Samsung Galaxy Store listing]
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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What an independent Samsung test did—and did not—find
In an October 16, 2023 disclosure, Citizen Lab reported keystroke data transmission in its test of Samsung Keyboard on a Chinese-edition Samsung device, model SM-T220, running specified firmware with Pinyin selected. This is a configuration-specific observation. It does not establish behavior for other languages, device editions, regions, firmware, current releases, or Samsung Keyboard use generally. [Citizen Lab disclosure]
Because this observation is narrow and there is no like-for-like independent audit of both current keyboards under the same conditions, it cannot settle which app is more private overall.
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Customization: Samsung examples are device- and version-specific
Samsung describes Smart typing features that include text and emoji suggestions, alongside controls for managing those features. Its support guidance and menu labels can vary: Samsung Canada notes that screens and settings may differ by country and that its instructions apply only to the default Samsung Keyboard. [Samsung Canada support]
A Samsung update notice for model SM-G781B offers concrete examples of keyboard customization: more than 80 additional emojis for emoji pairs, rearrangeable emoji and sticker buttons, kaomoji, and choices for keys and punctuation in the spacebar row. Those are features described for that device’s update, not a promise that every Galaxy phone has them. [Samsung update notice]
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- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Samsung’s US instructions describe keyboard settings, erasing personalized predictions, and clearing cache. Treat those as examples, not universal menu paths; available screens depend on the phone and software release. [Samsung US support]
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose on your Galaxy phone
- Prefer Galaxy-specific options: Check Samsung Keyboard’s settings and emoji picker first. Its documented features include Smart typing controls and, on certain devices and updates, deeper emoji and layout customization.
- Prefer Gboard’s documented personalization controls: Review the “Personalized suggestions” setting and the permissions you have granted. Google’s description of using typing history and supported messaging-app screen context applies only when the required permission and setting are in place.
- Want a quieter suggestion experience: Turn off the relevant prediction or personalization options in the keyboard you use, then verify the result in your everyday apps. Disabling one feature should not be treated as proof that all processing has stopped.
- Care most about recent emoji: Test the emoji picker and reset controls on your installed version. The current evidence does not establish a universal winner for recent-list storage, syncing, or clearing.
Before comparing settings, note the keyboard app version, phone model, Android and One UI versions, input language, region, and whether Smart typing or “Personalized suggestions” is enabled. These details can change both the available features and the menu you see. Samsung’s support pages explicitly caution that screens and settings may vary. [Samsung Canada support] [Samsung US support]
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
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