Overview: I’ve noticed an inconsistency on Samsung devices running One UI 7 and above when it comes to displaying contact nicknames. Even though I’ve set nicknames for several contacts in the Samsung Contacts app, these are not displayed consistently across the system.
Here’s what I’ve observed:
- In the Samsung Messages app, even when a contact has a nickname, it still displays the full name in the conversation list and chat window.
- However, when someone from my contacts calls me, the phone only shows the full name, not the nickname, which defeats the purpose of using a nickname for easy recognition or privacy.
Suggested Improvements:
1. Messages App:
- If a nickname is set for a contact, allow the nickname to be shown instead of the full name in both the chat list and individual messages.
- Optionally, include a toggle in Settings > Messages > Display Options to let users choose whether to display nicknames or full names.
2. Phone/Call Screen:
- During incoming and outgoing calls, display both the nickname and full name, for example: Alex (Alejandro Gomez) or Alejandro "Alex" Gomez.
- This improves clarity while still keeping the contact experience personal and user-defined.
3. System-Wide Consistency:
Ensure that nicknames are used consistently across all Samsung apps like Contacts, Call History, Messages, and Notifications, depending on user preferences.