As a tech blogger who’s been covering Android developments for years, I’ve seen my fair share of updates that spark debate. The latest one hitting the Google Phone app—often referred to as the dialer or calling screen on Android devices—has certainly stirred the pot. Rolled out in late August 2025, this update introduces a refreshed user interface based on Google’s Material 3 Expressive design language. While it’s meant to modernize the look and feel, a wave of user complaints suggests it’s not landing well with everyone. In this article, we’ll break down what’s changed, why people are unhappy, and whether you can roll back to the older version.

What’s New in the Update?

The Google Phone app, which serves as the default dialer on Pixel devices and is available for other Android phones via the Play Store, received a significant overhaul. This isn’t part of a major OS update like Android 16 but rather a standalone app refresh. Key changes include:

• Favorites Bar Addition: A new bar at the top of the dialer screen for quick access to your most-contacted people. This aims to streamline navigation but has altered the familiar layout.
• Redesigned Call Log: The recent calls section now features a more “expressive” design with rounded elements, larger icons, and a focus on visual flair over simplicity.
• Updated In-Call Interface: Answering or rejecting calls has a new gesture-based method, incorporating dynamic animations and Material 3’s emphasis on expressiveness.
• Overall UI Refresh: The app now aligns with Google’s latest design guidelines, including pill-shaped buttons, bolder colors, and more whitespace for a modern aesthetic.

These tweaks are part of Google’s push to make Android apps more consistent and engaging, but they’ve caught many users off guard. The update started rolling out around August 23, 2025, and affects devices running the latest version of the Phone app from the Play Store.

Why Are People Saying It’s Not Good?

Not everyone appreciates change, especially when it disrupts muscle memory built over years of use. From forums, social media, and tech communities, the complaints boil down to a few common themes:

• Cluttered and Less Intuitive: The new favorites bar and redesigned elements make the screen feel busier. Users report it takes more taps to accomplish simple tasks, like dialing a number or checking call history.
• Performance Hiccups: Some have noted minor lags or glitches during calls, though this could be device-specific. On older hardware, the expressive animations might not run as smoothly.
• Aesthetic Over Functionality: While Material 3 looks fresh, critics argue it prioritizes style over usability. One common gripe is the larger, more spaced-out interface, which feels wasteful on smaller screens.
• Unexpected Rollout: Many users woke up to the new design without warning, leading to confusion. Videos and threads online highlight the “sudden” shift, with some mistaking it for a bug.

It’s worth noting that not all feedback is negative—some appreciate the modern vibe and quicker access to favorites. However, the vocal majority seems to prefer the old-school simplicity. This echoes past Android UI controversies, like the shift to gesture navigation, where familiarity often trumps innovation.

Can You Roll Back to the Older Version?

The good news? Yes, you can revert the changes, at least temporarily. Since this is an app update rather than a system-level change, rolling back is straightforward via the Google Play Store. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for “Phone by Google” (or navigate to it via your installed apps).
3. Tap on the app listing, then select “Uninstall updates.” This will revert the app to its factory-installed version (usually the one that came with your phone’s OS).
4. Restart your phone to ensure the changes take effect.
5. To prevent automatic updates, you can disable auto-updates for the Phone app in Play Store settings, though this isn’t recommended long-term for security reasons.

Keep in mind that this rollback isn’t permanent—Google may push mandatory updates in future OS releases, like Android 16. Also, if you’re on a non-Pixel device, your manufacturer might have customized the dialer, so results could vary. If the old version feels too outdated, third-party dialer apps like Truecaller or Drupe are viable alternatives, but they come with their own privacy considerations.

Final Thoughts

Google’s latest call screen update is a classic case of good intentions meeting user resistance. While the Material 3 Expressive redesign brings Android’s dialer into 2025 with style, it highlights the delicate balance between evolution and usability. If you’re among the dissatisfied, reverting is easy enough for now. That said, give the new design a fair shot—it might grow on you after a week or two.

As always, tech evolves, and user feedback often shapes future tweaks. If you’ve experienced this update, drop your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned for more Android insights!