Reducing notification size in notification drawer/shade

[TealSeal]

 When my S23+ updated, it went into the split notifications/parameters mode. I was able to fix that, but the notifications still show up as these big colorful cards that take up half the screen and don't allow for a proper overview like before. 

How do I get back to a normal notifications list that doesn't look like I'm using a phone made for the elderly?

I need to be able to read permanent notifications (VPN, download speed, background activity, etc.) as well as regular notifications at a glance since I'm always on the road.

 I deactivated the 'show app icons in notifications" option in the advanced notifications settings, to no avail. I'm still dealing with these big notification cards for kids instead of a proper list.

Nothing in the accessibility settings either, reducing the font size doesn't get rid of the app icons or rounded cards.  If anything, it makes them look bigger.

I'll be diving into the developer options to see if there is a way to get rid of the christmas tree and go back to something that's practical and professional, because this isn't it.

Maybe there is a third-party app that allows normal notifications display?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[PurpleTT]

Same here, I am discusted with these unwanted changes. Its even worse on my tablet. I just want the old style back including 6x6 full screen grid for apps, not this shrunk to center 10x6 garbage.

[PurpleTT]

Ok, I figured out how to somewhat get it back to before the 7.1 mess.
Slide down dropdown menu.
Click edit pencil
Click Panel Settings (top left)
Click Together

[user4UcdM0ywlt]

I've been searching (fruitlessly) for even an app, like goodlock or Notistar, that will allow me to edit the size of these notifications as well. I came from a Note10+ and I agree 100% that the drop down menu feels like its made for Fisher Price or my grandma. My bigger screen somehow doesn't even show half as many notifications, like 80% of the space is dead waste.

[user4UcdM0ywlt]

One thing I found that helps reduce some size, is going into Developers Options > minimum width. Then increase it (recommend 460). This also makes font smaller, so you may need to compensate by changing font size!