Samsung Bloat Ware

[vavavroom]

Well, one man's bloatware is another man's essential preinstalled software, I suppose.

I uninstall the apps I don't want. I may disable uninstallable apps that I don't want but I make sure that doesn't cause functionality problems. I always add several apps I need or want. Customizing and setting up a new phone takes me a couple of hours. Luckily I keep my phones longer than most people and don't have to do this very often.

 

[JohnnyG]

Seven years security updates on newer Samsung S-series, Same as G. Pixel.

Five years on Oneplus 12. Same with Samsung A55 for example.
Realistically will you keep the same phone for five years without replacing the battery?

Actually, I think that is very possible on a Samsung S23 and newer. My 23+ gets two days on the battery, and I only charge it to 80%.
The new processors don't run hot either (like some Pixels). It's pretty well known that heat is the big battery killer.

 

[JohnnyG]

If i remember, i questioned 'why do i need 3 calendars on my phone?"

More like 4 now! Outlook just added one to their email app.

 

[haggler]

Samsung doesn't have that much bloat anymore, especially if you get it unlocked directly from them. If you get a carrier branded device, it will install packages that the carrier wants. If you are technically inclined you can disable most packages either in the OS itself or by issuing commands to the phone connected to a computer over ADB. I haven't had to do that in a while though.

 

[Pew]

More like 4 now! Outlook just added one to their email app.

They've always had a calendar in the Outlook Mobile app though (at least in the past 8 years.)

 

[350Rocket]

Seven years security updates on newer Samsung S-series, Same as G. Pixel.

Five years on Oneplus 12. Same with Samsung A55 for example.
Realistically will you keep the same phone for five years without replacing the battery?

I'm at 4 years on my LG v60 and the battery is only down to 88% health. I'm hoping to get one more year out of it without replacing the battery but I will if I have to. Hardest part of replacing the battery is getting it sealed jack up well enough to have any kind of water resistance after. I could pay someone else to do it but I'd rather not.

 

[350Rocket]

I think samsung is 2 or 3 and slow to release. Apple is immediate. My iphone batt is 92% after 4 (5 years?). Got an employer phone and don't use my iphone as part of "work" equipment

No he's right. Just in the past year I think they went to 5 years software updates and 7 years security updates.
The software used to be terrible on Samsung but nowadays it's much better.
I also have a 7 year old OnePlus phone with the original battery at 76% health. Still fast charges with the original cable too.
My current lg is the best phone I've had but probably Samsung will be my next because I want the s pen for working outside with gloves on.

 

[henni]

All our Android phones SG24U and SG23U and tablets use ADB AppControl to disable, add, delete

https://adbappcontrol.com/en/

Registered version has full functionality and is often discussed on xdaforums.com

 

[dubber09]

Personally, I never needed high end phone and my 1st Android phone was Samsung S2 many many moons ago, followed by Google Nexus 5 (LG) and then I switched to Motorola phones; currently have Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 USA model. I like it, it have built is phone jack, FM radio, and a few useful features like - shake to turn light on/off and rock side to side to get camera on, I use those often. More than adequate performance for me, already got A14, battery lasts more than 2 days...

 

[Kalle.J]

Personally, I never needed high end phone and my 1st Android phone was Samsung S2 many many moons ago, followed by Google Nexus 5 (LG) and then I switched to Motorola phones; currently have Moto G Stylus 5G 2023 USA model. I like it, it have built is phone jack, FM radio, and a few useful features like - shake to turn light on/off and rock side to side to get camera on, I use those often. More than adequate performance for me, already got A14, battery lasts more than 2 days...

All good and well, two day battery is quite normal on phones with 5000+mAh.
Flashlight just draw a V on screen, or double tap lock button to launch camera.

This is one reason to get a flagship phone.

Desktop mode with keyboard and mouse.


https://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?&idPhone2=12725&idPhone3=12545&idPhone1=12772
Pixel lacks UFS 4.0 (energy efficient storage) and Bluetooth 5.4 (better security mostly)

 

[dubber09]

As I said, no need for top end phone, didn't want to spend more than US$250 either, got it on sale, not full $400 price.

 

[97prizm]

Greetings- Years ago I had several android based Samsung phones. Got tired of all the bloat ware that I could not get rid of. Went to Apple and was happy. With their prices so high, I was thinking to go back to Samsung or other android phones. Are they still loaded with unremovable bloat ware?

Yeah I think you can purchase direct without the bloatware. Some of the unlocked phones seem to be absent of extras.

 

[willbur]

A lot of good info and advice- thanks to all

 

[MoneyJohn]

Re: Samsung Bloatware, cheaper Samsung mobile you buy, more bloatware you end up with. That is how they probably reduce the cost to the user by charging the bloatware app creators/providers.

Got S24Ultra directly from Samsung, no bloatware and every app there is on this phone, is uninstallable.

 

[wpod]

If i remember, i questioned 'why do i need 3 calendars on my phone?"

Incase 1 is wrong?

 

[GemStater]

Just last week I bought a used in mint condition Pixel 6 from Swappa.com. Phone came with a new-in-box Spigen brand screen protector and a hardly used Spigen case. As soon as I could, I flashed GrapheneOS to it. So NO bloat ware and NO GApps gobbling up personal metadata in the background. As such better battery life as well. And with security updates until October 2026 to boot All this for less than $250.

 

[JGmazda]

I vowed never to purchase "anything" Samsung because of their terrible bloatware.