Best alternative to iPhone?

[jamezr]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I believe all those apps can be uninstalled completely off the iPhone?

I know on a Samsung Galaxy phone, they have a ton of bloatware, and most of it cannot be uninstalled, it's stuck permantly on the Galaxy phone. Crazy stupid apps that Samsung includes, like the DirectTV app, and so many weird useless crappy apps they have come pre-installed on their Galaxy phones, that just take up resources and run in the background.

I think it depends on where you buy your Samsung phone. I have direct unlocked Samsung S21 Ultra and it has no bloatware apps installed.

 

[LFC2020]

I think it depends on where you buy your Samsung phone. I have direct unlocked Samsung S21 Ultra and it has no bloatware apps installed.

What about apps like Facebook and Netflix that can only be disabled, not deleted.

 

[jamezr]

What about apps like Facebook and Netflix that can only be disabled, not deleted.

I don't consider that bloatware. I use those apps. Then there are tons of apps on my 12 Pro Max that I cannot delete as well.

 

[jdlindsey7]

Correct me if I'm wrong, I believe all those apps can be uninstalled completely off the iPhone?

I know on a Samsung Galaxy phone, they have a ton of bloatware, and most of it cannot be uninstalled, it's stuck permantly on the Galaxy phone. Crazy stupid apps that Samsung includes, like the DirectTV app, and so many weird useless crappy apps they have come pre-installed on their Galaxy phones, that just take up resources and run in the background.

No you can uninstall most all on the Samsung phone as well.

 

[The Game 161]

Facebook can be deleted on my fold. Not come across any I can’t delete

 

[Tig Bitties]

The Facebook app is one of the worst apps anyone can have installed on their smartphone. It's common knowledge you should erase and wipe that crap from existence. It's a major hog on a phone, plus total spyware. iPhone and Google Pixel phones that isn't even on there, and if so can totally be removed for good. On Samsung, I think it's stuck there, even if "Disabled" it's still there spying on you just a bit in secret

"Nuke it from space, it's the only way to be sure."

Any phone that has stupid bloatware galore, and duplicate apps like 2 Calendars and 2 clocks, and 2 messaging apps, is a phone I would never buy in a billion years.

 

[Breaking Good]

I'll take a look at the iPhone SE. Thanks.

This is what I was going to suggest. You currently use a seven year old device. You are not someone concerned with having the latest and greatest smartphone. So why make things difficult on yourself.

 

[Tig Bitties]

None of this garbage should be on any smartphone;

List of Samsung Bloatware You can Safely Uninstall (2024)

If you want to uninstall system apps on your Samsung Galaxy phone or Tab, here is a list of safe-to-remove Samsung bloatware.

technastic.com

Android Bloatware on Samsung Devices​

com.android.bips | Default Printing Service
com.android.bookmarkprovider | Bookmark Provider
com.android.browser | Web Browser
com.android.calendar | Calendar app
com.android.cellbroadcastreceiver | Cell broadcasting
com.android.cellbroadcastreceiver.overlay.common
com.android.chrome | Chrome Browser
com.android.deskclock | Stock Clock app
com.android.dreams.basic | Screensaver app
com.android.dreams.phototable | Screensaver app
com.android.egg | Android Easter Egg
com.android.emergency | SOS Calling
com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle | OK Google
com.android.mms | MMS app
com.android.mms.service | MMS
com.android.printspooler | Printing service
com.android.statementservice | Checks APK files
com.android.stk | SIM Tool-kit
com.android.wallpaper.livepicker | Live wallpaper
com.android.wallpaperbackup | Wallpaper backup feature
com.android.wallpapercropper | Wallpaper cropping feature
com.android.providers.downloads.ui
com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.android.vpndialogs | VPN Dialog

Samsung Bixby Bloatware​

After disabling Samsung Bixby, you can easily remap the power-cum-Bixby button on your Samsung using a button remapper app from the Play Store.

com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup
com.samsung.android.app.spage | Bixby homepage launcher
com.samsung.android.app.routines | Bixby Routines
com.samsung.android.bixby.service | Bixby features
com.samsung.android.visionintelligence | Bixby Vision
com.samsung.android.bixby.agent | Bixby Voice
com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.dummy | Bixby debug app
com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework | Bixby Vision

General System Bloatware on Samsung​

com.samsung.android.messaging | Message app
com.sec.android.easyonehand | One hand mode
com.samsung.android.drivelink.stub | Samsung Car Mode
com.sec.android.widgetapp.samsungapps | Homescreen widget
com.sec.android.app.sbrowser | Samsung Internet
com.samsung.android.mateagent | Galaxy Friends
com.sec.android.easyMover.Agent | Samsung Smart Switch
com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub | Galaxy Watch
com.sec.android.daemonapp | Samsung Weather
com.samsung.android.app.social | What's New
com.samsung.ecomm.global | Samsung Shop
com.sec.android.app.voicenote | Voice Recorder
com.samsung.android.oneconnect | Smart Things
com.samsung.android.voc | Samsung Members
com.sec.android.app.popupcalculator | Samsung Calculator
com.sec.android.splitsound | Samsung Split Sound Service
com.mobeam.barcodeService | Barcode scanner
com.samsung.android.app.dressroom | Samsung Wallpapers
com.samsung.android.scloud | Samsung Cloud
com.samsung.android.sdk.handwriting | Galaxy Note series bloat
com.samsung.android.sdk.professionalaudio.utility.jammonitor
com.samsung.android.universalswitch | Mobile Universal Switch
com.samsung.android.visioncloudagent | VisionCloudAgent
com.samsung.android.visionintelligence | Bixby Vision
com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.finance | Finance widget
com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.sport | Sports widget
com.samsung.app.highlightplayer | Samsung Story Video Editor
com.samsung.safetyinformation | Saftey Information
com.samsung.storyservice | Samsung StoryService (Tracks device activity)
com.samsung.android.service.aircommand | Air command (Note series bloat)
com.samsung.android.app.aodservice | Always on Display
com.sec.android.app.dexonpc | Samsung Dex
com.samsung.android.ardrawing | AR Doodle
com.samsung.android.svoiceime | Samsung Voice Input
com.samsung.android.beaconmanager | User tracking app (sensitive)
com.samsung.android.email.provider | Samsung Email
com.wsomacp | Samsung Email


There's even more on that list. Any smartphone manufacturer that has this much bloat preinstalled on their phone, will never get my business.

 

[jdlindsey7]

The Facebook app is one of the worst apps anyone can have installed on their smartphone. It's common knowledge you should erase and wipe that crap from existence. It's a major hog on a phone, plus total spyware. iPhone and Google Pixel phones that isn't even on there, and if so can totally be removed for good. On Samsung, I think it's stuck there, even if "Disabled" it's still there spying on you just a bit in secret

"Nuke it from space, it's the only way to be sure."

Any phone that has stupid bloatware galore, and duplicate apps like 2 Calendars and 2 clocks, and 2 messaging apps, is a phone I would never buy in a billion years.

I agree, and I typically only use the iPhone and Pixel, but it should be said for a point or accuracy that Samsung has done a lot better than they did say 5 years ago. They have their share of bloat but it can be uninstalled just like how Apple puts a stupid compass on your phone and it can be uninstalled.

 

[LFC2020]

None of this garbage should be on any smartphone;

List of Samsung Bloatware You can Safely Uninstall (2024)

If you want to uninstall system apps on your Samsung Galaxy phone or Tab, here is a list of safe-to-remove Samsung bloatware.

technastic.com

Android Bloatware on Samsung Devices​

com.android.bips | Default Printing Service
com.android.bookmarkprovider | Bookmark Provider
com.android.browser | Web Browser
com.android.calendar | Calendar app
com.android.cellbroadcastreceiver | Cell broadcasting
com.android.cellbroadcastreceiver.overlay.common
com.android.chrome | Chrome Browser
com.android.deskclock | Stock Clock app
com.android.dreams.basic | Screensaver app
com.android.dreams.phototable | Screensaver app
com.android.egg | Android Easter Egg
com.android.emergency | SOS Calling
com.android.hotwordenrollment.okgoogle | OK Google
com.android.mms | MMS app
com.android.mms.service | MMS
com.android.printspooler | Printing service
com.android.statementservice | Checks APK files
com.android.stk | SIM Tool-kit
com.android.wallpaper.livepicker | Live wallpaper
com.android.wallpaperbackup | Wallpaper backup feature
com.android.wallpapercropper | Wallpaper cropping feature
com.android.providers.downloads.ui
com.android.providers.partnerbookmarks
com.android.sharedstoragebackup
com.android.vpndialogs | VPN Dialog

Samsung Bixby Bloatware​

After disabling Samsung Bixby, you can easily remap the power-cum-Bixby button on your Samsung using a button remapper app from the Play Store.

com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup
com.samsung.android.app.spage | Bixby homepage launcher
com.samsung.android.app.routines | Bixby Routines
com.samsung.android.bixby.service | Bixby features
com.samsung.android.visionintelligence | Bixby Vision
com.samsung.android.bixby.agent | Bixby Voice
com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.dummy | Bixby debug app
com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework | Bixby Vision

General System Bloatware on Samsung​

com.samsung.android.messaging | Message app
com.sec.android.easyonehand | One hand mode
com.samsung.android.drivelink.stub | Samsung Car Mode
com.sec.android.widgetapp.samsungapps | Homescreen widget
com.sec.android.app.sbrowser | Samsung Internet
com.samsung.android.mateagent | Galaxy Friends
com.sec.android.easyMover.Agent | Samsung Smart Switch
com.samsung.android.app.watchmanagerstub | Galaxy Watch
com.sec.android.daemonapp | Samsung Weather
com.samsung.android.app.social | What's New
com.samsung.ecomm.global | Samsung Shop
com.sec.android.app.voicenote | Voice Recorder
com.samsung.android.oneconnect | Smart Things
com.samsung.android.voc | Samsung Members
com.sec.android.app.popupcalculator | Samsung Calculator
com.sec.android.splitsound | Samsung Split Sound Service
com.mobeam.barcodeService | Barcode scanner
com.samsung.android.app.dressroom | Samsung Wallpapers
com.samsung.android.scloud | Samsung Cloud
com.samsung.android.sdk.handwriting | Galaxy Note series bloat
com.samsung.android.sdk.professionalaudio.utility.jammonitor
com.samsung.android.universalswitch | Mobile Universal Switch
com.samsung.android.visioncloudagent | VisionCloudAgent
com.samsung.android.visionintelligence | Bixby Vision
com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.finance | Finance widget
com.samsung.android.widgetapp.yahooedge.sport | Sports widget
com.samsung.app.highlightplayer | Samsung Story Video Editor
com.samsung.safetyinformation | Saftey Information
com.samsung.storyservice | Samsung StoryService (Tracks device activity)
com.samsung.android.service.aircommand | Air command (Note series bloat)
com.samsung.android.app.aodservice | Always on Display
com.sec.android.app.dexonpc | Samsung Dex
com.samsung.android.ardrawing | AR Doodle
com.samsung.android.svoiceime | Samsung Voice Input
com.samsung.android.beaconmanager | User tracking app (sensitive)
com.samsung.android.email.provider | Samsung Email
com.wsomacp | Samsung Email


There's even more on that list. Any smartphone manufacturer that has this much bloat preinstalled on their phone, will never get my business.

Lot of garbage there, explains why Samsung phones are notorious for over heating issues, lag, crap battery life and stand by battery drain.

 

[jamezr]

I agree, and I typically only use the iPhone and Pixel, but it should be said for a point or accuracy that Samsung has done a lot better than they did say 5 years ago. They have their share of bloat but it can be uninstalled just like how Apple puts a stupid compass on your phone and it can be uninstalled.

Or they will let you delete Safari...only to have web based apps not work. For me Safari is bloatware.
So is the stocks app...bloatware.

 

[jamezr]

This whole bloatware conversation is pointless. Use what phone or platform or phone maker you like.
But it really shows how insecure some people are they they have to justify their choices by putting other choice down.
Just how insecure are people like that.
Live and let live people.

 

[Tig Bitties]

This whole bloatware conversation is pointless. Use what phone or platform or phone maker you like.
But it really shows how insecure some people are they they have to justify their choices by putting other choice down.
Just how insecure are people like that.
Live and let live people.

What does this have to do with insecurity? I like Samsung's hardware and they make a great phone, but their software and UI is not my cup of tea, yeah it's gotten better for sure, but the whole idea of duplicate apps that Google already makes, and the sickening bloatware, to me, is just so wrong, and should be avoided at all costs.

I like my smartphones to have just the barebones almost empty software, nothing on it, the minimal apps just enough to make the phone work. And then let me pick and choose which apps I want to install.

To me for Android those phones are Goggle's Pixel line and Motorola and OnePlus. LG, and Samsung seem to have a lot of bloat and extras I just don't want on a smartphone.

But that's my opinion.

 

[Madtiger27]

This whole bloatware conversation is pointless. Use what phone or platform or phone maker you like.
But it really shows how insecure some people are they they have to justify their choices by putting other choice down.
Just how insecure are people like that.
Live and let live people.

I know, right?! ...especially when someone who owns another phone (a phone that runs some form of Android for example) goes to an iPhone forum just to defend their choice or criticize iPhones....

Those folks are so damn insecure like little school girls....

 

[jamezr]

What does this have to do with insecurity? I like Samsung's hardware and they make a great phone, but their software and UI is not my cup of tea, yeah it's gotten better for sure, but the whole idea of duplicate apps that Google already makes, and the sickening bloatware, to me, is just so wrong, and should be avoided at all costs.

I like my smartphones to have just the barebones almost empty software, nothing on it, the minimal apps just enough to make the phone work. And then let me pick and choose which apps I want to install.

To me for Android those phones are Goggle's Pixel line and Motorola and OnePlus. LG, and Samsung seem to have a lot of bloat and extras I just don't want on a smartphone.

But that's my opinion.

If you don't like those phones and phone makers....don't buy them. That seems like a very simple solution. But then after making the choice why the need to go back and trash them? By all means don't by a Samsung LG. See how simple that was. Then how you feel about Facebook...others feel the same way about Google because lets face it...the both data mine all us and use or data. But somehow you like Google's Pixel phones....a hardware model to mine more data.

You know other people have the exact opposite preference and choices than you do?
What you hate is someone else's favorite and so forth.

But it is funny to watch some here complain about phones or platforms they have no interest in.
It really shows how insecure they are.....They have to put things down to justify their own choices.
Their choices are inline with public opinion of that choice.

 

[jamezr]

I know, right?! ...especially when someone who owns another phone (a phone that runs some form of Android for example) goes to an iPhone forum just to defend their choice or criticize iPhones....

I agree 100% If you don't like iPhones....then maybe stay out of the iPhone threads? Same goes for the Alternative section here on MR...don't like Android phones.....maybe stay out of this section.

Sounds like a win win for everyone.

 

[magicman32]

Dont worry, China loving Biden will reverse that shortly

Ignoring the lazy, partisan, false characterization, fine by me. I’d love to be able to get a Huawei phone again. The P30 has been one of my favorite phones I’ve owned.

 

[LFC2020]

For me Safari is bloatware.
.

Now you’re just being silly lol.

 

[Tig Bitties]

This is a forum to discuss different brand phones, and the pros and cons. Some may agree with some opinions, some may totally disagree. But that's what great about this particular section of MacRumors, to have that fun back and forth on the many different type of smartphones.

I love how people get all butt hurt when some disagree with their opinion. LOL. Then don't reply or just leave the forum, case closed.

Oh my God you said Pixel phones suck, how dare you. HAHA. Or iOS is the worst thing ever, what, how dare you say something so outrageous like that LOL. Or I love Samsung phones, they complete me, I am not able to live without One UI and a Galaxy phone HAHA LOL But a serious comment, any douche that has the official Facebook app installed on their phone, is either a clueless teenager, or a grandparent, or just brain dead LOL

My personal phones I use in 2021, a iPhone 12 Pro Max, and a Pixel 4 XL and Pixel 5. Like them all for different reasons, but surprisingly the 12 Pro Max is much better than I expected, a beast of a smartphone. But so is the Pixel 5, a tiny little guy, but it packs a punch for being a small more budget type phone, it's actually really good.

 

[LFC2020]

The great man has spoken ?

 

[Madtiger27]

I agree 100% If you don't like iPhones....then maybe stay out of the iPhone threads? Same goes for the Alternative section here on MR...don't like Android phones.....maybe stay out of this section.

Sounds like a win win for everyone.

Yup...even better if the Android user(s) understand that their phones are not particularly good and have more gimmicks than real use...at least when compared to the current crop of iPhones. That is just the truth. You and others may give a hissy fit but Android phones are just not complete packages...and at times, far from it.

Now, that is a win-win for everyone.

 

[jamezr]

Yeah....see there is nothing like an insecure iphone user. To always have to put down others to justify their choices.

It is really sad to be that insecure about something as insignificant as phone choices

 

[The_Interloper]

Any phone that has stupid bloatware galore, and duplicate apps like 2 Calendars and 2 clocks, and 2 messaging apps, is a phone I would never buy in a billion years.

Let's assume you are referring to Samsung phones here. This is a misconception. There are NOT 2 calendar apps, 2 messaging apps etc. There is 1 of each preloaded on the phone, just like an iPhone. They are Samsung's own apps and it is perfectly logical that any user who has just bought and set up the phone should have first-party apps to cover this functionality.

Google Calendar, Messages, Clock etc have to be installed from the Play Store. This is at least the case here in the UK/Europe on unlocked Samsung phones.

The only exceptions to this are Samsung's browser and email apps. I believe Gmail and Chrome are also preloaded but this is probably a requirement of Google and I see no reason why alternatives wouldn't be provided. Not everyone has a Gmail account or even wants to use Chrome etc.

 

[Madtiger27]

Yeah....see there is nothing like an insecure iphone user. To always have to put down others to justify their choices.

It is really sad to be that insecure about something as insignificant as phone choices

Just facts dude. Sorry if that makes you so sensitive that you have to go on an iPhone forum to defend your wrong choice.

 

[jamezr]

Just facts dude. Sorry if that makes you so sensitive that you have to go on an iPhone forum to defend your wrong choice.

So why is my choice wrong again? Oh that right that is you putting down anything that doesn't fit your narrow POV

BTW I have an PM 12 and a S21 Ultra
Ipad....iMac...MBP