If you don’t want carrier-branded apps or tons of partner preinstalled apps, get an unlocked device straight from the factory and not through the carrier because you’ll find that most carrier-branded devices come with so much bloat. A case in point is the new Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. This is a beast of a phone that also comes with a bunch of carrier-installed apps when you buy it from AT&T.
Here’s the huge list of what comes on the device when first activated.
Array of AT&T branded apps
- AT&T Cloud
- AT&T TV
- Call Protect
- Device Help
- Mobile Security
- myAT&T
- Setup & Transfer
- AT&T ProTech
- AT&T Smart WiFi
- AT&T Games
Other 3rd party apps
- Amazon Shopping
- Best Fiends
- Direct TV
- HBO Max
- Huuge Casino
- DC Infinite
- NBA
- Raid
- Slotmania
- SmartNews
- Solitaire
- Solitaire (a different version)
- Spotify
- Star Trek Fleet Command
- Word Trip
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Microsoft Outlook
With the 3rd party apps, that’s not even including the recommended apps that they try to get you to download when you’re setting up your phone, nor does it include the giant AT&T Entertainment widget on the home screen that also recommends apps. Luckily, every one of those 3rd party apps can be uninstalled.
The AT&T branded apps however can only be disabled.
So why would you buy a carrier-branded phone over an unlocked phone? Basically in my case, Best Buy had a great sale on the Galaxy S21 5G and AT&T had a crazy trade-in deal. On the plus side, many of the 3rd party apps can just be deleted and you’ll have to just live with the AT&T apps or disable them. But if having a stock experience without the bloat is what you’re looking for, then definitely pick up the unlocked version of this device. Just make sure you pick the right one that will work with the carrier you’re currently on.
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