In recent evaluations of Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 series, a notable aspect has emerged: the software experience. Samsung’s One UI, particularly in its latest iteration, One UI 8.5, has garnered praise for its customization capabilities and stability, arguably surpassing even Apple’s iOS in certain respects. However, this commendation comes with a caveat—many users find themselves grappling with an array of pre-installed applications, often referred to as bloatware, which can consume valuable storage space.
Samsung Shop
The Samsung Shop app is frequently the first to go for many users. Designed for browsing and purchasing Samsung products, it tends to inundate users with notifications that resemble advertisements for the latest offerings. For those uninterested in constant alerts, uninstalling this app post-setup can free up approximately 154MB of storage.
Samsung TV Plus
This app, familiar to users of Samsung smart TVs, provides access to free, ad-supported channels. While it may have its merits on a larger screen, on a mobile device, it primarily occupies storage without offering substantial utility. Opting for platforms like YouTube for free content can be a more efficient choice, allowing users to reclaim around 67MB by removing Samsung TV Plus.
Global Goals
Developed in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program, the Global Goals app aims to promote sustainability and charitable contributions. Despite its noble intentions, many users find it to be another unnecessary pre-installed app. The app’s tendency to alter lock screen wallpapers can also be a nuisance for those who prefer a consistent aesthetic. Deleting it can save around 121MB.
Samsung Kids
Targeted at creating a child-friendly environment, the Samsung Kids app restricts access to personal data and regular applications. While it offers a curated selection of games and tools, for users without children, it merely takes up space, allowing for a modest recovery of 35MB upon removal.
M365 Copilot
This app serves as a rebranded Microsoft 365 Office hub, integrating AI functionalities for document management. However, for users who primarily utilize Google’s suite of applications, M365 Copilot may feel redundant. Uninstalling it can free up a significant 334MB of storage.
OneDrive
Similar to M365 Copilot, OneDrive is pre-installed on Galaxy devices, yet its necessity is often questioned. While it may benefit users entrenched in Microsoft’s ecosystem, many find Google Drive sufficient for their needs. Removing OneDrive can reclaim an additional 169MB.
Pre-installed LinkedIn may serve a niche audience, but for the average user, it often remains untouched. Its presence on the device is arguably unnecessary, and uninstalling it can clear up another 159MB of space.
Get that bloatware out of here
In total, by removing these seven applications, users can reclaim over 1GB of storage. While some may fear that uninstalling these apps could impact performance, most are merely bundled due to partnerships and promotions rather than being essential for device functionality. Although it would be beneficial for Samsung to allow users to select preferred apps during setup, the current landscape permits easy uninstallation post-setup, enhancing the overall user experience.
