topic Google and Samsung ruining Android. in Other Smartphones

Google and Samsung ruining Android.

JohnBoyz — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:12:02 GMT

Google, and subsequently Samsung have restricted and locked down Android to the point of an IPhone. I can't edit any files in the Android/data sub system. This was the thing that made android good. Open source customisation.

Since that is being forcibly removed, you are better off buying an IPhone because it will give you a far superior experience with a locked down eco system. Android was only worth while whilst you could actually control your own device and the data on it.

Google is showing it is a fascist company who works primarily with governments and defence agencies ensuring they can oppress people like you and me.

If Samsung doesn't leave an option for installing other operating systems on their devices (GrapheneOS) then I will no longer buy a Samsung product.

Having open source customisation was the reason I switched to Samsung and Android, if they want to take that away, then I have I zero reason to stay on a terrible, sub par system.

Apple has far better app quality and far more professional applications. If Google is locked down (it is) then Apple is the superior brand and OS.

Extremely disappointed in Samsung and typical scummy Google, being themselves.

I will likely buy a Motorola as they will allow the user the option to install a truly open source, privacy and developer friendly OS.

Re: Google and Samsung ruining Android.

arianwen27 — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:26:12 GMT

You can edit those files if you connect your phone to a pc btw

Re: Re: Google and Samsung ruining Android.

JohnBoyz — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:37:25 GMT

Only some my friend, I appreciate your answer. I tried transferring a .sav file to a game folder, and it wouldn't transfer. It show the bar, but never completes. The files do not transfer. Literally making it impossible to do without some work around. This is through PC too, having already attempted from the device.

It's not even September 2026 where Google said they will lock everything down.

I have a feeling Samsung follows Google's guidelines very tightly too.

As mentioned Motorola seem to be open to making phones that allow the installation of GrapheneOS, something that Samsung has seemingly removed (not sure when) but a locked bootloader means a locked device, and Apple makes the best locked devices by a long, long margin.

Just very disappointed. Technology rather than liberate, is being used to dominate and control, and we haven't even seen the worst of it yet.

Re: Google and Samsung ruining Android.

JAMES4578 — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:12:33 GMT

With regard to Google plans developer verification does not prevent sideloading and there will be a separate system for student and hobby developers. whilst some are fans of Graphene unlikely Samsung would allow access to the full security feature set . There are options via computer as mentioned.

Anyway think you will find Apple more restricted.

Re: Re: Re: Google and Samsung ruining Android.

arianwen27 — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:12:51 GMT

I know it's not too helpful but for the reason I buy samsung phones, I would advise doing shenanigans to anything but a samsung phone.

What I mean is this. S series samsung phones have really nice security. Part of the cost of the phone is the really nice security. The second you try to flash another os or something like that, that money goes down the drain as you trip knox. Now that security you paid for is useless.

So with how I see it, you don't buy a samsung if you plan on flashing it and doing "sketchy thing" with it. A standard android that doesn't include extra security is ideal for that. Now if the phone is out of warranty and software support, go have fun with it.

As for my phone, I really like the security but I also do lots of things with my phone. The outcome is I use shizuku. Normal app on the play store, allows the phone to ADB into itself to give apps semi root level permissions without violating any security system.

Re: Re: Google and Samsung ruining Android.

JohnBoyz — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:17:18 GMT

Side loading will be locked to verified devs, meaning you have to provide identification to Google, who will then provide that to their partners and governments who request it.

This is a very privacy hostile move, but goes hand in hand with the large authoritarian push coming from western tech and financial institutions (fascism). Samsung obliged as many do.

This is still a liberty hostile policy by people who wish to hold you accountable for 'bad words', whilst their friends are trafficking children to private islands...

I guess I'm just sick of this very overt push by the worst elements of society to control what people say or do.

Rather than be quiet about it, I'm very loud.

We all have choices to make and I'm making mine by protesting and highlighting these problems.

Re: Re: Google and Samsung ruining Android.

JAMES4578 — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 17:14:14 GMT

Obviously you have strong views on this and I was just pointing out the situation as a result of changes. There are obviously risks but there tends to be tradeoffs. There is though a need to reduce malware and improve security.

Re: Re: Google and Samsung ruining Android.

Sonora — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:51:17 GMT

'Side loading will be locked to verified devs, meaning you have to provide identification to Google, who will then provide that to their partners and governments who request it.'

I agree that developers must be verified.

So there will be less of this. The video begins with the sentence "It was a matter of time.."

https://youtu.be/7GS6Xs4hdvg?si=y5inElC8_OAlOj0-