Setup and use without using Samsung account

[PeteCC]

I'm thinking of buying a Samsung phone (A series).

Over time, I've used many manufacturer's phones, and, especially recently there seems to be increasing attempts to draw people into the manufacturer's own 'ecosystem', with alternatives to google apps like contacts, calendar, wallet, etc. This seems like nothing more than marketing to me, and I have zero interest in it. Google has to know all about my details like contacts and that's bad enough but it's worth it for the easy transfer across devices. I positively don't want another big corporation poking their nose in too.

I've got nothing against Samsung in particular, it's a general attitude towards device manufacturers.

So, to get to the point, I want to make sure, before I part with my cash, that I can setup and use a Samsung phone without using my Samsung account at all, and I can replace all the Samsung apps (contacts, calendar, pay...) with the Google equivalents (I did it with an old tablet but that was several years ago now).

Any information appreciated.

[Fiona26]

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/mobile-apps-services/samsung-account/td-p/8994076
It's possible yes. Some Samsung apps you can uninstall, some you can only disable.

[Glenntech]

Well you can. I don't have a Samsung account setup on my work A23 phone.
But obviously you will face some restrictions, mostly with Samsung apps. You won't be able to update them from the Galaxy Store for example.
My phone still gets software updates etc.
But it would be a smoother experience if I did sign into my Samsung account. But because it's a work phone, I'm not going to.
As to deleting apps. Some you can, but others not. Just depends on the importance I guess with the phone operations

[Robin999]

Hi, and welcome to the UK community.

In all honesty, if you're considering a Samsung device, then your experience will be a whole lot smoother if you set up a Samsung account. As you've found out, you can't use Google apps and services without having a Google account. Well, it's no different with Samsung. You don't have to have an account, but it'll save you some headaches if you have one. There's also the benefits an account brings, such as backup, support via the members app, and others. Seriously, your information is secure and private. Samsung do not 'poke' their noses into your personal data. I'm an S series user, and I couldn't do half the things I do (cross device integration) without a Samsung account.
Saying that, Samsung has taken the decision to drop one of its apps in favour of the Google equivalent. Samsung Messages app is no longer pre installed on new US devices. I'm not in favour of this move and hope it doesn't filter thru to the UK. This move opens up the possibility of other Samsung apps being discontinued in favour of their Google equivalent. Pros and cons of owning an Android device, I suppose.

https://www.samsung.com/uk/why-samsung-account/

[Lingard87]

If you really want a privacy and security focused phone, have a look at GrapheneOS

[PeteCC]

Thanks to all for the replies and the information. I'm now more confident of going for Samsung.

I've done everything I've needed to do with a phone (and an older Samsung tablet) up to now without using any Samsung specific apps and when it gets to my next phone (after the one I'm about to buy) I don't want to be restricted to Samsung, so I'll sacrifice any advantages they have for the flexibility of choosing any other Android phone (and frankly, I tried a few Samsung apps on the tablet, wasn't impressed, and disabled them or took away all their permissions, if that wasn't possible, and don't feel I'm missing out on anything).

Thanks again.

[PeteCC]

Oops! Pressed the solution button instead of reply, can I undo that?

[Robin999]

Done...

[JAMES4578]

@PeteCC  Obviously  you have the choice but think it is a better erxperience with A Samsung Account, you will not have acesss to a number of Samsung services without it. Perhaps syncing not so important to you but  for instance will not have access to Samsung P|ay and SmartThings, issues if you are not able to update Galaxy Apps.  know some google Apps are alternatives , you would not get an invite for Betas though may not be interested in that.  . https://v3.account.samsung.com/dashboard/intro  However the phone will function without the Samsung Account and will receive the OS updates.

[PeteCC]

Many thanks.