Over the years, Samsung has developed an extensive ecosystem of apps, most of which are preinstalled on its Galaxy mobile devices. While Samsung apps are primarily designed for Samsung Galaxy phones, there are still reasons that someone who doesn’t sport a Samsung device may consider using a Samsung app, such as having access to the advanced features and functionalities that can enhance their Android experience. This list features the best Samsung apps that everyone can use, regardless of their brand of Android phone.
Good to know: confused whether Samsung phones are actually Androids? We go over the differences with you.
1. Samsung Internet – For Easy Browsing
Most Android devices ship with Google Chrome preinstalled, but that doesn’t mean that’s your sole option when it comes to mobile browsing. There are other worthy alternatives to explore, such as Samsung Internet. This mobile browser places a strong emphasis on privacy and security and has many features, such as Privacy Dashboard, which includes a smart anti-tracking tool. What’s more, it integrates with Samsung Knox, which is Samsung’s security platform, providing an added layer of protection. Samsung’s mobile browser also has add-on support and a high-contrast mode that adjusts the colors of fonts, backgrounds, and other components to make them stand out.
Pros
- Control video playback easily through the Video Assistant feature
- Pop-up video player
- Embedded ad-blockers
- Reader mode
Cons
- Occasional compatibility issues, as some websites are not fully optimized with Samsung Internet
- Limited cross-platform syncing of bookmarks, history, and open tabs
2. Samsung Smart Switch – For Transferring Your Data
Switching to a new handset doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Samsung Smart Switch simplifies the process of transferring data from your old Android or iOS device to your new Galaxy device. It allows you to seamlessly migrate various types of data, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, apps, call logs, and more. With an easy-to-use wizard, the app offers the option to make the transfer via a direct Wi-Fi connection or wired connection. Unfortunately, if you’re looking to transfer data between two Android devices (that aren’t Samsung), you’ll have to look somewhere else.
Pros
- Windows app available
- Convenient backup (to SD card or computer) and restore functionality included
Cons
- May not be able to back up settings, custom notifications and ringtones, app data (limited), or contacts’ pictures
- Larger transfers can take a long time
Tip: get up to speed with these tips that show you how to customize your Samsung phone home screen.
3. Samsung Health – For Fitness Lovers
Some Android devices come with Google Fit onboard, but if you don’t like it, Samsung Health can be a great alternative. It comes with a comprehensive list of features, such as the ability to monitor and track various aspects of a user’s well-being, including workouts, sleep patterns, heart rate, stress levels, and more. If you’re the active type, Samsung Health can track all kinds of physical activities, including walking, running, cycling, swimming and so on. You can set goals, track progress, and create routines for a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Pros
- Provides personalized health insights based on the collected data
- Supports integration with third-party apps and devices, so non-Samsung users can sync health and fitness data with compatible wearables and other applications
Cons
- Some features and functionalities may not work as intended on non-Galaxy devices or may be unavailable
- Tedious setup process
4. PENUP – For Creatives
Samsung PENUP is a digital community and app designed to allow artistic users the space to create and share digital artwork using a stylus (such as Samsung’s S Pen that ships with Galaxy Note devices). However, the app is available to download for all Android users, and you can draw in it even without a pen (using your finger). You can use various drawing utensils to create your doodles, and there’s also the option to draw on images. If you’re feeling inspired, you can take part in challenges and follow the drawing prompts that most appeal to you in exchange for rewards.
Pros
- Includes fun coloring pages
- Offers drawing tutorials via the Live Drawing features
- Has a social component that allows you to browse artwork and “Follow” content creators
Cons
- Experience might be limited if you don’t have a pen, and if you sport a non-S Pen, the level of compatibility is limited
Tip: learn how to use your phone’s default Samsung Keyboard like a pro with these tips.
5. Samsung SmartThings – For Smart Home Owners
If you have various smart home devices from different brands, the Samsung SmartThings app can act as a unifying platform to help you control and manage these devices from one place. The app supports a wide range of third-party smart devices and platforms. With SmartThings, you can create automation routines to simplify your daily life. For instance, you can schedule actions, set triggers, and more. Moreover, the app allows you to remotely access and monitor your smart home devices from anywhere, which can be particularly useful when you’re away from home and need to check the status of your gadgets.
Pros
- Controls devices, such as lights, thermostats, cameras, and more
- Integration with voice assistants, such as Alexa and Google Assistant
- Tips on making the most out of your smart gadgets
Cons
- advanced features or functionalities that are optimized for Samsung devices may not be fully available
6. Samsung Galaxy Wearable – For Samsung Smartwatch Owners
Some Samsung Galaxy smartwatches and wearables, such as the Galaxy Watch5 Pro, Gear Fit2 Pro, and more are compatible with non-Samsung phones running Android. The connection is established through the Galaxy Wearable app. Even so, the phone needs to comply with certain requirements, depending on the Galaxy wearable you’re trying to connect to. For example, The Galaxy Watch5 Pro works with phones that run Android 8.0 (and above) and have at least 1.5GB of RAM. Downloading the app to your device doesn’t make sense if you don’t own a Galaxy wearable. But for those who do, it can provide indispensable features, such as changing and customizing watch faces or adding new watch apps. However, as it turns out, you can use your Galaxy Watch without a phone.
Pros
- Find My Watch option
- Fitness and health tracking component
Cons
- Limited options for those who don’t own a Samsung Galaxy phone
FYI: learn how to use Samsung’s Nearby Share alternative: Quick Share.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you download the Samsung Galaxy App Store on any Android device?
It’s possible to download the Galaxy App Store APK on a non-Samsung Android device. However, upon installation, chances are that you won’t be able to access it. In our case, we received a “This phone doesn’t support the Galaxy Store” error, so we weren’t able to browse or search for apps.
Can I download other Samsung apps in APK form?
You can, but keep in mind that their functionality will probably be severely limited on your Android phone. Samsung apps that are preinstalled on Galaxy phones, such as Notes and Contacts, have been created and optimized for Galaxy devices and will have incompatible functions with your Android device.
If you’re curious about where you can get APKs, check out our list of websites, where you can safely download APK files. We tested the Notes app, and while we could perform certain functions, such as adding titles and writing text via the virtual keyboard, other features, such as doodling, ended up freezing and crashing the app. As for Samsung Calculator, we couldn’t even get it to open.
Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
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