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Hi guys, It seems alot of people when they buy a new phone , that one of the first things they do is delete any bloatware and disable some apps? I have been through my app drawer and there is certainly some apps i have no intention of ever using (hangouts being one of them) However, i see no point in disabling the app unless it extends battery life? Simply disabling an app doesnt free up memory right? So why do people disable apps? Does it extend battery life and is there any negative affects to disabling apps?
In a nutshell, Can i disable any app i want without worrying about it affecting performance and if so, can i expect improved battery life?
Negligible battery life. In Hangouts example, if you never open it it has never signed you in, thus not running. Only if you want to declutter your launcher.
When I got my Z3, I removed 1.1GB of bloatware Sony branded apps that I will never touch.
I have no interest in Music Unlimited, Movies Unlimited, Playstation features (until I get my PS4), "Xperia Support" because I don't intend on having issues.
This is the reason I uninstall them all (not necessarily disable the remainder though). Plus the launcher makes it so easy just by scrolling far left in the menu and choosing the uninstall option.
Take a look at "Craig's Iphone Experience"
Turn Android (kitkat or later) into an Iphone Experience
This app will configure Android to behave like IOS, if you're an iphone user but Android puts you off because it slows/lags after a few months of use then this App is for you!
It will give you a lag free experience just like ios!
Requires Root Access! (More info on the playstore on how it works)
If below kitkat it may crash, but i'm working on a way round it by selecting from the system developer settings..
Enjoy
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=exp.iphone.craigs.iphoneexperience
If this app ticks destroy other activities then how come this app is good?
If i open another app, this app will be killed and I'll face a redraw.
He could've simply made a module just for that particular thing.
I'm an old school programmer
I'm in the middle of learning all about material design (ok i'm in the middle of being forced to learn material design lol)
Vtrendzzy said:
If this app ticks destroy other activities then how come this app is good?
If i open another app, this app will be killed and I'll face a redraw.
He could've simply made a module just for that particular thing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This app really was made for iPhone users, ios only runs 1 app at a time, Android will run many apps, this causes Android to lag if you don't maintain / clean it
So this gives an IOS experience (i don't have it enabled because i maintain my os) to people who use the iphone, they'll always get full speed and a lag free experience with this app enabled..
So as much as I find the latest version of TouchWiz to look great, I still feel like there are two OSes installed together on my phone, like it's always been the case with Samsung devices. So I'm pondering installing LineageOS. From what I gather, it's still in its infancy. So I'm a bit scared of tripping Knox permanently and regretting it.
Also, except if I read the 100+ pages of the thread about it, I can't find an exhaustive list of known issues and problems. But I have read some things that worry me:
Mediocre call quality
Mediocre camera quality
Volume problems on the speaker
Bluetooth issues
No OTA updates
Are those real? I'd like to have feedback from a relative long-time user.
Thanks
With 7.0 Nougat, I find combining Nova Launcher with the new Nougat UI works well and together they feel much more like one OS
It's their TouchWiz Launcher that is out of place, big, clunky, awkward, slapped on the front of a nice tight-knit settings panel and other good looking parts of the UI just doesn't match, but replace TW launcher with Nova and you have a nice fluid OS IMO
*Detection* said:
With 7.0 Nougat, I find combining Nova Launcher with the new Nougat UI works well and together they feel much more like one OS
It's their TouchWiz Launcher that is out of place, big, clunky, awkward, slapped on the front of a nice tight-knit settings panel and other good looking parts of the UI just doesn't match, but replace TW launcher with Nova and you have a nice fluid OS IMO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That but also the apps and data that come with them. The Samsung calendar that they impose even though you can't use neither the calendar or the tasks on another device (like a computer). But it's there and you have to deal with it (and even in the Google Calendar app, the Samsung calendar is there). Their bloody useless browser. But most of all I miss the slide to left for Google Now. With that I had the impression of using an Google device. Now I feel like it's there somewhere but behind a wall of crap. Yet the device itself is amazing. Honestly if I could afford it I would have gotten a Pixel. I'm not one for skins. But TouchWiz is very good now and light now. I just wish I could get rid of everything Samsung and/or that the Google Now Launcher wasn't going away (or that the Pixel Launcher was available).
Prosis said:
That but also the apps and data that come with them. The Samsung calendar that they impose even though you can't use neither the calendar or the tasks on another device (like a computer). But it's there and you have to deal with it (and even in the Google Calendar app, the Samsung calendar is there). Their bloody useless browser. But most of all I miss the slide to left for Google Now. With that I had the impression of using an Google device. Now I feel like it's there somewhere but behind a wall of crap. Yet the device itself is amazing. Honestly if I could afford it I would have gotten a Pixel. I'm not one for skins. But TouchWiz is very good now and light now. I just wish I could get rid of everything Samsung and/or that the Google Now Launcher wasn't going away (or that the Pixel Launcher was available).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can always use package disabler pro to get rid of calendars and other apps you don't want to use, and install preferred apps from the play store or wherever you can find the APK
Pixel Launcher is available as an APK from apkmirror.com
http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/pixel-launcher/
But yea, if you're looking for a stock Android experience, you don't buy Samsung, everyone knows about TouchWiz and Sammy's bloat lol
Prosis said:
That but also the apps and data that come with them. The Samsung calendar that they impose even though you can't use neither the calendar or the tasks on another device (like a computer). But it's there and you have to deal with it (and even in the Google Calendar app, the Samsung calendar is there). Their bloody useless browser. But most of all I miss the slide to left for Google Now. With that I had the impression of using an Google device. Now I feel like it's there somewhere but behind a wall of crap. Yet the device itself is amazing. Honestly if I could afford it I would have gotten a Pixel. I'm not one for skins. But TouchWiz is very good now and light now. I just wish I could get rid of everything Samsung and/or that the Google Now Launcher wasn't going away (or that the Pixel Launcher was available).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You lost me at "Their bloody useless browser." It is a very smooth browser with ad block and Samsung pass features.
paralnova said:
You lost me at "Their bloody useless browser." It is a very smooth browser with ad block and Samsung pass features.
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Click to collapse
No doubt about that. My problem with that broswer is the same as the calendar: it can only be used on Samsung mobile devices. If I could have my calendar and tasks on a PC (without having to sync it with SmartSwitch) then I'd use it. I can access my bookmarks on Chrome on mobile whereas that wouldn't be possible with the Samsung browser.
In other words I wouldn't mind using Samsung's apps at all as they are not bad in themselves but they're not as useful Google's apps.
Prosis said:
No doubt about that. My problem with that broswer is the same as the calendar: it can only be used on Samsung mobile devices. If I could have my calendar and tasks on a PC (without having to sync it with SmartSwitch) then I'd use it. I can access my bookmarks on Chrome on mobile whereas that wouldn't be possible with the Samsung browser.
In other words I wouldn't mind using Samsung's apps at all as they are not bad in themselves but they're not as useful Google's apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right. Google is miles ahead in terms of synchronization.
paralnova said:
You're right. Google is miles ahead in terms of synchronization.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed! Samsung's still in the first iPod model: plug it in a PC and sync. That's bad in 2017. It's a half-assed ecosystem. I do hope the S8 and Bixby do a better job but I don't think so given even Bixby is just a layer over Google Assitant.
I finally pullled the trigger on this device.
The one thing I am a bit worried and need advice on is using an un-rooted device. I've never used a device as a daily driver without root. Can anyone help with some questions:
is there any way to block ads system wide without root? i've tried googling for this answer but I'm realy not sure.
Does Vanced youtube work?
that is it thus far I'm sure there will be many more after I get the device.
Blokada for ad blocking and yes vanced works great. I haven't rooted my phone in years due to the fact that there is little reason to. Honestly it's more of a hassle to do it for me (updates etc) than it is to not.
Sent from my SM-F916U1 using Tapatalk
I am using disconnect pro from Samsung store.. its not cheap but does block majority of ads system wide. And yes youtube vanced works perfectly well.
desantim said:
Blokada for ad blocking and yes vanced works great. I haven't rooted my phone in years due to the fact that there is little reason to. Honestly it's more of a hassle to do it for me (updates etc) than it is to not.
Sent from my SM-F916U1 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
awesome. thanks for that info
i think the only other app i needed root for was DarQ that let you make apps dark system wide and then choose certain ones you didn't want to darken
njan_ivide said:
I am using disconnect pro from Samsung store.. its not cheap but does block majority of ads system wide. And yes youtube vanced works perfectly well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can I ask if it blocks the annoying ads in TuneIn app?
Thank you
For Youtube i suggest Samsung browser with adblock installed - no more ads in youtube and it works basically the same as youtube app. The only problem you may have if you use youtube notifications - they obviously will bring you to youtube app. Otherwise youtube in samsung browser with adblock plugin is perfect.
Karma Firewall is a simple, useful tool.
Less so probably on Q and higher due to their restrictions.
On Pie it has logging capabilities... try it and see what you got. No Ads, freeware, very low battery usage.
A compatible package blocker is highly recommended... to take out the trash.
my first few days with the fold
I'm using Adaway right now to block ads, the non root version, though any non root ad blocker goes through some type of vpn which slows things down a bit. i'd still much prefer to have root
I turned on force dark mode everywhere in dev settings and that helped darken apps good enough.
I am still trying to use Nova as my launcher as I hate the samsung launcher and rarely if ever use multi window but for some reason nova is sucking up a ton of battery
also have Vanced loaded for youtube and it is great, the only downside is there doesn't seem to be a way to use OK GOOGLE to play videos in vanced while driving, etc.
Lose Nova, it uses more resources/battery and is likely slower than the native launcher. After another 3rd party launcher cost me 2 reloads I stopped playing with them.
Can't speak for your variant but on my 10+ One UI is fast and very stable... I use the Samsung customization apps, themes and icon packs.
Got 99% of what I want and that missing 1% isn't worth the battery drain, system instability or loss of some of the functions I get with the Samsung customization.
Had no issues whatsoever with Action Launcher. Not a chance I'd use the stock launcher, no adjustable grid is a deal breaker right out of the gate. Add in all the missing features and it's like going back to an SGS2 or something using the stock launcher, woefully inadequate.
I am using nextdns.io for ad blocking
Works great, no extra load or battery drain.
Also supports newer dns standards via private dns option in android 10
Hello.
I plan to turn my phone as "dumb" as possible, leaving only apps that are absolutely necessary and practical, essentially making my phone as minimalistic, simple and distraction free while at the same time maximizing the hurdle to install new apps due to the lack of willpower aswell as the general battery life.
I have the POCO F1 with LineageOS 19.1, root is currently enabled via Magisk.
I considered just buying a regular dumb phone, but unfortunately I do not feel they are worth it; plus I'd want to still use Spotify.
I'd greatly appreciate ideas/solutions for this particular project. Thank you in advance!
EnigmaticLife said:
Hello.
I plan to turn my phone as "dumb" as possible, leaving only apps that are absolutely necessary and practical, essentially making my phone as minimalistic, simple and distraction free while at the same time maximizing the hurdle to install new apps due to the lack of willpower aswell as the general battery life.
I have the POCO F1 with LineageOS 19.1, root is currently enabled via Magisk.
I considered just buying a regular dumb phone, but unfortunately I do not feel they are worth it; plus I'd want to still use Spotify.
I'd greatly appreciate ideas/solutions for this particular project. Thank you in advance!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What you'd like to do isn't really "dumbing down" XD - it is simply making a "barebones Android" phone with only the apps/functions you need without usual bloat that comes preinstalled on the new devices. This is in fact something a lot of people on XDA are passionate about, as it helps optimize for space, speed, battery life and privacy.
For the Android phone to be considered usable in modern day and age, it needs a handful of apps:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
File manager
Gallery
Clock
Calendar
Calculator
Web browser
Camera
Installing vanilla LineageOS rom (or any other rom with no GoogleApps) will give you this default Android experience. For 99% of tasks that do not involve Google this is enough.
However, most people want something more than just a dialer, and so phone manufacturers pre-install some other stuff for them: Google (play store, chrome, maps, drive, mail), Payment (Samsung Pay), Gallery/Music apps, social media apps, fancy wallpapers etc. This is what makes the phone "smart" for you, I guess?
In case you want to cut it down further, you can use adb to remove certain apps from this list. This includes certain system apps too, like unnecessary fonts or accessibility services (web search is your friend here). Theoretically the phone can serve as a GSM calling brick only with the following:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
But then you'd be doing the hardware a misservice - why lug around Octa-core 8GB RAM 4000mAh HD TFT6.1" 999GB device if you could achieve the same with a Nokia 1100 or 3310? These are still being sold
UPDATE: Just saw your additions about Spotify. If you only want to use the phone for Calling/Web browsing/YouTube/Spotify, go with the "Install No GApps LineageOS -> Sideload apps you need and nothing else".
Word of WARNING though: a lot of popular messaging/steraming/quality of life (maps) apps APSOLUTELY DEPEND on google ecosystem (i.e. GApps like google play, google play services and google services framework).
WITHOUT GOOGLE THESE APPS WILL LIKELY CRASH or won't work as intended. I.e. Whatsapp will not give you "New message" notifications and will not ring UNLESS you have it open in your face right when the call comes in. Delivery/Ride sharing apps that need google maps will not show you the map. Facebook messenger will has the same problem as Whatsapp. List of risks is far too long, and you will need to have an idea of whether the app requires google and whatsnot.
Therefore Make absolutely sure that barebones phone is what you want. If it is, a lot of apps that reliably work with the barebones setups can be found on Fdroid.
Despite having "dumb" in the name, this procedure requires one to be amazingly smart about it
To conclude, you have the following ways of achieving this:
1. Install no-Gapps (i.e. "vanilla") lineageOs, delete what you wont need, sideload .apk of apps you are after
2. Install stock android rom, then Degoogle and Debloat it. Guides for your particular model can be found here on XDA
3. Install SlimROM, a custom Android distro whose developers had the same idea as you did, i.e. optimized for simplicity.
Totesnochill said:
What you'd like to do isn't really "dumbing down" XD - it is simply making a "barebones Android" phone with only the apps/functions you need without usual bloat that comes preinstalled on the new devices. This is in fact something a lot of people on XDA are passionate about, as it helps optimize for space, speed, battery life and privacy.
For the Android phone to be considered usable in modern day and age, it needs a handful of apps:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
File manager
Gallery
Clock
Calendar
Calculator
Web browser
Camera
Installing vanilla LineageOS rom (or any other rom with no GoogleApps) will give you this default Android experience. For 99% of tasks that do not involve Google this is enough.
However, most people want something more than just a dialer, and so phone manufacturers pre-install some other stuff for them: Google (play store, chrome, maps, drive, mail), Payment (Samsung Pay), Gallery/Music apps, social media apps, fancy wallpapers etc. This is what makes the phone "smart" for you, I guess?
In case you want to cut it down further, you can use adb to remove certain apps from this list. This includes certain system apps too, like unnecessary fonts or accessibility services (web search is your friend here). Theoretically the phone can serve as a GSM calling brick only with the following:
Dialer
SMS messenger
Contacts
But then you'd be doing the hardware a misservice - why lug around Octa-core 8GB RAM 4000mAh HD TFT6.1" 999GB device if you could achieve the same with a Nokia 1100 or 3310? These are still being sold
UPDATE: Just saw your additions about Spotify. If you only want to use the phone for Calling/Web browsing/YouTube/Spotify, go with the "Install No GApps LineageOS -> Sideload apps you need and nothing else".
Word of WARNING though: a lot of popular messaging/steraming/quality of life (maps) apps APSOLUTELY DEPEND on google ecosystem (i.e. GApps like google play, google play services and google services framework).
WITHOUT GOOGLE THESE APPS WILL LIKELY CRASH or won't work as intended. I.e. Whatsapp will not give you "New message" notifications and will not ring UNLESS you have it open in your face right when the call comes in. Delivery/Ride sharing apps that need google maps will not show you the map. Facebook messenger will has the same problem as Whatsapp. List of risks is far too long, and you will need to have an idea of whether the app requires google and whatsnot.
Therefore Make absolutely sure that barebones phone is what you want. If it is, a lot of apps that reliably work with the barebones setups can be found on Fdroid.
Despite having "dumb" in the name, this procedure requires one to be amazingly smart about it
To conclude, you have the following ways of achieving this:
1. Install no-Gapps (i.e. "vanilla") lineageOs, delete what you wont need, sideload .apk of apps you are after
2. Install stock android rom, then Degoogle and Debloat it. Guides for your particular model can be found here on XDA
3. Install SlimROM, a custom Android distro whose developers had the same idea as you did, i.e. optimized for simplicity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really interesting. I am thinking of trying to do this with a Google pixel 4a. Would I be able to do the lineage OS with that? I haven't found other threads that speak on this topic, am I right? Thinking that I would like to customize exactly what apps I have on the phone etc.
LineageOS for Google Pixel 4a exists:
LineageOS Downloads
download.lineageos.org