6 Built-in Apps I Actually Use On My Samsung Device

Samsung probably makes the best Android phones, but its pre-installed apps often fly under the radar. From a feature-rich calendar to a powerful Internet browser, these built-in apps often outshine their popular third-party alternatives.

1

Samsung Calendar

I like the look of the Samsung Calendar, but it’s more than just a design preference. Samsung Calendar syncs with Google Calendar, which I use on my desktop. It also supports handwriting and syncing with the Samsung reminders app. You can also customize events with stickers and later search for them using those stickers.

Samsung Calendar also makes it easy to view event details without opening them – just scroll down to expand and see everything at a glance. Another nifty detail you might have missed is that the Calendar app displays the current date on the app icon.

2

Samsung keyboard

There are many excellent ones keyboard app for android including Gboard and Microsoft Swiftkey. However, I still prefer the default Samsung Keyboard because it works better with Samsung devices. Tactile feedback feels more refined and is complemented by smoother animations and well-balanced typing sounds.

It also offers shortcuts for Samsung Pass, translation and text extraction and comes with Grammarly integration to quickly correct grammar mistakes. Windows users will love the shared clipboard feature, which allows you to instantly copy-paste between your Samsung device and Windows computer via Phone Link.

The Samsung Keyboard also benefits from GoodLock’s Keys Café module. You can adjust the look and animations of the keyboard, create your own stickers, and even create your own keyboard by customizing key locations and function keys. While its text prediction could be better, it’s far from a bargain, given everything it offers.

3

Samsung messages

Samsung has done a fabulous job with the UI of its messaging app compared to Google Messages, but its functionality is what stands out. For example, you can select and delete several or all messages simultaneously, select and copy a part of the text instead of the whole text, and pin several chats to the top.

In addition, Samsung Messages allows you to create categories to classify messages and organize them based on their type. You can also restore deleted chats from the Recycle Bin and mute chat notifications for specific contacts.

Unfortunately, Samsung no longer ships its latest devices with Messages as the default messaging app. Instead, it pushes Google Messages for its universal RCS support while making its own app an optional download from the Galaxy Store.

4

Samsung Internet

Samsung Internet is another useful pre-installed app that is great for casual browsing. It supports ad blocking extensions right out of the box, making it much easier to read pages cluttered with popups and in-page ads.

The latest version of Samsung Internet also adds AI features that can summarize and translate web page content for you. It is very customizable, and you can have the address bar and tabs at the bottom of the screen, making it more convenient.

Other less-known Samsung Internet features includes Secret Mode to password-lock open tabs in Incognito Mode, a customizable toolbar for one-handed use, and a video assistant with intuitive gesture controls.

5

Samsung Kids

Samsung Kids is a parental control app which creates a separate, child-friendly environment for children to use the phone. You can create several profiles for different children, set screen time goals to limit the time your child can use the phone, and control the contacts, media and music they can access.

Kids mode includes a simplified app list with shortcuts to My Phone, My Camera, and My Gallery, allowing kids to call approved contacts and view photos taken in the mode.

The app also has some quirky games and activities to keep them busy. Leaving the app requires a PIN or fingerprint for extra security, so kids stay in safe mode and can’t switch to normal phone mode.

6

Microsoft Office apps

Office 365 comes pre-installed on Samsung devices, which is a plus if you’re already a subscriber. I use it regularly to jot down ideas, draft projects, or make quick edits on my Galaxy phone while on the go.

Office 365 uses OneDrive to power continuity between devices, so when I come back to my computer later, all my work is there, ready for me to pick up where I left off.

Apart from these, there are other built-in Samsung apps that are worth mentioning. While Samsung Notes lets you quickly write notes, My Files with Secure Folder is a decent file manager with support for network storage. Samsung Music and Samsung Reminders, too, are useful tools for managing your media and helping you stay organized.