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Samsung Galaxy smartphones come with a lot of great pre-installed software, from its exceptional Reminders app to its useful Modes and Routines. In fact, I'm so reliant on its Clock app that I use a Samsung phone to wake me up, even if I'm using another device as my daily driver.
But that doesn't mean that when I set up a new Samsung smartphone, it has every app I need for my daily workflow. In fact, there are some essential apps I need to make sure I install right away.
Good Lock
An app that unlocks more customization
Samsung Galaxy smartphones are pretty good when it comes to customization. You can choose between combined and split notifications, customize your home screen and Quick Settings, and choose your preferred navigation. But this level of customization can be further amplified with the Good Lock app.
The app allows you to unlock deeper customization on Galaxy phones and enhance existing features. This is done through specific plugins or modules that you install via the app. For example, with Theme Park, you can create your own themes for your smartphone that match the colors of your wallpaper.
Meanwhile, Routines+ allows you to unlock more powerful automations. It also lets you add reminders to your Now Brief if your device supports the feature. I don't always use every customization feature or module on my Samsung devices, but I like to keep Good Lock around for when I want to unlock more configuration options.
Proton Pass
My cross-platform password manager
Samsung has its own password manager that is already installed on Galaxy devices. However, I've found that having a cross-platform solution that works on any phone or browser is much more convenient. That's why whenever I set up a new Galaxy device, one of the first apps I install is Proton Pass.
I use Proton Pass on all my phones since Android lets you change your autofill service for passwords. When I'm on my PC, I use the Proton Pass extension with my browsers so that I have access to my passwords at any time. This is useful if you practice browser compartmentalization.
The free plan also allows you to store credit cards and create email aliases, so Proton Pass offers other useful features beyond just password management.
Brave
A privacy-focused browser
Samsung offers both Chrome and Samsung Browser as browser options on its Galaxy phones. However, even though Samsung Browser launched on Windows PC in 2026, I had already settled on my choice for my cross-platform browser by the time this happened. For me, Brave provides the dark mode experience I need on my mobile devices while also prioritizing privacy in browsing.
I enjoy the experience so much that I have also switched to Brave Search as my primary search engine, which allows me to search without ads or tracking.
I used to use Samsung Browser back when I had an S20+, but using a third-party browser available on more devices gives me a more consistent experience no matter what hardware I'm using.
Notesnook
Encrypted notes with cross-device syncing
You can use the default Notes app on Samsung, and it supports writing notes with the S Pen. It also has some pretty powerful AI features. However, I prefer a notes app that works on any device and offers privacy. That's why I use Notesnook, an encrypted Google Keep alternative.
It offers benefits such as the choice between a rich text and Markdown editor, free cross-device syncing, and zero-knowledge encryption. While I do miss the seamless S Pen functionality, I find that Notesnook suits my needs better on a daily basis. It hosts my checklists, shopping lists, certain article drafts, and general notes I make during the day. Switching between PC and mobile is also seamless.
Samsung has great pre-installed apps, but I like to add these to my repertoire
I've tried many phones over the years, and Samsung's apps offer some of the best software experiences on Android. However, I also have some dedicated apps that I like to use for their cross-platform capabilities and their ability to protect my privacy.
As a result, there are a few apps I always install immediately when I set up a Samsung Galaxy device. Good Lock helps me customize the Galaxy experience, while apps like Brave and Proton Pass help me maintain a consistent experience across devices.
