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Usually, no: a supported phone factory reset or computer reset is designed to erase user data while keeping or reinstalling the operating system. But “formatting” can also mean formatting a system partition, which may stop a device from booting. The result depends on the device and the exact operation.
What “formatting” means—and why the distinction matters
“Format” is used for several different operations. Google’s Android Help calls a factory reset “formatting” or a “hard reset,” while a computer may offer a reset that reinstalls its operating system. At a lower level, formatting a particular storage partition can remove the files the operating system needs to start.
A factory reset is therefore not the same thing as formatting the partition that contains system files. A supported reset is intended to return the device to a setup or factory state; formatting the wrong partition can leave it unable to start until recovery or reinstallation. The exact outcome depends on which partition is affected and how the device is configured. Google’s Android reset guidance · Apple’s device restore guidance · Microsoft’s Reset this PC guidance · Microsoft’s Windows IoT reset description.
What a reset does on each platform
| Device or operation | What happens to user data | What happens to the operating system | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android factory reset | Erases phone data; apps and their data are uninstalled. Data backed up to a Google Account may be restored. | The reset returns the phone to setup; the general Android guidance does not specify a uniform OS reinstall behavior across manufacturers. | Confirm the associated Google Account and password, and check the device maker’s instructions. Google Android Help · Google backup guidance. |
| Windows Reset this PC: Keep my files | Preserves personal files while removing apps and settings. | Reinstalls Windows. | Choose cloud download for a fresh Windows copy or local reinstall using files already on the PC. Microsoft Support. |
| Windows Reset this PC: Remove everything | Removes personal files, apps, and settings. | Reinstalls Windows. | “Clean data” makes removed files harder to recover, but Microsoft says its consumer data-erasure feature does not meet government and industry data-erasure standards. Microsoft Support. |
| iPhone or iPad: Erase All Content and Settings | Erases content and settings. | The process ends at the Hello screen; Apple’s broader factory-restore guidance says a restore installs the latest operating-system software. | The erase flow lets you keep or delete an eSIM. If deleted, the carrier must reactivate the cellular plan. Apple’s erase instructions · Apple’s restore guidance. |
| Formatting a system partition | Depends on which partition is formatted; formatting may remove data stored there. | Can remove files needed to boot, requiring recovery or reinstallation. | Windows IoT Enterprise documents a reset that formats the data partition and a separate recovery process for inoperable storage. Those details are specific to that edition, not a universal consumer-PC procedure. Microsoft Learn. |
What to check before you reset
- Identify the exact operation. Check the device, operating-system version, and menu option. “Reset,” “erase,” and “format” do not mean the same thing on every platform; Android’s general instructions direct users to their device maker for model-specific steps.
- Back up important files and verify access. Google Account backups may restore backed-up data, but installed apps and their data are uninstalled. Microsoft recommends backing up important files before resetting. Use an existing cloud or local backup if it meets your needs; a separate storage device is optional.
- Keep credentials and recovery information available. You may need the Google Account associated with an Android device after the reset. Microsoft advises having the BitLocker recovery key available when resetting an encrypted PC from Windows Recovery Environment.
- Review cellular service on an iPhone or iPad. Decide whether to keep or delete the eSIM during the erase flow. Deleting it means contacting the carrier to reactivate the plan.
- For a malfunction, consider other troubleshooting first. Google recommends trying other solutions before factory-resetting an Android device.
Does a factory reset securely erase data?
Do not assume that a routine reset is a certified or compliance-grade wipe. Microsoft says its consumer “Clean data” functionality makes removed files harder to recover, but does not meet government and industry data-erasure standards. If you are disposing of a device or handling regulated information, follow the sanitization procedure required by your organization or device maker rather than treating “Remove everything” as a guarantee.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
How to tell if the operating system was removed
If a supported reset finishes at the device’s setup screen—such as Apple’s Hello screen—or Windows reinstalls and returns to setup, the operating system is still present. If you formatted a system partition instead, the device may fail to boot and need recovery or reinstallation. Avoid assuming every reset uses the same recovery method: manufacturers and software versions differ, and the effect of a manual partition format depends on the exact partition and device.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Platform-specific details to keep in mind
Android and Pixel
Google says an Android factory reset erases data, removes apps and their data, and may allow restoration of data backed up to a Google Account. For Pixel specifically, Google documents resets through Settings or device buttons when Settings is unavailable. Pixel’s Update & Software Repair tool can reset to the most recent Android version; other Pixel factory-reset options keep the software version already on the phone. Google recommends the Settings reset option for trade-ins. These Pixel details should not be generalized to other Android manufacturers. Android reset instructions · Android backup guidance · Pixel reset guidance.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Windows PCs
Reset this PC reinstalls Windows. The personal-file choice and the installation-source choice are separate: “Keep my files” preserves personal files while removing apps and settings, while cloud download versus local reinstall determines where Windows installation files come from. “Remove everything” removes personal files, apps, and settings. Microsoft Support.
Apple devices
On iPhone and iPad, Apple’s “Erase All Content and Settings” flow includes the eSIM decision and ends at the Hello screen. On Mac, Apple distinguishes erasing content and settings from erasing and reinstalling macOS; select the procedure for the specific device and intended outcome rather than treating every Apple erase flow as identical. Apple’s iPhone and iPad erase instructions · Apple’s factory-restore guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
