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For a new Samsung Galaxy, start with Smart Switch if you’re moving from another phone. After your data arrives, update apps, sign in, and add only the Samsung services that solve a real need. A new phone does not need every app Samsung offers.
1. Move your data with Smart Switch
Smart Switch is the first stop if you’re transferring from another Android phone or an iPhone. Samsung says it can move contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps, settings, and other data to a Galaxy. What transfers depends on the source device, its software, and the receiving Galaxy.
Samsung’s September 16, 2026 US newsroom article describes expanded iPhone transfers using a QR-code process on One UI 9. For that specific process, the iPhone must run iOS 26.6 or later; it can include passwords and passkeys, call history, accessibility settings, and eSIM information. These options are not universal across devices or software versions. Samsung’s Smart Switch guidance explains the current process and its limits.
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Choose wireless or wired transfer
- Wireless: Convenient when you do not have a suitable cable or adapter. Follow the prompts in Smart Switch on the Galaxy.
- Wired: Connect the phones using a compatible data cable. Samsung recommends this route when transferring diverse types of data at once. Depending on the phone models, you may need an adapter; check Samsung’s wired and wireless transfer instructions before connecting.
A compatible USB-C data-transfer cable is optional, not a prerequisite: wireless transfer is also available. Check both phones’ ports and whether an adapter or cable is already included before buying anything.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
During transfer, some apps may appear faded while installation finishes. Samsung also documents PC backup and restore. Its SD-card backup method requires an SD card and adapter, sold separately, and some Galaxy phones do not have an SD-card slot.
2. Update apps and sign in
Once the transfer is complete, open the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store, install available updates, and sign in to the accounts you actually use. This is a setup step rather than a reason to add more apps: your transferred apps may need time to finish installing, and some services require you to authenticate again on the new phone.
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.
3. Add Samsung apps only when they fit
Samsung’s app lineup covers sharing, smart-home control, health, payments, browsing, credentials, and support. Availability and functions can vary by device, country or region, carrier, and One UI version, so treat these as options rather than a required bundle. Samsung’s Galaxy apps and services overview describes the lineup.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| App | Consider it if… | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Share | You regularly send files to nearby supported devices. | Supported devices and features depend on the device and software. |
| SmartThings | You own compatible smart-home devices and want to control them from one app. | It is useful only if your devices and region are supported. |
| Samsung Health | You want Samsung’s health-tracking services. | Its presence here is not a medical recommendation. |
| Samsung Wallet | You want payments or stored items in a Samsung service. | Availability depends on market and device; check local eligibility before relying on it. |
| Samsung Internet | You want to try Samsung’s browser or prefer its integration with your Galaxy. | It is an option, not an automatic improvement over the browser you already use. |
| Samsung Pass | You want Samsung’s credential convenience and it fits your account and cross-device habits. | Choose it deliberately if you already use another credential manager; no comparison is established here. |
| Samsung Members | You want Samsung product help or community features. | Useful as a support option, not essential to phone setup. |
4. Review privacy permissions
Before settling into daily use, check which apps can access sensitive features. One UI’s privacy controls can show permission use, allow you to limit unnecessary access, and indicate when the camera or microphone is active. You can also choose approximate location for apps that do not need your precise position. The cited Samsung guidance covers One UI 4, so menu names and available controls may differ on newer software; consult the instructions for your model in Samsung’s privacy controls guide.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
- Review location, camera, and microphone access for apps you transferred or installed.
- Remove access an app does not need for its core purpose.
- Use approximate rather than precise location when that is sufficient.
- Pay attention to camera and microphone indicators when apps are open.
5. Install additional apps to fill a specific gap
After migration, updates, and privacy checks, use the phone for a day before adding more. If you keep reaching for a missing function—file sharing, smart-home control, browsing, or credentials—choose an app that works with your devices, region, and existing accounts. Otherwise, keeping the setup lean makes it easier to find what you need and manage permissions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
