Does anyone actually use the Galaxy Store on Samsung phones?

By Joe Maring
published

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Bronze
Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Bronze (Image credit: Andrew Martonik / Android Central)

With devices like the Galaxy S20 and Note 20 Ultra, it's pretty evident that Samsung is one of the top players in the smartphone space. This is something that's been established for a while now, with the company proving that point year after year.

For all the things Galaxy handsets do well, however, that's not to say they're without their quirks. One of the biggest complaints we have with Samsung is that it still tries to duplicate apps/services already offered by Google — a prime example being the Galaxy Store.

A few of our AC forum members recently began talking about their preference between the Play Store and Galaxy Store, with the conversation going as follows.

I don't use many themes or change icons all that much, but lots of the icon packs in the Play Store require a 3rd party launcher. As a general rule though, I prefer to use the Play Store over the Galaxy Store for most things.

msm0511

Either store works well the Samsung store is a little quicker to launch whatever you download. Also you get points on the galaxy site.

o4liberty

Either one works, but in general try to use play store since that's on every Android phone compared to galaxy store. Especially if it's present in both and you are buying stuff. If it's only specific to Galaxy phones then Galaxy store may make some sense but why mess around with 2 stores when play store is universal on every Android phone.

bhatech

Play store unless it's a Samsung app, which I go to Galaxy store as they'll get the updates faster there. Also, I have Play Pass, so that makes a difference too. :)

KupKrazy

What about you? Do you actually use the Galaxy Store on your Samsung phone?

Join the conversation in the forums!

Joe Maring
Joe Maring

Joe Maring was a Senior Editor for Android Central between 2017 and 2021. You can reach him on Twitter at @JoeMaring1.

19 Comments
  • I forget it exists until I see the notification that one of their apps updated.
  • Apple is getting sued because Epic feels they are a monopoly. Android has options like this galaxy store and no one uses them.
  • Kind of hard to use the Galaxy Store when it is only on Samsung phones.
  • This is one of the reasons why I don't buy Samsung. They always have two of something. Two email apps, two text messaging apps, two app stores, even two backup processes. It makes things a little cumbersome for me.
  • They don't have two email apps or text message apps pre installed...only the Samsung ones.
  • I do because of their game perks and points
  • Yes always good to have alternative to google. Never depend completely on google for everything
  • I always use their store.
  • There are a few ROM-embedded apps that I permit the Galaxy Store to update. Otherwise, I only install from the Play store. I have no brand loyalty, so I don't want to worry about developing dependencies on apps that aren't platform independent.
  • absolutely. Points, sales, watch faces, themes and for some apps, the Galaxy store seems to get updates faster.
  • Don't use the store, don't use their apps. Perpetually annoyed when they try to sneak themselves in as the default. I wonder how many people have lost contacts because the manufacturer silently took over.
  • Sneak their stuff in as a default? On their phone? Its not a stock android device.
  • You can still sync your contacts to your Google account using Samsung Contacts. Samsung Messages and Keyboard nothing have more features than the Google apps.
    They are made to be fully deep Integrated with their Galaxy devices. Google apps are not.
  • I use the Samsung store a lot. Especially for customization. I use the Google store also but Samsung store more. Nothing like having options.
  • Game Perks! Game Booster! Goodlock!
    All are available only in the Samsung Store! Also the ability to use Samsung Pay points!
  • Agreed. Choice is always great.
  • I've started using it even more. When the Samsung store tells me there's an update for an app (and Google Play doesn't) I've been uninstalling the Google Play version and installing the Samsung Store version. I've been trying to decouple many of my activities from Google and this seems like an easy one.
  • Uh...yeah. Themes, watch faces/apps, points....
  • The only thing the Samsung store is good for is Good Lock and I don't even have it installed. The Google Play Store is there, why bother with another app store?