I’m moving away from my Samsung S24+, would like a good smartphone, with clean ui, no or least amount of bloatware and good for privacy. Been told that Motorola and Asus are good options. What devices do you guys use or recommend? No Google Pixels please, they are not available in Brazil(sadly), a…

If no google pixel then it is very difficult to pick. HMD, while offers close to stock android experience, often lacks behind in security updates, abolish promised updates, offers short software period. Terrible specs, nearly all models heavy as a brick, use tons of UNISOC SoCs, big red flag for me…

If you can’t get a Pixel, get an iPhone.

Ah right, iPhone would do as well, completely forgot it. :rofl:

I think the iPhone is probably the next best choice. Asus is minimal bloat, great near stock experience but lacking on updates. They seem to align with Motorola on this aspect as well unfortunately. I know many Chinese phones get hate and are not of interest however there is a caveat to that in my…

I’m from Brazil as well, and I’ve been happy with Motorola because Calyx supports it. So I get a phone that’s de-googled, but I can still relock. It’s nice. Sure, it isn’t like the best option, Motorola takes a while with security updates, they often don’t go over a single major Android update, and …

I’d caution where if you are in my country, iCloud is hosted on Chinese servers because it is the cheapest provider in the region, so expect the opposite of privacy there. I havent checked if it is still true right now.

Another thing to consider are security updates. It’s my understanding that most Android manufacturers (including Motorola) only provide 1-3 years of updates after the initial release. This is discussed in the budget Android hardware thread and it seems like Samsung’s A-series phones are the best opt…

You don’t have to use iCloud, though. The only mandatory service is the App Store, especially if you’re outside the EU.

Privacy Guides Community

What's the best brand or specific smartphone devices that offer the best privacy and least bloatware?

Questions

ImTooPhaT (Anonymous) May 19, 2025, 10:34am 11

I’ve de-bloated my Samsung device using Shizuku with Canta. It’s pretty easy if you end up with another Samsung phone for some reason.

1 Like

Topic		Replies	Views
I don't want to use an iPhone or a Pixel. Does it matter which Samsung I pick? Questions	97	5088	January 29, 2026
Smartphones: are there any alternative to the big tech? Off Topic	5	779	January 25, 2025
Looking to buy a new phone General	8	708	October 7, 2024
Need a New Phone - Alternative to Google Pixel: Zenfone 10, Motorola, or Wait for Samsung Galaxy S24? Questions hardware	36	2577	January 13, 2024
Oneplus 13 Questions	33	2067	August 8, 2025

Privacy Guides

Massive organizations are monitoring your online activities. Privacy Guides is your central privacy and security resource to protect yourself online.

Privacy Guides is a non-profit, socially motivated website that provides information for protecting your data security and privacy.

We do not make money from recommending certain products, and we do not use affiliate links.

Knowledge Base

Private Web Browsers

Top VPN Providers

Privacy-Respecting Services

Software Recommendations

More Resources

What's the best brand or specific smartphone devices that offer the best privacy and least bloatware?

Related topics