Advanced Security Gandalf_The_Grey's Mobile Config 2024

Last updated
Feb 2, 2024
Phone brand
Samsung
Phone model
Galaxy A34
Phone OS
Android
Phone OS version
14
Phone OS updates
Automatic updates
Phone OS security version
1 Januari 2024
App store(s)
    • Play Store (Google)
    • Galaxy Store (Samsung)
App updates
Automatic, auto-app updates on any connection
Phone unlock
PIN (medium-high security)
Biometric security
    • Fingerprint(s)
SIM card lock
Protected by a PIN code
Find my Phone
On
Remote wipe
Yes
Security & Privacy Apps
Samsung Device Care powered by McAfee, Samsung Auto Blocker
Firewall & VPN Apps
AdGuard ad blocker for Android and AdGuard VPN for Android
Browser
Microsoft Edge
Password manager
Bitwarden
Authenticator
Microsoft Authenticator
Phone & Caller ID
Phone by Google
Messaging
WhatsApp
Music & Podcasts
Samsung Music
Photo & Video
Samsung Gallery & Samsung Video
Entertainment
None
Note-taking
Microsoft OneNote
Cloud storage
Microsoft OneDrive
Games
None
Android launcher
Microsoft Launcher
File and Photo backup
Apps and settings automatically on Google One.
Photos automatically on Microsoft OneDrive
Active subscriptions
    • Microsoft 365 Family 6TB
Notable changes
2022.01.01 new config for the new year
2022.04.09 got a new mobile phone
2022.05.31 installed Opera browser app
2022.07.18 back to Chrome and switched from Samsung to Google phone
2022.07.26 got the update to Android 12, enabled OneDrive and back to MS Edge
2022.09.18 up to date with the latest changes in this form
2023.05.19 changed from Microsoft launcher to Samsung One UI
2023.07.05 bought a Samsung A34
2024.02.02 activated Samsung Auto Blocker
What I'm looking for?

Looking for minimum feedback.

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
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Apr 24, 2016
6,505
New config for the new year relying on Samsung's own tools and AdGuard on my old work issued phone.
But there is hope, I can finally get a new phone when returning to the office after a long time working from home because of the Covid 18 pandemic.
 

Brahman

Level 16
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Aug 22, 2013
799
New config for the new year relying on Samsung's own tools and AdGuard on my old work issued phone.
But there is hope, I can finally get a new phone when returning to the office after a long time working from home because of the Covid 18 pandemic.
Get a new one...its time or if you are hell-bent on keeping it why not make a switch to roms on XDA?
 

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
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Apr 24, 2016
6,505
Got the Galaxy A02s from my employer, so I can't really complain...
But browsing is very very very slow on this device 🐌
Tried a lot of browsers and Opera is the most bearable so far.

A review of this phone:
 

Shadowra

Level 33
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Content Creator
Malware Tester
Well-known
Sep 2, 2021
2,244
Got the Galaxy A02s from my employer, so I can't really complain...
But browsing is very very very slow on this device 🐌
Tried a lot of browsers and Opera is the most bearable so far.

A review of this phone:

I saw the technical specs quickly... it's clearly bad.
Even a 200€ smartphone (Realme / Xiaomi) completely outperforms it....
 

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
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Apr 24, 2016
6,505
For my limited use of smartphone's, it's ok, but not great.

The Nokia G21 I just bought for my daughter is a much better smartphone.
 

CyberTech

Level 44
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Top Poster
Well-known
Nov 10, 2017
3,247
Got the Galaxy A02s from my employer, so I can't really complain...
But browsing is very very very slow on this device 🐌
Tried a lot of browsers and Opera is the most bearable so far.

A review of this phone:
For what? just call things or what?
 

upnorth

Moderator
Verified
Staff Member
Malware Hunter
Well-known
Jul 27, 2015
5,456
For what? just call things or what?
Phone Technology GIF by Ros na Rún

Tried a lot of browsers and Opera is the most bearable so far.
Same experience on several brands/models. I guess they made their phone version very compatible and again with some exclusive very smart features I only seen with Opera.
 

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
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Apr 24, 2016
6,505
Switched from the Samsung to the Google phone app:
 

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
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Apr 24, 2016
6,505
Got the update to Android 12 today with the Android/Google/Samsung patch for June, enabled OneDrive photo backup and switched back to MS Edge for browsing.
Browsing is ok on wifi, but terrible on 4G with this phone.
 
Last edited:

Gandalf_The_Grey

Level 76
Thread author
Verified
Honorary Member
Top Poster
Content Creator
Well-known
Apr 24, 2016
6,505

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