Advanced Security Gandalf_The_Grey's Mobile Config 2025

Last updated
Oct 19, 2025
Mobile brand
Samsung
Mobile model
Galaxy A34
Phone OS
Android
Phone OS version
16
Phone OS Support status
Supported - Able to receive updates for OS and security
Phone OS Updates status
Automatic updates
Google Play Protect settings
    • Scan apps with Play Protect
    • Improve harmful app detection
    • Permissions for unused apps to be removed
Google Play system update
Sep 1, 2025
App store(s)
    • Google Play Store
    • Samsung Galaxy Store
App updates
Auto-update on any connection
Phone unlock
PIN (medium-high security)
Biometric security
    • Fingerprint(s)
SIM PIN and Card Lock
    • Lock SIM card with a PIN
Stolen Device Protection
On
Tracker Protection
    • Unknown Tracker Alerts (Android)
Find my Phone
    • Find My Device (Google)
    • SmartThings Find (Samsung)
Security & Privacy Apps
Samsung Device Care powered by McAfee and 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
Note-taking
Microsoft OneNote
Cloud storage
Microsoft OneDrive
Android launcher
Samsung One UI 8.0
File and Photo backup
Apps and settings automatically on Google One.
Photos automatically on Microsoft OneDrive
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
2024.04.20 got the April 1 Android security patch
2024.05.24 filled the new fields
2024.07.12 got the Google Play system update of June and went back from Microsoft launcher to Samsung One UI.
2024.10.20 from Microsoft Edge to Samsung's own browser and got the Google Play system update of September.
2025.10.19 Got Samsung One UI 8.0 with Android 16 and back to Microsoft Edge.
What I'm looking for?

Looking for minimum feedback.

Gandalf_The_Grey

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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.
 
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?
 
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:
 
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....
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
Switched from the Samsung to the Google phone app:
 

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