The Best Samsung Apps of 2023 for Galaxy Smartphones

Whether you want to make mobile payments, track your workouts, transfer data, automate your home, or take notes, these Samsung apps have you covered.

By
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Molly McLaughlin
Senior Editor & Content Strategist
Molly K. McLaughlin has been a technology editor and writer for over a dozen years. She runs product reviews for Lifewire, overseeing the process from hands-on testing to publishing.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on January 12, 2023

Samsung, like most Android smartphone and tablet manufacturers, has an ecosystem of apps, many of which are pre-installed on Galaxy S smartphones, though there are others you can download in the Google Play Store. Whether you want to track your workouts, transfer data, take notes, automate your home, or make mobile payments, Samsung has you covered.

In addition to the ones we describe below, Samsung has apps for its Galaxy Edge line of smartphones as well as a virtual assistant called Bixby, which supplanted the S Voice app that managed voice commands on earlier devices. Samsung+ is a premium customer support app that offers live help and other resources.

Here are five apps worth highlighting—and worth downloading.

01
of 05

Best for Note-Taking: Samsung Notes

Screenshots of Samsung Notes app
You can type, make drawings, add images, and even dial phone numbers from the app.
What We Like

  • Works well with the S Pen.

  • Intuitive interface.

  • Take handwritten notes.

  • Integrated with email, phone and web.

What We Don't Like

  • Only one, plain default background.

  • Action note no longer supported.

Samsung Notes, which replaces S Notes, is a repository for your scribbles, images, voice recordings, and music. You can import files from the S Note app too. You add text by typing or using your finger or S Pen to write. There's also a brush tool for drawings. If you type out a phone number, as we did above, you can tap on that number to make a call. You can also lock notes with a password that you want to keep private.

02
of 05

Best for Mobile Payments: Samsung Pay

Screenshots of Samsung Pay mobile payments app
Scan your credit cards or add them manually.
What We Like

  • Compatible with most major U.S. credit card companies and banks.

  • Exclusive deals.

  • Lets you earn points for purchases.

  • All features not available in some countries.

  • Only works on certain Samsung devices running Android 6.0 or higher.

Samsung Pay works with most U.S. credit cards and banks on certain devices running Android 6.0 and higher. Like Apple and Google Pay, it lets you swipe your phone at checkout to pay. It has a technology, though, that works with nearly all credit card machines, not just those that support mobile payments.

03
of 05

Best for Monitoring Your Health and Fitness: Samsung Health

Screenshots of Samsung Health app
Measure your heart rate using a built-in sensor.
What We Like

  • Intuitive dashboard.

  • Integrates with numerous health apps.

  • Works on most Android phones.

  • Compatible with Galaxy smartwatch.

What We Don't Like

  • Not accessible via the web.

  • Limited functionality.

Samsung Health, which replaces S Health, can measure your heart rate as well as track your running, cycling, and sleep. It also keeps tabs on food and water intake. Some Samsung smartphones have built-in heart rate sensors next to the primary camera. Place your finger on the sensor and wait while it takes your measurement.

You can link Galaxy smartwatches with Samsung Health, as well as compatible scales, glucose monitors, bike speed sensors, blood pressure monitors, and more. Compatible third-party apps include MapMyRun, MyFitnessPal, and Endomondo.

04
of 05

Best for Transferring Data to a New Phone: Samsung Smart Switch

Screenshots of Samsung Smart Switch app
Transfer contacts, photos, and other data to a new Galaxy device.
What We Like

  • Works on multiple platforms.

  • Easy to use wizard.

  • PC app available for full backups.

What We Don't Like

  • May not always transfer app data.

  • Larger transfers can get complicated.

Move contacts, music, photos, calendar, text messages, and device settings to your Samsung Galaxy from another Android smartphone or an iPhone. Samsung Smart Switch uses a direct Wi-Fi connection to move data from one Android device to another, while iPhone transfers can be completed with a wired connection or through iTunes. Just install the app on both phones and follow the on-screen directions; it's easy.

05
of 05

Best for Managing Your Smart Home: SmartThings

Screenshots of Samsung SmartThings home automation app
Easily check for compatibility within the app.
What We Like

  • Affordable.

  • Z-Wave and Zigbee compatible.

  • Easy to set up.

  • Supports many third party devices.

What We Don't Like

  • Design is not very flashy.

  • Adding devices can be complicated.

  • Requires wired router connection.

SmartThings is Samsung's take on home automation control. With it, you can control compatible smart devices and appliances from home or remotely. When you fire up the app, it scans your wireless network for available units, and you can also add them manually through the app and check compatibility.

Was this page helpful?