Samsung Galaxy S23: Why its 60GB System Partition is a Problem

Android, as a smartphone operating system, is designed to be lightweight so that it can run on different hardware. However, the latest Samsung phone, the Galaxy S23, has a system partition of 60GB, which is four times the size of the normal Pixel 7 Pro system partition. In this article, we will discuss the reasons behind the large system partition and its implications.

Why is Samsung’s System Partition So Big?

1. Poor Software Division

Samsung is known for having a poor software division that produces low-quality code. The company tends to make arbitrary changes to Android, which could be contributing to the large system partition.

2. Duplicate Apps

Samsung also has a tendency to clone every Google app that comes with its devices, resulting in two app stores, two browsers, two voice assistants, and more. Duplicate apps such as files cleaner are added to the system partition and are often not removable.

3. Crapware Deals

Samsung also sells space on its devices to the highest bidder through pre-installed crapware. Companies like Facebook, Netflix, and Microsoft Office can buy a spot on the system partition, where they can get more intrusive system permissions and effectively spy on users. The amount of crapware can vary depending on the carrier and country.

A Worse Situation Than It Seems

The 60GB system partition of the Samsung Galaxy S23 is not only larger than the 15GB of the Pixel 7, but it is also a worse situation in other ways. Unlike other flagships like the Pixel 7, Samsung does not use the A/B system partition feature, which allows for seamless updates and a backup in case of failure. The A/B partition feature was launched in Android 7.0, and it is surprising that Samsung has not adopted it seven years later.

Summing Up

The large system partition of the Samsung Galaxy S23 is a result of poor software, duplicate apps, and crapware deals. The absence of the A/B system partition feature makes the situation worse, and the system partition is only going to get bigger with updates. While the base model of 128GB might feel cramped, the Galaxy S23 Ultra with sizes up to 1TB has enough room for crapware.