Transitioning from iPhone to Samsung - Security and App Downloads Experience

[jacxkl]

Hi everyone! 👋

I’ve been an iPhone user for about 3 years, and I always felt secure while downloading apps from the App Store, especially gaming apps. I also used a platform called Scarlet to get my gaming apps for free, which worked fine for me. However, I’ve recently switched to Samsung and started using the Samsung Galaxy S23. I’ve been loving the new experience so far!

But now, I’m wondering - when it comes to downloading apps (especially free ones for gaming), I’m used to using Scarlet on my iPhone. Is there an equivalent or a safe way to download apps from third-party sources on my Samsung device? Or should I stick to official app stores like the Samsung Galaxy Store or Google Play?

Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Thanks in advance. 😄

[GaryB82]

I've never heard of Scarlet. I personally only download app from the playstore or the Samsung store to be safe.

[CEParsons]

It is recommended to download apps only from official sources such as the Play Store and Galaxy Store. Even on those platforms, there can be apps with intrusive pop-ups up ads and other undesirable things.

If you sideload apks, you do so at your own risk.

[Pete-ohki]

I second the the warning of the risks of sideloading. That said, I've noticed that there is an Android apk version of Scarlet out there. Hopefully, it's not some bait.

[CEParsons]

I can say with certainty that I will not be downloading Scarlet.

From what I can gather, it may have some legitimate uses, but is largely for modded apps, pirated apps, apps with revoked licenses, etc.

"Free" is never free.

[meself]

Only use galaxy store or Google playstore

[SamsungDarius]

What kind of app is Scarlet? Also, we have no alerts for the Galaxy Store. It is perfectly safe to use. 

[Pete-ohki]

Scarlet apparently is a third-party alternative app store, especially for revoked apps.

[danielmartinhq]

I made a similar switch last year (iPhone → Galaxy S24), and I totally get what you mean about feeling secure with Apple’s ecosystem — especially when you’ve been used to using platforms Scarlet iOS from ScarletiOSStore. On Android, things are a bit more flexible, but that also means you have to be extra careful about where you’re getting your apps from.

If you want the safest route, definitely stick to the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. Both are verified and automatically scan apps for malware. But if you’re into experimenting like you were with Scarlet, Android gives you the freedom to install external apps — just make sure they come from trusted sites.