If you own a Samsung Galaxy phone, you must have wondered ‘How is the Google Play Store different from the Galaxy Store?’ That’s because Samsung Galaxy phones come pre-installed with two app stores i.e. Play Store and Galaxy Store. So what is the difference between them and which one to use? Find the answer in this post where we will compare Galaxy Store and Play Store.
Galaxy Store vs Play Store: What’s the difference
availability
Let’s start with the obvious. The Play Store is owned by Google while Samsung owns the Galaxy Store. That means the Play Store is available on almost any Android phone. However, that is not the case with the Galaxy Store, which is limited to Samsung Galaxy phones only.
Default account
You will use a Google account with the Play Store and a Samsung account with the Galaxy Store. Chances are you already have a Google account added to your phone. The Play Store will use the same account. Conversely, if you are new to Samsung, you will have to create a Samsung account that will be used for Samsung Cloud and Galaxy Store.
User interface
The basic user interface (UI) of both apps is the same. You will see apps and games grouped into various categories like top, free, etc. Tapping on an app opens a detailed view from where you can install it. If you want to install apps quickly, Samsung provides an Install button in all apps. In the Play Store, you’ll have to long tap the app first and then tap the Install button. At the bottom you will find different tabs and at the top you have the search bar.
Functions and features
Both have the same function of providing you Android apps. Google Play Store is the official app store for Android that you will find on most Android phones including Samsung. The Galaxy Store, on the other hand, is limited to only Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. You cannot use it on other devices. While the Play Store has more apps than the Galaxy Store, sometimes some apps are created exclusively for the Galaxy Store, such as Fortnite.
When it comes to installing apps, you can install apps from either store. In most cases, you also need to use the same store to update apps. However, it is not a mandatory requirement. Some apps can be updated from both stores. However, it is not possible to automatically update apps installed from the Play Store from the Galaxy Store. You will have to update them manually.
Once installed, apps work the same way no matter where you installed them from. Let’s say you install WhatsApp from the Galaxy Store instead of the Play Store. That doesn’t mean you’ll get extra features compared to the Play Store version.
The main function of the Galaxy Store is to provide Samsung-exclusive apps. It is also necessary to update pre-installed Samsung apps like Gallery, Notes, Contacts, etc or apps that are not available on the Play Store. Basically, you can’t update Samsung proprietary apps from the Play Store.
In terms of features, you get the same stuff. For example, you can add items to your wish list, automatically update apps, use gift cards, etc. Although you can install games from both, the Play Store also allows it. you install books and movies.
Which app store to use
Now, we come to the main question, ‘Which one should I use – Galaxy Store or Play Store?’ The answer is both if you are a Samsung user. Both have a purpose on Samsung Galaxy phones.
We recommend using the Play Store to install new apps. That’s because if you switch to another non-Samsung Android phone in the future, it will be easy to reinstall your existing apps, which won’t be possible if you use the Galaxy Store.
Similarly, you need the Galaxy Store to update native Samsung apps. If you don’t use the Galaxy Store, those apps won’t be updated. So only use it to update apps and install any proprietary apps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are there two app stores on Samsung Galaxy phones
The Google Play Store is a global app store that comes pre-installed on all Android phones. However, since Samsung runs its own customized version of Android, i.e. OneUI, it needs certain apps that are specific to Samsung devices. Such apps are only available in the Galaxy Store. Furthermore, the Galaxy Store also lists apps for other Samsung devices like the Samsung Watch. So instead of searching for Samsung-specific apps on the Play Store, Samsung provides a dedicated store where you can easily find such apps.
Is the Galaxy Store the same as the Play Store
Both have the same job of providing apps for your phone. However, they differ in a number of ways as described above.
Can I delete the Galaxy Store
No. You cannot uninstall or disable Galaxy Store on your Samsung Galaxy phone. However, the Play Store can be disabled. But we do not recommend doing that.
Is the Galaxy Store safe
Yes, like the Play Store, the Galaxy Store is safe to download and install apps. However, the Play Store provides an extra layer of protection in the form of the Play Protect Feature that detects harmful apps on your phone.
Ending: Galaxy Store vs Play Store
While it may seem like the Galaxy Store doesn’t offer as much as the Play Store, in reality, Google has actually tried to kill the Galaxy Store. However, that won’t stop you from using your Samsung Galaxy phone. They offer great features when it comes to notifications, gallery, and screenshots.
