UMIDIGI Phones Are Cheap and Sleek, But What’s the Deal with Their Pre installed Apps?

If you've ever unboxed a UMIDIGI phone, you probably felt a bit of surprise. For a device that often costs less than a fancy dinner, it looks good, runs decently, and doesn’t feel like a toy. But once you're past the setup screen and start exploring the apps, things get... interesting.

UMIDIGI phones are known for their clean Android look, but that doesn’t mean they’re free of quirks especially when it comes to pre-installed apps.

Some are genuinely useful. Others? Not so much. So, what exactly are these apps, and should you keep them?

A Quick Look at UMIDIGI’s App Lineup

UMIDIGI mostly sticks with a near stock Android experience, which is refreshing in a world full of bloated custom skins. But that doesn’t mean your app drawer is empty.

Here’s what you’ll commonly find:

File Manager – Simple but functional. Does the job.
FM Radio – Surprisingly handy if you're in a place with spotty internet.
Weather App – Basic and often not super accurate.
Sound Recorder – Good for voice memos or quick recordings.
Compass – Feels old-school, but hey it works offline.
Gallery – A lightweight photo viewer, though many prefer Google Photos.
Basic Tools – Calculator, Clock, Notes, etc.

So far, not bad. But here's where it gets a little gray.

Is This Bloatware… or Just Bare-Bones Utility?

Here’s the honest answer: It depends. UMIDIGI doesn’t go crazy with bloatware like some other budget brands. You won’t find your phone stuffed with ads or shady third-party games right out of the box. That’s a big win.

However, some users do report:

Duplicate apps (like two gallery or browser options)
Lack of polish in UI/UX design
No real updates for stock apps over time

The apps themselves aren’t necessarily bad they’re just... basic. And that’s fine for some users, especially if you're not picky. But if you’re used to Google’s refined apps or Samsung’s One UI, these might feel like placeholders.

Can You Uninstall or Replace These Apps?

For the most part, yes. Many UMIDIGI apps can be uninstalled or disabled with a long-press or through Settings > Apps. And for the few that are locked in as system apps, you can:

Disable them to keep them from running
Hide them using third-party launchers
Or, if you’re tech-savvy, remove them via ADB tools

The great part about UMIDIGI phones is that they don't restrict you much. You can easily download Google Photos, Gboard, Chrome, or any of your favorite replacements from the Play Store.

What’s the User Experience Like?

If you're someone who just needs a phone to work without fuss, UMIDIGI’s app selection won’t bother you. Everything essential is there: calls, messages, camera, file access. It’s minimal, which some users actually prefer.

But if you value design consistency, faster updates, or advanced features, you’ll probably want to swap out a few things.

Still, for a phone that often costs under $150, you’re not exactly expecting Google Pixel-level smoothness and that's okay.

The Bottom Line: Simple Tools for a Budget Experience

UMIDIGI deserves credit for keeping things relatively clean. While the pre-installed apps may not win any design awards, they aren’t overloaded with ads or pushing you toward questionable services.

In a market filled with bloat-heavy budget phones, that’s actually pretty rare.

So if you just unboxed a UMIDIGI device and noticed a few unfamiliar apps, don’t worry. Most are harmless, some are helpful, and the rest? You can remove or replace them in seconds. And that’s the real beauty of Android you’re always in control.