Bloatware - which is worst, Orange or O2

[tak!]

I am about to buy a contract Galaxy S2 - in my area the only viable network options are Orange and O2.
I have a feeling both operators will force unwanted bloatware on me - I know I could remove it fairly easily, but I'd rather just put up with it if possible because of warranty issues.
So does anyone know which one is *least* annoying - the Orange or the O2 bloatware?

Thanks, tak!

 

[chiefroastbeef]

I am using Hong Kong's CSL service with my S2, there were a lot of their bloatware on the device, however, I told the CSL rep that I didn't want any of that, so she just did a factory reset right at the store, and the CSL bloatware was all gone.

 

[lotus49]

People go on about bloatware and while I agree it's a waste of time, it doesn't make much difference. It hardly takes up any space and the phone is so quick that it doesn't make any perceptible difference to speed either.

Choose whichever has the best deal or coverage. Bloatware is not worth including as a factor in your decision making.

 

[stuvy]

Hi

I've just upgrade to the Galaxy S2 at Phones4U on Orange. My understanding is that I don't have any bloatware on my fone, in fact its already unlocked; and this may be the same if you buy it from CPW. I think if you by a fone direct from Orange/O2 you'll get the bloatware. Best to go into 1 of the aforementioned shops and ask if you could see the fone running. Then you'll know what you'll get.

 

[Slug]

Stuvy's right on the money; P4U and CPW resell on multiple networks so only stock unbranded handsets.

 

[Brynster]

True. Got mine from Phones4U on Orange and there's nothing Orange related on the phone at all.

 

[tak!]

Stuvy's right on the money; P4U and CPW resell on multiple networks so only stock unbranded handsets.

Is this true if you buy it directly from the P4U website as well?

 

[Slug]

I can't say for sure but I would expect online sales to be also generic handsets.

 

[stuvy]

Is this true if you buy it directly from the P4U website as well?

If you go to the mobiles.co.uk site it normal states in their listings that the phones are unlocked and will work on any network.

Samsung Galaxy S II - Best Deals on Contract Prices from Mobiles.co.uk

 

[tak!]

Thanks for your replies - I've just bought in online from P4U - I'll update you on whether there was any bloatware or not.

 

[Skuggan]

I bought my phone cash, zero bloatware, except the ones from Samsung, need to install another ROM I guess to get rid of them. No idea why they ship the phone with Samsung Apps, every normal user goes through the Android Market. Samsung Apps belongs to devices that dont use Android, like my TV for example.

 

[tak!]

Well, I can confirm it was free of orange bloatware
Sadly it's chock full of samsung bloatware, but there was never any choice about that...