I’m looking for a replacement phone since mine is finally starting to kick the bucket. I was looking at [this phone](https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/SC-53C/dp/B0B7D8J8B6/), a Docomo-branded SC-53C Galaxy A53. It’s about 4.5万 and I’m guessing a 128GB model, which sounds about perfect for my needs and price range… but what’s with the Docomo branding? Is there anything I should worry about, like bloatware that I won’t be able to get rid of? I have vague memories of a little bastard Docomo mushroom dancing all over a phone I had *years* ago..
There’s a few other more expensive A53’s on Amazon, like [this 256GB model](https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/SM-A536B/dp/B09TLCQB1T/), that doesn’t have the Docomo branding. However, I use Mineo, and on their site they only list the SC-53C and SCG15 models as “supported” — which the above link isn’t.
Thanks for the help. I only end up doing this every 5 or so years, and I always forget the things to think about/look for when it’s finally time to switch.
4 comments
the osaifu keitai feature might not work on the one from Amazon.
if you don’t want bloatware dont’t by carrier locked androids. Go for the google pixel models which are also sim free.
I have an old S8 (docomo branded) that I use as a spare with a pre paid SIM when I go back home. I can disable most of the docomo stuff although there are some I can’t actually uninstall. No little mushroom and I got rid of the butler character no problem.
You want the domestic (docomo/au) branded model like your 1st link if you want osaifu keitai/domestic NFC stuff to work. It will also have LTE band support for docomo (and thus mineo, if you’re using the docomo line version). The international model (2nd link) will not have working NFC and may be missing some of the LTE bands.
With modern android you can disable or uninstall 99% of docomo junk, or block notifications from what’s left, if any.
If you don’t care for domestic NFC or care about shutter sound, then get the international version.