Hey bud. Which version of the S4(Carrier/Model) do you have so we can point you in the right direction?

 

Here is my thoughts!
Titanium Backup can:
Remove apps and free space - bloat does not take so much space though

Remove apps on the system partition which frees the memory or RAM

Freeze apps so they do not run, therefore free up memory.

Backup apps and data - always backup!

And more but you got to find the rest of this hope this helps

 

I said make a backup either titanium or a recovery backup and delete only apps that you can find in the app drawer.

If you do not know what it is do not delete it. Titanium Backup gives access to system files so when in doubt don't but crap like Lookout for example delete away without worry.

 

Certain apps cannot be frozen or removed. It can cause soft bricking and boot loops, or constant force closes rendering the phone unusable.


However, There are lists of apps that are Ok to freeze/remove, but it is dependent on your specific model. Which model do you have?

 

Does anyone have any evidence that removing bloatware actually makes a worthwhile difference?

I am sure it does make a difference but my guess is that it's such a small one that it's just not worth bothering with.

 

Just freeze the ones you don't use every day just in case one day you want them back you can just unfreeze them, if not your going to be looking around for a apk file you deleted.

 

Galaxy S4, i9505, rooted, running modified stock, DJeMBeY ROM, see #1.2 and #1.6 of the DjeMBeY ROM's i9505 - Dummies Guide with some other apps frozen using the Bloatware removal - Dummies Guide...

 

I think the biggest advantage is removing the crap you do not want and some of the apps that run on your phone taking ram without you using them. Example Lookout anti virus runs every time you download an app but if you want it gone you can't do it unless you root and Titanium Backup remove it.

Also reason I said apps from the drawer is because if you remove a service required for android to run, your phone will not start up ergo softbrick!

 

Most programs can be harmlessly disabled in manage apps. I have disable virtually all of the Verizon crapware as well as most of the Samsung features. I have not had I'll effects.

That is not to say that there aren't great reasons to root. Rooting offers all kinds of options for control of YOUR phone. I am just pointing out that you don't need root to keep apps out of ram.

 

Very true - If you root and start deleting anything you find "useless" you can make a big mess of your phone in no time. If you really want to play with your phone, there are many places to look for tips and tricks including what you can remove without affecting it's basic usability. But if you just want to free up memory and/ or cut down on battery use then most of the bloatware can be disabled without rooting these days.

With rooting comes great responsibility! Especially if you don't want to shell out $600+ for a new SGS4 because your old one is now a fancy looking paperweight........... cguru:

 

I've also been considering removing some bloatware apps using titanium, but I'm hesitant for all of the reasons presented in this thread so far.

I'm going to keep my i9505 stock for a little while (well, sort of stock... it's rooted and running a different launcher, etc.), then ditch the bloatware for good by flashing one of those Google Edition ROMs.