You can now buy Samsung's Galaxy S8 without any bloatware

This is the Galaxy S8 you want.
 By 
Raymond Wong
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo

Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+, the best phones of the year (so far), are now even better.

The Korean electronics giant has opened U.S. pre-orders for the unlocked versions of the gorgeous Android phones. That's the superior version that's not carrier-locked, works abroad, and most importantly, doesn't come with any carrier bloatware.

The unlocked Galaxy S8 and S8+ are available for pre-order in the U.S. exclusively at Best Buy and Samsung.com at $724.99 for the S8 or $824.99 for the larger S8+ and launch online and in stores on May 31. Customers can also buy the phones with Samsung financing for $30.21 per month (S8) or $34.38 per month (S8+).

One thing you should know before ordering the unlocked version: It's only available in Midnight Black. You're out of luck if you were looking for Arctic Silver or Orchid Gray.

As mentioned earlier, the best part is the phones don't come with pre-installed bloatware. Just a nice clean install of Android 7.1 Nougat with Samsung's revamped TouchWiz UI.

Aside from these few pluses, the phones are identical to their carrier counterparts. The Galaxy S8 has some flaws, including an unfinished Bixby and a terribly placed fingerprint sensor, but they're mostly forgivable because the hardware is so excellent.

If you're considering the Galaxy S8 and haven't pulled the trigger yet, this is the version you want to get — unless all black isn't your thing.

Topics Android Samsung

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Raymond Wong

Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.

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