I just got an S25 and having a Samsung account at all is optional. I never had one on my previous Galaxy phones either. I couldn't even accidentally use their AI or other intrusive crap with a misclick because I'd be taken to a screen where I have to sign up and agree to their privacy policy etc. Which obviously I don't.

I wouldn't consider buying a smart/Samsung refrigerator at all but I'm curious, is having blockchain, AI, and a Samsung account mandatory here? Or do they allow for discerning users who don't want that stuff? Is that market segment important to them?