Branding: what is it? Easily explained

If network operators put their stamp on smartphones, this is called branding. You can find out what that is in this article.

Branding - changes by the network operator

A smartphone or cellphone with branding has been changed by the network provider, for example Telekom, Vodafone or O2. This is how the provider marks contract mobile phones with its brand design. This mainly affects the software, but possibly also the exterior of the cell phone. Branded devices can have the following characteristics:

• The network operator may have placed his logo on the outside of the device, for example on the back of the battery cover. This is hardly practiced with new devices.
• When switching on, the logo of the network operator appears.
• During operation, the logo and the design of the provider also appear.
• The network operator usually pre-installs additional apps, including provider apps and advertising apps.

How does branding work?

• The branding is played on the cell phone in the form of a modified firmware.
• The network operator receives the firmware, for example Android 5, from the manufacturer and changes the software to put its stamp on it.
• Each update also goes to the operator first and is only released for branded devices after the adaptation.

Can you remove branding?

• Yes, branding can be removed by flashing the device.
• The changed firmware is replaced by the unchanged firmware from the developer.
• It is very important that the correct firmware suitable for the device is installed.