I have an older Google Pixel 3aXL and my husband just bought a Samsung A32 5G. When I set up his phone I noticed that even the older Pixel has a lot more granular control over the permissions and privileges granted to apps. Specifically, one cannot deny any app "special access" which gives it wi-fi control. This means any app, Camera, Photos, Files, (check them) has not only the ability to turn wi-fi on and off, but to connect to any open and perhaps unsecured network, create a Hotspot or ad-hoc network without your specific permission or intervention. You cannot toggle this off. Samsung Support confirmed that this is the default. That's for the A32 5G, a new model. Also, in "Apps", I am accustomed to being able to hit the three vertical lines at the top and tapping "Show System" so that I can see EVERYTHING that is running on my phone and toggle permissions on and off with the Pixel. Samsung Suport confirmed to me that this option has been removed in a recent update. Has anyone had a similar experience with a model other than the A32 5G?
@Fact10 I don't have the A32, I have the S21, and I'm able to see what apps are using special access, under settings->apps-> in top right corner hit the 3 dots and there are 3 option: permission manager, special access, reset app preferences. If I go into special access, there are a list of permissions that you can go into to see what apps are using those permissions. For example, the WiFi control permission is found in here, and I can click on it and it shows me all the apps that have permission to turn on/off WiFi, scan and connect to WiFi networks, etc... and all of the apps listed have a toggle next to them to deny them permission. So, the option to grant/remove permissions to apps is in there, at least on my S21 they are and I know I always had those options with my older Samsung devices as well.
