My phone was running quite slow so I decided to wipe it and re-enter my account info into it. After I did that all the apps I had previously had installed started re-downloading themselves. My contact list was restored as well.
idk if I mind the contact list (altho I had written down all the names / numbers I wanted to keep) but the apps re-installing themselves is a bit of a PITA. I could start uninstalling every app under the sun but as a matter of personal preference the apps that came with the phone (even if they're not a part of Android itself) I'd just assume keep. And plus it just seems like it'd be easier to start from scratch and selectively install the apps I know I want instead of uninstall the apps I don't want.