Maybe this is a stupid question but I have never done a full factory reset before. I really don't want to have to go in re-do all my appl settings, logins , passwords, etc. Is there a best way to do this with minimal work after teh reset?
Not an easy way but if the Smart Switch for PC works as advertised and expected, then I think that is a lot less what you need to redo.
This is the one think I don't know what the majority of Android OEM (in particular Samsung) are waiting for, LG developed a backup App that is almost a full backup, when I needed to use it last year with the LG G3, I think that the only thing I needed to redo was the Wallpaper and Wifi passwords and Bluetooth connections, took me 5 minutes to do those. if LG has it then ALL OEM can do it also, why they don't do it I don't have a clue.
BUT, besides the backup on Smart Switch, download and install Helium from the Play Store, the free version allows you to backup most of Apps and settings to your device, you can always copy that folder to a PC and then put it in your phone back after you reset, or if you want something easier you can pay for the Full version and you can backup to the Cloud and even Sync between devices if you have more than 1 phone.