Numerous apps and services from Google are already available on Android smartphones. There are more options out there though. We have checked the most practical and useful apps for you. Everyone needs to have these. If you are looking for games you can check out online slots.
Most people use Chrome on their smartphone. On the other hand, there is not much to be said at first, because the Google browser also has many fans on the desktop and data synchronization between mobile phone and PC is child’s play. But that also works with other browsers and the last real alternative is Firefox. That was not the case for a long time, because Mozilla really slept through the smartphone age, but now is a great browser with a minimalist design.
Speaking of browsers: The Tor Browser, known for its extensive privacy protection, is also available for Android. At least as a second browser, it should not be missing on any Android smartphone.
Contents
A Must
WhatsApp is hard to get past even as an Android user, after all, you can now unlock the messenger with your fingerprint.
There are a few app heavyweights that have been at the top of all App Store charts across all platforms for years; Of course, this also applies to the market leader Android. Well-known examples come from the social media corner, such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, or Facebook Messenger. Many users get them first on new smartphones and are simply part of it. A relatively new addition is TikTok, which is also gaining more and more fans everywhere. Given the mass of users, it is clear that these apps are a must on most smartphones.
However, the Facebook group is still criticized by privacy advocates, so it is hardly surprising that some users have already turned their backs on Facebook apps.
Secure Messengers as an Alternative
At Signal, security has been considered right from the start.
You don’t have to delete WhatsApp. It still has its uses. It is often the case that one is still somehow stuck in the rather unloved messengers. Yes, there is still a soccer team somewhere that coordinates via WhatsApp or a parent group that coordinates via Facebook Messenger. But the messengers for secure communication and respect for privacy are also very popular. Threema, Signal or Telegram are very good. Perhaps not all three messengers for all users, but one for communication that is particularly worthy of protection.
Corona Warning App and Contact Diary
The corona warning app is useful. In the event of an infection, contacts from the last 14 days can be anonymously warned and, in the best case, chains of infection can be interrupted. A very good addition to staying safe and fighting the pandemic is a contact diary. As a user, you can enter all encounters with other people there and, in the event of an infection, notify all affected persons comparatively easily and quickly. We recommend the cluster diary app.
Essential Security Apps
In general, Android users should always have an eye on security. With Play Protect, Google has its own virus protection system at the start, but it is not particularly effective, as we once again confirmed in the last test of virus scanners for Android. A security app is definitely worth considering under Android. If you limit yourself to the PlayStore and the top apps there, not much can go wrong, but it is still a good plan to take precautions. You don’t necessarily have to spend money on it, even if the top virus scanners are chargeable. The best thing to do is to try a free app like Sophos Mobile Security.
A password manager is also important. The free version of LastPass is also very good. If you don’t want a password service in which the encrypted passwords are synchronized via the cloud, you can also use KeePass2Android. A VPN service for secure surfing rounds off the security features, with ProtonVPN you can get started for free.
Entertainment Apps
Netflix is always a good app to have on your phone, especially when travelling and want to pass some time binge watching series or movies.
Which apps do Android users still need to be happy? In our opinion, Spotify is the best music streaming service and when it comes to video streaming, the Android phone also steps in with Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. VLC for Android is the video all-round player of our choice even on the go and we would add a rain radar to the built-in weather forecast. For video calls Skype or Zoom are always decent options.
Playstore Alternatives
PlayStore alternative: F-Droid is also a good source for apps.
But then there are a few specialties for Android that you don’t know as an iPhone user. For example, you have the option of using alternative AppStores. If you swear by open source, F-Droid is another alternative AppStore that relies on open-source apps. The offer is of course much smaller with the large providers, but it is definitely worth a look.
Google Apps Are Already on It
Google Photos: Android smartphones are already richly equipped with Google apps such as Google Photos.
If you have to install YouTube or Google Maps as an iPhone user, you have everything preinstalled on an Android smartphone. Of course, Google is not stingy with its services and also packs Google Photos, docks with G-Mail and activates Google Drive as cloud storage. Since you usually link an Android smartphone with a Google account, the Google services are already perfectly preconfigured. You don’t have to install anything yourself. If you are missing a Google service, all apps can be downloaded separately.
