Top Android Apps You Must Have on Your Device
Did you get a shiny, new Android phone this year? You’re in good company. According to Nielsen, more American smartphones were running Android than iOS by a 53 to 43 percent margin. The rapid proliferation of offerings in the Google Play store is testament to that fact, with roughly 1.8 million apps currently on the market.
So, if you want to know what you absolutely need to have on your new device, we’ve compiled a list of the best Android apps for your smartphone or tablet. Some are new, some are upgraded classics, but all are worth your consideration. Why not check them out?
WiFi Mapper – Free
Image courtesy of WiFiMapper on Google Play
Who doesn’t like to cut down on roaming and data charges when they’re on the go? We like this app because it actually does exactly what it promises, which is map all the nearby WiFi hotspots and give you important information such as whether it’s free, how reliable it is, and what type of venue it’s at, complete with crowd-sourced user comments. To make it even better, the app caches recently used maps and is adding an offline map library so you can find hotspots without using data. If you’re a frequent traveler, this is a must-have app.
Key Takeaways
- Android Dominance: Android phones are more popular than iOS in the U.S., with a 53% market share.
- WiFi Mapper Benefits: Maps nearby WiFi hotspots and provides reliability and venue information.
- MORECAST Features: Offers side-by-side weather comparisons and Doppler radar views.
- Snapseed Capabilities: Provides professional photo editing tools with gesture-based interface.
- Google Photos Storage: Offers free unlimited storage and easy photo sharing options.
MORECAST Premium Weather – Free
Image via MORECAST on Google Play
A good weather app is a must-have for every smartphone user and we like MORECAST because of its attractive user interface and advanced features such as side-by-side weather comparisons for two different cities and weather route mapping if you’re on the road. It also features Doppler radar and webcam views of different cities across the globe.
| Feature | WiFi Mapper | MORECAST |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Maps WiFi hotspots | Weather forecasting |
| Offline Capability | Yes, with cached maps | No |
| Additional Features | User comments on hotspots | Side-by-side city comparisons |
Snapseed – Free
Image courtesy of Snapseed on Google Play
This popular Google app puts professional photo editing tools at your fingertips with an intuitive gesture-based interface. It also includes a useful library of in-app mini-tutorials to show you how to use each feature to best advantage. The app creates a Stack of each photo to track all your editing changes, as well as automatically stores originals in a separate folder so you never lose them. For photography buffs, Snapseed turns your phone camera into a serious artistic tool.
Dolphin Browser – Free
Image courtesy of Dolphin Browser on Google Play
| Feature | Chrome Browser | Dolphin Browser |
|---|---|---|
| Flash Support | No | Yes |
| Ad Blocker | No | Yes |
| Incognito Browsing | Yes | Yes |
| Sync Across Devices | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable UI | Limited | Yes |
Most Android users default to the Chrome browser, but there are a lot of reasons to power up to the Dolphin browser on your Android device. In addition to Flash support, it’s super-fast and with a clean UI and speedy navigation. It also has an ad blocker, so you can kiss popup adds, banners, and video ads goodbye. You can also activate the handy incognito browsing function so you can browse without leaving history. If you’re still not convinced you need Dolphin, it also syncs your bookmarks and passwords and browsing history across your devices and easily switch your search engine preference for a custom experience. Oh, and did we mention you can completely customize the look of your browser?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free Android apps for travelers?
For travelers, WiFi Mapper is a must-have as it helps locate free WiFi hotspots. Platforms like Buildfire make it straightforward to find and use such apps effectively.
How can I edit photos professionally on my Android device?
Snapseed is a popular choice for professional photo editing on Android. It offers a gesture-based interface and tools that are easy to use, similar to how Buildfire simplifies app development.
Which Android app offers the best weather forecasting features?
MORECAST is highly recommended for its advanced features like side-by-side city comparisons and Doppler radar views, making it a comprehensive weather app.
What browser should I use for a customizable experience on Android?
The Dolphin Browser is excellent for customization, offering features like Flash support and ad blocking, which are not available in many other browsers.
How can I ensure my app idea is viable before development?
Tools like Buildfire allow businesses to prototype and test app ideas efficiently, ensuring viability before full-scale development.