Long gone are the days when a mobile phone was just a means to make calls and send messages. Today, after spending a couple of hours, you can turn your Android smartphone into a real multifunctional device.
The only problem is to choose the really necessary applications from the whole variety, and this article will help you deal with this. Here you will find a list of the most useful programs for Android, which will allow you to fully realize the capabilities of your smartphone.
System applications
Thanks to these applications, you can accelerate and optimize the smartphone, as well as expand its basic functions:
- CCleaner. Specialists who review Android programs call this utility the best of its kind. The application is designed to clean the system of all kinds of garbage, as well as temporary files, the storage needs of which are no longer there.
- Paragon NTFS & HFS +. This is the so-called driver, which serves to ensure the operation of OTG-drives. Simply put, the program is needed to connect flash drives to the smartphone using the OTG cable.
- Tiny Flashlight. A convenient application that allows you to use the display or flash (if any) of your device as a flashlight. It takes up very little space and practically does not spend system resources.
- Titanium Backup. By installing this program, you can back up applications and files stored on your smartphone.
In addition, you can also install the TeamViever app. It allows you to control various remote devices directly from the phone screen.
File managers
As you know, the file system of the Android OS is open, so it is not surprising that there are utilities for working with it. Here are just a few, but the most popular of them:
- Total Commander. This useful program for Android allows you to work with files stored on devices in two windows at once. In addition, it has a built-in multimedia player, archiver and supports various online services.
- X-Plore. An excellent tool for working with the file system, which, in addition to basic functions, has the ability to send documents to the cloud storage.
- File Manager. This is a free program for Android in Russian, featuring a simple design and minimal system requirements. At the same time, File Manager is not inferior in its functionality to even more "heavy" competitors.
- ES Explorer. The main feature of this application is a customizable interface. If you wish, you can redo the program menu so that it is convenient for you to work in it.
Please note that all the applications listed above have almost identical functions. Which one to choose is a matter of taste and personal preference.
Personalization
This section presents the best programs for Android, replacing the standard interface:
- ZenUI Launcher. Initially, this design was only available on smartphones manufactured by Asus. However, thanks to the efforts of enthusiasts, now you can install it on any device.
- Lollipop Launcher. Replaces the smartphone’s interface with the one used by default in Android 5. Simple, but tasteful.
- 360 Launcher. This visual wrapper is noteworthy in that it can be configured manually. At the same time, thanks to the huge number of options available, you can change the interface of your smartphone beyond recognition.
- Nova Launcher. Another alternative interface with fine-tuning tools. How it will look in the end depends entirely on your preferences.
Please note that some of the programs used for personalization are very demanding on the resources of the smartphone. Using them on weak devices is highly discouraged.
the Internet
Well, now it’s the turn to consider Internet programs for Android, or, as they are often called, browsers. Here are the most popular ones:
- Google Chrome A browser that needs no introduction. One of the main advantages is the ability to synchronize bookmarks, display settings and saved passwords on your smartphone and PC.
- Firefox Another popular browser, which, like Chrome, supports synchronization. It stands out for its high page loading speed and built-in extension manager.
- UC Browser. A program created by Chinese developers. Able to compress traffic, which will be useful if you do not have unlimited Internet.
- Adblock Browser. Like the PC extension of the same name, it allows you to browse sites without being distracted by the ubiquitous ads.
In principle, no one bothers you to test each of these browsers and choose the one that you like the most.
Multimedia
And these applications are used to play various media files:
- MX Player Very popular, moreover, a free video player that works with all popular formats. This program supports hardware acceleration, which allows you to process the image using the power of your smartphone.
- KMPlayer. This application can work with many video formats, but differs in very modest settings. The advantage of the program is its excellent optimization, so that it will run even on weak devices.
- Daroon Player. And this video player is useful to you if you decide to watch DVD files on your smartphone. Moreover, the application supports a graphical menu.
- AIMP. A program for music on Android, which can read all common audio file formats. It boasts an intuitive interface and an abundance of settings.
By the way, you can well use the standard player installed on your smartphone by default. True, such a quality of reproduction, as in applications from third-party developers, cannot be achieved in it.
Video streaming
Using these programs for video on Android, you can watch movies and videos in online mode:
- YouTube The official application that allows you to view clips from the same video hosting. It features good optimization, a convenient interface and the ability to synchronize an account on a smartphone and PC.
- TubeMate Almost the same as the YouTube program, but with the ability to download video and watch it through a third-party player (both online and offline). In addition, the application can be used as a browser and thus download videos from various resources.
- LazyMedia. The program is a tool for searching online movies on several popular sites at once. Here you can choose the quality in which you want to watch the video.
- Twitch Application for viewing streams from the platform of the same name. All the same functions as in the desktop version are included.
- Vortex. Same as Twitch, but with better optimization. The downside is the very limited functionality.
And yes, you can watch online video directly in the browser, but through special applications it is much more convenient to do it.
A photo
Now it’s the turn to get acquainted with the applications that are needed for processing photos and pictures:
- Adobe Photoshop Express Perhaps the best program for Android, which is used for editing images. A rich set of various tools will help you turn even an ordinary photo into a real work of art.
- "Google Photos." A convenient application for working with the hosting of the same name from Google. Allows you to automatically upload files to the cloud storage.
- ZCamera. A good alternative to the standard camera. It is distinguished by an abundance of all kinds of filters and effects that are used when shooting a photo.
- Pic collage This program is needed in order to combine several images into one collage. Thanks to a clear interface, understanding all the functions is very simple.
- Pencil Sketch. An interesting application that remakes images in pencil drawings. After processing, the photos look very stylish.
Of course, each image processing application has analogues, but usually they do not reach the above competitors in their functionality.
Social networks
Perhaps, there is no need to tell what social networks are. But about the programs that are needed to connect to them directly from the smartphone, it's still worth talking about:
- "In contact with". The official application created by the team of the social network "VKontakte". You can upload and view photos, write messages, listen to music, like posts and so on.
- Kate Mobile. A useful program for Android, which is an alternative to VKontakte. Here, unlike the official application, you can also download the media files you like, as well as view pages in stealth mode.
- Telegram A convenient messenger that is constantly gaining popularity. The mobile application has the same functions as in the desktop version.
- Viber Not quite a social network, but it’s a very convenient tool for sending messages and making calls over the Internet. The application is constantly updated, becoming better.
- Skype “Skype”, it is also on “Android” “Skype”. The program will help you chat with your friends by sending messages and making calls. Also, with a camera, you can use video calls.
Keep in mind that almost every popular social network has an official Android application, but there is no point in considering each of them separately.
Office applications and e-books
In this section, we will consider applications that are used to work with texts and documents:
- Microsoft Office A well-known tool for creating and processing text documents, ported to the Android platform. Functions, of course, are a little cut back, but they are enough for full-fledged writing of articles, creating tables, graphs and so on.
- "Google Docs." An application for convenient work with online text services from Google. In principle, almost the same as the "Office", but from other developers.
- FBReader Russian program for reading books on Android. Opens Fb2, Pdf, Txt and many other formats. In this case, all the books stored on your smartphone will be automatically placed in a convenient and beautifully designed library.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader Tool for working with documents in Pdf format. You can not only view, but also edit files.
In principle, these applications are quite enough to open almost any text document on your smartphone.
Miscellaneous
And finally, useful programs for Android, which are not included in any section, but may be useful to you in certain situations:
- Google Maps An application for navigation. You can view both schematic maps and satellite photos.
- Bitcoin Wallet. Mobile wallet for those who work with Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
- CamOnRoad. Turns a smartphone into a DVR.
- AndroMoney. A small program that is used to compile and calculate the budget of a family or a small company.
- Comixology Comics. A tool for viewing and storing comics. Made in the form of a huge catalog.
Also, do not forget about the security of your smartphone and install an antivirus on it. Then you yourself will need to choose which one will fully satisfy all your requirements.