Key data for the van
- Apple users may argue that the iPhone has better apps, but Android-only apps like Automate and Podcast Addict excel in functionality.
- A parallel app allows you to run multiple instances of the same app, unlike iOS alternatives.
- Superior music players like Poweramp, file managers like Solid Explorer, and accessibility tools like Action Blocks are missing from the iOS App Store.
When comparing Androids and iPhones, most Apple users will argue that the iPhone has a better selection of apps. Indeed, there are many iPhone apps that you won’t find on Google Play. However, there is a lot of overlap between both app stores. You can even install apps like Google Drive on iPhone. However, some of the best Android apps are actually missing from Apple’s App Store.
There are adequate iOS replacements for most of the apps on this list, but they can’t compete with their Android counterparts. Here are some Android-only apps that Apple devices desperately need.
7 apps that should definitely be pre-installed on Android
As long as the user is free to uninstall them, having a strong set of native utilities goes a long way in making the phone complete.
1 Automate Llama Labs
Simplify your life by automating tasks
As far as automation apps go, Apple has an IFTTT app that lets you create complex automated tasks, but it’s too complicated for casual users. The Shortcuts app is easier to use, but not nearly as complicated. For a more affordable option, consider Automate, which uses a visual, flowchart-based interface to create custom scripts.
This exclusive Android app offers more than 320 different task blocks, including actions, event triggers, loops, and more. You can arrange these blocks in a flowchart style, facilitating easy visualization of your creations. Automate is free to use, but for a $2.99 in-app purchase you can unlock Premium mode and create scripts larger than 30 blocks.
Tasker is another automation app you won’t find on the iPhone, but I prefer Automate because it’s so easy to use.
2 Parallel application
Run two versions of the same application at once
While some social media apps offer the option of logging into multiple accounts on a single device, most apps aren’t designed to seamlessly switch between them. Parallel allows you to run multiple instances of the same app, such as WhatsApp or Instagram, so you can effortlessly manage more than one account.
Once you create a shortcut for an app that’s already installed on your phone, it works as a standalone app, allowing you to sign in with a different account. You can repeat this process for as many accounts as you like, and it’s not limited to social media platforms.
Parallel App should not be confused with Parallel Space, which is available for iOS but has many limitations. Another similar iOS app is Dual Space, but it doesn’t support as many apps as Parallel for Android.
3 Podcast addict
The best way to listen to podcasts
There’s no shortage of podcast apps on either side, but Podcast Addict is the only one that ticks all our boxes. Its features include automatic episode updates and downloads, variable playback speed, skip silence, volume up, sleep timer and more.
The app includes a podcast search tool to find specific episodes or explore different databases for popular shows. Additionally, Podcast Addict supports video podcasts, YouTube channels, audiobooks, streaming radio and other media sources.
In addition to Apple Podcasts, iPhone users have Spotify and Pocket Casts. Those apps lack some of Podcast Addict’s best playback features, but they’re still great tools for finding new podcasts.
4 Poweramp Music Player
Control the volume of the music
With support for premium high-resolution audio codecs, seamless playback without interruptions and a 10-band equalizer, you won’t find a better music player for your smartphone. Poweramp places significant emphasis on user experience, with intuitive gesture navigation for most functions.
Additionally, you can customize the look of Poweramp by downloading skins from the Play Store, completely transforming its visual aesthetic. Although Poweramp comes with a reasonable price, first-time users have the option to test the app for seven days before purchasing.
The best alternative for Apple users is probably VLC Media Player, although you’ll find some of the same playback features in Spotify and iTunes.
5 Pixtica
Take better photos and videos
Pixtica provides a robust alternative to the default camera app on your Android phone. It offers a wealth of recording features and camera controls, all in one convenient package. With Pixtica’s manual camera controls, you can adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus to fine-tune your photos. Additionally, the app provides access to add-ons such as live filters with real-time previews, panorama mode, and hyperlapse mode.
Although the app is free to use with ads, choosing to subscribe to Pixtica removes ads and unlocks all photo filters and resolutions. It also eliminates watermarks on live filters and GIFs and allows for unlimited video recording.
Adobe Photoshop Camera is probably the best alternative for iPhone users, but it doesn’t offer as much customization as Pixtica.
6 Solid Explorer file manager
Find important files and more
Solid Explorer file manager
There’s no shortage of free options in the Android file explorer app realm, from premium tools to ad-laden freemium offerings. However, if you’re willing to shell out a nominal amount for a premium experience free of ads and bloatware, Solid Explorer is worth considering. This premium file manager boasts an extensive feature set and a simplified user-friendly interface.
Solid Explorer covers all the essentials with drag and drop controls, a multi-tab and multi-pane interface, and support for network and cloud storage as well as compressed archives. Additional features such as root explorer, plugin support and batch operations are available for advanced users, further enhancing its functionality.
If you have an iPhone, you can make do with File Explorer Pro. It’s another great premium option, but Solid Explorer gives you more freedom. This has more to do with the iPhone’s operating system than any limitations of the app though.
How to update Android apps
If you’re wondering how to stay up to date, here’s how to update apps on Android
7 Action blocks
Make Google Assistant more accessible
Action Blocks is designed for people who rely heavily on Google Assistant, offering a potentially faster way to complete common tasks compared to voice commands. Essentially, any action that Google Assistant can understand and perform can be transformed into an action block and placed as a button on your home screen.
By simply tapping the customizable widgets on the home screen, you can perform actions quickly. You have the ability to create multiple actions and place them on the home screen for convenient access.
You can create similar shortcuts for Siri commands using the Shortcut app for iPhone. However, support for something more robust like Action Blocks would be more useful for Apple users.