Programs necessary for the normal operation of the smartphone. Which apps to install on Android first?

Here are the best useful applications for Android, the most necessary programs for everyday work. Install them on your mobile devices and gadgets. Also read a detailed review of each android program before downloading the apk app on your phone. The Android version doesn't really matter; the main thing is that the smartphone or tablet is not too outdated.

We have selected the most useful applications for Android, making a detailed review of mobile programs, with all the associated pros and cons. Each Android application review contains screenshots and comments from real users of mobile applications. Any application in question on the Android platform can be downloaded for free - as an apk file - and installed safely. In addition, you can read a detailed description of the functions of a particular utility, study the application settings and main functions. At the bottom of the review there is a link to the software for Android, so it will be easy to download the application on Android through our website or by going to the Google Play Store.

Also in this section, we reviewed popular Android applications in various categories: browsers, cameras, archivers, torrent clients and other software. In general, we tried to make a selection of the most interesting “useful” programs for Android, so that one or another participant would not be too popular. After all, sometimes among not the most popular programs you can find a successful copy that is worthy of taking up space in the memory of your phone.

Previously, mobile phones could only perform a limited set of functions. As a rule, these are calls and sending messages. Thanks to the development of the technical sphere, many interesting developments have appeared that have allowed manufacturers to turn simple “dialers” into a full-fledged PC. Just 15 years ago, few could have imagined that the functions of a large bulky computer could be performed by a small compact smartphone or tablet. Now all this has become an everyday reality. But the gadget itself will not provide such opportunities. It can be conditionally called a base, which creates certain conditions for installing various applications. And it is the latter that make it possible to use the full resources of multimedia devices as efficiently as possible.

Currently, the most popular operating system is Android. Most manufacturers install it on their gadgets. We are talking about such well-known brands as Samsung, Huawei, HTC, Xiaomi, etc. When purchasing a new smartphone or tablet, users most often wonder what applications are needed for Android? Of course, the level of functionality of the device will depend on their correct choice. When you go to Google Play Market, it’s easy to get lost in the wide range of applications. Not every user will immediately understand what exactly needs to be installed on the gadget. This article will describe exactly those services that, according to users, are the most necessary.

Top necessary applications for Android

Buyers, when purchasing a new gadget, notice that the manufacturer has already equipped it with various utilities. However, are they all really needed? Unfortunately, some applications turn out to be completely useless in practice. But, fortunately, such software can be removed and instead installed those programs that are needed by a specific user.

The Google store offers a wide range of paid and free content. Among this variety, there are applications that a modern user simply cannot do without. In order for the gadget owner not to waste time on independent searches, we present a list of them below.

So, let's look at what are the most necessary applications for an Android smartphone in the top 10.

Antivirus. A modern gadget cannot do without protection. Currently, there are a large number of viruses that can not only harm the device, but also completely disable it.
Managers. In order to put all the files in order (organize and distribute them into folders) available on your phone or tablet, it is recommended to use a special utility. It's called a file manager.
Browser. Currently, it is difficult to imagine a user who can do without the Internet. In order to be able to visit the World Wide Web, you need to install a browser.
Navigator. According to statistics, the majority of the Russian population has cars, so it is recommended to equip your gadget with a special program that can get directions to any object. This will help save not only the driver’s nerves, but also gasoline.
Cards. Previously, when arriving in a foreign city, you could easily get lost. I had to ask people to show me the way, for example, to the train station or to the museum. Now everything is much simpler. If you install maps, you can feel at home even in a foreign city.
Social media. You can communicate with friends and relatives living in another country every day. To do this, just install the application and create a profile.
Video communication. How good it is during a call not only to hear the caller’s voice, but also to see him! To do this, it is enough to have a gadget with a camera and a special service installed. The application must be on two phones.
Adobe Flash Player- a multimedia platform that allows you to reproduce graphics, audio recordings and videos.
MX Player- an excellent video player that supports a large number of formats.
Cool Reader- a program for those who prefer to read e-books.

Of course, the most necessary applications for Android are not limited to this list. Each user can additionally download educational games, fitness programs, health services (fluid control, anti-smoking, etc.), weather and much more from the Play Market.

Protecting your gadget from malware

The Android operating system is considered quite vulnerable compared to iOS. Unfortunately, danger can lurk where you least expect it. Users who are going to turn their gadget into a powerful working platform simply cannot do without an antivirus. There are a lot of different types of malware on the Internet. It is impossible even for the most experienced programmer to identify them without a special utility. You can get a virus on your device by downloading music, pictures, or simply visiting websites. Malware can greatly ruin a user's life. At first, minor glitches will appear, and then the device may not turn on at all.

It is much easier to prevent such a nuisance than to “cure” the device later. To do this, you will need to choose the right antivirus and install it on your tablet or smartphone. However, you must act extremely carefully. The fact is that such programs are resource-intensive, so they must be selected carefully, based on the technical equipment of the gadget itself. If the characteristics of the device are not powerful enough, this will lead to severe slowdowns in work processes and, as a result, to freezes.

So, what applications should you install on Android in order to protect your gadget from attacks by virus programs?

Dr.Web. The most popular application. Copes well with the assigned tasks. To install on a smartphone, it is recommended to use the simplified version - Light. According to users, this antivirus is the most reliable. It provides various functions: database updating, blacklist, system check (quick, full), etc. A significant advantage of this program is the low hardware requirement. It is this utility that tops the list of necessary applications for Android. True, you can only install a trial version for free for a period of several months, while the full version is offered by the developers for a certain price.
Avast! Mobile security. No less popular antivirus. Works efficiently and quickly. You can install it on your gadget for free. Protects against various viruses, infected codes and malware. Can track online activity. The interface is simple, the controls are well thought out by the developers.

File managers

Continuing to study the necessary applications for a smartphone on Android, we need to talk about file managers. Many gadget owners will ask, what are they for? Users download a large number of music, graphics and video files to their phones. For example, an exciting movie helps pass the time in a traffic jam. The way to work becomes much more exciting if you listen to your favorite music. However, not all devices have special utilities that manage such files. Having downloaded data from the Internet, you can spend a day (or even more) searching for it in numerous system folders. To avoid this, a manager is installed. This application allows you to save downloaded files in a specific location so that the data is not lost.

Unfortunately, there is currently not a large selection of programs. This, of course, greatly surprises users, since interacting with a gadget without a file manager is quite problematic. Now the store offers you to choose one of two applications - File Manager HD or File Manager. The utilities do not have any significant differences. With their help, the user can manage all files installed on the device, view them and even archive them if necessary.

World Wide Web - browser installation

Of course, the list of the most necessary applications for Android includes browsers. Without them, the user simply will not be able to access the vastness of the World Wide Web. Today there are a lot of such applications. Each of them (according to the developers) is as convenient as possible. But is this really so? Unfortunately no. If, when purchasing a gadget, a browser is installed that the user does not like, it does not matter. It can be easily removed and replaced with another. There are a lot of offers in the Google store. After studying the reviews, we were able to identify two leaders.

Google Chrome. This browser is unrivaled in terms of speed. Does not load RAM, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gadget. Information is displayed on the screen in high quality. A significant advantage of Google Chrome is synchronization. In order not to re-enter information, just log into your account. After this, the user will have access to all saved data: history, bookmarks, passwords, etc. It is also worth highlighting the voice search option. With its help, there is no need to waste time entering text from the keyboard, but simply say the request out loud.
Opera Mini. This browser has been familiar to users for a long time. It began to be installed in simple mobile phones to access the Internet. Now the developers have focused the application as much as possible on modern smartphones. This is currently the only browser that has a built-in VPN option. Some domestic cellular operators offer unlimited Internet if you use Opera Mini.

Navigator

Of course, the required Android applications for a tablet or phone cannot be specified unambiguously. They will be different for each user. For example, it is difficult to imagine a driver who does not use a navigator. You can purchase a DVR with this function, but it would also be a good idea to install the service on a smartphone or tablet. It will be useful even to those people who know the city well. Most of all, couriers, forwarders, and taxi drivers need it. This program will be able to plot a route taking into account traffic jams.

Among such applications, the leader is Navitel Navigator. This service is paid. The program reads information from satellites. There is a voice notification option. Works only on gadgets that are equipped with a GPS receiver. Minimum requirements - takes up 14 MB of RAM. Supports graphics acceleration and display filters. The search is carried out by objects and addresses. The user can customize the interface at his own discretion. There are no comments regarding the operation of the application. The system functions clearly and without errors, although the quality is inferior to professional devices.

Cards

So, what are the most necessary applications for Android? In addition to the ones described above, it is also necessary to highlight the cards. At first glance, it may seem that only travelers need them. However, it is not. Few people even in their city know all the streets, not to mention the numbering of houses and the location of service buildings.

Previously, large maps printed on paper were sold. But using them is not always convenient. As a rule, they are not at hand at the most necessary moment, and then a smartphone with an installed application comes to the rescue. Based on this, we can safely say that maps belong to the category of necessary applications for Android. User reviews will tell you which of all the available ones you should choose. The undisputed leaders are:

Google Maps. The application allows you to get directions to a specific object. Provides information about the length of the journey and the time spent (by car, public transport and on foot). If you wish, you can view pictures of the area, work schedule, telephone numbers of office buildings, etc. All data is downloaded only when there is an active Internet connection. The only drawback of this application is its large size.
"2 GIS". This application provides the user not only with city maps with house layouts, but also complete information about organizations, even on which side the entrance to the building is located. You can also find out public transport routes, phone numbers, work schedules, etc. “2GIS” is not just maps, but a full-fledged reference book that is a worthy competitor to Google Maps, so if you still doubt what applications you need for Android, then be sure to install this program.

Social media

Social networks occupy an important place in the life of a modern person. Young people communicate with friends, housewives exchange experiences, men discuss politics, sports news, etc. Accessing the Internet only from a computer is not always convenient; it is better to use a smartphone for these purposes. You can access, for example, Facebook, Odnoklassniki or VKontakte in two ways: through a browser and through an application. As for the first, it can be called a costly method. Users must open a browser, enter a query, and follow a link, which takes some time. It is also worth noting that such actions waste traffic. And those owners who have already installed the necessary applications for their Android phone can significantly reduce the time it takes to access their profile on social networks. The Play Market has special utilities that are downloaded completely free of charge. They are very easy to find as they have the name used on the sites. All versions are safe. With their help, you can use social networks without a browser, saving Internet traffic.

Video calling

There are also necessary applications for Android (2017), which are repurposed for communication via video calling. Mobile operators constantly offer favorable rates for calls and SMS, but if the user has unlimited Internet, then it is best to take advantage of an alternative offer.

Not so long ago, the ICQ messaging application was popular. The developers did not stop there and moved on. Now every owner of a tablet or smartphone can install Skype or Viber. They are offered to users completely free of charge. You can call or correspond with a subscriber who also has such an application installed. If there is no traffic limit, then you can communicate for an unlimited time without any additional costs.

The necessary programs for the gadget, according to users

Reviews from owners of modern gadgets will help you choose the right applications for Android. Most of them have already been discussed, but there are others. They deserve no less attention.

Cool Reader is a great app for those who love to read. It works with all known text files.
Adobe Flash Player. To watch videos on the Internet, you cannot do without this application. It also allows you to open all graphic images.
MX Player- a utility that can completely replace the built-in video player. The developers have provided a convenient library and a large number of codecs. The application works with almost all known file types.

Do I need to update applications on Android?

It often happens that when you enter a certain application, you may be faced with a request to update the program. Not everyone knows what to do in such a situation. For example, user reviews often provide information that after updates the application begins to work with errors. However, in most cases, it is the new version that opens up many opportunities for the user. Therefore, if the question arises whether to update the program or not, then the answer can be one: of course, yes! Developers, having released the application, subsequently improve it by implementing new functions.

And one more thing you need to pay attention to: if you do not update the downloaded services in a timely manner, they may simply not start after a certain period of time.

Conclusion

In principle, this is where we can finish describing the applications that definitely need to be installed on the gadget. But this does not mean at all that the user should not download anything else from the Google store. There is a high probability that it will contain many more useful programs that will be useful specifically for specific activities. Everyone must decide for themselves which Android applications are the most necessary!

There are mobile applications that, despite all their advanced functionality, should not be installed on an Android smartphone. Typically, these applications include energy- and resource-intensive applications. And even more so, special vigilance is required when it comes to applications that top the ratings of resource hogs.

One of the latest ratings contains results as of the beginning of May 2017.

GooglePlayservices

The application is a tool used to update Google applications and applications obtained from Google Play. If you uninstall the Google Play services app, some other apps may not work. By default, the Google Play services application is used; it is not recommended to remove it. At the same time, this application is one of the main battery drains. Therefore, if the problem of battery life is severe enough, then you can remove this application. To update other applications, you can temporarily install Google Play services. And then, after completing the update operations, remove Google Play services again.

Facebook

The Facebook mobile app doesn't need much introduction. Social networks have become a part of our lives. Today, the social network Facebook replaces the morning newspaper for many because it is a source of news.

The Facebook mobile application, in addition to its many advantages, is also a universal resource hog: battery charge, memory space and data traffic. An easy alternative to the Facebook app is to access the social network through a regular browser. For more convenient access, you can create a shortcut on your smartphone desktop with a URL that will allow you to directly launch the Facebook website.

For example, in the Chrome browser, such an operation to create the specified shortcut is called Add to Home screen. When using a browser, in the process of clearing history, it may be necessary to delete passwords and autofill data. There is a risk of forgetting your password for the social network Facebook. You can store passwords using a free password manager, such as Dashlane. Another alternative to the Facebook app is to use the lightweight Facebook Lite app.

ChromeBrowser- Google

Without exaggeration, we can say that the Chrome browser is one of the best browsers. Many other browsers also have their fans. In many situations, using Chrome is the best solution.

If your smartphone has small amounts of memory, then it is preferable to refrain from installing this application. There are many alternative browsers that are less resource-demanding - AOSP, Dolphin Browser, Opera Mini, UC Browser.

CandyCrushSaga

The program is a children's toy. Bright people, a simple game similar to Tetris. The game is built with different difficulty levels. This toy will certainly be interesting for kids. And everything would be fine, but there is one problem - the toy tops the rating of programs that eat up battery power.

It is unlikely that children themselves will figure out the reasons why a smartphone quickly loses power. In this matter, children need the help and support of adults. If you often cannot reach your child because the smartphone battery has run out of charge, then check to see if there is a Candy Crush Saga toy among the installed applications.

An alternative is Cookie Crush Match 3 and other similar toys. And even better for a child - playing in the fresh air, playing music, playing sports, visiting museums and theaters. In this case, the smartphone will hold its charge longer, and the child will be healthier.

PetRescueSaga

Another computer game that was created for the development of children. This program has taken one of the top positions in the ranking of smartphone charge hogs. This is one of those games thanks to which adults can go about their business for a while, while the child is carried away by playing with colorful animals on the smartphone. The game is simply a beautiful “developmental game” for kids. Finding a replacement for her will not be difficult.

ClashofClans

The game is intended for ages 13 and above. Historical events and completely fictional plots are intertwined in this wonderful game. Millions of players around the world participate in these virtual battles. At the same time, the application eats up battery power at a tremendous speed, like a tribe of virtual hungry barbarians who feed on electricity. The alternative is to abandon this toy in favor of other, less voracious ones. Fortunately, there is a huge selection for the Android OS. For example, Castle Clash: Brave Squads, Battle of Zombies: Clans War, Boom Beach.

DespicableMe

The application is a game that will surely appeal to children and some adults. Participants in the game are invited to run with minions, jump, dodge and knock them off the track. This is a fun game that has already been played by about 800 million players around the world. With all its undoubted advantages, this application is the leader among memory space eaters on the Android OS.

8 BallPool

The computer game 8 Ball Pool is an electronic version of the game called Pool-8 (or “eight” - from the English “eight-ball”), which is a type of American pool. This game, like traditional billiards, has many fans all over the world. Hundreds of millions have become participants in this game. However, the game is one of the most voracious applications that consume space in the memory of a mobile device. There are many other billiards apps that are an alternative to this game.

Tumblr

Tumblr is a microblogging service. Users can maintain their own blogs and subscribe to blogs of other service participants. The Tumblr website is a social network. The Tumblr application of the same name allows you to interact with the Tumblr online service. The Tumblr application is the most active traffic hog among applications for the Android OS at the moment. The alternatives here are simple - either use it, and then it is preferable to have unlimited Internet, or delete, abandon the Tumblr application, replacing it with other social networks.

Snapchat

The name of the application comes from the English word Snap - snapshot. The application allows you to share photos and videos. The Snapchat app requires a server connection. Being one of the most voracious traffic consumers, the Snapchat app consumes data traffic by exchanging data between the server and the mobile device. Alternatives - Slingshot, WindUp, Bolt (Instagram), MSQRD.

BBCNews

BBC News is a British public news television channel for an international audience. The BBC News app allows you to receive up-to-date information in quality English from highly professional journalists. Unfortunately, this application is one of the most active data traffic eaters. Alternatives - Fox News, Sky News, The Guardian.

Instagram

Instagram is a free photo and video sharing application that is organized like a social network. The application is extremely popular. But for Android OS, the application was detected as one of the most voracious applications in terms of data traffic. An alternative is to use a connection through a browser if you have unlimited Internet.

Subway Surfers is a free game on Android, which is one of the brightest and most effective representatives of the arcade runner genre. The player controls a character who runs away from pursuit, overcoming various obstacles and collecting bonuses. You shouldn't expect a deep plot from the game, but thanks to the addictive gameplay and beautiful pictures it won't be easy to tear yourself away from it.

Mortal Kombat X is an exciting free action game for Android with numerous features, unsurpassed techniques and other elements of a real fighting game. Users will be impressed by high-quality video effects that will not only enliven the process of completing levels, but will also add a touch of realism to each battle.

Wallpaper HD is a collection of spectacular wallpapers for personalizing your mobile phone or tablet on the Android platform. The collection already includes over 7 thousand high-quality pictures in high HD resolution. The application will allow you to quickly and easily install original wallpaper on the desktop of your gadget, eliminating the need to spend hours searching for a suitable image on the Internet.

KMPlayer is a fairly well-known video player for Android in Russian, which has already proven itself well on desktop computers. Now it can be downloaded for free on Android devices and used on both tablets and smartphones.

Pedometer– the best Android application for measuring steps and distances taken over a selected period. The advantage of this program is the display of complete information about your loads. You can see distance and calories burned, as well as how fast you moved in specific time ranges.

Skype is a free program in Russian for communicating on the Internet on Android, which has proven itself well among consumers who actively use programs for exchanging free calls, messages and video communication capabilities. On this page you can download Skype safely, without registration and SMS.

B612 Selfie from the Heart is a unique camera program for Android smartphones, specially created for selfie lovers with unusual capabilities. The program allows you to take not only high-quality selfies, but also create short selfie videos and video collages with original effects lasting three and six seconds.

CCleaner is a useful tool for cleaning your Android phone or tablet from unclaimed content and optimizing performance. The mobile version demonstrates exactly the same efficiency as its computer counterpart.

Do you doubt whether it is worth investing in mobile application development? You can do it yourself and absolutely free. You may end up with a test version that can be used to conveniently evaluate the effectiveness of your mobile strategy. And if you try, you will make a decent mobile application that will become the main tool for online interaction with owners of smartphones and tablets.

Is it worth making your own mobile app?

Costs. If you don't take my word for it, here are some facts:

According to Flurry Analytics and comScore, owners of smartphones and tablets use the browser only 14% of the total time spent working with the device. And they spend 86% of their time on different applications.
The installed application is your direct channel of communication with the consumer. Just think: you don’t need to spend money on advertising or wait for a person to find you using Yandex. All that remains is to support the functionality the user needs and provide him with relevant content.
The number of purchases made using tablets and smartphones is growing both on the Internet in general and in RuNet. According to marketing agency Criteo, already in 2016, more than half of online transactions in RuNet will be made using mobile devices.

If you want, the application is a mobile browser in which only your website opens. In what case would a user install such an Internet browser? Only if he is interested in your product or information. Therefore, remember: the client who installed the application is a loyal and ready-to-buy representative of the target audience.

In this case, is it worth taking the risk and offering DIY applications to loyal customers rather than custom programs made by professionals for Android and iOS? Let's figure it out.

When can you create an application yourself?

Do you remember what website visitors need? They come because of the content or functionality of the resource. People want to get information, buy something, look at and comment on friends' photos, and so on. Mobile app users need the same. They are looking for information or making some kind of transaction.

Do you remember when a business could make a website on its own? It’s right when you don’t yet have money to collaborate with professionals, but you still have the time and desire to figure out WordPress or Joomla. The same situation is with applications. Self-created programs for iOS and Android can be roughly compared to websites built on open source engines.

You don't have to register to start working. Click the Create Now button on the main page or select the Create App menu in the upper right corner on any page of the service.

Select the appropriate application template. If we are talking about a content project, you may be interested in the following options:

Manual. This template allows you to create a guide program.
Blog. The application will help your blog audience read new notes from the screen of a smartphone or tablet.
Website. The template converts a website into an application.
Pages. With this template you can convert any content into an application with simple functionality.
News. The template allows you to create an application that is an aggregator of industry or regional news.
Page. The template converts offline content, such as an e-book, into the application.
VK Page and Facebook Page. Create an application that allows you to monitor updates of open groups on VKontakte and Facebook.
YouTube. Use the template to promote your YouTube channel.

How to Create a Blog App

Use the Blog template. In the appropriate field, enter the URL of your blog or RSS feed. Select a note title color.

Enter the name of the application.

Add a description.

Choose a standard one or add a custom icon. The appropriate image size is 512 by 512 pixels.

To create a download file, click the Create App button. After this, you need to register in the system. Confirm your registration and go to your personal account. Here you can install the application on your mobile device, publish it on Google Play and Amazon App Store. The system also offers a monetization option. If you use this feature, advertisements will be displayed in the application.

Check how the application works on your mobile device. On a tablet, the program should display a list of blog posts in title and announcement format.

Open the template and customize the appearance of the application. Choose how to display content: one step per screen or a list of steps.

Use the editor to add text, images, videos or links. To add a photo to the program, upload it to Imgur hosting and paste the link into the appropriate field.

After editing the content, specify the name of the application, add a description and an icon. Click the Create App button. After creating the download file, install it on your mobile device and check its functionality.

Please note that most mobile devices block the installation of applications from unknown sources by default. If a user downloads a program from your site or an app builder site, they will see a security warning when they try to install it. Some clients will probably refuse to install the program.

8 constructors similar to AppsGeyser

If the universal AppsGeyser constructor is not suitable for you, pay attention to similar services:

AppsMakerStore. Using the service, you can create applications of various types: from programs for Ecommerce to solutions for content projects. The designer makes applications for iOS and Android. The service interface is Russified. For beginners, there is an informative guide to using the constructor. The service is paid.
Mobincube. A tool for creating and monetizing iOS and Android applications. The basic functionality of the service is available for free. The designer allows you to create applications of different types.
Good Barber. Using this service you can develop Android and iOS applications. The constructor is paid, the cost of use is 16 USD per month.

Most of the services offered have an English-language interface. If you are uncomfortable working with constructors in English, choose platforms with Russian-language content.

Application designers: a stone ax or a thin modern tool?

Don't go from one extreme to another. With the help of the proposed services, you can really create functional functional applications. The resulting programs can be used to solve various problems: from facilitating online trading to distributing content and educating audiences. Applications created in the designer can be published on Google Play and the App Store, edited, and monetized using advertising or paid installations.

Remember that simply creating an application is not enough. It is necessary to invest a lot of effort in its promotion. Contact us if you want to entrust this work to professionals who know exactly what needs to be done to attract new users.

Do not overestimate the services offered. Their obvious drawback remains their stereotyped nature. We are talking about both the design and functionality of the programs. In addition, access to platforms with decent functionality is paid. What is better: to pay the developers for their work once or to pay the owners of the designer for many years? Do the math for yourself.

And one more thing: if you don’t have time to create a mobile application yourself, contact our company. We develop mobile applications and .