5 Awesome Apps for Android
When we get a new Android smartphone we always install these 5 applications that replace several of the default apps in the device. We do this because usually the default stuff are mostly crap when it comes to functionality and aesthetics. For example, the LG G3 has horrible default apps for Messaging and E-mail (they lag terribly). For Samsung the Contacts app can get just as bad. All of Androids we’ve used also have terrible music players. The beauty though of Android is that if you don’t like something you can replace it, hehe. And these are our top picks that you guys might want to check out as well!
1. Textra SMS: Replacement for Default SMS Apps
First we have Textra SMS. Inspired by the design philosophy of Android Lollipop, Textra SMS features a beautiful and simple design that just takes the stress away in checking your SMS inbox. You can also customize it as you can pick from color themes and dark modes. There are also over 800 emojis, quick reply pop-up, floating notifications, and you can even customize the bubble colors per contact.
By far Textra SMS is our favorite SMS messaging app. You guys should give it a try!
2. Ready Contact List: Replacement for Contacts/Phone
Ready Contact List is a more visual take on Contacts for Android. It has a bunch of features including displaying recent history related to callers (while they’re calling), actionable follow-ups are hanging up, and a shortcut to save unknown contacts after calls. The main screen of the app is also just a joy to open and it’s also super easy to use as it shows all of your favorited contacts in tiles. This app will definitely force you to organize and fix your contacts (put photos, join duplicates, etc).
3. Mailwise: Replacement for E-mail
Our main problem with the default e-mail apps is that they almost all lag and bog down once you have a lot of e-mails or if you have a smart predictive keyboard installed. They also usually look like crap. That’s where Mailwise comes in. This app not only looks good, but it actually simplifies your e-mail so that they look more like message threads than lengthy and multi-fonted and sized text walls. It also works with ActiveSync Exchange and Outlook.
4. Inbox: Replacement for Gmail
The best Gmail app that you can get. It looks fantastic, works blazing fast, and it groups together useless e-mails so you can take them all out with one swipe. Problem? It’s only by invite right now so try to get one because this app is just superb.
5. Power Amp: Replacement for Music Player
Last, but not the least, we have Power Amp. We believe that this app is the best music jukebox/player in Google Play. It addresses a lot of the problems in Android music players: volume and control. You can actually use the pre-amp function to dial up the power of the output of the audio and the built-in equalizer can also do wonders when you know how to work it, hehe. It’s also very intuitive and you can instantly make ques and playlists on the go.
Other than these 5, we also usually install a launcher and change the icons. Our current favorite is Nova Launcher Prime and we just play around with the variety of icons we can get from Google Play. Our two top picks right now for icon packs are VOX and VELUR. Here’s what our launcher looks like on our LG G3 home page:
What about you guys? What are your favorite Android apps that you love installing in your devices? Let us know in the comments section below!
