From the time you configure your Android phone, several preinstalled applications enable you carry out daily activities. Though most manufacturers additionally provide their own versions of SMS, email, note-taking, and browser apps, all Android phones have Google’s essential apps, including Gmail, Chrome, and YouTube.

Although these applications will have you utilizing your Android phone in minutes, they are not necessarily the greatest. Many Play Store apps are more helpful than the default apps on your Android smartphone. Whether your Android device is a Google Pixel tablet, the newest Samsung Galaxy phone, a OnePlus foldable, or any other kind, we’ll show you all the greatest Play Store applications that are efficient substitutes for your phone’s default apps.

Bundled Notes knocks every other note-taking app out of the park

Whether it’s Google Keep on Pixel devices or Samsung Notes on a Galaxy phone, your Android device will have a note-taking software loaded by default. These apps are perfect for scribbling down fast grocery lists or setting a reminder. However, they’re outperformed by Bundled Notes, which is the finest notes app on Android in 2025.

Bundled Notes has a large amount of capabilities, yet its intelligent UI doesn’t seem like you’re drowning in superfluous tabs and menus. Its revolutionary bundle structure helps you organize related notes, and its rich text editor is more capable than anything you’ll find preloaded on your Android phone. As you use the program, you’ll find exactly how strong it is. For example, when you create a new folder, you pick an appropriate structure. Note is a basic text box, List is perfect for shopping lists, while Board is a task-management framework that acts as a lightweight alternative for project-management tools like Trello. It’s powerful, well-designed, and free to download and use.

Duo Mobile is a better 2FA app than Google Authenticator

A two-factor authentication (2FA) app is the best way to improve your digital security. Google Authenticator comes preinstalled on some Android devices, but we recommend replacing it with Duo Mobile. While Google Authenticator is effective at securing your accounts, Duo Mobile is a simpler app that makes it much quicker and easier. Not only is Duo Mobile one of the most streamlined 2FA apps on the market, but it’s also one of the most secure. Its backups are encrypted, it works equally well for all websites, and you don’t need to enter any personal information to use it.

Focus Go is the best way to scroll through your photos

Google Photos is one of the most powerful gallery apps. Features like Locked Folder, Memories, and a search function make it great for organizing your photos, while the powerful Magic Editor tool brings AI to your photos. However, when it comes to browsing your latest holiday snaps, it can feel bloated and unwieldy. Enter Focus Go, a simple, streamlined gallery app that doesn’t drown you in features. Focus Go lets you sort your photos by day, month, or phone folder. That’s it. There are options for how many photos you see per row, but that’s about it when it comes to customization. It’s made my life a lot easier when I want to show my friends a picture, but it does have its shortcomings. Firstly, there’s no search function, you have to scroll to find older photos. Secondly, there are no editing tools, but you can assign your favourite editing app to a shortcut.

Backdrops is the ultimate wallpaper solution

Though the choices are few, Google and Samsung both provide a range of wallpapers on their smartphones (including some cool tools for making your own). Should you enjoy changing the appearance of your home screen often, Backdrops is our recommendation.

Backdrops has a Wall of the Day function that selects a new wallpaper for you daily and it often adds new wallpapers. Its most valuable tool, though, is hidden behind a one-time $3.99 buy. This lets you automatically alter your wallpaper every day, so you can always get up to a fresh appearance. Instead of being completely arbitrary, you may also design unique folders for this daily switch.

Spark is the perfect email app for sorting your messages

Not only for your Android phone and tablet; Spark is an excellent substitute for your email software on all your devices. Although cross-platform capability is a typical feature of a decent email client, Spark distinguishes by providing the same excellent user experience across all platforms.

Spark provides great customization choices, amazing third-party app integration, and Material You compatibility. Its biggest feature, though, is Smart Inbox. This function combines promotional offers and newsletters and organizes important messages from priority senders—e.g., close friends, family, and business contacts—to the top of your inbox. You don’t have to do anything to make it operate; it’s a strong approach to control your emails.

Still, the software falls short. Usually available for free in other email applications, the option to block undesirable email addresses is kept behind a $4.99 barrier. Though it’s still an annoying lack in the free software, you may get around this by filtering emails from another client.

Disclaimer :

This article is based on personal opinions and experiences with Android apps. We do not endorse or promote any specific application for financial gain. This site follows Google AdSense policies, and all content is intended for informational purposes only. Always review app permissions and privacy policies before downloading.