4d ago

New To Android? What Apps to Choose?

I’m new to android. (Default android 13, not looking to install custom ROMs because I need this to be very functional and dont have time to deal with bugs).

Anyways, I’ve installed F-Droid, Helix Keyboard and my go to VPN app.

What next? What browser, third party YT player, torrent client, jellyfin client (I’m deaf so need one with opensubtitle integration), email clients, rss aggregator, note taking apps etc. should I install? I’m paralysed by choice.

Is there an equivalent to the ios shortcuts app?

Anyways, I’ll be happy to try out any suggestions. Cheers.

28 comments

I would recommend an adblocker. If your VPN supports proxy or you can make do without it. I recommend PersonalDNSFilter.
For launcher depending on personal preference I recommend Niagara Launcher or Smart Launcher 6.
For RSS feeds I recommend Feeder
For YT apart from Newpips, there's Libretube and Tubular( a newpipe fork with sponsorblock and youtubedislike support).
For torrent Libretorrent or the basic but simple PikaTorrent. For games there's Endless Sky, Shattered Pixel Dungeon.
For image editors there Image Toolbox
For note taking app I use Orgzly(revived), but you can try the ones like Open Note which are simpler.
For Lemmy clients there's Voyager, Jerboa Both are fantastic, smooth and functional.
If you need recommendations for more categories of apps feel free to ask. The community will answer where it can.

If you have f-droid:
AntennaPod (for podcasts)
VLC (always good to have)
Ironfox/Fennec
SpamBlocker (to block call centers using regex, etc...)
Newsblur (for RSS)
Transistor (online radio / any stream)
Voyager for Lemmy
Bitwarden (password manager)
- +1 for AntennaPod. I haven't found a great podcast player, but AntennaPod is the best I've seen.

What I do is I have droidify (fdroid client) with fdroid, izzyonandroid and few more repos enabled and I browse the list frequently. If I find something cool I might keep it. I try to avoid anything from google play in general.
If I want something specific (apart from searchijg online), I mighr just search the term I want on droidify, install a few apps, try them and keep the one I like.
- So there’s a bunch of useful FOSS stuff not on fdroid repo? Never heard of izzyonandroid
  
  Yeah, I think fdroid is more strict about the apps they include and I think they might do some extra tests (hence why fdroid apps have different signature from git repos of the apps).
  Please search it yourself, I don't remember much to help you.
  Here's izzy's site: https://apt.izzysoft.de/fdroid/index/info
  PS. You might see Izzy in various github app repos talking with developers asking to import their apps to the izzy repo
  
  Izzy takes apks directly from devs repos iirc Fdroid builds everything themselves so its kinda like the debian repos on linux

I'd say Firefox for your browser. It supports extensions like ad blockers.
- I use librewolf on my computer. I’m assuming librewolf doesn’t have an android version so firefox sounds pretty good.
  
  Firefox isn't on f-droid, but Fennec and Ironfox are
  Also Firefox TOS current controversy
- Waterfox is the sweet spot between Firefox and LibreWolf
  
  What repo is it in?

Some apps I'd consider essential:
URLCheck for better control when clicking on links
Termux for a terminal emulator
Tasker for automations (it's a one time payment)
If your phone only has Google's gallery and files apps do yourself a favor and get some third party apps for these things. I use Fossify Gallery and Material Files but there are many alternatives.
And here's a good list for everything else: https://github.com/Psyhackological/AAA
- +1 for URL Check. Trimming down on baked-in trackers and stuff in links you click on is awesome

Newpipe for youtube <— best app in existence

Aegis for 2fa
Pipepipe for youtube
Thunderbird for email

Not torrent, but if you're looking for music I really recommend the Soulseek client Seeker. It's on fdroid.
Edit: you may need to add the Izzy repo as a source first.
More info here.

Browser, Ironfox or Cromite (if you want chromium)
YouTube, either Newpipe, or Tubular (if you want sponsor block)
You might like Droid-ify better than F-Droid, I find the UI better.
For getting apps there is also Obtanium, which pulls directly from the source. Github, Gitlab, etc.
Welcome to the ~~dark~~ better side

Feel free to crosspost to !android@lemdro.id for wider reach
- lemdroid's main community doesn't allow personal questions AFIAK
  
  It didn't, but since there is less activity than reddit's r/android the rule was designed for, the mods decided to relax that rule.
  In the long-term if the community gets huge and it becomes problematic the rule will go back into effect

Tasker - for automating anything, everything.

28 comments