Android has come a long way since its inception, with each new version bringing enhancements, features, and optimizations that keep our smartphones smarter and more capable. From Lollipop to the latest Android 14, there’s a wide array of apps designed to take full advantage of each version’s unique features Potato下载. Whether you’re using an older device or the latest flagship, here’s a breakdown of the best apps for each Android version, ensuring you’re getting the most out of your device.
Android 5.0–5.1 (Lollipop)
Lollipop introduced the now-standard Material Design, bringing a more colorful and intuitive interface. While the operating system has aged, many apps still run smoothly on Lollipop.
- Evernote: Evernote remains a great app for taking notes, organizing thoughts, and syncing between devices. It’s simple, yet powerful, and still performs well on older versions of Android.
- MX Player: One of the best media players available, MX Player supports a variety of video formats and offers hardware acceleration for smoother playback, perfect for Lollipop users.
- Nova Launcher: If you want to personalize your device, Nova Launcher is a highly customizable home screen launcher, adding extra functionality and sleek design to Android Lollipop.
Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
Marshmallow focused on improving performance and introducing features like Doze Mode for better battery life. The best apps for this version take advantage of these optimizations.
- Greenify: Designed to extend battery life, Greenify works perfectly with Marshmallow’s Doze feature, helping you hibernate unused apps to save energy.
- LastPass: Security is critical, and LastPass, a password manager, works seamlessly with Marshmallow’s fingerprint authentication API to make password management secure and effortless.
- Google Keep: Another standout from Google, Keep is a simple and lightweight note-taking app with great integration into Android’s ecosystem, perfect for Marshmallow users.
Android 7.0–7.1 (Nougat)
Nougat brought split-screen multitasking, better notifications, and improved battery optimization. Here are apps that take full advantage of Nougat’s features.
- Parallel Windows: Nougat’s split-screen mode was a game-changer. Parallel Windows enhances this, allowing users to run multiple instances of the same app side by side, maximizing productivity.
- Tasker: Tasker is an automation tool that lets you control almost every aspect of your device. Nougat users can leverage it for even more control, thanks to the additional system-level access the version provides.
- Pushbullet: This app allows you to seamlessly sync notifications, texts, and files between your Android device and desktop. Nougat’s improved notification system makes Pushbullet even more effective.
Android 8.0–8.1 (Oreo)
Oreo introduced picture-in-picture mode, autofill for apps, and notification dots. It was a leap forward in performance and usability.
- YouTube: With picture-in-picture mode, you can now watch YouTube videos while multitasking on Oreo. It’s a great productivity feature for those who like to stay entertained while working.
- Dashlane: Oreo’s autofill feature works flawlessly with password managers like Dashlane. This app helps manage your passwords securely across multiple platforms.
- Google News: Google News was optimized for Oreo’s notification dots, making it easier to stay updated with the latest news with minimal disruption to your daily workflow.
Android 9.0 (Pie)
Android Pie introduced gesture navigation, App Actions, and Digital Wellbeing tools. These apps complement the version’s design and features.
- Navigation Gestures: With Pie’s gesture navigation, apps like Navigation Gestures allow you to customize and refine the swiping and tapping gestures to your liking.
- ActionDash: ActionDash enhances Pie’s Digital Wellbeing by providing detailed insights into app usage, screen time, and more, helping you strike a better balance between productivity and leisure.
- Notion: For note-taking and organization, Notion is a robust app that takes advantage of Pie’s smooth animations and gestures, making it an excellent productivity tool.
Android 10
Android 10 brought a system-wide dark mode, more sophisticated privacy controls, and enhanced gesture navigation. These apps optimize the Android 10 experience.
- Google Fit: With dark mode support, Google Fit integrates smoothly into Android 10’s aesthetic. It offers personalized fitness goals, activity tracking, and seamless syncing with wearables.
- Snapseed: One of the best photo editing apps, Snapseed now fully supports the system-wide dark theme, making it perfect for photo enthusiasts working with the enhanced visual elements of Android 10.
- Bouncer: Android 10’s improved privacy features are amplified by Bouncer, an app that lets you grant temporary permissions to apps, automatically revoking them after you’re done.
Android 11
Android 11 focused on refining user experience with features like improved notification management, chat bubbles, and better media controls.
- Facebook Messenger: Messenger makes the most of Android 11’s chat bubbles, allowing you to respond to messages without leaving your current app. It’s a seamless way to multitask during conversations.
- Taskbar: For those who use a large-screen device or tablet, Taskbar turns your Android device into a desktop-like experience with resizable windows and easy multitasking.
- Power Shade: If you love customizing your notification panel, Power Shade allows you to tweak every aspect of Android 11’s new and improved notification system.
Android 12
Android 12 introduced “Material You,” a major redesign with dynamic theming and personalized customization options. It also brought privacy indicators and better widgets.
- KWGT Kustom Widget Maker: With Android 12’s focus on widgets, KWGT is perfect for creating custom widgets tailored to your personalized dynamic theme. It helps you match your widgets to your wallpaper automatically.
- Niagara Launcher: Android 12’s design philosophy works well with Niagara Launcher, a minimalistic launcher focused on decluttering your home screen while staying visually cohesive with Android 12’s Material You design.
- VLC for Android: VLC fully supports Android 12’s new visual style and integrates well with the updated media controls, making it an excellent media player for this version.
Android 13
Android 13 introduced minor refinements over Android 12, focusing on improved privacy settings and even more customization options for app icons and widgets.
- Material Islands: A live wallpaper app that takes full advantage of Android 13’s aesthetic, Material Islands integrates dynamic theming with customizable live wallpapers for a personalized home screen experience.
- Opera Browser: For web browsing, Opera has become an excellent choice on Android 13. With enhanced security features and better privacy controls, it aligns perfectly with Android 13’s increased focus on user security.
- Simple Keyboard: A minimalist keyboard app that supports Android 13’s new personalized theming features, ensuring a cohesive experience across the system.
Android 14
Android 14 is the latest version, focusing on performance improvements, enhanced privacy, and more user-centric features like Health Connect and predictive back gestures.
- Health Connect: With Health Connect, users can integrate health data from multiple fitness apps into one place. Android 14’s system-level optimizations make it the perfect platform for this feature.
- Shizuku: This app enables power users to access system-level features and tools using Android 14’s new APIs, giving you greater control over your device’s functionality.
- Moon+ Reader: For readers, Moon+ Reader takes full advantage of Android 14’s improved performance, offering a smooth and customizable reading experience.
Conclusion
With each new Android version, app developers are quick to innovate and create solutions that leverage the latest features. Whether you’re using Android Lollipop or Android 14, there are great apps available to enhance your experience. From customization and productivity to security and entertainment, the apps listed above are the best companions for each Android version, helping you make the most of your device regardless of its age or features.