Android smartphones certified by Google typically come loaded with mainstays like Gmail, YouTube, Google Photos, and Google Maps. But Google's lineup of mobile apps stretches far beyond what you get out of the box. In fact, some are so practical, it’s surprising they aren’t pre-installed. If you want to get more from your device, these three under-the-radar apps are worth a look.
Google Maps Go: Lightweight Navigation for Any Device
Nearly every Android device ships with Google Maps, but there’s also Google Maps Go—a streamlined alternative built for phones with limited power, constrained storage, or for times when your connection is unreliable. This version is designed to use much less memory and data. Even if your device runs standard Maps just fine, Maps Go can be a dependable backup when internet speeds drop, and its simple interface offers the essentials without the extras.
NotebookLM: Give Gemini an Upgrade with Your Own Content
While Gemini is already included on new Android smartphones, users looking to unlock more from Google’s AI can install NotebookLM. This app allows you to provide the AI with your own sources—such as documents, websites, and even YouTube videos—so it can answer questions using information directly from your materials. NotebookLM is especially useful for studying, summarizing reports, or analyzing data, and includes an audio preview feature that generates a podcast-style summary of your materials. For productivity, it’s one of Google’s standout AI tools.
Snapseed: Feature-Rich Photo Editing on Your Phone
If you post to social media frequently, Snapseed is one Google app you shouldn’t ignore. It's a user-friendly but powerful image editor offering tools to adjust photos, add text and stickers, and craft unique visuals for your posts. Whether you're fine-tuning a casual snapshot or creating eye-catching graphics, Snapseed delivers an impressive array of features without overwhelming the user.
your recommended apps are nothing less than unnecessary bloatware.