Using free and Open-source apps gurantees that you will get both privacy and security. People have a lot of personal stuff on their phones, contacts, passwords, photos, their camera and microphone. And that could cause a lot of trouble when you are using proprietary apps that require permissions that they should not need. Some basic apps like calculator that you download from the “trusted” Play-Store needs access to your contacts!
If you love technology and keep up with it, you might understand why you have to worry about these apps with a lot of access.
As a android user, you don’t need to use these because there is an excellent suite of Open-Source applications called Simple Mobile Tools which provide tools like Gallary, Clock, Camera, SMS and much more!
These can be easily downloaded from Play Store or F-Droid (privacy respecting app store for Open-Source apps only). They are also avaiable on GitHub, if you want to take a look at their source code. Let us take a look at apps they offer.
Material You Theming#
All of these apps were recently ported to Android 12’s new design language that follows wallpaper based theming. This makes these apps look modern and simply minimalistic.
Contacts#
A lightweight smart contact app for managing your contacts. This app is lightweight on space and is effective when you have to make contacts backup and keep a phone book that will help you in smart contact keeping.
Dialer#
A lightweight app for handling your calls. Comes with a handy call log for easy call initiation. You can now easily dial numbers using this amazing dial pad without any problem as this dial pad gives you different things to ease up your overall experience while making a call.
Gallery#
Simple Gallery brings you all the photo viewing and editing features you have been missing on your Android in one stylish easy-to-use app. Browse, manage, crop and edit photos or videos faster than ever, recover accidentally deleted files or create hidden galleries for your most precious images and videos. And with advanced file-support and full customization, finally, your gallery works just the way you want.
SMS Messenger#
This SMS app is minimal and has every feature that you want. app properly handles group messaging too, just like blocking numbers from Android 7+. There’s so much you can do with your messages, like mute conversations or assign special message tones for certain contacts. With this text message and group messaging app, you can enjoy the daily private messaging and group messaging in a more fun way.
Calendar#
It is a highly customizable, offline monthly calendar app for Android, it is an agenda planner in your pocket, designed to do exactly what a personal tiny schedule planner should do.
File Manager#
Simple File Manager is a super quick & professional file and folder manager for Android devices.This app can be used to easily compress, transfer & convert media files with a few clicks. It has all of the major file manager & folder management features, including customizing the home folder and selecting favorite folders for quick access. The file manager provides the whole pack of file manager features, including search, navigation, copy & paste, cut, delete, rename, decompress, transfer, download, organize & so on.
Music PLayer#
Simple Music Player is focused on one thing, enjoy your music without any distraction.
Draw#
This app helps you draw, write, take notes. You can also use a stylus. It comes with a lot of features like colors, brush size, multiple image formats, etc.
Calculator#
This is a modern calculator offers great user experience that you will love seeing. You can also use this calculator as a currency converter to calculate your daily income and other amount in different country’s currency. With eye soothing dark theme, it is now easy for you to see buttons and numbers more easily and use this calculator for simple calculations or use it as a currency converter.
Camera#
This handy camera app is usable for both easy photo taking and video recording.You can easily change the output resolution, configure it to use volume buttons as a shutter, shutter sound, flash, photo metadata, photo quality, etc.
Simple Notes#
This is the simple organizer tool you’ve been looking for : To-do list organizer and planner! The best of note taking apps and sticky notes free for android mobile phones. No complicated setup steps needed, just tap the screen and type in what you came for and create notes, quick lists, checklist or backup for any idea.
Voice Recorder#
This is simple voice recorder and audio recorder, you can record any high quality audio and other voice memos really easily. With this recording app, you can record different audios. You can use this audio recorder and voice recorder as a music recording studio.
Clock#
This clock app has multiple functions. It can be used as a clock widget or as a alarm clock. It is made to help you regulate your daily life and sleep better. You can also use the stopwatch in this app to count your time when you are running for healthy lifestyle or for any other purpose. This app can also be placed on your home screen for easy navigation.
Simple Keyboard#
A lightweight keyboard app that helps chatting with your friends, or inserting any other texts, numbers or symbols. You can choose from multiple different languages and layouts. You can create handy clips and pin frequently used ones for easy access. You can toggle vibrations, popups on keypresses or select your language from the list of supported ones.
Flashlight#
A clean flashlight with an extra bright display, customizable stroboscope with strobe light function and a predefined SOS mode. YOu might not need this one.
So these are all the apps that you might want to try if you want a consistent and minimal experience,or install them on phones of your family members. Stay safe, and use FOSS!