Many new Android apps are out there, but keeping track of them is tough. But we’re happy to do that hard work for you. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best new Android apps and new Android games available, focusing on titles that offer something different to the status quo. Be sure to visit our list of the best Android apps of all time, best Android games ever, and our selection of the best new Android apps released in 2023 for more.
Plex Photos
It’s in its infancy, but Plex Photos is a great Google Photos alternative (if you already have Plex server).
- Price: Free
- Developer: Plex
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Plex is a popular media management platform for those who prefer to host their own media. However, it hasn’t been a great way to manage images. Now, the company has rolled out a new app dubbed Plex Photos, which is shaping up to be a viable Google Photos alternative.
Of course, the app will only work if you’re already entrenched in the Plex ecosystem. You’ll need a Plex Media Server to use it, but those who do can upload, store, and view their images from their server on supported devices without much fuss.
The app is pretty barebones, but it offers album support and a granular filter system for narrowing down images based on the camera model and lenses used. Beyond this, the mobile app has very little functionality beyond the three-tab design.
Despite this, Plex Photos is definitely worth considering, especially if you’re looking to ditch Google Photos, enjoy tinkering with NAS devices or older PCs, and don’t want to fork out for a third-party cloud storage solution.
AInput
Get AI-powered Magic Compose-like suggestions and rewrites in more Android apps.
- Price: Free with ads / in-app purchases ($2.99 – $39.99)
- Developer: IJP
Google’s Magic Compose is a very useful but limited tool. It’s not widely available, which makes its usefulness beyond Google Messages and older devices non-existent. However, there’s a new app that essentially mimics the functionality of Magic Compose without these limitations.
Dubbed AInput, the app comes from the developer behind CoverScreen OS, and offers reply suggestions and text rewrites for messaging, social, and even dating apps. It also includes an Ask AI feature to access ChatGPT, Copilot, and Google Search from your current window.
The app requires access to your messages to function, and that functionality is nifty, but it’s nowhere near as polished as Google’s solution. I feel that’s to be expected, but those who already own Pixels might want to give this app a miss. Everyone else, it’s well worth a try.
Codenames
A portable version of the legendary guessing game.
- Price: $4.99
- Developer: CGE digital
Somehow, I’ve never played Codenames before. I’m not sure how, either. I guess it’s probably because the 30 Seconds box is the one my family and friends usually reach for. Nevertheless, that problem’s a thing of the past — Codenames is now available as a mobile game.
The mobile title includes the base game (playable as a single player), online modes that’ll see you competing against global players, and bespoke modes like Mines, All or Nothing, or themed games.
Granted, you can’t crowd the family around a small smartphone screen, but this title would be pretty fun to play on the big screen using an Android streaming box.
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm
This 2008 classic is now available on mobile.
- Price: $12.99
- Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
It’s time for a PS3 port. First launched in 2008, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm is finally available on Android.
The game looks great on mobile, with fluid fighting animations and a camera that mostly works. I’m not sure how I feel about the on-screen controls — controller support would really take this title up a notch — but you can get the hang of them relatively quickly.
This game has one massive drawback, and that’s the price. It’s expensive, sure, but it has no microtransactions. You pay for it; you get the full experience. I can fully appreciate that quality in Android games.
karman
An open source, lightweight, and straightforward productivity app.
- Price: Free
- Developer: surtecha
I’m always looking for great productivity apps, and recently I stumbled across this gem. It’s called karman, and blends a tasklist, habit tracker, and productivity timer into one platform.
That description may suggest it’s a convoluted, unfocused app, but that’s not true. I particularly like the task manager and included priority ranking, which lets me visualize the most important tasks. The habit tracker could use some tinkering — I’d particularly love the option for weekly and monthly habits. I don’t need to water my plants daily, for instance. However, the pomodoro timer is always a nifty feature, and having this baked into the app is a real plus.
Midnight Girl
A point-and-click mystery game with lovely graphics and audio design.
- Price: Free / In-app purchases from $5.99 to $6.99 per item
- Developer: Italic DK
I really like the idea of point-and-click games on mobile, and I also really enjoy crime capers. Add these two elements and stir in a gorgeous art style, and you’ll get Midnight Girl.
It’s a great game for a phone screen, especially a large OLED display. However, for maximum enjoyment, you should really play this on a tablet (bonus points for one that has a great audio system).
