The best alternatives to Google's own Android apps

As Android has evolved, Google's worked increasingly hard to keep users locked into its ecosystem. The search giant creates new apps, retains users by giving them a thoroughly decent out-of-the-box experience and then charges device makers for a license to embed them on their phones and tablets. Its constant iteration has helped it stay ahead of the pack for some of its services, but many fall short, leaving users to find something better. The official Gmail app: it's fine, really it is, but if you want unified inbox support, productivity features or the ability to pull emails from more than one place, you're left wanting. This sort of limitation can be found across Google's stable of apps, from messaging to the calendar and camera interface. We've trawled Google Play to find software alternatives that -- dare we say it -- do a better job, at least with certain tasks. So please, whip out your phone and give them a go.

EMAIL

What we're looking for here is an app that can deliver Google-style levels of reliability, while also being open to non-Google inboxes and offering enhanced features for power users. Luckily for us, there's no shortage of apps that can do just that.

CloudMagic (Free)

The clue's in the name, really. Capable of integrating Gmail, Exchange, Yahoo, Outlook, iCloud, Office 365 and IMAP accounts at once, this app uses its cloud algorithms to make your emails easier to find. Unlike Gmail, the clean interface on show here offers a unified inbox that lets you left-swipe emails to perform any one of three actions, a bit like Tinder for the office.

AquaMail (Free/$4.99)

Optimized for both smartphones and tablets, AquaMail offers multi-account support and a simple user interface. Yes, it does look like Gmail, but the team behind AquaMail has constantly refined the interface to make it as easy to use as possible. This includes a dedicated attachments tab at the top of each email, fullscreen modes and a smart inbox. Grabbing the paid version removes the two-account limit and drops the promotional signature attached to all outgoing messages.

We also like: Evomail, Solmail and MailDroid.

MESSAGING

With the launch of Android 4.4 KitKat, Google ditched its pre-loaded SMS app to let users choose their own. Hangouts became the de-facto starting place, but plenty dislike the app's inability to properly unify chats and texts under one contact. So here are some solid alternatives.

Textra (Free)

In the migration away from Hangouts, some have resorted to Textra, a messaging app that offers deep customization for notifications and a time-saving quick-reply popup that lets you respond to messages without fully opening the app. Simple in design, Textra handles huge inboxes with no noticeable slowdown, something you'll appreciate if your friends don't use Whatsapp.

Hello SMS (Free)

Dropping the inbox for tab-based interface, Hello SMS' minimalist design puts interactions first with contact names and photos on its left sidebar. If you find yourself in a never-ending group text, the app will intelligently combine messages from up to 15 contacts so you're not left with a messy inbox. Hello SMS' one-touch camera interface also lets you send selfies to your friends in double-quick time.

EvolveSMS (Free)

Like Hello SMS, EvolveSMS uses a tabbed interface to showcase your messages. It's better looking than its rival and displays important information like names, numbers, call options and attachment options inside conversations. While group messaging, message popups, gesture support and notification customization come as standard, additional features are available via in-app purchases. If you decide to upgrade, you'll get extra theme options, social cover photo integration, scheduled messaging and backup options.

We also like: 8sms and chomp SMS.

CALENDAR

Calendar apps have pushed forward on iOS in the past year, but Android users have seen little change compared to their Apple-loving counterparts. Google's own is functional and intuitive, but lacks inspiration. If you're looking for something that goes beyond the traditional grid-based format, check these apps out.

Cal (Free)

Any.do decided to take a different approach with Cal. Sure, it still features gCal support, but it also includes a number of social and productivity features that stand out thanks to its stylish UI. If you have a task listed in Any.do, it'll pop up in your schedule beneath your planned events. Connect your Facebook account and you'll be notified of everybody's birthday, letting you send them a text, email or post on their wall in celebration.

SolCalendar (Free)

With stickers and various themed widgets, SolCalendar is certainly different than most calendar apps on the Play Store. It might not be to everyone's taste, but it'll let you add events with a single touch, litter them with birthday cakes and smiley emoticons and display them using any of its 40 home screen widgets. SolCalendar's neat weather notification also checks the elements, giving you the chance to pack an umbrella before you head out the door.

Agenda ($2)

Coming to Android a little while after iOS, Agenda's, erm, agenda, is to display all of your calendars in a single and easy-to-read feed of upcoming events. All of the traditional daily, weekly and monthly views are there, letting you create appointments with a single tap. The simple black-and-white interface might not be for some, but it's certainly helpful if you like to mix work, play and everything else in between.

Keep an eye out for: Sunrise -- expected to launch on Android in the coming months.

CAMERA

One of the weakest built-in Android apps is the default camera app. Google admited it isn't as good as it should be, prompting it to improve the camera on the Nexus 5 and roll out additional photography settings on newer Android devices. If you're stuck with an older phone or want to try something new, try these camera app replacements.

ProCapture (Free/$3.99)

Apps like ProCapture go heavy on features and skimp on glitzy UI to make your photos stand out. It offers a high-quality panorama mode, timer, burst, wide shot mode and noise reduction, keeping the focus on shooting modes instead of after-effects. The full version includes support for higher resolutions and touch-to-focus, so we'd recommend the upgrade.

Camera Awesome ($2.99)

SmugMug's Camera Awesome looks a bit like Apple's iOS 6 camera app and comes packed with clever features like two-finger focal adjustments. Even better, you can tweak the ISO, white balance and exposure settings all from the screen. Add in a full screen shutter button, burst shot, HDR mode, timer, panorama and social sharing and you've got yourself a whole lot of camera app for very little money.

Camera Zoom FX ($2.99)

If filters and after-effects are exactly what you're looking for, Camera Zoom FX has more than you could possibly need. Without ruining your original images, the app features over 90 built-in filters, frames and effects that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. If you ever wanted to have a virtual photo taken with the Queen, look no further.

We also like: Instagram, VSCO Cam and Pixlr Express

PRODUCTIVITY

While Google's Keep is a supremely fast and extensive app, self-confessed productivity nuts may feel its simple approach doesn't deliver enough features. Although Android is overflowing with apps focusing on lists, notes and photos, many don't hit the right notes. Here are our recommendations.

Evernote (Free)

Evernote is a heavyweight note-taking app, in terms of both features and actual size, supporting lengthy text input. It provides an easy way to add lists and save audio notes, indexing them for later searching. With apps on every major platform (including the web), you can tweak your grocery list anywhere there's an internet connection.

Any.do (Free)

Any.do, a to-do list app from the makers of Cal, is an amazingly powerful to-do manager that offers cloud sync, time-saving gestures, missed call integration (ever wanted to turn them into reminders?) and auto-suggestion features as standard. Once you become a little more acquainted with the app, you should try its voice support: not only will it transcribe your words into text, but you can do so in a variety of languages.

We also like: Todoist, Microsoft OneNote, Springpad, Quip and Remember The Milk

WRAP-UP

Before we finish up here, we can't resist a few more recommendations. Google's done a great job of porting Chrome from the desktop to mobile, but Dolphin Browser and Mozilla Firefox both offer unique features not found in the search giant's app. If you wake up one day and find you don't like the default Clock app, we suggest you check out Timely, even if it is now owned by Google. Also be sure to take a look at QuickPic if you're after a solid replacement for the Gallery and Photos apps -- just don't ask us why the company decided it needed two apps to handle the same function.

If sampling the best Google Play has to offer isn't for you, Android's default apps are constantly being refreshed to deliver additional features. Apps are one of the reasons why the OS has passed one billion activations, after all. Developers focusing only on a handful of apps may be the first to innovate, but it often prompts Google to incorporate features it's seen elsewhere. While this list won't stay up-to-date forever, some of these apps have remained popular since Android's early days and the newer suggestions still have plenty of life in them yet. If you think you have better app recommendations, we'd love to hear them.

The best alternatives to Google's own Android apps

As Android has evolved, Google's worked increasingly hard to keep users locked into its ecosystem. The search giant creates new apps, retains users by giving them a thoroughly decent out-of-the-box experience and then charges device makers for a license to embed them on their phones and tablets. Its constant iteration has helped it stay ahead of the pack for some of its services, but many fall short, leaving users to find something better. The official Gmail app: it's fine, really it is, but if you want unified inbox support, productivity features or the ability to pull emails from more than one place, you're left wanting. This sort of limitation can be found across Google's stable of apps, from messaging to the calendar and camera interface. We've trawled Google Play to find software alternatives that -- dare we say it -- do a better job, at least with certain tasks. So please, whip out your phone and give them a go.

EMAIL

What we're looking for here is an app that can deliver Google-style levels of reliability, while also being open to non-Google inboxes and offering enhanced features for power users. Luckily for us, there's no shortage of apps that can do just that.

CloudMagic (Free)

The clue's in the name, really. Capable of integrating Gmail, Exchange, Yahoo, Outlook, iCloud, Office 365 and IMAP accounts at once, this app uses its cloud algorithms to make your emails easier to find. Unlike Gmail, the clean interface on show here offers a unified inbox that lets you left-swipe emails to perform any one of three actions, a bit like Tinder for the office.

AquaMail (Free/$4.99)

Optimized for both smartphones and tablets, AquaMail offers multi-account support and a simple user interface. Yes, it does look like Gmail, but the team behind AquaMail has constantly refined the interface to make it as easy to use as possible. This includes a dedicated attachments tab at the top of each email, fullscreen modes and a smart inbox. Grabbing the paid version removes the two-account limit and drops the promotional signature attached to all outgoing messages.

We also like: Evomail, Solmail and MailDroid.

MESSAGING

With the launch of Android 4.4 KitKat, Google ditched its pre-loaded SMS app to let users choose their own. Hangouts became the de-facto starting place, but plenty dislike the app's inability to properly unify chats and texts under one contact. So here are some solid alternatives.

Textra (Free)

In the migration away from Hangouts, some have resorted to Textra, a messaging app that offers deep customization for notifications and a time-saving quick-reply popup that lets you respond to messages without fully opening the app. Simple in design, Textra handles huge inboxes with no noticeable slowdown, something you'll appreciate if your friends don't use Whatsapp.

Hello SMS (Free)

Dropping the inbox for tab-based interface, Hello SMS' minimalist design puts interactions first with contact names and photos on its left sidebar. If you find yourself in a never-ending group text, the app will intelligently combine messages from up to 15 contacts so you're not left with a messy inbox. Hello SMS' one-touch camera interface also lets you send selfies to your friends in double-quick time.

EvolveSMS (Free)

Like Hello SMS, EvolveSMS uses a tabbed interface to showcase your messages. It's better looking than its rival and displays important information like names, numbers, call options and attachment options inside conversations. While group messaging, message popups, gesture support and notification customization come as standard, additional features are available via in-app purchases. If you decide to upgrade, you'll get extra theme options, social cover photo integration, scheduled messaging and backup options.

We also like: 8sms and chomp SMS.

CALENDAR

Calendar apps have pushed forward on iOS in the past year, but Android users have seen little change compared to their Apple-loving counterparts. Google's own is functional and intuitive, but lacks inspiration. If you're looking for something that goes beyond the traditional grid-based format, check these apps out.

Cal (Free)

Any.do decided to take a different approach with Cal. Sure, it still features gCal support, but it also includes a number of social and productivity features that stand out thanks to its stylish UI. If you have a task listed in Any.do, it'll pop up in your schedule beneath your planned events. Connect your Facebook account and you'll be notified of everybody's birthday, letting you send them a text, email or post on their wall in celebration.

SolCalendar (Free)

With stickers and various themed widgets, SolCalendar is certainly different than most calendar apps on the Play Store. It might not be to everyone's taste, but it'll let you add events with a single touch, litter them with birthday cakes and smiley emoticons and display them using any of its 40 home screen widgets. SolCalendar's neat weather notification also checks the elements, giving you the chance to pack an umbrella before you head out the door.

Agenda ($2)

Coming to Android a little while after iOS, Agenda's, erm, agenda, is to display all of your calendars in a single and easy-to-read feed of upcoming events. All of the traditional daily, weekly and monthly views are there, letting you create appointments with a single tap. The simple black-and-white interface might not be for some, but it's certainly helpful if you like to mix work, play and everything else in between.

Keep an eye out for: Sunrise -- expected to launch on Android in the coming months.

CAMERA

One of the weakest built-in Android apps is the default camera app. Google admited it isn't as good as it should be, prompting it to improve the camera on the Nexus 5 and roll out additional photography settings on newer Android devices. If you're stuck with an older phone or want to try something new, try these camera app replacements.

ProCapture (Free/$3.99)

Apps like ProCapture go heavy on features and skimp on glitzy UI to make your photos stand out. It offers a high-quality panorama mode, timer, burst, wide shot mode and noise reduction, keeping the focus on shooting modes instead of after-effects. The full version includes support for higher resolutions and touch-to-focus, so we'd recommend the upgrade.

Camera Awesome ($2.99)

SmugMug's Camera Awesome looks a bit like Apple's iOS 6 camera app and comes packed with clever features like two-finger focal adjustments. Even better, you can tweak the ISO, white balance and exposure settings all from the screen. Add in a full screen shutter button, burst shot, HDR mode, timer, panorama and social sharing and you've got yourself a whole lot of camera app for very little money.

Camera Zoom FX ($2.99)

If filters and after-effects are exactly what you're looking for, Camera Zoom FX has more than you could possibly need. Without ruining your original images, the app features over 90 built-in filters, frames and effects that range from the sublime to the ridiculous. If you ever wanted to have a virtual photo taken with the Queen, look no further.

We also like: Instagram, VSCO Cam and Pixlr Express

PRODUCTIVITY

While Google's Keep is a supremely fast and extensive app, self-confessed productivity nuts may feel its simple approach doesn't deliver enough features. Although Android is overflowing with apps focusing on lists, notes and photos, many don't hit the right notes. Here are our recommendations.

Evernote (Free)

Evernote is a heavyweight note-taking app, in terms of both features and actual size, supporting lengthy text input. It provides an easy way to add lists and save audio notes, indexing them for later searching. With apps on every major platform (including the web), you can tweak your grocery list anywhere there's an internet connection.

Any.do (Free)

Any.do, a to-do list app from the makers of Cal, is an amazingly powerful to-do manager that offers cloud sync, time-saving gestures, missed call integration (ever wanted to turn them into reminders?) and auto-suggestion features as standard. Once you become a little more acquainted with the app, you should try its voice support: not only will it transcribe your words into text, but you can do so in a variety of languages.

We also like: Todoist, Microsoft OneNote, Springpad, Quip and Remember The Milk

WRAP-UP

Before we finish up here, we can't resist a few more recommendations. Google's done a great job of porting Chrome from the desktop to mobile, but Dolphin Browser and Mozilla Firefox both offer unique features not found in the search giant's app. If you wake up one day and find you don't like the default Clock app, we suggest you check out Timely, even if it is now owned by Google. Also be sure to take a look at QuickPic if you're after a solid replacement for the Gallery and Photos apps -- just don't ask us why the company decided it needed two apps to handle the same function.

If sampling the best Google Play has to offer isn't for you, Android's default apps are constantly being refreshed to deliver additional features. Apps are one of the reasons why the OS has passed one billion activations, after all. Developers focusing only on a handful of apps may be the first to innovate, but it often prompts Google to incorporate features it's seen elsewhere. While this list won't stay up-to-date forever, some of these apps have remained popular since Android's early days and the newer suggestions still have plenty of life in them yet. If you think you have better app recommendations, we'd love to hear them.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Black edition announced with Note 3-style leather effect back

Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S4 Black Edition and Galaxy S4 Mini Black Edition, two "new" smartphones with black colour schemes and Galaxy Note 3-inspired faux leather backs.The Galaxy S4 Black Edition is based on the original Galaxy S4, albeit with a black finish and plastic, faux-stitched back panel. The internals stay the same, meaning a 4.99in, 1080p resolution AMOLED display, quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor running at 1.9GHz, 2GB of RAM, and a 13-megapixel rear camera.The Galaxy S4 Mini Black Edition, meanwhile, drops the screen size to 4.3in, resolution to 960x540, CPU to a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 running at 1.7GHz and rear camera to an 8-megapixel sensor. Essentially, it's a Galaxy S4 Mini in black.Both models will ship with black power adapters, data cables, and in-ear headphones, as opposed to the white versions that are included with the standard version of each handset. Samsung will also be pre-loading handsets with eight new wallpapers and a selection of new ringtones - hardly anything for existing S4 or S4 mini owners to lose sleep over.It's unclear whether Samsung will be selling the faux leather back panels separately, for Galaxy S4 or S4 Mini owners to give their phones a bit of a facelift, although with only black models announced it would be no help to owners of white handsets.Samsung has yet to announce pricing or set firm dates, but the UK is confirmed as one of the countries to receive the new models.

LG teases G2 Mini reveal ahead of MWC

LG has used its official Facebook fan page to tease the announcement of its G2 Mini smartphone, a smaller version of the flagship G2 handset launched last year, ahead of an official unveiling at the Mobile World Congress show later this month.

Based on the images, which show the rear of the G2 Mini alongside an original G2, the smaller smartphone will retain the rear-mounted power and volume controls of its bigger brother. The difference in size would suggest the G2 Mini could have similar dimensions to other 4.3in smartphones, but that doesn't mean it will have a 4.3in screen; the G2 is no bigger than most 4.7in handsets but has a 5.2in display, and we expect LG to do something similar with this new model. Rumours have suggested a 4.7in screen, along with the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor as found in the vanilla G2.

Little is actually known about the G2 Mini so far, which is surprising given the fact that the HTC M8, Sony Xperia Z2 and Samsung Galaxy S5 have all been heavily leaked ahead of the mobile world's largest annual trade show.

This early reveal suggests LG won't be introducing a new flagship to replace the G2 at this year's show. It would be quite the achievement if the company had managed to keep two high-end handsets a secret this close to an official unveiling.

Other rumoured specifications include 2GB of RAM and the Android 4.4 KitKatoperating system running underneath LG's own tweaked UI.

We'll likely have to wait until Mobile World Congress, which kicks off on the 23rd of February, to find out more about LG's plans for its latest smartphone - unless it decides to share more over social networks ahead of the event itself.

Samsung Galaxy S5 retail packaging reveals specifications ahead of MWC unveiling

Samsung's Galaxy S5 is expected to be formally unveiled in the coming weeks at the Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona, but the much anticipated smartphone's specifications may have been leaked ahead of schedule - if an image claiming to be the S5's retail packaging proves accurate.

The image, which was posted by unofficial Dutch Samsung blogsamsunggalaxys5.nl, appears to show the back of the retail box for an unannounced Samsung smartphone. It seems to use the same recycled cardboard as previous Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3, and uses the same fonts and icons which lends it a small amount of credibility.

What's more important is the list of specifications printed on the back. According to the leak, the Galaxy S5 will have a 5.25in AMOLED display with a 2,560x1,440 QHD resolution. This would give it a pixel density of 560 pixels per inch (PPI) and would make it the first smartphone to have a greater than 1080p screen resolution. Other details include a quad-core processor running at 2.5GHz, 3GB of RAM, a 3,000mAh battery and a 20-megapixel rear camera.

This goes against previous rumours, which suggested the S5 would have a 16-megapixel camera sensor. It had also been suggested that Samsung would be releasing two S5 variants; one with a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and a second with Samsung's own eight-core Exynos chip.

Unfortunately the handset itself isn't pictured, and with no mention of the materials used to craft it on the box it remains a mystery as to whether Samsung has finally moved from polycarbonate plastic to a metal chassis.

The leak should be taken with a liberal pinch of salt, as it doesn't show the entire box - only a small portion of it. We'll have to wait until MWC in two weeks' time to find out what Samsung has in store for the Galaxy S5. We'll be in Barcelona to bring you all the details.

LG G Pro 2 phablet officially launched ahead of MWC

LG has officially revealed the G Pro 2 phablet ahead of the Mobile World Congress show later this month. We knew it was coming with a series of high profile leaks revealing its existence, but it came as a surprise when the company announced it officially last night in its native South Korea.

The G Pro 2 will replace the G Pro as LG's flagship phablet handset, with a 5.9in, 1080p Full HD display. It uses IPS LCD technology, as opposed to the AMOLED screens found in Samsung's Galaxy Note 3. According to LG, the handset has an "industry-leading" ratio of screen to bezel of 77.2%.

Inside, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset runs at 2.26GHz and is paired with 3GB of RAM. There will be two variants with either 16GB or 32GB of internal storage, but both will have a microSD card slot for adding extra capacity. A huge 3,200mAh battery should keep the handset juiced for at least a full day of use.

On the back, a 13-megapixel camera with optical image stabilisation sits above LG's familiar rear-facing power and volume keys, last seen on the G2 and teased for inclusion on the G2 Mini. According to LG, the camera will be able to record 4K and 120fps 1080p video for slow motion capture, and will also come with a 'magic focus' mode that will let users change the point of focus after taking a photo. This will be software-powered, rather than use dedicated hardware like the Lytro light field camera.

LG has yet to announce availability or pricing outside of Korea, but has confirmed it will be making an appearance at the company's Mobile World Congress booth in two weeks' time. Hopefully that's when we'll learn whether it will be headed to the UK, and what it will set you back.

Nokia Lumia Icon launched in US, could see global release as Lumia 930

Nokia and Microsoft last night revealed the Lumia Icon, a new Windows Phone 8 handset that will be exclusive to the US on the Verizon mobile network, but leaks and rumours have suggested it could see a global release as the Lumia 930.

The Lumia Icon is a 5in handset with a 1080p Full HD AMOLED display using Nokia's ClearBlack screen technology for deeper blacks. Inside, a 2.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32GB of internal storage, built-in Qi wireless charging capabilities and a 20-megapixel PureView camera, which has optical image stabilisation and super-sampling to allow for post-capture zooming on photos.

Made form metal and glass, with a svelte 9.8mm thickness, the Lumia Icon is an attractive Nokia handset that bucks the trend of chunky polycarbonate plastic. It runs Microsoft's Windows Phone 8 operating system and supports 4G wireless speeds on Verizon's 4G network. It's a shame the Icon won't be getting a global release, although Nokia may sneak out another model that's identical in all but name, according to new rumours.

According to Twitter account NextLeaks, the upcoming Lumia 920 will have almost the same specifications as the Icon: a Quadcore 2.2GHz processor, 2GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage and a microSD card, a 2700mAh battery and 20-megapixel rear camera. It would replace the Lumia 925 as Nokia's mainstream high-end smartphone, sandwiched between the Lumia 1520 phablet and Lumia 1020 cameraphone.

Nokia naturally has yet to comment on the rumours, but with Mobile World Congress now less than two weeks away and the company already set to reveal at least one major new product in the form of its Android-powered Normandy smartphone, we won't have long to wait to see if the Lumia Icon will get a global release after all.