Apps & services

A no-brainer for Samsung edge panel users, giving separate volume sliders with a swipe from the right.

Reads notifications aloud and is handy for short WhatsApp messages, though less good with long email receipts.

Remaps the Google Assistant action to things like the flashlight or opening any app.

Console-like characters and animation, but a lazy-feeling port with weak resolution and no settings options.

A brilliant 3DS RPG that arrives on Android complete and runs at 60fps, though it is not cheap.

A simple 2D side-scroller with serene, clean visuals that runs well on almost any phone.

Jaw-dropping high-res visuals and real-time shadows, with a 60fps option if your phone can handle it.

A brilliant shared AR laser-tag concept, but the single-player is uninspiring and multiplayer needs a $30 attachment.

A neat but fairly generic shooter that looks good, with slow-motion kills and a 60fps option.

A demanding but rewarding Final Fantasy game with satisfying combat, a good story and flashy spell effects.

A Call of Duty-like multiplayer shooter that is more impressive because it runs on a phone.

Rough storyline and menus, but technically one of the most advanced mobile games available.

Not the prettiest app drawer, but almost certainly the most functional and full of useful extras.

An unusual type-to-search launcher that can be the fastest way to navigate for some people.

A sideloadable launcher he thinks is one of the better-looking and faster ones available.

A fairly standard launcher, but with a few welcome new ideas and fast, responsive gestures.

A card-based launcher that puts notifications front and centre and is hard to find on the Play Store.

His favourite of the list, a mood-based launcher that is overwhelming at first but adapts to what you are doing.

Easy-to-navigate bubble layout, but customisation is too limited to rank higher.

A practical text-only launcher that is fast once learned and kind to battery life.

Makes most decisions for you, so customisation is thin but everything works out of the box.

A very good all-in-one search bar that learns from you and creates useful shortcuts.

A deep VR drawing app where you can walk around other artists' 3D creations.

Better than expected, a soothing VR app built from the ground up, despite some pop-in.