When most Android users think of Google apps, they default to staples like Gmail, Google Maps, or Chrome. But dig a little deeper into the Play Store, and you’ll uncover a treasure trove of lesser-known Google apps that can seriously elevate your smartphone experience.
Whether you’re looking to get organized, explore art, earn a few extra bucks, or simply make better use of your phone’s camera, these five apps offer functionality that goes way beyond the basics.
- Google Lens – Your Camera’s Smartest Upgrade
Imagine pointing your phone’s camera at a flower and instantly knowing its name—or scanning a menu in another language and seeing real-time translations. That’s Google Lens in action.
This AI-powered visual search tool transforms your camera into a smart assistant. It can:
Identify plants, animals, landmarks, and products
Translate foreign text in real-time
Solve handwritten math problems
Copy text from the real world straight to your clipboard
Integrated with Google Photos and the default camera app on many phones, Google Lens is a silent powerhouse for students, travelers, and anyone curious about the world around them.
- Files by Google – Clean, Organize, and Share
Running out of storage? Constantly battling cluttered downloads or duplicate photos? Files by Google is your one-stop solution for smart file management.
Features include:
Smart cleaning suggestions to delete junk files and unused apps
Offline file sharing with nearby devices without using mobile data
Fast file browsing with a user-friendly interface
It’s not just a file manager—it’s a digital housekeeper that keeps your storage tidy and your device running smoothly.
- Google Keep – Notes, Lists, and Reminders Reimagined
Need to jot something down fast? Want to share a shopping list with your partner? Enter Google Keep, a note-taking app that’s simple on the surface but incredibly powerful underneath.
With Keep, you can:
Create voice memos that transcribe automatically
Color-code and label your notes for easy organization
Set reminders based on time or location
Collaborate on notes and lists in real time
Whether it’s for work, school, or daily life, Google Keep ensures your ideas are always within reach—and never lost in the shuffle.
- Google Opinion Rewards – A Fun Way to Earn Free Credit
This one’s a no-brainer. Google Opinion Rewards lets you earn Google Play credit just by answering short surveys. It’s easy, fast, and surprisingly useful.
Here’s how it works:
You get occasional surveys (based on your location history and preferences)
Each survey takes under 30 seconds to complete
You earn Google Play credit that can be spent on apps, games, movies, and more
It’s passive income for your digital life—perfect for funding your next app purchase or movie rental without opening your wallet.
- Google Arts & Culture – Explore the World Without Leaving Home
Turn your Android into a portal to the world’s greatest museums and cultural institutions. With Google Arts & Culture, you can dive into masterpieces, tour historical landmarks, and learn something new every day.
Notable features:
Virtual tours of museums and exhibits across the globe
Ultra-HD images of classic and modern artworks
Fun extras like Art Selfie, which finds your doppelgänger in famous paintings, and Art Filter, which adds artistic flair to your photos
Whether you’re an art lover or just curious about the world, this app is both educational and entertaining.
