Android Threads
Join the How-To Geek community chatting about all things Android.
Do You Ever Send Voice Notes on Your Phone?
Voice notes are a handy feature on many messaging apps that let you quickly send a recording rather than typing a message out. They're convenient, since you can do other things while recording your message, and are often more personal. How often do you use voice notes?
What Cool Things Can You Do With Your Android Phone?
I was reading some HTG articles (like the one linked) and you used to be able to do so much interesting stuff with your phone. You could mod it and smartphones were seen as cool. Now it seems everyone wants to get way from them. I most definitely do not, but I want more to do than scroll social media on my S24 Ultra. What do you recommend?
What's the Best Photo You've Captured With Your Smartphone?
For the average person, smartphone cameras do a great job at capturing a moment, whether you're on vacation, at a gig, or just want a funny photo of your pet. I'd like to see the best photo you've ever taken with your phone. You can attach the image directly to your comment.
Which Brand Makes the Coolest Phones?
Lately, we've posted a few articles about our favorite (or least favorite) smartphones. This got me thinking about which manufacturer you think makes the coolest phones. While LG gave up on the market, the company had some amazing and weird products over the years. Nothing phones are pretty neat, too. What are your thoughts?
Which App Went Downhill the Most?
It's uncommon for an app to stay the same, assuming the developer is still active. Apps are often updated to add new features, refresh the design, and provide support for newer operating systems. But sometimes these updates aren't well received, and a once great app can go downhill. Of all the apps you've ever used, which started out good but ended up bad?
Do You Watch Movies or Shows on Your Phone?
Every major streaming service has a phone app, often with support for offline viewing, which makes it a breeze to watch movies and TV shows on the go. Personally, I don't like watching on a small screen and I prefer the full experience of a TV, so I never watch movies or shows on my phone.
Have You Ever Regretted Buying a Phone?
Phones are an investment and it seems with every generation they get more expensive, which is why it's so disappointing if you buy a phone and you're not completely happy with it. Have you ever bought a phone and then realized you didn't like it? If so, which phone and why?
Do People Turn to You for Phone Advice?
When your friends and family are looking to buy a new phone, or need tech support with their current one, are you the person they turn to? If you are, don't forget that How-To Geek is always here to answer your questions and make you look like a genius!
Do You Share Your Phone's Internet Connection?
You can turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot, which allows you to share your phone's internet connection with other devices. It's handy if, say, you're traveling and need to use your laptop online. Do you make use of this feature? If so, where does it come in most useful?
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Do You Let Your Kids Use Your Phone?
If you have children who aren't old enough to have their own phone, do you let them use yours? I'm thinking about situations where you need to keep them entertained, or perhaps because they're a budding photographer. Or is your phone strictly off-limits, away from their grubby hands?
How Often Do You Replace Your USB Charging Cables?
USB charging cables for phones can often last for years as long as you don't misplace them. I bought a three-pack several years ago and still have those three USB-C cables in my room, office, and car. My wife, however, goes through them like crazy. My new Galaxy S25 Plus needs a 3-amp or 5A cable for faster charging, so I finally had to upgrade. What about you guys?
How Long Does Your Phone Last on a Single Charge?
I recently upgraded to the Samsung Galaxy S25, which has a fantastic battery out of the box. I can get around two days of comfortable use on a single charge. Of course, that will wear off over time. How long does your phone last before you need to plug it in?
Do You Care About Galaxy AI?
Galaxy AI is the name for Samsung's AI features across its products like the S25, Buds 3, and Z Fold 6. That includes Now Brief, Circle to Search, and Writing Assist, all of which Samsung is pushing its users towards. Are you interested in any of these tools, or does the mention of AI make you roll your eyes?
What Do You Think About the Galaxy S25?
Samsung's latest phone, the Galaxy S25, has been on shelves for over a week now. If you have upgraded to the S25, I'd like to hear your thoughts. What is your favorite feature of the phone? What are you less keen on?
What Color Will Your Next Phone Be?
In the past, when buying a new phone and choosing a color, I would always opt for black because it doesn't show wear and tear as much as other colors. But in recent years, I've branched out and I don't regret the decision. I've still stuck with darker colors, but for my next phone I might get something bright. When it comes time to upgrade your phone, what color will you get?
Do You Insure Your Phone?
Phones are mighty expensive, so it's important to look after them carefully. Accidents do happen though, and theft is always a concern, which is why insurance can be helpful. Do you insure your phone? If so, share your experience—have you ever had to claim, for example?
What’s the Worst Phone You’ve Bought and Why?
Out of every smartphone you've owned, which one would you consider the worst? For me, that was probably the Galaxy Note 7. I absolutely loved the hardware but had to return it due to the recall. Sadness. Note 7 aside, I'd probably say the LG G8 ThinQ for being too expensive vs. the competition, weird air motion gestures, and funky software. So, which phone gave you buyer's remorse?
Have You Ordered the Samsung Galaxy S25?
The Galaxy S25, Samsung's latest smartphone, will be available to everyone on February 7. Have you pre-ordered it so you can get it as soon as possible? Or perhaps you're waiting, maybe for a price drop or more reviews. Of course, you may have no interest in it at all!
What's an App You Deleted and Don't Miss?
Some apps stick around on our phones forever because they are fundamental and always useful, while others we use for a while and then ditch completely. I'm interested in that latter group. Name an app that you once used, but then uninstalled and realized your life was better without it.
What's the First Version of Android You Ever Used?
We asked everyone what their first Android phone was a while back, and the responses were quite interesting. For me, that was the original T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream) with Android 1. Although I think the Nexus One with Gingerbread was one of my favorites. What about you guys? What was the first version of Android you used? What do you remember about it the most?
Which Email App Do You Use the Most?
While most people use Gmail or Apple Mail, those certainly aren't your only options. Popular email app clients include Outlook, Spark, Proton Mail, Thunderbird, and more. So, which email app is your favorite, or which one do you use the most? Why?
What's Your Favorite Android Travel App?
If I'm going on a trip, I need my phone. Apps like Google Maps, Yelp, and Airbnb are essential to help me navigate and plan. I also need entertainment, so media services like Spotify are a must-have as well. When you're leaving home for a while, what app can you not go without?
Do You Pay for Premium Smartphone Apps?
Many smartphone apps are free, but some also have a premium version with additional features or no adverts. This can take the form of a one-off payment or an ongoing subscription. Personally, I'm happy to pay to support apps that are genuinely good and I use often. What about you?
Is Your Phone the Only Camera You Use?
If I ever need to take a photo, I use my phone. I always have it with me, so it's convenient, and it takes photos in high enough quality for my satisfaction. Are you in the same boat, or do you prefer snapping with a dedicated camera?
Have You Registered for Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2025?
Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is taking place on January 22, with the tech giant set to announce its range of S25 smartphones. You can register your interest on Samsung's website to watch the event live and, in some regions, receive a voucher to spend on the new products. Will you be tuning in?
How Has Google Lens Helped You?
With Google Lens, you can scan your surroundings and photos to translate text, identify plants, shop for clothes, and more. It's often quicker than searching with words! What do you use Google Lens for, and how successful is it?
Do You Change Your Phone Lock Screen or Home Screen More?
Whenever I get a new phone, I completely customize the look and experience to my liking. My lock screen and home screen wallpapers are different, and it's a "set-it-and-forget-it" type of thing. I rarely, if ever, change my lock screen wallpaper and have used the same one for countless years. What about you guys, and which one do you change more frequently?
Would You Buy a Refurbished Phone?
If you need to buy a new phone, do you consider a refurbished one? Personally, I prefer getting a new phone if possible, but I will consider refurbished if it's from a reputable provider who offers a decent warranty. I don't want the battery to fail within months and have no recourse. What's your stance?
What's the Last App You Use Each Day?
Perhaps you send a message, set an alarm, or have a quick social media scroll. Whatever the case, there's probably a specific app that you typically use before heading to bed. What is it?
