My Top 5 AI Apps on Android and How I Use Them
AI technology is not just a futuristic idea anymore; it’s woven into the fabric of our daily mobile experiences. From helping with quick searches to assisting with complex problem-solving, AI apps on Android offer diverse functionality, many of which come free of charge and are ready to use straight out of the box.Here, I share my five favorite AI-powered applications currently available on Android, highlighting how each uniquely enhances my productivity, creativity, and information access.
Google Gemini: The Seamlessly Integrated Assistant
If you use an Android phone today, there’s a very good chance Google Gemini is already working behind the scenes. Google baked Gemini deeply into Android, making it the default AI assistant integrated across the ecosystem.Why Gemini Stands Out
Gemini’s strength is its seamless integration. Unlike other AI apps requiring downloads and setup, Gemini needs no installation for basic use—it’s already embedded in your phone’s system, ready to assist you anytime. This AI assistant delivers answers, helps plan your day, summarizes complex information, and even engages in thoughtful conversations to troubleshoot difficult topics.
One standout feature is Gemini Live, which goes beyond simple Q&A. It’s like having access to an AI collaborator that can handle multi-turn dialogues about diverse complex subjects—from the impact of prolonged moon exposure on human physiology to nuanced plot development ideas.
Personal Use Cases
For everyday tasks and quick assistance, Gemini is my go-to. Whether I need to draft messages, set reminders, or get instant information, it responds swiftly without interrupting my workflow. That said, for deeper research purposes, I sometimes look elsewhere for a more tailored AI experience.
A Note of Caution
While Gemini is powerful, I recommend disabling the Gemini Workspaces extension if you’re concerned about privacy or don’t want your workspace files utilized for AI training.
Perplexity: The Conversational Search Engine Powerhouse
If you prefer a no-nonsense AI tool optimized for efficient knowledge discovery, Perplexity is an excellent choice. Its clean and intuitive interface makes it a favorite for quick queries and deeper research alike.What Makes Perplexity Shine
Perplexity AI excels at delivering concise, sourced answers to your questions. It features a nifty “Spaces” function to organize queries by topic, along with a query history to revisit past research easily. These are invaluable features for power users who handle multiple projects or inquiries concurrently.
I also love that it offers daily news summaries and integrates voice dictation for hands-free interaction—a boon when multitasking. Perplexity’s strength lies in its ability to deliver relevant, clear results without overwhelming the user with clutter.
Desktop to Mobile Continuity
I’ve used Perplexity as my default desktop search engine for a while and appreciate that its Android app brings the same responsiveness and clarity to my mobile. The app’s native integration on Windows adds even more convenience, making Perplexity an efficient research assistant whether I’m on my PC or phone.
Cost and Accessibility
Perplexity is free, requiring only an account signup, making it accessible to all types of users.
DeepSeek: The AI That Thinks Deeply
Direct out of Hangzhou, China, DeepSeek is a distinctive AI assistant for those who enjoy watching the AI “reason” through their queries. It is built on reinforcement learning models that offer a fresh approach compared to the instruction-focused tuning of other AI systems.What It Brings to the Table
DeepSeek has both a chatbot app called Deep Think and a more comprehensive assistant in the DeepSeek app. I recommend the latter for its versatility. Beyond basic searches, it supports image recognition via OCR, document uploads, and can process complex investigative queries.
Using DeepSeek can feel like a learning experience as the AI “walks through” its thought process, providing a sense of transparency to how answers are generated.
User Considerations
You must register for a free account to access DeepSeek. The deliberate pacing of its reasoning can be a double-edged sword—great for educational value but sometimes slowing down instant gratification.
Microsoft Copilot: The Multifaceted AI Companion
With Microsoft Copilot, you get an AI app that wears many hats—from drafting writing and brainstorming ideas to summarizing the news and learning languages.The Versatility Factor
Copilot serves as a comprehensive AI assistant that feels like an all-rounder. Its primary attraction for me lies in news summarization; I can quickly get updated information and dive deeper if a story piques my interest, with transparency on the sources cited.
It’s also quite helpful for planning and creative exercises, making it an excellent resource for both personal and professional use.
One Limitation
Although the web and desktop versions sport a “deep research” mode, the Android app currently lacks this feature, which limits the tool’s scholarly functionality on mobile. Microsoft could turn Copilot into a serious AI contender on Android by adding this feature.
Availability
Copilot is free but requires a Microsoft or work/school account.
Opera’s Aria: The Retro AI with a Creative Edge
Opera’s Aria might not have the flashiest AI features compared to the others, but it holds nostalgic and practical value for casual AI users.Where It Excels
Aria is embedded as part of the Opera browser and offers convenient standard AI functions—voice-to-text, image uploads, summarized news, and curated example queries to inspire users.
It helped me creatively when naming characters in my book series by generating interesting name combinations. The tool is simple and approachable for those dipping their toes into AI without needing anything complex.
How to Access Aria
Accessing Aria requires installing Opera, then navigating through the Opera Start page to the Aria folder. It’s free, doesn’t require a login, and thus allows quick AI interactions without barriers.
The Bigger Picture: Choosing the Right AI on Android
Each of these five AI apps is shaped by unique strengths and tailored to varying types of user needs:- Google Gemini best suits those looking for a deeply integrated assistant that operates invisibly within Android.
- Perplexity appeals to fact-checkers, researchers, and news junkies demanding clear, cited responses.
- DeepSeek is ideal for users who appreciate seeing AI “thinking” unfold and desire advanced query features involving multimedia.
- Microsoft Copilot offers a multi-functional AI assistant, particularly effective for news and creative tasks.
- Opera Aria serves as a simple introduction for newcomers seeking straightforward AI interactions.
Integration Is the New Innovation
One trend evident among these apps is how AI seamlessly blends into typical user workflows without demanding extra effort.Google Gemini’s deep Android system embedding means it’s ready the moment you wake your phone. Perplexity’s Windows integration mirrors this for desktop and mobile alike, creating fluid experiences across devices. Similarly, Microsoft’s expansion of Copilot into Android along with its phone-PC linkage exemplifies the goal of eliminating friction between platforms.
The future of AI on mobile is clearly about native integration, voice and shortcut accessibility, and delivering contextually aware, personalized responses fast.
What’s Next?
We’re entering an era where AI assistants are ubiquitous and indispensable—empowering us to get work done, stay informed, and even spark creativity whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. As companies continue to advance these technologies—from Google’s Gemini 2.5’s multi-million token context windows to Microsoft’s plans for more comprehensive Copilot versions—the options will only become richer.For Android users eager to keep AI in their pocket at all times, these five apps currently represent the cutting edge of what’s possible—combining convenience, power, and user-centric design in remarkable ways.
Whether you’re an AI novice or a seasoned pro, these tools on Android show that powerful AI assistance is no longer bound to desktops or web browsers—it’s mobile, flexible, and ready when you are.
Source: ZDNET My 5 favorite AI apps on Android right now - and how I use them
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