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How-To Geek’s September 23, 2026 article names five Android apps it says users should reconsider: Nova Launcher, UC Browser, Simple Mobile Tools, CCleaner, and Brave. It recommends Lawnchair, Samsung Internet, Fossify Gallery, Fossify File Manager, Fossify Phone, Files by Google, and Firefox as alternatives. Those are the article’s suggestions—not independently tested winners or a reason for every reader to uninstall an app immediately. Check what you rely on, whether your data will carry over, and whether a replacement works for your device before switching.
Why the recommendation needs context
The five apps serve different purposes: customizing the home screen, browsing the web, handling basic phone utilities, cleaning or managing device resources, and browsing with privacy features. A concern about one app does not automatically apply to the others, and a suggested replacement may not preserve the feature or workflow you use most.
The judgments below reflect How-To Geek’s article. The available information does not establish a current, independent comparison of each app’s privacy practices, feature parity, maintenance, compatibility, availability, or cost. Treat the alternatives as candidates to evaluate, not as a universal ranking.
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How-To Geek includes Nova Launcher among the apps to reconsider. Its ownership story has changed: creator Kevin Barry announced a Branch acquisition in July 2022 and said at the time that he would continue to control the launcher’s direction and development. In a September 2025 statement, Barry said he had left Branch and had been asked to stop working on Nova and its open-source release effort. Nova announced an acquisition by Instabridge on January 20, 2026, describing its immediate focus as stability, compatibility with modern Android, and active maintenance. That update records the new owner’s stated intentions; it cannot establish what future maintenance will deliver.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Strong Adsorption】The inspiration of the silicone phone suction case comes from the adhesive force of the octopus. Each suction cup phone mount is 3.15 inches long and 2.17 inches wide, with 24 independent suction cups providing a stronger and more stable suction force, so you don't have to worry about your phone falling during use.
- 【Back of Phone Suction Grip】Remove the adhesive film on the phone suction cup and stick it on the phone case. You can then fix the phone on any smooth surface, which is very convenient. (The phone suction cup cannot be removed and reused after being attached to the phone case. It is recommended to attach it to a regular phone case, not a valuable one.)
- 【Widely Used】Our non-slip silicone phone sticky grip mount attaches to almost any flat phone case and make it compatible with common mobile phones such as iPhone and Android.You can shoot, watch videos or video calls in the kitchen, gym, dance studio, bathroom and other places.
- 【Capture the Wonderful Picture】Whether you are a TikTok creator or just like to share videos and photos, this phone suction cup can help you hands-free capture wonderful videos and photos for sharing with friends.
- 【Note】You can fix the phone suction cup on a smooth surface such as a mirror or glass. If necessary, wipe the suction cup with a damp cloth to obtain stronger suction. Before releasing your hand, make sure the phone is firmly fixed. (Not applicable to rough walls, wooden surfaces, and other uneven surfaces)
Suggested alternative: Lawnchair
The article points to Lawnchair. Before changing launchers, check whether your current home-screen layout, widgets, gestures, icon setup, and other settings can be recreated. The available comparison does not establish that Lawnchair matches Nova’s features or that your Nova configuration will transfer. Set up the candidate and confirm your everyday home-screen tasks work before removing Nova.
UC Browser: assess the data-handling concern
How-To Geek warns about UC Browser’s data handling and suggests Samsung Internet instead. The available evidence does not independently verify the warning as a current assessment of UC Browser, nor does it establish that Samsung Internet is a better fit for every reader’s privacy needs. If browser privacy is your reason for switching, review the privacy information and settings for the specific versions you intend to use rather than relying on the replacement name alone.
Rank #2
- SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
- HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
- BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
- COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
- INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Suggested alternative: Samsung Internet
Try the alternative with your usual sites and browser tasks first. Check whether your bookmarks, saved passwords, open tabs, downloads, and other information are available in the new browser or need to be moved separately. Do not assume that signing in or installing a new browser will transfer everything.
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Simple Mobile Tools: check each utility separately
Simple Mobile Tools is a suite, so the question is not just whether to keep or remove one app: it is which of its tools you use and what depends on them. How-To Geek recommends Fossify Gallery, Fossify File Manager, and Fossify Phone for the corresponding roles. The available information does not independently establish the suite’s current ownership, the successor apps’ current details, or a direct feature match.
Rank #3
- Secure Hold: Our PopSockets adhesive phone grip gives your cell phone a secure, comfortable hold in hand to help prevent drops while texting, taking photos, or scrolling on the go. Designed to stick firmly to most phone cases and devices.
- Hands-Free Made Easy: Easily turn your PopSocket into a phone stand to prop up your phone anywhere, perfect for watching videos, video calls, or following recipes. A must-have phone holder that keeps your device secure and ready for anything.
- Compatibility: Works with all phones, tablets, and Kindles. Sticks best to smooth, hard plastic cases and may not adhere to silicone or textured cases. Easily swap your PopTop to change up your style.
- Black PopSockets: Simple, refined, and endlessly versatile. A timeless essential for any phone.
- Travel Must-Have for People On the Go: A must-have travel accessory for flights, flying, airports, air travel, airplanes, planes, international trips, cruises, and long travel days. Key gadget for your airport haul, travel accessories and must-haves.
Suggested alternatives: Fossify Gallery, File Manager, and Phone
Identify the Simple Mobile Tools apps actually installed and the tasks they perform for you. Test each proposed replacement against those tasks: for example, whether your gallery organization, file operations, or calling workflow behaves as you expect. Check where local settings and data are stored before uninstalling the original apps; migration behavior is not established here.
CCleaner: decide whether you need a cleaner at all
How-To Geek’s criticism is that most modern Android users generally do not need RAM-boosting or task-killer apps. That is an argument against routinely using those functions, not proof that every cleaning feature is harmful or that every device has the same needs. Consider which CCleaner function you actually use before deciding whether to remove it.
Rank #4
- [360 ° Flexible Rotation Design] Comes with a rotatable lanyard ring that supports 360 ° free rotation, effectively solving the problem of twisted and tangled lanyards
- [Wide compatibility] The ultra-thin 0.02-inch design does not block the charging port at all, and both wired and wireless charging can be used directly without removing the pad. Compatible with most smartphones such as iPhone, compatible with various wristbands, lanyards, crossbody straps, and keychains
- [Durable and Portable Material] Premium rust-resistant stainless steel material with good flexibility, which not only avoids scratching the phone case, but also has excellent anti rust and anti fading performance
- [Multi scenario Practical] Paired with a lanyard or wristband, hands-free use can be achieved. The phone is within reach and not easily dropped, ideal for daily commuting and outdoor activities. Suitable for full coverage phone cases, does not support half coverage phone cases
- [Quality Service] If you find any damage or other issues with the product upon receipt, please contact us immediately. We will handle it quickly
Suggested alternative: Files by Google
The article suggests Files by Google. It does not establish that this app duplicates every CCleaner function or that a replacement is necessary. If you try it, confirm that it handles the specific file-management task you care about; do not expect a one-for-one feature match based on the recommendation alone.
Brave: separate the article’s criticism from your browser needs
How-To Geek includes Brave among the apps to reconsider and points to a past affiliate-link controversy. The available evidence does not independently verify the details of that controversy or establish Brave’s present-day privacy practices. Nor does it show that the controversy alone makes Brave unsuitable for every user. If you are considering a switch, decide which browser features matter to you and assess the candidate on those needs.
Best Value
- 【PKYAA Double Sided Silicone Suction Phone Case Mount】PKYAA With Double Sided 40 Strong and Reliable individual suction cups, PKYAA provides a thicken and upgraded universal silicon suction mount for your phone.
- 【Friendly to Content Creators】If you are a content creator or an online influencer, you can create videos anywhere with this suction mount completely hands free with this silicone cell phone mount for cases.
- 【HANDS-FREE & Adhere to Mirrors】This Double Sided silicone suction phone case mount allows you to stick your phone to the mirror easily. No longer holding your phone in one hand to watch video tutorials while making up.
- 【Strong Grip on the Smooth Surface】You can easily hang your phone anywhere with a smooth surface. All you do is you clean off your phone and smooth surface. It is STURDY and it not only sticks to mirrors, it also sticks to windows, it sticks to refrigerators, tiles and other clean, flat surfaces.
- 【Press Down Firmly Every 30 Minutes】Use your palm or fingers to press the phone down firmly and check it's secure before letting go. Apply even pressure for a few seconds to allow the suction cup to adhere properly. To maintain the grip and prevent accidental falls, it's a good practice to periodically reapply pressure to the suction cup.
Suggested alternative: Firefox
Firefox is the article’s suggested replacement. Compare the browser settings and features you actually use, and check what will happen to bookmarks, passwords, tabs, and other data before switching. The source recommendation is not a current head-to-head finding about privacy, compatibility, or feature parity.
Quick Recap
How to switch without losing something you rely on
- Inventory your use. Note the tasks, settings, files, saved information, or other apps that depend on the app you may remove.
- Check data and dependencies. Find out what is stored on the device or in an account and whether export or backup is available. The recommendations here do not establish app-specific migration steps.
- Install and test the candidate. Confirm it is compatible with your Android device and available to you, then try the features you need. Compare privacy information and maintenance status for the versions you plan to use.
- Move or recreate what matters. Transfer information where the app supports it, or recreate settings and workflows manually. Verify the result before deleting the old app.
- Remove the old app only when ready. If the replacement does not meet your needs, keep the existing app while you consider another option.
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