As we start the new year, it is always interesting to see what people are using on the devices to get things done. On my Galaxy S24, I have a selection of apps that I use daily that help me with productivity, in remembering things, and in keeping this crazy little thing called life in order.
Let's get into it.
Why I use Android
First, the question that I get all the time is "why Android?"
A few reasons: Android is the more open mobile OS, allowing many customizations that are not permitted in iOS. This inevitably allow it to be more "bleeding edge". I personally use a Samsung S24 with [[much of the default software removed]], this would be impossible on an Apple device.
Android is also more "computer like" in that you have a powerful linux-based device in your pocket that isn't locked down and can perform tasks like SSHing to a server, running command line utilities, permitting automations and systems building that goes far beyond a mere phone. With a little work, you can turn Android into pretty well whatever you can think of. This means that the phone can actually be a tool rather than a consumptive device.
As I briefly mentioned, with ADB one can get rid of apps that on iOS you would be entirely stuck with. So, if you want to not be able to browse the internet, sure you could "lock down" your safari browser with screentime limits, but this can easily be bypassed. On Android, you can completely remove apps you don't want on your device.
Samsung offers routines and modes which allow great [[automations]] I use extensively. When you are at certain locations (attached to certain wifi networks for example), or it is a certain time of day, you can program the phone to perform various tasks that have been very helpful (you'll note I have an article in the works about this.)
I also use F-droid extensively, which favours free and open source apps. While I am not as much of a zealot as I had been in years past about only using FOSS and a custom ROM, there are really solid offerings from developers that care about freedom and open systems, and I try to support them in whatever way I can. If there is a good open source alternative to a mainstream app, I generally prefer it, and advocate that you do, too!
Overarching Philosophy
I want a phone to be a tool, not a distraction device.
In years passed, I would allow myself far too much time on the phone, only to look at the end of the day to see wasted time that could've gone to learning, growth, being present - really anything at all would've been better than the wasted time.
So, the goal of this setup is to simply create friction where needed to avoid wasting time, and to use the phone as a tool. I think [[getting a dumbphone is dumb]] because there is utility in smartphones - but they have to be used with intention. If they are used how 95% of people use them, then they will lead to distraction, loss of focus, addiction, or worse.
Some things you just can't get from a dumbphone would be:
- Navigation and maps
- Mobile payments and banking
- Two-factor authentication (absolutely necessary in my work)
- Important communications (email, messaging)
- Camera and document scanning (Nice to have a camera always on you)
- Calendar and scheduling
So, as evil as smartphones may be, there is utility.
Let's talk about how I maximize this utility:
Communications and Messaging
Signal
My main communication portal.
Telegram
I use this for bots in my development, and a couple group chats.
QUIK
Text messages etc.
I have a client or two that uses it, I would not use it if not.
Thunderbird Email Client
2FA and security
AI
Claude - conversational explorations and learning
Perplexity - Deeper searching with citations/sources
Gemini - quick searches and setting reminders
Development
Reading
Music
Spotify (though I am trying to get this more local)
Styling and Customization
Weather
Synchronization
Default Apps
Calculator
Google Calendar
Camera
Clock
Contacts
Gallery
Google (needed for android Auto)
Google Maps (location off using a routine unless using)
My Files
Phone
Settings
Other
Monitor+ (Camera monitor)
monerujo (wallet)
Genius scan (scanning receipts, documents, etc.)
Supra eKey (real estate related)
What I don't allow on my phone
App stores
If something is to be installed on my phone, it needs to be very intentional, and this creates friction. So, I have an F-droid APK available if needed, but it is not on my phone daily. I download apps via F-Droid and Aurora Store. Once a week or so, I log in to them and bulk update the apps on my device.
A browser
I can't "just look something up" - it has to be intentional. If I want to search something when at a computer, I will make a note to do so in Signal Note to Self. This creates a barrier to scrolling and rabbit holes that I am better off not going down. As an update, I have allowed fennec with ublock origin extension, disallowing javascript, and this has been an okay middle ground from nuking the browser entirely.
video consumption apps
Again, mindless consumption.
games (never understood mobile gaming)
I have thought about getting a dedicated gaming device like a steam deck so that I have a place to play games, but have not done so as of yet.
But what about (insert app X here)?!
If I am travelling and need something like Uber, I just install it before I go. I don't allow "food delivery apps" on my phone for the same reason that I don't allow video consumption apps. Create friction in your life for the stuff that is way too easy, stop the instant gratification.
That is really the key - friction points to slow down addictive behaviours. It is a lot harder to walk to the store to buy a bag of chips when you don't buy them at the grocery store and bring them home.
Same with your smartphone.
Results
I have iterated on this setup numerous times over the past four years, and I have gotten my screen time down to around an hour and a half per day. This time is generally spent in reading apps and doing research or work. I can confidently say that the phone has become much more of a tool rather than a content consumption device, and though there may be a little further I could go (remove all apps that aren't at all tooling), this is a solid setup that affords me focused work hours while keeping the conveniences that make life meaningfully easier.
I recommend you try to minimize your phone to something along these "dumb smartphone" lines, and see how your digital life improves.
God bless, and until next time.