Tech Reviewer Recommends 5 Android Apps Under 5MB for Privacy and Performance
Updated
Updated · MUO - MakeUseOf · Jun 30
Tech Reviewer Recommends 5 Android Apps Under 5MB for Privacy and Performance
1 articles · Updated · MUO - MakeUseOf · Jun 30
Summary
Five Android apps under 5MB were highlighted as lean alternatives to bloated defaults: Simple Keyboard, KISS Launcher, Open Camera, URLCheck and NetGuard.
Simple Keyboard drops internet access, spell check and emoji features to keep typing private, while KISS Launcher shrinks to 250KB with a two-screen layout and universal search aimed at older phones.
Open Camera packs RAW, HDR, burst mode and Auto Level into a 5MB app, positioning itself as a simpler replacement for feature-heavy stock camera software.
URLCheck intercepts links before they open to unshorten URLs, strip tracking and scan domains, while NetGuard blocks internet access per app over Wi-Fi or mobile data without root.
The list argues app size still signals focus: smaller packages often mean fewer permissions, less background activity and better performance on mid-range or aging Android devices.