{"id":80200,"date":"2015-04-08T17:59:57","date_gmt":"2015-04-08T15:59:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/onsoftware.en.softonic.com\/?p=80200"},"modified":"2025-07-02T00:14:43","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T07:14:43","slug":"best-free-apps-for-samsung-galaxy-s6","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/best-free-apps-for-samsung-galaxy-s6\/","title":{"rendered":"Best free apps for Samsung Galaxy S6"},"content":{"rendered":"

Samsung\u2019s newest flagship phone, the Galaxy S6<\/strong>, is a definite improvement over past Galaxy S phones. Discarding the plastic of the past, the Galaxy S6 is made of metal and glass. The phone now has a premium feel, something Samsung fans have been waiting for.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve ever dropped a Samsung phone before, the phone was prone to exploding. The removable plastic back would separate and the removable battery would fly out. With the new design the Galaxy S6 doesn\u2019t have a removable back cover or microSD slot anymore, but offers three storage options<\/strong> (32\/64\/128 GB) so space shouldn\u2019t be a problem.<\/p>\n

Samsung uses its own user interface called TouchWiz<\/strong>, a customized version of the Android OS. The S6 will ship with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop<\/a> making it one version behind the latest Android 5.1 release. There are minimal changes between 5.0.2 and 5.1 so you\u2019re not missing too much.<\/p>\n

Even though the Samsung Galaxy S6 is an amazing phone, it will slow down over time. This is because the more you use your phone, more data is stored making your phone work harder. Take a look at these apps designed to extend your phone\u2019s life that Samsung didn\u2019t decide to include.<\/p>\n

How many apps?<\/h3>\n

The Samsung Galaxy S6 is reportedly shipping with 56 pre-installed apps<\/a>. This list includes S Health and S Voice. S Health is Samsung\u2019s health app like Google Fit<\/a> or Apple\u2019s Health App. It collects various health data and can track physical activity. Samsung also developed S Voice, its own voice-activated personal assistant. Similar to Google Now or Siri, you can set appointments, update Facebook or Twitter, and ask for directions.<\/p>\n

The S6 will come with Facebook preinstalled and a link to download WhatsApp<\/a>. Samsung will include Microsoft OneDrive<\/a>, OneNote<\/a>, and Skype<\/a>. Since it\u2019s an Android phone, the regular suite of Google apps like Gmail<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Google Play Music<\/a>, and Google Play Store are already installed. Samsung also has its own app store called Galaxy Apps. This apps store is curated by Samsung and is separate from Google Play.<\/p>\n

Besides these pre-installed apps, what are the best apps to download to your brand new Samsung Galaxy S6? There are a lot of great apps to expand the usability of your phone so check out this list for apps that are perfect for the Samsung Galaxy S6.<\/p>\n

Astro File Manager\/ES File Explorer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"astro
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Did you know you can create folders on your phone and Android will recognize files in different apps? The best way to manage files is with a file manager. Astro File Manager and ES File Explorer are both amazing Android file managers. Both apps can manage files, copy\/paste to different directories, backup apps, and connect to cloud storage like Google Drive and Dropbox. One positive for ES File Manager is that you can create or extract ZIP and RAR files<\/strong> and use a USB on-the-go (OTG) drive to copy files onto your device.<\/p>\n

Download Astro File Manager<\/a><\/p>\n

Download ES File Explorer<\/a><\/p>\n

My Data Manager<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"my
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are a lot of different cell phone plans and some of them have data limits. To make sure you don\u2019t max out your data in the first couple weeks, it\u2019s good to monitor your usage. Android has its own data monitor, but it\u2019s not always accurate. My Data Manager tracks all data<\/strong> used by your phone. You can set up the billing cycle to track how much data is used each month. My Data Manager can also set warnings for too much data use to remind you to throttle back until next month.<\/p>\n

Download My Data Manager<\/a><\/p>\n

Speedtest.net<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"speedtest\"
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wireless carriers promise fast data connections. A good way to check is with Speedtest.net. It\u2019s an app that connects to different servers and tests download and upload speeds<\/strong>. If you think you\u2019re phone isn\u2019t loading apps fast enough, try a test. You may find that you\u2019re in an area with poor reception. You can also run Speedtest.net on your Wi-Fi network to test your router.<\/p>\n

Download Speedtest.net<\/a><\/p>\n

WiFi Analyzer<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Any time you\u2019re connected to Wi-Fi, you should expect a good connection. Depending on the wireless standard and interference, Wi-Fi speeds can vary a lot. But one thing you might not consider is signal strength. Even though you might be connected to Wireless AC, the current strongest standard, if your router can\u2019t push the signal, you\u2019re going to see slow speeds. WiFi Analyzer reports the signal strength<\/strong> of your connection. It\u2019s an useful tool in homes to see if there are dead spots or if you need to get a wireless extender or new router.<\/p>\n

Download WiFi Analyzer<\/a><\/p>\n

GSM Battery Monitor<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"gsm
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are a lot of reasons why a smartphone devours its battery. Android includes a battery monitor, but it doesn\u2019t have in-depth information. GSM Battery Monitor is an app that monitors your device and tracks how different apps and services deplete your battery. It will find apps that use a lot of battery in the background. GSM Battery Monitor is a great tool to monitor your phone<\/strong> to extend the life of your battery.<\/p>\n

Download GSM Battery Monitor<\/a><\/p>\n

Cleanmaster<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"cleanmaster\"
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

The more you use your S6, the more junk files you create. The more junk files you have, the slower your phone will run. Cleanmaster is an optimization tool<\/strong> that cleans your S6 of unnecessary files. Cleanmaster can also free up RAM so your phone continues to run fast. It\u2019s a great optimization tool that you should run weekly to make sure your phone is running at optimal speed.<\/p>\n

Download Cleanmaster<\/a><\/p>\n

Google Camera\/Focal<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"google
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Google Camera is the stock camera app for Nexus devices. It\u2019s also a great camera app with a HDR setting, 4K video recording<\/strong>, panoramas, and photospheres. If you don\u2019t like Samsung\u2019s camera app, give Google Camera a try. According to Softonic\u2019s Android camera<\/a> shootout, Focal is the best Google Camera alternative. \u201cIts ability to take quick action shots, low-light images, and natural looking stills with nice coloring\u201d helped it win our camera shootout.<\/p>\n

Download Google Camera<\/a><\/p>\n

Download Focal (beta)<\/a><\/p>\n

Chromecast <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"chromecast\"
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Google\u2019s $35 media streaming dongle is one of the best and cheapest options to stream on your TV<\/strong>. The device supports apps<\/a> like YouTube<\/a>, Netflix<\/a>, HBO GO<\/a>, Google Play Music<\/a>, Plex<\/a>, and Twitch<\/a>. You can also cast your screen to the TV for apps that aren\u2019t directly supported. The Chromecast app also has a deals section that lists some great deals from supported apps.<\/p>\n

Download Chromecast<\/a><\/p>\n

MX Player\/VLC<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"mx
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Samsung includes its own video player, but it\u2019s a basic player without many additional options. MX Player and VLC are two of the best media players available on Android. Both support videos with subtitles and can import SRT text files<\/strong> for softsubbed videos. You may be buying videos from Google Play, but anytime you want to play local files, these video players are your best options.<\/p>\n

Download MX Player<\/a><\/p>\n

Download VLC<\/a><\/p>\n

Inbox<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"inbox\"<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Instead of having to sift through a big list of email, Inbox sorts your mail into different categories<\/strong>. Obviously those deal emails aren\u2019t important enough for your inbox and banking emails could always be sorted together. Instead of deleting emails, you swipe right to be \u201cdone\u201d with that email, which archives the message in case you need it later. You can also create reminders directly in Inbox without needing another app.<\/p>\n

Download Inbox<\/a><\/p>\n

feedly<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"feedly\"
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Catching up on individual websites can take a long time. RSS feeds solve this problem, but finding a good reader takes time. feedly is a great RSS reader that lets you categorize different topics<\/strong> and save them to read later. If you only want to read one topic, use the sidebar and select it. feedly pro has more options, but if you only read your favorite sites, there\u2019s no reason to pay.<\/p>\n

Download feedly<\/a><\/p>\n

Nova Launcher<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"nova
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

TouchWiz isn\u2019t for everyone. Samsung\u2019s user interface looks a little dated with giant icons and widgets. If you want something more customizable, try Nova Launcher. Nova Launcher is a launcher replacement for any Android device. Instead of using TouchWiz, Nova Launcher will replace your homescreens<\/strong> and app launcher. You can customize the appearance of your homescreens with options like icon size and transitions. If you\u2019re looking for even more customization, download new icon packs to change how app icons look on your S6. Nova Launcher is free, but paying for the app unlocks more features.<\/p>\n

Download Nova Launcher<\/a><\/p>\n

Pushbullet<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"pushbullet\"
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

Even though the Galaxy S6 comes with NFC, it\u2019s still difficult to transfer files from one device to another. You could email or upload a file to online storage, but that process gets really annoying. Pushbullet can connect to any device with the app like PC, iOS<\/a>, and Android. It supports texts, links, and files and can also connect to your desktop and push notifications from your phone. You can also respond to text messages<\/strong> on your computer using Pushbullet.<\/p>\n

Download Pushbullet<\/a><\/p>\n

Waze<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"waze\"
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you need general navigation information, Google Maps is great. But when you want to know current traffic conditions, Waze is the best app to use. Its crowdsourced information<\/strong> supplies current information like congestion or delays. It also suggests new routes quickly to pass by a huge delay. Other information that Waze includes is police sightings, traffic lights, and accidents that are all sourced from other Waze users.<\/p>\n

Download Waze<\/a><\/p>\n

Yelp<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"yelp\"
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you ever need restaurant recommendations<\/strong>, Yelp is still one of the best apps to use. It\u2019s easy to find restaurants around you and read reviews telling you if the place is worth visiting. You can refine searches by price, type of food, and whether restaurants are currently open. Anytime you\u2019re looking for a place to eat on a trip, Yelp is the best place to search first.<\/p>\n

Download Yelp<\/a><\/p>\n

This only a small selection of apps you will need for your new Samsung Galaxy S6. Keeping your phone running at top speed is important and the maintenance apps will keep everything running smooth. Android 5.0.2 Lollipop is already a fast operating system, but TouchWiz has a tendency to slow down quickly. These apps will help keeps the S6 running at top speed and help solve other problems you might encounter.<\/p>\n

Related Articles<\/h3>\n

Best free Android games<\/a><\/p>\n

Best free Android apps<\/a><\/p>\n

How to use Android 5.0 Lollipop<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow me on Twitter: @chrislikesrobot<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Samsung\u2019s newest flagship phone, the Galaxy S6, is a definite improvement over past Galaxy S phones. Discarding the plastic of the past, the Galaxy S6 is made of metal and glass. The phone now has a premium feel, something Samsung fans have been waiting for. If you\u2019ve ever dropped a Samsung phone before, the phone … Continue reading “Best free apps for Samsung Galaxy S6”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2030,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":0},"categories":[],"tags":[],"usertag":[],"vertical":[],"content-category":[],"class_list":["post-80200","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80200","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2030"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=80200"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80200\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":329633,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/80200\/revisions\/329633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=80200"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=80200"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=80200"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=80200"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=80200"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=80200"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}