www.makeuseof.com 5 Top Android 12 Features You Can Get on Any Phone Today

Android fans had been anticipating the launch of Android 12 for a long time. Google always makes sure to bring new functionalities and features that will help give you a better smartphone experience. Unfortunately, most people don't yet have Android 12 and many won't get it at all.

But don't worry. If you are someone who wishes they had the latest Android in their hands, here is a list of apps that will bring select Android 12 features to your phone.

1. Privacy Dashboard

Android 12 brings you a brand new privacy dashboard that helps you manage your app's permissions and view analytics, all wrapped up in a sleek design.

The dashboard allows you to view an app's permission usage through a microscopic lens; you can see the exact number of times an app has used certain permissions. You can even view the history of when and where an app used a selected permission.

Related: The Android 12 Privacy Features Still Don't Go Far Enough

Want to know when an app is using certain permissions? Android 12 has your phone alert you with a small pop-up indicating that a permission is being utilized. This dashboard is a fantastic addition to Android that you can easily get on the Play Store.

A doppelganger app, aptly named Privacy Dashboard, offers all the same features and an identical design. If you want to enjoy Android 12's privacy, you can get it right now.

Download: Privacy Dashboard (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. Rotation

Android 12 introduced a new auto-rotate system that uses the front camera to monitor how your head tilts, and changes your screen orientation accordingly. While this minor invention may bring comfort to Pixel users, there's an app that easily surpasses Google's innovation for everyone else.

Rotation allows you to dictate exactly how you want your phone to rotate. You can force an orientation on your apps and specify at what tilt angle your phone should rotate. You can set conditions when your phone should rotate, for example, if you get a call, your phone will automatically change to portrait.

In fact, the app allows you to take complete control over your phone's rotation settings.

Download: Rotation (Free, in-app purchases available)

3. Smart Cursor

Another feature that Google has introduced in Android 12 is a one-handed mode. Just like the smart search bar and scrolling screenshots, this an another highly requested feature that has long since been implemented on other smartphones.

Android 12's one-handed mode is an accessibility option that allows you to decrease the size of your active screen, allowing you to only use a smaller area of your phone. Your screen will essentially be squashed and brought down to the bottom half. While this is one way to handle this, it isn't the best way.

Related: New Features Coming to Android 12 (Go Edition) in 2022

Smart Cursor provides an alternative solution to people wishing to use their phones one-handed. The app allows you to essentially control your phone with a mouse cursor.

You can set the bottom half of your screen to be your active area, and the upper area is controlled by the cursor. The cursor can be activated from the bottom area, and you can tap and drag anywhere, with the cursors mimicking your actions.

You can also customize the cursor to your wishes, changing its size, appearance, and how long it should stay visible. The app is free but a pro version exists that provides more advanced features such as more gestures and context actions, allowing you to set certain actions such as holding down to perform a custom function.

Download: Smart Cursor (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. LongShot

Google finally brought scrolling screenshots to Android. One of the most highly requested features by users, it allows you to take an elongated screenshot by scrolling up and down on your phone. You can easily screenshot an entire webpage or a large part of your social media feed with it.

LongShot is an alternative for those who don't have Android 12. It's a simple app to use, all you do is take a screenshot and scroll when you want to stop it. Unlike the Android 12 version, LongShot also allows you to auto-scroll, so you don't have to drag your finger continuously. A great alternative for a great feature.

Download: LongShot (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. Sesame

Android 12 provides users with a search bar that allows them to conveniently search both the web and their phone. No more having to go to your apps or settings to search for something, you can finally do it all from your home screen.

It's a practicality that people have been demanding Google to include. And just like everything else on our list, there is an app that can perform the same task and surpasses it in customization.

Sesame will bring you the same search functionality on your phone. The only difference is, Sesame brings much more in-depth results. Sesame's results don't stop at app and internet results, it will bring you contacts, calendar events, and much more. If you want to look up something on your phone, Sesame will find it.

However, all this power does come at a certain disadvantage. Sesame offers a full-featured unlimited trial, meaning you can use all its features for as long as you want. But when you've used it for two weeks, the app will request you to pay for it every time you use a shortcut.

While the pop-up may become annoying, its utility is easily worth the one second of nuisance you will have to deal with.

Download: Sesame (Free, in-app purchases available)

Try Out Android 12 Features Today!

There is no doubt that Google puts a lot of work into designing and optimizing Android. However, you also don't need the latest software to enjoy using the latest features on your smartphone. A lot of apps on this list offer more features than their Android counterparts.

Try understanding your needs and see what already exists to address them. You will be surprised by the countless apps that can enhance your smartphone.

Maxwell is a software developer who works as a writer in his spare time. An avid tech enthusiast who loves to dabble in the world of artificial intelligence. When he isn't busy with his work, he is off reading or playing video games.

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