I Ditched Google Photos for This Lightweight App
How local solutions simplify photo management
1Why I Ditched Google Photos
Google Photos quickly filled up cloud storage, causing issues for other apps. Sharing storage with apps like Gmail and Google Drive made photo management difficult. This led me to seek a lighter, local solution.
2Discovering Gallery by Google
Gallery by Google offers a simpler and lighter alternative compared to Google Photos. Its biggest advantage is that it works entirely offline and doesn't require cloud storage. This is a major plus for users concerned about privacy.
3App Installation
Gallery by Google doesn't come pre-installed. You can download the app from the Play Store to start using it. The installation is straightforward and offers a user-friendly interface.
4Smart Organization Features
The app automatically organizes photos, eliminating the need for manual sorting. This feature is particularly convenient for users with a large number of photos.
5Album Management
Gallery by Google offers flexibility in moving photos to albums. However, it lacks features like locked folders found in Google Photos. This could be seen as a drawback for privacy needs.
6Privacy Solutions
Gallery by Google protects privacy by preventing photos from going to the cloud. Additionally, it allows moving photos on devices that use microSD cards. This offers a completely local solution.
7Photo Editing Tools
The app's photo editing tools are quite basic. The auto-enhance feature adjusts brightness and color balance, but manual editing options are limited. This may be insufficient for professional editing needs.
8Cropping and Rotating
Gallery by Google easily handles basic operations like cropping and rotating photos. These features are sufficient for daily use but fall short for more complex tasks.
9Comparison with Google Photos
While Google Photos offers advanced editing tools like Magic Editor, Gallery by Google is quite limited in this regard. However, local solutions and privacy advantages make Gallery by Google a preferable choice.
10User Experience
Gallery by Google offers a lightweight and fast experience, especially for Google Pixel users. The app simplifies photo management while also protecting privacy.
11Conclusion and Recommendations
Gallery by Google offers a simpler and local solution compared to Google Photos. It can be an ideal alternative for users facing privacy and storage issues. However, those needing advanced editing tools may still find Google Photos a better option.
Original article: Android Police — Google Photos'tan Vazgeçtim: Pixel'im Artık Daha Hafif