Software Alternatives & Startups

microG VS Solid Explorer

Compare microG VS Solid Explorer and see what are their differences

microG

A free-as-in-freedom re-implementation of Google’s proprietary Android user space apps and...

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Solid Explorer

Solid Explorer is a powerful Android file manager featuring access to most popular cloud storages, root access and easy extensibility.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, microG seems to be a lot more popular than Solid Explorer. While we know about 125 links to microG, we've tracked only 1 mention of Solid Explorer.

social mentions
125 vs 1
Mobile OS popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
35 vs 110

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

microG
Solid Explorer
Website microg.org neatbytes.com
Pricing
Open source
—
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

microG 5 features
Solid Explorer 6 features
  • Open Source
    microG is completely open source, allowing users to audit the code for security, privacy, and functionality assurance.
  • Privacy
    microG respects user privacy by not collecting and transmitting data to Google, making it a better choice for privacy-conscious users.
  • Lower Resource Usage
    microG tends to use fewer system resources compared to Google's proprietary services, resulting in better performance and battery life.
  • Customization
    The software provides flexibility and customization options that are not available with traditional Google services.
  • Compatibility
    microG enables the functionality of Google services for apps that require them, even on devices that don't have Google Play Services installed.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Support
    microG may not support all features and functionalities provided by Google's proprietary services, leading to potential compatibility issues with some apps.
  • Manual Setup
    Installing and configuring microG can be complex and may require advanced technical knowledge, which may not be suitable for all users.
  • Reliability
    As a community-driven project, microG may face reliability and stability issues more frequently than official Google services.
  • Partially Unsupported Apps
    Some apps may not work fully or may have limited functionality when using microG, especially those heavily reliant on certain Google APIs.
  • Update Frequency
    Updates to microG may not be as frequent or timely as those from Google, potentially leaving some features behind or vulnerable to security risks for longer periods.
  • User Interface
    Solid Explorer has a clean and visually appealing user interface that supports both light and dark themes, making it pleasant to use.
  • Dual-pane mode
    The app supports a dual-pane mode, which allows you to manage files in two different locations simultaneously, enhancing productivity.
  • Cloud Storage Integration
    Solid Explorer supports a wide range of cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and more, allowing for seamless file management across different platforms.
  • File Encryption
    The app includes features for encrypting and decrypting files, providing an extra layer of security for sensitive information.
  • Customization Options
    Solid Explorer offers extensive customization options, allowing users to change themes, icon sets, and layout to fit their preference.
  • Root Access
    It supports root access for rooted devices, enabling advanced file management tasks such as modifying system files.

Possible disadvantages

  • Payment Required
    Solid Explorer offers a 14-day trial period, after which a one-time payment is required to continue using the app, which might deter some users.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Some users have reported occasional bugs and crashes, which can disrupt the file management experience.
  • Storage Permissions
    The app requires extensive storage permissions, which some users might find concerning from a privacy standpoint.
  • Resource Intensive
    Solid Explorer can be resource-intensive, consuming more battery and memory compared to some of its competitors.
  • Limited Free Features
    While the app is feature-rich, the free version has limited functionalities, which could be a downside for users not willing to pay.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

microG
Solid Explorer

Overall verdict

  • Overall, microG is a robust solution for users interested in privacy, open-source software, and greater control over their devices. However, it may require some technical expertise to install and configure, and not all apps may work perfectly with it.

Why this product is good

  • microG is considered good by many users because it provides an open-source alternative to Google's proprietary mobile services. It allows users to retain functionality such as push notifications and location services without relying on Google Play Services, offering more privacy and control over personal data. It's especially valuable for those using custom ROMs or seeking to minimize their dependency on Google.

Recommended for

  • Users who prioritize privacy and want to reduce their reliance on Google services.
  • Individuals using custom ROMs on their Android devices.
  • Tech-savvy users willing to troubleshoot and tweak settings for optimal performance.
  • Developers interested in open-source software solutions.

Overall verdict

  • Solid Explorer is generally considered a good file management app, appreciated for its comprehensive functionality and ease of use. It is well-regarded for providing solid performance and reliability.

Why this product is good

  • Solid Explorer is popular for its clean and intuitive user interface, robust file management features, and strong support for cloud storage integration. It offers dual-pane navigation, file encryption, and extensive customization options, making it versatile for various file management needs.

Recommended for

  • Users looking for a feature-rich file manager with cloud integration
  • Those who appreciate customizable interfaces
  • Users who need efficient file management on Android devices
  • Individuals looking for secure file encryption options

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

microG 3 videos + Add
Solid Explorer 3 videos + Add

MicroG – what it is and where it’s going - SFScon19 / Marvin W

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Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
microG
Solid Explorer
100% 100%
0% 0%
42% 42%
58% 58%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using microG and Solid Explorer. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

microG no reviews yet
Solid Explorer no reviews yet

We have no reviews of microG yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

microG 125 mentions
Solid Explorer 1 mention
  • AnkiDroid: Google Play no longer allowing Open Collective donation link
    > "play store services" meaning having to sign into play store Not necessarily. Most apps that require Play Services should work fine even if you’re not logged into Google. You do, however, have to have the “gapps” installed.... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 month ago
  • F-Droid and Google's Developer Registration Decree
    I do that. F-Droid also requires that applications do not depend on any GMS component, but if you need anything from GMS, you can install https://microg.org/ and selectively enable the features you need. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • WhatsApp Introduces Ads in Its App
    I’m actually using Aurora and F-Droid. The only reason I have a Google account on my phone is for the Wallet (though it doesn’t work for me anyway :’) (And to be honest, things were working much smoother when I was on microG [0].) [0]:... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago

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Alternatives to microG and Solid Explorer

When comparing microG and Solid Explorer, you can also consider the following products.