The free search tool I’d install first on a new Android phone is the Google app—that’s the most likely interpretation of the unnamed app in this headline. Its Google Play listing describes Google Search alongside features such as Lens and AI Mode. It is a useful recommendation, not a setup requirement: Google’s Android setup guidance does not list downloading the app as a prerequisite.
What the Google app adds to a new phone
Google’s Play listing presents the app as more than a text-search box. Depending on the device, language and location, it can include text and visual search, Google Lens, AI Mode and Search Live. Google also lists Circle to Search, but that feature is limited to select premium Android phones and some languages and locations. Google cautions that features may not be available in every country. These are app-listing capabilities, not guarantees that every Android handset will offer every feature.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Install the Google app from Google Play if you want Google’s search tools readily available. The listing identifies Google LLC as the publisher. This is a personal recommendation; your preferred search provider or privacy preferences may lead you to choose a different app.
Is the app required to set up Android?
No. Google’s Android Learning Center setup guidance covers topics such as inserting a SIM, connecting to Wi-Fi, adding a Google Account, setting a screen lock and preparing account recovery. It does not identify the Google app as a prerequisite for completing setup. The exact screens and steps can vary by phone maker and device.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Android also supports search widgets from other providers. Google documents search-choice screens for particular eligible contexts, but they are regional and do not mean every new phone will show a universal provider-selection screen. The choice available to you can depend on location and eligibility.
Before you start: the setup decisions that matter
- Connect to Wi-Fi. A network connection helps with setup and with copying data from another phone.
- Decide whether to add a Google Account. Google’s setup guidance includes adding an account; consider account access and recovery before proceeding.
- Create a screen lock. Choose a lock method offered by your device and set it during setup.
- Check account recovery. Make sure you can recover access to the account you plan to use.
- Choose whether to copy data from your old phone. Google recommends making this choice during initial setup because the transfer option may not be available later.
For a device-specific walkthrough, Google’s Switch to a new Android device guide covers starting fresh as well as moving from Android or iPhone. Its instructions vary by device; an iPhone transfer may use QR pairing or a cable, depending on the on-screen prompts.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Copying data: cable or wireless?
Google supports both cable and wireless transfers from an old Android phone and says both methods support the same data. It recommends using a cable when possible, but the cable must fit both devices; you may need an adapter. Google also recommends having both phones online. Some transfer steps work only when the old phone runs Android 10 or later. Samsung phones may offer Smart Switch options.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →| Transfer method | What to check | Google’s guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Cable | The cable must connect to both phones; an adapter may be needed. | Google recommends cable transfer. |
| Wireless | Have both phones online and follow the setup prompts. | Supported; Google says it supports the same data as cable transfer. |
If you use a cable, check both phones’ ports before choosing one. The transfer is a one-time setup choice and may not remain available afterward, so decide before completing setup. For exact prompts and brand-specific variations, follow the instructions shown on your phone and Google’s switching guide.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Choose the search app that suits you
The Google app is a straightforward first choice if you want Google Search and its listed search features in one app. It is not the only option. You can use another provider’s search app or widget where available, and your choice-screen experience may depend on regional eligibility. The available guidance does not establish a like-for-like comparison of competing providers, so compare their features, privacy terms and availability directly before deciding.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
