1. Out: TikTok
In: Roposo

Surprisingly, this Indian photo-video sharing and viewing app has been around since 2014. While it had approximately 5 million active users before, the TikTok ban is likely to give it a boost of 10 million estimated new users. The app supports nine Indian languages, including Bengali, making it easier for people from all regions to use. Apart from 25+ channels to keep users entertained, it also provides intricate editing prowess to creators, allowing them to experiment with slow-motion, time-lapse, lighting effects, voice-overs, music and much more.

2. Out: CamScanner
In: Adobe Scan: PDF Scanner, OCR, PDF Creator

This app provides users the magical ability to scan their physical documents and even handwritten papers to turn them into PDF files and photos. It even has a “clean up” feature that lets users edit and remove imperfections. In addition, the OCR technology helps to recognise text from within the scan, making it easier to reuse it, besides extracting the number from business cards, and allowing users to save it directly in their contacts. The app also has a feature that obtains pictures of documents and receipts from your photos to convert, saving you time in rummaging for hours before finding the required image.

3. Out: SHAREit
In: JioSwitch — Secure File Transfer & Share

This app could be a great replacement for SHAREit, primarily because it doesn’t have the annoying ads, which were a notorious part of the Chinese app. Moreover, the option of transferring files without any size limit, across platforms, both online and offline make a compelling case for its download.

4. Out: UC Browser
In: Firefox Browser

What makes Firefox Browser stand out is its feature of blocking thousands of online trackers that monitor user movement and actions, slowing down Internet speed as a result, apart from being a threat to privacy. It also allows users to install plug-ins like ad-blockers and download managers, and the Firefox app on one’s desktop and other devices can be synced together to make for a more integrated browsing experience.

5. Out: Clash of Kings
In: Empires and Allies

Granted, losing years of progress on a game where you learnt the intricacies of battle and strategy can be disheartening, but it can also be perceived as a fresh start. While you may not start where you left off, Empires and Allies does present a convincing simulation of a full-blown global war against terrorists, requiring players to strategise, upgrade their army and train them. You can also team up with other players online to form alliances, and conquer battlegrounds together.

6. Out: DU Battery Saver
In: Avast Cleanup & Boost, Phone Cleaner, Optimizer

Not only does this app clear cache, temporary files and leftover data, but also identifies the apps taking up most space, and not being used, thus clearing up space and increasing performance. The “hibernation mode” also halts functions that are not being used from consuming battery, so that you don’t have to frantically look for your charger thrice a day.

7. Out: WeChat
In: Telegram

While WhatsApp seems like the most obvious alternative with virtually all contacts using the app, Telegram is a great alternative because unlike the former it allows users to send media and files of any size, and all the data is stored on the Telegram cloud, significantly easing the burden on your phone memory. Another unique feature of Telegram is that groups can hold up to 200,000 members and users can edit photos and videos on the app itself.

8. Out: Viva Video QU Video Inc
In: KineMaster — Video Editor

Apart from transitions, colour correction options, sound design settings, and frame rate settings, KineMaster’s most attractive feature is that it allows editors to export their videos in up to 4K resolution, something that is extremely rare in mobile-based editing apps. Editors can also directly upload their videos to YouTube and other social media handles.

9. Out: Baidu Translate
In: Google Translate

With over 100 languages, Google Translate alleviates the fear of miscommunication. Not only can you translate while typing, but also by pointing your camera on text, copying text in an app, and even by using handwriting (drawing characters). Users also have the option of offline translation for 59 languages, driving away the woes of poor Wi-Fi!

10. OUT: Baidu Maps
In: Google Maps

This is possibly the most straightforward replacement on the list. Apart from satellite imagery and street-view navigation across 220 territories, the app also provides live traffic updates, which reinforce the accuracy of its ETA feature. It also breaks down transitory travelling, with options for taking a car, a cab, a train, or walking, besides having registered business information of practically every vicinity you travel through. With the offline feature, users can download maps of specific regions and access them in the remotest zones without network!

11.Out: QQ Music
In: Spotify

Granted, QQ Music was a result of a deal between Spotify and Tencent, but it’s never too late to switch back to the original app which most music lovers swear by. Not only does Spotify have access to most of the niche Indie music and expertly curated playlists for every mood, but also has a plethora of podcasts that one can tune into without having to download a separate podcasting app. Its algorithm makes sure that you keep discovering new music and artistes you love, and also allows you to share playlists you curate with the world. With the app supporting several Indian languages, this might be the best time to tune into it, if you haven’t already.

12. Out: YouCam makeup
In: Adobe Lightroom

Photo editing isn’t just a hobby any more. It’s serious business, with an individual’s social media feed saying a lot about their life. Hence, it’s always better to trust a professional level editor, like Adobe Lightroom. Apart from the standard filters and retouching effects, this app is similar to its desktop version in giving users absolute control over several aspects such as lighting and colour. Photography buffs can also use the perspective assistance to capture better frames, and the app has tutorials to help users produce better images. Another cool feature is that the app uses AI to organise photos based on objects and people, reducing time spent searching for an elusive picture. The cloud-based storage feature allows users to store their HDR-quality raw and edited images on the cloud, without having to worry about the massive dent to your phone’s storage.