Google Play is the default app store on most Android phones in the world, with millions of apps and games. Play Protect scanning helps, but low-quality and ad-heavy apps are not rare, and it cannot be used from Iran.
Founded
2012 (Android Market since 2008)
Based in
Mountain View, United States
Business model
Android app and game store
Available in
Most countries, except Iran
Score by criterion, against the category
The tick on each bar is the category average; the signed number is the distance from it.
Catalog depth97+1
Playback and content quality82-6
Subscription price84+4
Taste-based recommendations80-6
User experience86-3
Good fit for
Android users outside Iran
Automatic, safe app updates
Buying apps, games and subscriptions with one account
Less suited when
People in Iran; Google Play is not accessible there
iPhone users
Strengths
The largest Android app and game catalog
Play Protect scanning of installed apps
Automatic updates and refunds within a short window after purchase
Play Pass for ad-free apps and games
Opportunities for improvement
Room for improvement in: Low-quality, copycat and ad-heavy apps show up in results
Room for improvement in: Developer fees are criticised and litigated
Room for improvement in: Not accessible from Iran, and Iranian payments are not accepted
Verdict
For Android users outside Iran it is the right default; check the developer and reviews before installing.
What Google Play actually is
Google Play was formed in 2012 from Android Market and Google's content stores, and is the default app store on Android phones, the role Cafe Bazaar plays in Iran.
What you pay and what you get
Most apps are free and earn from in-app purchases, subscriptions and ads. Google takes a fee on purchases.
Where it is strong
Catalog size, automatic updates and security scanning make it the safest way to install apps on Android.
How it can improve, and what we could not verify
App quality is uneven and search is crowded with ads. Google Play is not accessible from Iran and is not in the Iran view.
Questions about Google Play
Does Google Play work in Iran?
No; in the Iran view, Cafe Bazaar covers this space.
Are all Google Play apps safe?
Play Protect lowers the risk but not to zero; check the developer and permissions.
Is Google Play better than Cafe Bazaar?
Google Play on catalog size and security; Cafe Bazaar on Iranian apps and rial payments.
Was this review useful?Thanks, noted.
Disclosure: Seemerce is developing products in some of these same areas (Seemerce Infinity). Scores are editorial assessments by Seemerce based on public information. Companies can send corrections or a reply to mahdiparto94@gmail.com. Names and logos belong to their owners and are used only to identify them; Seemerce is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
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