Smartphones Without AI Are No Longer Smart: 15 Must-Have AI Apps for Your Mobile
In today’s fast-paced digital world, smartphones are more than just communication devices—they’re our personal assistants, learning tools, and creative outlets. But as technology evolves, a smartphone without artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming outdated. AI has transformed how we interact with our devices, making them smarter, more intuitive, and capable of handling tasks that once required significant human effort. From writing articles to scanning 3D objects, AI apps are revolutionizing the mobile experience.
In a recent thread on X, Afiyat Noor (@AfiyatNoor) shared a curated list of 15 AI-powered apps that can supercharge your smartphone, making it a true "smart" device. Whether you’re a student, professional, or someone who loves exploring new tech, these apps are designed to enhance productivity, creativity, and accessibility. Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide and explore each app in detail, understanding how they can transform your daily mobile usage.
1. Heardly - Daily Audio Book Summary App
For book lovers with packed schedules, Heardly is a game-changer. This app leverages AI to deliver concise audio summaries of books, allowing you to absorb key insights without dedicating hours to reading. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or cooking, Heardly turns every moment into a learning opportunity. It’s perfect for professionals and students who want to stay informed but are pressed for time.
2. CopyOwl AI
Writing high-quality content can be time-consuming, especially when it involves deep research. CopyOwl AI simplifies this process by generating well-researched articles instantly. The app not only writes for you but also backs up its content with credible sources, ensuring accuracy and reliability. It’s an excellent tool for bloggers, researchers, and marketers who need to produce polished content quickly.
3. Gemini
Developed by Google, Gemini is an advanced AI assistant integrated into Google Workspace apps. It assists with a wide range of tasks, including writing, planning, learning, and creating across multiple formats like text, images, audio, and even code. Whether you’re drafting an email in Gmail or brainstorming ideas in Google Docs, Gemini enhances your workflow by providing smart suggestions and automating repetitive tasks.
4. Perplexity
Perplexity is a smart answer engine that delivers instant, accurate, and up-to-date information through real-time web searches. Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity provides clear, sourced summaries, making it ideal for research, learning, and creative inspiration. Whether you’re a student working on a project or a professional seeking quick insights, Perplexity makes knowledge accessible in seconds.
5. Kickresume
A well-crafted resume is often the first step to landing your dream job, and Kickresume uses AI to help you create one quickly. This app offers templates and AI-driven suggestions to build a professional CV that stands out. It’s perfect for job seekers who want to make a strong first impression without spending hours on formatting and design.
6. Peak - Brain Training
Peak is a brain-training app designed to boost cognitive skills through fun games and exercises. With AI at its core, Peak creates personalized challenges to improve memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities. It’s an excellent tool for anyone looking to keep their mind sharp, from students preparing for exams to professionals aiming to enhance their mental agility.
7. Screen Master
Screen Master is a handy app for capturing long screenshots on your phone, making it easy to save entire web pages or conversations in a single image. Beyond screenshots, it offers features like cropping, rotating, adding text, and blurring sensitive areas. Rated highly on Google Play, Screen Master is a must-have for anyone who frequently needs to capture and edit mobile content.
8. Be My Eyes
Be My Eyes is an inspiring app that uses AI to assist blind or low-vision individuals by providing visual descriptions. With over half a million users worldwide, the app connects users to volunteers and AI assistance 24/7 in 185 languages across more than 150 countries. A notable example shared by Afiyat Noor is how the app brought a Chanel catwalk to life for a blind person, showcasing the power of AI in accessibility.
9. Walkie-Talkie
Walkie-Talkie transforms your iPhone or Android device into a walkie-talkie, allowing you to communicate with friends, family, or colleagues instantly. This app is perfect for situations where you need quick, direct communication without the hassle of calls or texts. It’s a fun and practical tool for group outings, events, or even professional settings like event coordination.
Bonus: Afiyat Noor’s AI Newsletter
As a bonus, Afiyat Noor offers access to a free newsletter at 8020ai.co/subscribe, where over 45,000 early adopters learn about the latest AI developments. Subscribers gain access to over 1,000 advanced prompts, more than 30 AI resources and guides, and a ChatGPT cheatsheet. Delivered five times a week, this 100% free resource is a treasure trove for anyone interested in staying ahead in the AI space.
10. Snap Drop
Sharing files between Android and Apple devices can be a hassle, but Snap Drop makes it seamless. This app uses AI to facilitate quick and easy file transfers across platforms without the need for cables or complicated setups. It’s a lifesaver for users who frequently share photos, documents, or other files between different devices.
11. PolyCam
PolyCam is a 3D scanning app that lets you turn objects and spaces into detailed 3D models using just your phone’s camera. Powered by AI, PolyCam simplifies the scanning process, making it accessible to everyone from hobbyists to professionals. Whether you’re creating 3D models for design, gaming, or 3D printing, PolyCam is a powerful tool to have on your mobile.
12. WiFi AR
WiFi AR is an innovative communication tool for Android devices that uses augmented reality (AR) to visualize nearby Wi-Fi networks. By overlaying network information in your physical environment, the app helps you identify the best Wi-Fi signals around you. It’s a unique application of AI and AR, perfect for tech enthusiasts or anyone troubleshooting connectivity issues.
13. Stack: PDF Scanner
Stack: PDF Scanner is a simple yet powerful app that turns your phone’s camera into a document scanner. Using AI, the app automatically detects the type of document you’re scanning—whether it’s a receipt, contract, or note—and organizes it accordingly. Available on Google Play, Stack is a convenient tool for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to digitize documents on the go.
14. Socratic
Socratic, developed by Google, is an AI-driven learning platform designed to help students understand complex concepts in subjects like science, mathematics, literature, and social studies. The app uses text and voice recognition to provide tailored visual explanations, making it easier to grasp difficult topics. With the tagline “What do you want to learn today?” Socratic is an invaluable resource for students seeking personalized educational support.
15. Photoleap
Photoleap is a photo editing app that uses AI to help you transform your images with ease. From cropping and background removal to object removal and advanced enhancements, Photoleap offers simple tools to achieve professional-grade results. Whether you’re a casual photographer or a social media enthusiast, this app makes photo editing accessible and efficient.
Why AI Apps Are Essential for Modern Smartphones
The apps listed above showcase the incredible potential of AI in enhancing the functionality of smartphones. From accessibility tools like Be My Eyes to productivity boosters like CopyOwl AI and Kickresume, AI is making our devices more intuitive and capable than ever before. These apps not only save time but also open up new possibilities for learning, creativity, and communication.
As Afiyat Noor aptly stated, “Smartphones without AI are no longer smart.” In 2025, AI is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. By integrating these apps into your daily routine, you can unlock the full potential of your smartphone, making it a true companion for both personal and professional tasks.
Conclusion
Afiyat Noor’s thread provides a valuable starting point for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone experience with AI. Whether you’re capturing 3D models with PolyCam, learning new concepts with Socratic, or connecting with others through Walkie-Talkie, these apps demonstrate the diverse ways AI can enhance your mobile life. For more insights and updates on AI tools, follow Afiyat Noor on X (@AfiyatNoor) or subscribe to their free newsletter at 8020ai.co/subscribe.
