RealPlayer for Android

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET staff on December 09, 2012

Already enjoying the features of RealPlayer on your computer? Now you can have a comparable experience with this standout media player on your mobile gadget. RealPlayer for Android gives you control of all of your photo, video and audio files from one gorgeous app. The individual players might not have enough features to blow you away on their own, but few other apps can support all of your files.

The smooth interface makes your media files only one or two taps away no matter how they're organized. Most of the options you'd expect such as shuffle, genres, and playlists are supported on the player. However, the equalizers and different tonal settings RealPlayer offers on a PC require a paid upgrade. That's not really necessary for non-audiophiles, though. Sound is crystal clear and the volume is just right to match your phone.

As for the photo and movie viewers, they don't impress as much. The photo viewer mimics the standard gallery on Android, and the movie viewer adds only a share button. There's a widget that can use one of your phone's home screens entirely, but it supports just music.

For all those looking for an upgrade to the stock music player or an all-in-one media center, this app delivers. However, once you move past the audio support, which rivals most programs, you're left wanting. There's not enough to love about the video and photo options that would allow them to stand alone. While that still makes RealPlayer for Android one of the most solid media players you can download for your gadget, it feels like the app's missing its chance to really wow people.