Even though there are more Wi-Fi networks than ever, and mobile apps are becoming more conscientious about the data they consume, most people still need to be mindful of the amount of mobile data they use on their smartphones. The majority of smartphone users do not have an unlimited plan (and even some of those aren’t truly unlimited), and need to keep their data usage under a certain limit if they want to avoid overage fees.
We wrote about some features of the Galaxy S6 that help limit our data use in the article How to Manage Mobile Data on Samsung Galaxy S6. However, there are still more ways to help make our data plans stretch even farther. Check out State of Tech’s picks for the top five apps that will help make your mobile data last even longer:
DataEye
DataEye is a unique app when it comes to helping you save your data: like many apps, DataEye helps you find out what apps are using data and can block them. Where DataEye differs is a feature that is unlike anything else: providing apps that are “data free,” meaning they have no negative impact on your data usage. DataEye pulls this off by working with app developers and the carriers to provide usage of these apps using “sponsored” data provided by companies with apps and other content producers.
DataEye on the Google Play store
Onavo Extend
Onavo Extend is kind of like magic. The app is able to simply reduce the amount of data you use across every activity on your Galaxy S6, regardless of which app it is. Now, Onavo Extend is not actually magic, the app runs in the background of your device to analyze and compress you data as often and as much as possible, seamlessly.
Onavo Extend on the Google Play store
Chrome
“Wait,” you’re thinking, “Isn’t Chrome a browser? Aren’t we trying to SAVE data?” You are absolutely correct, dear reader. Chrome doesn’t make this list simply as a browser, but because the app now has a nifty little feature called Data Saver that can possibly reduce your browsing data by as much as 50%. To turn on Data Saver, open the Chrome app, tap on the three dot icon menu in the top left, tap on Settings, then Data Saver, then switch the toggle to the On position. After using the browser for a while, go back to that settings page to have a look at the amount of data that Data Saver has been able to save.
Chrome on the Google Play store
CM Data Manager
Knowledge is power, and knowing exactly how much data your apps are using is one of the best ways to keep your data usage in check. There are quite a few apps on the Play store with the ability to track your mobile data usage, but CM Data Manager gets our pick for tracking with class. CM Data Manager features a gorgeous interface with tons of information about your data like which apps are the biggest data hogs, and giving you easy ways to check your data usage anywhere.
CM Data Manger on the Google Play store
Your Carrier’s App
Despite our best efforts at determining how much data we have used, our carriers probably count the 1’s and 0’s differently for a variety of reasons. With this fact in mind, it’s in our best interest to go to the source when it comes to finding out how much data we have used. Most carriers provide an app for mobile access to your account, and your plan’s data usage statistics. Conveniently, using your carrier’s specific app does not ding your data plan.
If you bought your Galaxy S6 directly from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint, you can find the account app pre-installed (look for MyAT&T, My Verizon Mobile, T-Mobile My Account, or Sprint Zone in your app drawer). An odd caveat: if you bought your phone unlocked, you cannot download the account app for Verizon or Sprint from the Google Play app store.
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