Android's flexible and open-source nature allows developers to create apps with capabilities that you would otherwise not find elsewhere. Ranging from productivity tools to entertainment apps, you can find just about anything you're looking for with Android.

If you are someone who's considering switching from an iPhone or is an existing Android user who's enthusiastic about what the Google Play Store has to offer, we've compiled a list of some unique apps exclusive to the Android platform.

1. Nova Launcher

Certain Android manufacturers have launchers that come with features like customizable icon packs, different grid sizes, and fancy first-party widgets. Nova Launcher, however, brings these features plus a lot more to any Android phone.

Once you download Nova Launcher and set it as your default launcher, you can begin tinkering with the tiniest details on your home screen and app drawer. With the right add-ons and permissions to enable the Google Discover Feed and notification badges, you can emulate the feel that a stock launcher might bring.

Swapping icons and playing with different widgets just scratches the surface of what Nova Launcher can do. You can create shortcuts for app actions, set up a deep linking search to find information faster, and even create folders inside the app drawer for maximum organization.

While the free version of Nova Launcher would suffice for most people, going with the paid upgrade will unlock several power user features in Nova Launcher Prime.

Download: Nova Launcher (Free) | Nova Launcher Prime ($4.99)

2. Tasker

Tasker brings the power of automation to your Android phone in ways that are unimaginable, and far beyond anything you can do on an iPhone. With the right formula, you can create shortcuts to almost any task you can think of.

Want to disable notifications from work-related apps the moment you step inside your home? Tasker can do that in a jiffy, either by determining your location or by recognizing your home Wi-Fi network.

That is just one of the seemingly endless things Tasker can do. While getting started with Tasker might seem a little overwhelming, once you do get the hang of it and set up your desired actions, you'll almost never have to configure them in the app again. Creating scenes and profiles within the app lets you quickly organize several actions that you want your phone to perform sequentially.

Tasker is a paid app and certain complex automation shortcuts require root access. However, if you're willing to shell out the one-time fee for the app, what you'll have in return might end up saving you tons of time and effort fiddling with pesky little Android toggles and other options.

Download: Tasker ($3.49)

3. Files by Google

File management on iOS devices might feel like a nice feature to have until you glance over the other side and see just how powerful file manager apps for Android are.

Stock file managers usually lack powerful options, while certain third-party ones offer a bucketload of them. Files by Google is a great balance between the two, offering unique organizational features with a clutter-free user interface.

Apart from being able to copy, move, delete, and rename files and folders, Files by Google occasionally prompts you to get rid of useless images to free up some space. This may include memes, redundant screenshots, or images that are already backed up by Google Photos.

The Nearby Share feature lets you share or receive files to and from other Android users using the same app.

Download: Files by Google (Free)

4. Sleep as Android

Alarm clock apps aren't something to be usually passionate about, and yet Sleep as Android is as intriguing as it gets. Starting from a timely reminder for you to get into bed, to in-depth sleep tracking, and requiring a CAPTCHA verification to turn the alarm off—Sleep as Android is an entire package.

You can pick from a plethora of alarm sounds, or just let music from Spotify wake you up. The app has compatibility with a generous list of smartwatches that makes sleep tracking even more accurate.

The premium subscription unlocks a goldmine of features all catered to providing you with the healthiest sleep possible. Other integrations include sharing data with Google Fit or automating your sleep schedule using Tasker.

Download: Sleep as Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

5. Poweramp Music Player

Think of a music player on steroids—that's what Poweramp is. With support for the latest hi-res audio codecs, gapless playback, and a 10-band equalizer, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better music player for your phone.

Poweramp also focuses heavily on its user experience and supports gestural navigation to perform most actions. You can download skins for the music player from the Play Store to completely overhaul the way Poweramp looks.

All this power comes at a fair price, although first-time users can try the app out for seven days before purchasing it.

Download: Poweramp (Free trial) | Poweramp Unlocker ($6.99)

6. Parallel App

Wish you could install multiple copies of the same app, like WhatsApp or Instagram, so that you can easily juggle more than one account?

While some social media apps let you log in to different accounts on the same device, most apps aren't very friendly when it comes to quickly switching between them. Parallel App lets you do just that, and it's not even restricted to just social media apps.

Once you create a shortcut for an app you already have installed on your phone, it behaves as a standalone app letting you sign in to a completely different account.

You can do this several times over for as many accounts as you desire. Placing the parallel app shortcut on your home screen makes it extremely convenient to just use various accounts on the same phone without having to switch between them.

Download: Parallel App (Free, in-app purchases available)

7. F-Droid

Having exclusive apps is one thing, but being able to install a whole other app store is reaching some serious flex levels. F-Droid is a legitimate third-party repository, complete with its own set of apps and games that you can download, update, and uninstall.

Most of what you can find on F-Droid are open-source apps, geared towards privacy and security-focused people. These apps are usually best suited for productive individuals looking for utilitarian apps.

F-Droid can't be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store, and you'll have to manually sideload the APK file in order to use the app store on your phone. But it's well worth checking out.

Download: F-Droid (Free)

8. Action Blocks

If you use Google Assistant regularly, Action Blocks might make performing common tasks even faster than asking your phone to do them.

With just a tap on the customizable home screen widgets, you can perform quick actions. You can create several actions and place them on your home screen for easy access. Theoretically, any action that the Google Assistant can understand and perform can be made into an action block, and set as a button on your home screen.

Download: Action Blocks (Free)

Discover the Depths of the Play Store

These apps were only a tiny fraction of what the Play Store has to offer. While having access to exclusivity can be a royal feeling, having options is what Android is all about.

With just a little bit of searching, you can find just about anything on the Google Play Store, including apps that can completely change the way you use your phone.