Switching to Gmail on Android: My Bitter Experience and Quick Exit
Gmail on Android: An Underwhelming Experience?
As an Android Authority writer, I’ve had the opportunity to try out the Gmail app on my shiny new Google Pixel 9 Pro. While I’ve been a critic of the app’s features in the past, I thought it was worth revisiting to see if things had improved. Unfortunately, my experience left much to be desired. In this article, I’ll highlight a few key areas where I think Gmail for Android falls short.
Why I’m Not Impressed
- Can’t mark an email as read from a notification
I understand this might seem like a small quirk, but it’s more significant when you consider the negligible extra step it adds when trying to quickly clear out your inbox. It’s an issue that’s been rectified for iOS users, leaving Android users feeling left behind.
- No permanent deletion from the Trash folder
If I delete an email that I’m not comfortable having lingering in my Trash folder, I’d like the option to permanently remove it. Unfortunately, Gmail for Android doesn’t allow for this, forcing me to head to the web app or use a different email client.
- Can’t default to ‘All Inboxes’ on Android
I appreciate the "All Inboxes" feature, which aggregates emails from all my accounts. However, there’s no way to default to this view when opening the app, leaving me stuck in my last-used inbox. This is another feature iOS users enjoy, leaving Android users wondering why they can’t have the same convenience.
Why I’ve Abandoned Gmail
These limitations, combined with my previous experiences, have led me to abandon my efforts to use Gmail as my primary email client. I’ve invested in Outlook for Android, which offers more features and a more seamless experience.
Are You Frustrated with Gmail on Android? Vote Now!
Have you ever had issues with these features or others on Gmail for Android? Let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Your Turn: Do You Use Gmail on Your Android?
- 67%: Yes, it’s my only email app
- 19%: Yes, but I also use at least one other free email app
- 3%: Yes, but I also use at least one other paid email app
- 11%: No, I never use the Gmail app
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
