Android phones consist of several sensors, including proximity sensors, Gyroscopes, Accelerometers, and many more. These sensors play a vital role in running the specific functions on the device, ranging from turning off the screen when you pick up a call to making the Android screen auto-rotate. Similarly, a sensor is activated to detect your fingerprint when you try to unlock your phone.
Besides this, you can use these built-in sensors on your Android smartphone to achieve different functionality like checking the status of GPS, measuring the speed of a moving vehicle, checking the altitude levels and many more.
Sadly, these features and functions are not accessible using the built-in apps on Android and you need some other apps to make it possible.
Well, here is the list of such great apps for Android you can download directly from Google Play Store to use sensors on your Android phone.
14 Brilliant Sensor-Powered Android Apps You Didn’t Know Your Phone Could Handle!
- Sensors Toolbox
- Altimeter
- GPS Speedometer
- Compass
- Cardiograph
- Gravity Screen
- Lux Light Meter Pro
- Sensor Box for Android
- Electrosmart – EMF Radiation Detector
- Metal Detector (Magnetometer-Based)
- Sound Meter / Noise Analyzer
- IR Universal Remote
- Haven – Security Using Sensors
- KineStop – Motion Sickness Aid
1. Sensors Toolbox
Sensors Toolbox is a comprehensive utility for monitoring, testing, and analyzing sensor data from your Android phone. It’s ideal for diagnosing sensor functionality, benchmarking hardware performance, or just exploring how your phone’s sensors respond in real time.
Want to know exactly what your phone’s sensors are doing—and whether they’re working properly? Sensors Toolbox is the ultimate diagnostic tool that gives you a peek behind the scenes at how your device really works.
It reads data from all your phone’s built-in sensors—like the one that knows when you rotate your screen, the one that adjusts your brightness, or even the one that tracks your steps.
Sensor in Use:
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
- Magnetometer
- Proximity sensor
- Light sensor
- GPS
- Microphone
- Temperature sensor
- Step detector and more.
Purpose:
To diagnose and monitor the health and performance of various hardware sensors in your Android device.
Features:
- Real-time data display using charts and graphs
- Supports most onboard sensors (motion, environmental, positional, etc.)
- Metric and imperial unit support
- Displays system information like battery status, storage, and CPU data
- Advanced features (in premium version): custom refresh rate, ad-free experience, data sharing
Download: Sensors Toolbox (Free, with optional premium upgrades)
2. Altimeter
Ever wondered how high up you are while hiking, flying, or just exploring? The Altimeter app turns your Android phone into a pocket-sized elevation meter!
It uses your phone’s GPS to figure out how far above sea level you are—great for outdoor adventures or even just satisfying your curiosity.
Altimeter apps use GPS data (and optionally, barometric pressure) to calculate altitude above sea level. They’re especially useful for outdoor enthusiasts who need accurate elevation information while hiking, skiing, or flying.
Sensor in Use:
- GPS sensor (and optionally barometer on supported devices)
Purpose:
To provide accurate altitude data—helpful for travelers, hikers, and mountaineers.
Features:
- Offline and flight mode altitude measurement
- Save favorite locations with altitude records
- Customizable units: meters, feet, etc.
- Change coordinate systems based on region
- Home screen widget for quick altitude checks
- Premium extras: map location picker, ad removal
Download: Altimeter (Free, with optional in-app purchases for advanced features)
3. GPS Speedometer
Need to keep track of how fast you’re going—whether in a car, on a bike, or even while running? The GPS Speedometer app turns your phone into a real-time speed tracker using just your phone’s GPS.
It’s especially handy if your car’s speedometer isn’t working or you want to monitor your speed while traveling. It is handy that can be installed on Android Auto as well.
Sensor in Use:
- GPS sensor
Purpose:
To measure and display real-time speed while walking, driving, or biking.
Features:
- Real-time speed tracking with max and average speed
- Custom speed limit alerts
- Distance tracking and simple numeric or dial UI
- Light and dark modes
- Home screen widget
- Premium unlocks: minimized screen view, no ads
There’s also a premium version that gives you a minimized speed display while you use other apps—perfect for multitaskers.
Download: GPS Speedometer (Free, with optional upgrades)
4. Compass
Compass is a digital navigation app that replicates the function of a traditional compass using your Android device’s built-in sensors. It helps users determine direction, location, and orientation, making it useful for hiking, outdoor exploration, and even basic geographic referencing.
Lost in the woods? Or just want to know which way is north? This is one of the best Compass apps that turns your phone into a smart digital compass that’s super easy to use, whether you’re out hiking or just curious about direction.
It uses your phone’s magnetic sensor (kind of like a digital magnet) to tell which way you’re facing. It also uses GPS to show your location, altitude, and exact coordinates.
Sensor in Use:
- Magnetometer
- orientation sensor
- GPS
Purpose:
To provide accurate compass readings, directions, and coordinates for navigation.
Features:
- Displays direction, latitude, longitude, and altitude
- Real-time magnetic field readings
- Explore places and view their coordinates
- Customize measurement units and coordinate formats
- Material Design interface
- Premium version includes: searchable places, distance to saved places, multiple list support
Download: Compass (Free, with optional upgrades)
5. Cardiograph
As the name suggests itself Cardiograph measures heart rate (beats per minute) by detecting color changes in the fingertip as blood pulses through it. This is achieved using photoplethysmography (PPG) via the phone’s camera.
Ever wanted to check your heart rate just using your phone? Cardiograph makes that possible—without needing any extra gadgets!
All you do is place your finger over your phone’s camera, and the app measures your pulse by watching the tiny color changes in your skin as your heart beats. It’s like having a mini heart monitor in your pocket.
Sensor in Use:
- Camera (acts as an optical heart rate sensor),
- heart rate sensor (if supported natively)
Purpose:
To measure and track your heart rate by analyzing blood flow changes.
Features:
- Measure heart rate using rear or front camera
- Assign activities to heart rate sessions (e.g., rest, cardio)
- Maintain history of all readings
- Multi-user profile support
- Clean UI, no ads, fully free
Download: Cardiograph (Free, no ads)
6. Gravity Screen
Hate having to press your phone’s power button all the time? Gravity Screen makes life easier by turning your screen on or off automatically—based on how you use your phone.
It’s like giving your phone a bit of common sense. For example, if you put it in your pocket, it shuts the screen off. If you pick it up, the screen turns back on—no buttons needed!
Gravity Screen is an automation tool that intelligently turns your phone’s screen on or off based on how you physically interact with the device. This eliminates the need to press power buttons manually and minimizes accidental screen activity.
It’s super handy if your power button doesn’t work well, or you just want your phone to be smarter about screen control.
Sensor in Use:
- Proximity sensor
- gyroscope
- accelerometer
Purpose:
To automate screen on/off behavior based on device motion or positioning.
Features:
- Turn screen on/off by detecting pocket or table placement
- Supports hand gestures for screen activation
- Customizable sensitivity levels
- Optional use of light sensor (premium)
- Premium features: custom vibration feedback, prevent accidental screen locks
Download: Gravity Screen (Free, in-app purchases for premium features)
7. Lux Light Meter Pro
Lux Light Meter Pro measures ambient light levels in lux (lx), which is the standard unit for illuminance. It uses the phone’s light sensor—typically located near the front camera—to provide precise readings of the brightness in your surroundings.
Ever feel like your room is too dim or too bright—but you’re not sure how to tell for sure? Lux Light Meter Pro helps you measure how much light is around you using your phone’s built-in light sensor.
Whether you’re setting up lights for indoor plants, checking how bright your workspace is, or troubleshooting screen brightness issues—this app has your back.
Sensor in Use:
- Ambient light sensor(also known as the illuminance sensor)
Purpose:
To measure the light intensity in your surroundings—ideal for photography, workplace setup, or home lighting.
- Show you real-time light levels in lux (the standard unit of brightness)
- Keep track of the minimum, maximum, and average brightness around you
- Let you store and recall previous readings, so you can compare different locations
- Display light readings in different units (like foot-candles)
- All wrapped in a clean and simple design that’s easy to use
Features:
- Real-time lux readings with min/max tracking
- Multiple measurement units
- Save and recall brightness data
- Share light measurement logs
- Clean UI with Material Design
- Free with in-app purchases for added functionality
It’s a fun and practical tool that turns your phone into a mini light lab—great for hobbyists, plant lovers, or just the curious.
Download: Lux Light Meter Pro (Free, with some paid features)
8. Sensor Box for Android
Want to see what sensors your Android phone really has—and if they all work properly? That’s exactly what Sensor Box for Android helps you do!
Your smartphone is packed with tiny sensors that handle everything from screen rotation to step counting. This app shows you a list of them and lets you see each one in action.
Sensor Box is a diagnostic and educational tool designed to test, visualize, and verify the presence and performance of various sensors integrated into Android devices.
Sensor in Use:
Accelerometer, light sensor, orientation sensor, proximity sensor, temperature sensor, gyroscope, sound sensor, magnetometer, pressure sensor.Accelerometer, light sensor, orientation sensor, proximity sensor, temperature sensor, gyroscope, sound sensor, magnetometer, pressure sensor.
Purpose:
To give a real-time overview of all major sensors on your Android device and help verify their functionality.
Features:
- Live testing and visualization of each sensor’s data
- Clean, user-friendly UI with widget-style panels
- Useful for diagnosing sensor issues or verifying them in second-hand phones
- Detects hardware availability (e.g., tells you if a sensor is missing)
- Great educational tool for understanding how phone sensors work
It doesn’t add new features to your phone, but it’s a great way to explore the hidden tech inside it—and understand what makes apps and smart features tick.
Download: Sensor Box for Android (Free, may include ads or in-app purchases)
9. Electrosmart – EMF Radiation Detector
Worried about how much radiation you’re exposed to from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or your mobile network? Electrosmart is an easy-to-use app that helps you keep an eye on the invisible waves around you—also known as electromagnetic fields (EMFs).
Your phone constantly talks to other devices—Wi-Fi routers, cell towers, Bluetooth speakers—and that communication involves energy. Electrosmart tells you how strong those signals are and how much you’re exposed to them.
Electrosmart detects and analyzes exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by common wireless sources—like cell towers, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth devices, and your phone’s own emissions. It helps users understand and monitor their exposure to RF energy in daily environments.
Sensor in Use:
- Radio antennas (uses APIs for cellular
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth signal strength)
Purpose:
To measure electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure levels from nearby sources like Wi-Fi routers, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.
Features:
- Show live EMF levels from Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth
- Historical exposure logs and visual trends
- Recommendations for reducing exposure
- Alerts when EMF levels spike
- Ideal for privacy-conscious users or people sensitive to EMF
It’s not a professional radiation detector, but it’s a solid tool to raise awareness about wireless exposure—and help you decide when to switch to airplane mode.
Download: Electrosmart (Free, with premium options)
10. Metal Detector (Magnetometer-Based)
The Metal Detector app utilizes your smartphone’s built-in magnetometer to detect magnetic field changes caused by nearby metallic or magnetic objects. It serves as a simple tool to find small metal items or detect electromagnetic interference in your environment.
Did you know your phone can help you find hidden metal objects? The Metal Detector app does exactly that—using your phone’s magnetometer sensor (usually used for compass apps) to detect changes in magnetic fields.
Wave your phone near keys, nails, wires in walls, or even some electronic devices, and it’ll let you know when it senses something magnetic.
Keep in mind it works best with magnetic metals like iron or steel, and not as well with things like aluminum. But as a quick tool or even a fun science experiment, it’s surprisingly handy!
Sensor in Use:
- Magnetometer
Purpose:
To detect metallic or magnetic objects nearby by measuring magnetic field strength.
Features:
- Real-time magnetic field detection (μT scale)
- Audio or vibration alerts when a spike is detected
- Fun for exploring or practical use like locating nails/studs in walls
- Sensitivity adjustment for different environments
- Simple, clutter-free interface
- Show you real-time magnetic field readings (don’t worry, it’s all visualized in a friendly way)
- Beep or vibrate when it finds something nearby
- Help you locate small metal items you may have dropped (like earrings or screws)
- Work completely offline—no internet needed
Download: Metal Detector (Free, optional upgrades)
11. Sound Meter / Noise Analyzer
This app uses your Android phone’s built-in microphone to measure ambient sound pressure levels (SPL) in decibels (dB). It’s commonly used for basic acoustic monitoring in environments such as homes, offices, concerts, or public spaces.
Ever wondered how loud your surroundings really are? Whether you’re curious about your noisy neighbors or just want to make sure your music isn’t too loud, Sound Meter / Noise Analyzer turns your phone into a simple noise meter.
Using your phone’s microphone, it measures sound levels in real-time and shows the results in decibels (dB). You can use it at home, at work, or even at concerts to see how noisy things really get.
Note: Due to hardware limitations, phone microphones may not capture extreme frequencies or provide precision comparable to professional-grade SPL meters. Still, it’s a handy tool for general-purpose noise monitoring.
Sensor in Use:
- Microphone
Purpose:
To measure environmental noise levels in decibels (dB), useful for personal health, music tuning, or workplace safety.
Features:
- Real-time dB readings with min, max, and average
- Graphical history and trends
- Reference chart for comparing sound levels (e.g., library, street, concert)
- Calibration option for accuracy
- Ideal for musicians, urban dwellers, or those tracking noise pollution
Download: Sound Meter / Noise Analyzer (Free, with in-app features)
12. IR Universal Remote
IR Universal Remote repurposes your smartphone’s infrared blaster to function as a remote control for a wide range of electronic devices, such as TVs, AC units, set-top boxes, and projectors. It mimics traditional remote control signals through the IR emitter.
Ever lost your TV remote or wished your phone could just control your air conditioner? IR Universal Remote makes that possible—no magic, just your phone’s infrared (IR) blaster.
Phones with an IR blaster (like some Xiaomi or older Samsung models) can send signals just like a regular remote. This app turns your phone into a universal remote that works with TVs, set-top boxes, projectors, air conditioners, and more. It’s a better and secure option than Peel Remote.
If your phone has the hardware, this is one of the coolest ways to make use of it.
Sensor in Use:
- Infrared (IR) blaster (only available on select devices)
Purpose:
To control home electronics such as TVs, air conditioners, and audio systems using your phone.
Features:
- Works with thousands of brands and devices
- Custom remote layouts with virtual buttons
- Macro commands to control multiple devices at once
- Voice control support on some devices
- Great backup solution for lost or broken remotes
Download: IR Universal Remote (Free, in-app purchases available)
13. Haven – Security Using Sensors
Imagine turning your old Android phone into a security camera that listens, sees, and even senses motion. That’s exactly what Haven does.
Built with privacy in mind (and co-developed by Edward Snowden), Haven uses your phone’s sensors to keep an eye—or ear—on anything from your hotel room to your backpack.
Haven is an open-source physical security app developed by the Guardian Project in collaboration with Edward Snowden. It transforms any Android device into an environmental monitoring system, leveraging native sensors to detect physical intrusion or tampering.
Also Read: 15 Best Spy Apps For Android Phone [Undetected]
Sensor in Use:
- Camera, microphone, accelerometer, light sensor, proximity sensor
Purpose:
To turn your phone into a motion/sound/light security monitoring device—ideal for temporary surveillance or tamper detection.
Features:
- Motion Detection via the accelerometer, useful for identifying device movement or vibrations.
- Audio Surveillance through microphone activation, triggering recordings upon detecting a noise threshold.
- Light Sensor Monitoring to detect changes in ambient light (e.g., door opening or lights turning on).
- Camera Surveillance: Takes still images using the front or rear camera when triggered by motion or audio events.
- Proximity Alerts to sense nearby activity or if the device is obstructed or handled.
- Secure Notifications: Sends end-to-end encrypted alerts via Signal or fallback SMS to a trusted device.
- Local Logging: Logs all triggered events locally with time stamps and optional media attachments.
Ideal for journalists, travelers, and activists who require a low-cost, autonomous surveillance solution that operates independently and stores data locally without third-party cloud dependency.
Download: Haven (Free, FOSS)
14. KineStop – Motion Sickness Aid
Motion sickness—also known as kinetosis—is that queasy feeling some of us get when traveling in cars, buses, or other vehicles. It happens because your brain gets mixed signals: your inner ear senses movement, but your eyes don’t see it—especially if you’re reading or watching something. The result? Dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.
KineStop is a clever little app that helps reduce motion sickness by creating a moving visual guide—kind of like a virtual horizon—on your screen. This helps your eyes and inner ear sync up, making it easier to read a book or watch a movie without getting sick.
It works in the background with any app you’re using and adjusts in real time as your phone moves. It might take a few minutes to kick in, but it’s a drug-free solution—no side effects like drowsiness, just smoother, more comfortable travel.
Sensor in Use:
- Accelerometer
- Gyroscope
Purpose:
To reduce motion sickness by providing visual cues that sync with motion, minimizing sensory mismatch while in moving vehicles.
Features:
- Animated dots that match the phone’s movement in real time
- Designed to reduce nausea caused by reading or using screens in vehicles
- Inspired by Apple’s Vehicle Motion Cues
- Lightweight and battery-friendly
- Great for passengers who experience motion sickness during travel
Download: KineStop
Testing Sensors on Your Android With These Sensors
In order to use these app-based features, it is required that the device have the respective sensors hardware bulit-in. Make sure to check for the available sensors using IOT Menu or apps like Sensor Kinetics. All the apps listed here are safe to use and pose no damage to your device hardware.
Classification Of Sensor-Powered Android Apps: Features, Sensors Used, and What They Do
Utility Apps
| App Name | Sensor in Use | Purpose | Key Features |
| Sensors Toolbox | All available sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, light, proximity, etc.) | Diagnose and view sensor data in real-time | Sensor health check, data visualization, unit toggle, battery info, export (Pro) |
| Sensor Box for Android | All available sensors | Showcase supported sensors and demonstrate readings | Sensor availability test, sensor details, simple UI, basic diagnostics |
| Sound Meter / Noise Analyzer | Microphone | Measure ambient noise level in decibels | dB scale display, noise levels with chart, calibration, sound profiles |
| Lux Light Meter Pro | Light sensor | Measure ambient light intensity in lux | Live light readings, data storage, multiple units, export/share capabilities |
| Gravity Screen | Live light readings, data storage, multiple units, export/share capabilities | Auto on/off screen based on motion or placement | Pocket/table detection, gesture controls, custom screen behaviors (Pro) |
| IR Universal Remote | Pocket/table detection, gesture controls, custom screen behaviors (Pro) | Control home appliances using phone’s IR transmitter | TV/AC/Set-top remote control, device pairing, layout customization |
| Haven: Keep Watch | Accelerometer, Camera, Microphone, Light sensor | Physical security monitoring using sensors | Motion detection, sound detection, light change alerts, encrypted logs |
Navigation Apps
| App Name | Sensor in Use | Purpose | Key Features |
| Compass | Magnetometer, Accelerometer, GPS | Show direction, location, and orientation | Magnetic compass, GPS location, coordinate systems, calibration guide |
| Altimeter | GPS, Barometer (if available) | Display current altitude above sea level | Offline mode, save locations, coordinates, widgets, map-based elevation (Pro) |
| GPS Speedometer | GPS | Show real-time speed during travel | Speed tracking, max/avg speed, custom speed limits, widgets, minimal display |
| Metal Detector | Magnetometer (Magnetic field sensor) | Detect metal objects based on magnetic field changes | Live magnetic field graph, sound/vibration alerts, sensitivity adjustments |
Health Apps
| App Name | Sensor in Use | Purpose | Key Features |
| Cardiograph | Camera (optical sensor), Heart rate sensor (if available) | Measure and record heart rate | Tracks heart rate via camera or HR sensor, activity tagging, history, profiles |
| ElectroSmart | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular antennas (uses radio signal metrics) | Detect EMF exposure from wireless signals | Real-time EMF detection, signal strength history, exposure scoring, device scanning |
Frequently Asked Questions
What sensors are in my Android phone?
Android phone typically comes with a range of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer (compass), proximity sensor, light sensor, and a GPS receiver. Some models may also include sensors like a barometer or a temperature sensor.
Can I use these apps without worrying about damage to my phone?
These apps are designed to utilize your phone’s built-in sensors without causing harm. They simply read and display data from the sensors, so your device’s hardware is safe. Just make sure to download apps from trusted sources like the Google Play Store.
Do these apps use a lot of battery?
Some of these apps, especially those that rely on GPS or constant sensor data (like GPS Speedometer), can drain your battery faster. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your battery usage if you’re using these apps for extended periods.
Why should I use these sensor apps?
Using these apps can help you troubleshoot device issues, track activities, and even replace certain physical devices (like a broken speedometer or heart rate monitor). They make your phone more versatile by tapping into its built-in capabilities.
Final Words
Your Android phone is full of hidden potential. By using these apps, you can unlock the full power of its sensors and make your phone even more useful. Whether you’re tracking your heart rate, measuring altitude, or saving battery by managing screen on/off behavior, these apps let you do it all—no extra gadgets required!
Have you used any of these apps? Or do you have other sensor apps you swear by? Share your thoughts in the comments below!