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Android Call Recorders Compared

Android’s call-recording landscape changed sharply after Android 10. The OEM built-in recorders (Google Phone, Samsung Phone, MIUI) work where the OS permits; third-party apps mostly do not. For markets where the built-in is unavailable, the three-way bridge approach is the only reliable option.

What we tested

Six Android approaches: the Google Phone app built-in recorder (Pixel and Android One devices in eligible markets), Samsung’s built-in Phone recorder (Galaxy devices), Xiaomi’s MIUI built-in recorder, Cube Call Recorder ACR, Automatic Call Recorder (Appliqato), and Rev Call Recorder for Android. Tested on Pixel 8, Galaxy S24, and Xiaomi 14, all on current OS versions.

Method

Same methodology as the iPhone tests — five outgoing and five incoming reference calls per app, audio quality assessed on both sides, notification behavior verified.

Results

Google Phone app (built-in)

Best audio of any tested Android option. Captures call audio directly via OS-level access not available to third parties. Plays an audible announcement to both parties: “This call is now being recorded.” Stored locally. Available on Pixel devices and Android One devices in supported markets.

Samsung Phone (built-in)

Comparable audio quality to Google’s. Notification behavior varies by region. Some Samsung devices in some markets do not show the recording option.

Xiaomi MIUI Phone

Similar to Samsung. Markets vary.

Cube Call Recorder ACR

Historically the leading third-party Android recorder. Since Android 10’s tightening of Accessibility Service access, Cube’s ability to capture both sides of a call has been limited on many devices. Where it works, audio is fair; where it doesn’t, you record only your own voice.

Automatic Call Recorder

Similar limitations to Cube since Android 10. Works on some OEMs, not others.

Rev Call Recorder for Android

Uses the three-way conference bridge method (same as iPhone). Audio quality on par with the iPhone version. Works regardless of OS-level restrictions.

Comparison summary

Best audio: Google Phone built-in > Samsung built-in > Rev > Cube (when functional).

Most reliable across devices: Rev (independent of OS restrictions).

Notification: Google and Samsung built-in announce; Rev does not announce by default.

Alternatives

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