Android Texas Holdem

Launched by Google in September 2008, Android has become the most popular mobile operating system OS in the world.

In the United States, almost 63% of mobile devices run Android. China and Germany favor Android devices even more, with over 80% of their populations using this OS.

Given how many people use Android around the globe, it's no surprise that this OS is also heavily used by online Texas holdem players too.

Nearly all online poker sites are compatible with Android devices, which makes it easy to play Texas holdem with Android.

If you're interested in playing poker through this OS, keep reading as we discuss Android basics, how to play poker with it, the benefits of doing so, and the top Android poker apps.

What Is the Android OS?

The Android operating system comes installed on a number of different smartphone and tablet brands, including:

• LG
• Moto
• Nexus
• Samsung Galaxy

Android devices feature lots of Google owned services, including Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube. This allows users to quickly access a variety of helpful services without having to download and install each one themselves.

Of course, Android products can also be customized if you want to change the apps, interface, themes, and wallpapers.

Many find this customization easy when downloading poker apps, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter and more.

This OS also backs up all of your smartphone contacts via your Google Account. Every number that you save to your address book is also documented in your Google Account.

This is really useful because if you lose your phone, contacts for your friends and family will be saved.

No matter whether you get an Android, iPhone iOS, or Windows Phone, your contacts will be available in your new address list without having to transfer anything.

Android Updates

Like any good technology company, Google is always working on ways to improve its products. Such is the case with Android, with Google releasing updates on this software once every several months.

At the time of this writing, the latest update is Marshmallow, which is easier to use, has better battery life, and offers more customization with apps/interface.

All of this is important when playing online poker through Android because you want smooth gameplay and minimal disconnections.

Here's a look at some important Android updates that have been released over the years:

• Android 1.5 Cupcake – The first version of the Android OS.
• Android 3.2 Honeycomb – Launched on the Motorola Xoom, this is the first update that was created solely for tablets
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich – First OS that could run on both smartphones and tablets, negating the need for individuated updates.
• Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Launched on the Huawei Nexus 6P and LG Nexus 5X, this is the most recent update.
• Android 7.0 Nougat – Upcoming update that will be featured on the HTC 'Marlin' and 'Sailfish'

How Do I Get Android Updates?

The more expensive Android mobile devices are eligible to receive updates immediately after they're released.

But regardless of the price or age of your phone, you'll eventually be notified of updates at the top of your screen.

After accepting an update, you'll be asked to connect to WiFi so that you avoid additional data charges. Considering that updates can be large and time consuming, you stand the risk of incurring fees by downloading through a mobile data connection.

Android Security

Android apps are offered through the Google Play Store, and Google tests every app before it's available for download. Any app developer who violates Google's terms can have their account suspended or banned.

Even after you install an app and start using it, Android's built in software scans your phone/tablet to make sure that an app isn't harmful.

If an app shows any warning signs, you'll be notified and Google Play may can block it.

How to Play Android Poker

You have one of two options when you want to play Android Texas holdem:

If you visit the Google Play Store, you can also type the word 'poker' into the search engine to see what's available. This brings up a list of different poker apps, and each one will let you know if the app is free or costs money.

Real money online poker sites always offer their apps for free because they make money off the rake that you contribute. Most other poker apps are free too since they earn revenue from advertisements and by selling extra play money chips.

Once you find an app that you want, click on it to begin the installation process.

Real Money Poker vs. Social Poker

If you're playing at a real money online poker site, you'll be prompted to create an account before you can start playing. This requires details like your name, password, and email address.

After you've created an account and verified your email, you can start playing the free mode. If you want to play for real money, you'll have to choose one of the poker site's available banking methods and make a deposit.

You may not even need to download an app to start playing because some real money poker sites offer in browser play.

If you're downloading a social poker app, you'll normally be prompted to enter a credit card, PayPal address, or Verizon billing to complete your account.

You'll also be shown a list of what the app needs to access, including your photos section, WiFi, device ID, and in app purchases.

While most social poker apps don't cost anything to play initially, many tempt you with offers to purchase more chips and embellishments for your avatar.

Social poker apps don't allow you to win monetary prizes and are solely meant for entertainment and playing with your friends.

How to Find the Best Android Poker Apps

One of the easiest ways to find good Android Texas holdem apps involves searching for poker apps, then looking at ratings as you scroll down the list.

Each app will have a rating from 1 to 5 underneath the title. Most apps are within the 4.0 to 5.0 range, but the less popular ones have ratings of lower than 4.0.

You can also Google a specific app that you're interested in and read full length reviews to get a clearer picture. This is recommended for anybody who wants to deposit on a real money poker site or purchase chips from social apps.

Considering the large number of poker apps available today, you won't always find full length reviews. But it's still worth Googling any prospective app to find out more information.

Assuming you only want to use the ratings offered in the Google Play Store, you can download apps, try them, and delete or keep them.

What Non Poker Apps are Available for Android?

The types and number of Android apps available know no bounds.

Some non-poker apps that you can find include book readers, camera improvements, maps, music players, news alerts, photo editors, social games, and many more options.

The Google Play Store offers a list of recommendations for you near the top of their homepage. You can scroll down to see the most popular apps in different categories too.

Benefits of Android Texas Holdem

The obvious benefit to playing Texas holdem through an Android is convenience. This is especially true of smartphones because they fit in your pocket and can quickly be accessed anywhere at any time.

Although not pocket sized like smartphones, tablets are also handy for when you want to play quick poker sessions.

Below you can see more benefits of playing Android Texas holdem:

When you play poker on a PC or laptop, chances are that you're not just going to play a few hands here or there. Most people play longer sessions when they sit down to a PC/laptop because these options aren't as easy to transport.

But with mobile gaming, you can play a few hands, put the mobile device away, and do something else until you feel like playing again.

Most people perform multiple tasks on their smartphone every hour, including making calls, using social media, texting, and watching videos.

If you're one of the many who are glued to their smartphone, you'll enjoy multi-tasking with your phone in between hands and sessions.

In hopes of encouraging more customers to download their app, some real money poker rooms offer special bonuses for tablet and smartphone players.

These often take the form of match deposit bonuses and/or extra rewards points during designated hours.

Best Android Poker Apps

If you search for poker apps in the Google Play Store, you'll be presented with hundreds of options. This makes for a daunting task if you're only looking to play a few hands on a good app.

If you want a shortcut to get started, here are some of the best and most popular poker apps for Android players.

888poker

888 has increased their online poker traffic over the years by offering free money to new players. At the time of this writing, you can get $88 free and upfront without having to make a deposit.

Obviously this money isn't really free because you must meet wagering requirements to cash it out. But the free funds give you a chance to try 888's real money mobile site before making a deposit.

888poker's other rewards aren't anything special, and the rake is among the highest in the mobile poker industry.

But this is still a smooth running poker app that gives you a chance to play in big tournaments and participate in frequent promotions.

Appeak Poker

This is one of the simplest social poker apps that you'll find on the market. All you see is a table, small avatars, cards, and a chat box.

Players who are tired of constant ads and over the top backgrounds will appreciate this. But players who want to escape from reality won't be thrilled with the vanilla approach featured in Appeak.

Benefits to Appeak Poker include a user friendly interface, a large international player base, and minimal calls for you to buy chips.

DH Texas Poker

This is a solid Texas holdem app for anybody who wants to play for fun in a low pressure environment.

DH Texas Poker offers a variety of tables, including private games with your friends, and high roller tables designed to make you feel like a Vegas VIP.

You can also pick up daily rewards through your play and start with free chips before having to buy anything.

Our only complaint is that there are times when you can't find an open tournament seat.

PokerStars

PokerStars is easily the world's largest real money poker site, making them the top destination if you want to play in big tournaments and cash games.

They also offer lots of promotions, generous loyalty rewards, customizable table features, and a huge selection of cash games.

The main downside to the PokerStars app is that it doesn't offer the fun environment that recreational players enjoy. Instead, this is more a site for serious players, or those who aspire to be successful players.

If you want to play real money poker, both PokerStars and 888 are excellent apps. But if you like fun avatars, cartoon like graphics, and other frills, look for social poker apps.

Texas Holdem Poker Deluxe

This game started as a Facebook social game, then evolved into a mobile app due to its popularity.

Texas Holdem Poker Deluxe offers lots of tables and tournaments, daily rewards, customizable avatars, and live chat. You won't have trouble finding big tournaments either with this app.

Our main complaint about Texas Holdem Poker Deluxe is that its graphics and background don't inspire much excitement. Nevertheless, this app has a high rating on Google Play and remains one of the top social poker games.

Texas Holdem Poker Offline 2

The original Texas Holdem Poker Offline did so well that it spawned a sequel.

This series has major appeal because you can play it both online and offline, with the latter being nice for when you're without WiFi.

Another perk to Texas Holdem Poker Offline 2 is that you can multi table and get more hands in per hour.

Downsides to this app include occasional lag and no chat function. These aren't deal breakers, but the lack of chat will bother players who love the social aspect of Android poker.

World Series of Poker

Few apps have better name recognition than World Series of Poker, which represents the world's largest live poker tournament organization.

Designed by EA, World Series of Poker gives you a large amount of free chips to get you started. You can win more chips by playing in different WSOP stops, and you can also purchase more chips – although this app isn't pushy in this regard.

Texas holdem, Omaha, and pot limit Omaha cash games are available, in addition to sit and go and tournament formats.

One feature that we really like is the ability to win virtual WSOP gold bracelets and circuit rings. You even have the chance to win a real WSOP prize package if you do extremely well.

Zynga Poker

Launched in 2007, Zynga Poker used its partnership with Facebook to become the first highly successful social poker app.

Since this initial explosion, Zynga has had its ups and downs, but this app still features over 100,000 players during peak hours.

One advantage to Zynga is that you can either play through your Facebook account or as a guest. If you're one of the many people with a Facebook account, this makes getting started with Zynga Poker a quick process.

This is purely a Texas Holdem app, with tournament, sit and go, Jump, and Shootout formats available.

Jump is a fast fold variant where you get a new hand immediately after folding, rather than having to wait for a hand to finish.

One problem with Zynga is that the interface feels cluttered due to background embellishments and oversized avatars. But the good news is that Zynga Poker has improved in this regard since it used to be even more cluttered.

We also don't like the frequent spam, including advertisements and prompts to buy chips.

Despite the downsides, Zynga Poker remains a top app due to the huge player base, established reputation, and action packed Jump variant.

Conclusion

From serious real money action to lighthearted social gaming, Android has something for every type of poker player.

888 and PokerStars are two of the leading apps for those who live in countries where real money online poker is legal.

Appeak, DH Texas Holdem, Texas Holdem Poker Deluxe, Texas Holdem Poker Offline, and Zynga are nice options for anybody who just wants to have fun.

No matter what app you choose, the Android OS will further your poker experience. Android offers good security, frequent OS updates, and the user friendly Google Play Store.

Other advantages to playing Android Texas Holdem apps include multi-tasking, easy detachment from poker sessions, and special bonuses at real money sites.