One of the many perks of theAndroidoperating system is its relative openness when it comes to surfacing hardware specifications and performance metrics in real time. Even without root access (privileged administrative control over the device and its subsystems), a number of apps on theGoogle Play Storeare able to monitor sensors, silicon, temperature, network performance, and much more.

For developers, modders, and enthusiasts alike, such device info apps are of immense value. Even for more casual Android users, it can be fun (and illuminating) to dive in and monitor under-the-hood processes, if just for novelty’s sake. Here are three apps I personally always rely on for keeping tabs on the hardware of myAndroid-based phonesandtablets.

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1Device Info HW

An all-time great

Device Info HW

Device Info HW is an app that makes it easy to view all the specificiations and device metrics of whichever Android device you’re currently using.

Arguably the most well-known of them all, Device Info HW has been on the Android scene for quite some time. The device presents a wide range of key device specifications, both on the hardware and the software side of things. A general overview screen seves as the home page, with dedicated tabs for processor, system, screen, memory, camera, battery, sensors, applications, mounts, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Input, Codecs, and USB.

Device Info HW screenshots

The app features an attractive interface with classic Material Design styling, though it hasn’t been refreshed with Google’s newer and more polished Material You orMaterial 3 Expressiveaesthetics quite yet. Device Info HW is free to download and install from the Google Play Store, with most device details available to monitor in real time. A paid Pro version is also available, which adds in additional themes, a device report generator, quick text copying, and several other more advanced features.

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Hardware monitoring at its best

DevCheck Device & System Info

DevCheck is an information, monitoring, and tester application for Android that surfaces a number of useful device hardware details.

DevCheck is another excellent device and system monitoring solution for Android, with a broad range of specifications and live performance metrics on offer. The dashboard provides a clean overview of essential system components, with dedicated tabs for hardware, system,battery, network, apps, camera, and sensors. The app’s interface is clean and minimalistic, which I appreciate, with excellent organization by default.

Device Info HW tag

DevCeck is a free piece of software from the Google Play Store, though a paid Pro version can be purchased via an in-app purchase. This Pro edition unlocks additional tests and tools, benchmarking capabilities, home screen widgets, floating monitors that take the form of windows, theming options, among other niceties.

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The cleanest option of them all

While not the most feature-rich option on the market, Inware takes the cake when it comes to visual appeal. In fact, the app’s design is so pleasant and attractive, that I featured it on my list of favoriteAndroid apps that are so slick, I thought Google made them. The app’s main home page uses a tiled interface, with options to dive into system, device, hardware, memory, camera, network, connectivity, battery, and media digital rights management (DRM).

Each dedicated subpage is populated with a list of relevant device specifications, with real-time updates on metrics such as network speed, RAM usage, and battery voltage. Best of all, Inware is entirely free from the Google Play Store, with no ads, subscriptions, or in-app purchases to speak of.

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DevCheck screenshots