Liquid Phone - iCall Dialer

The First Launch and Default App Setup

Opening Liquid Phone for the first time presents a clean interface with a transparent, glossy effect. The dial pad sits at the bottom. The call log and contacts are accessible from the top tabs. The app immediately requests phone, contacts, and call log permissions. Granting these is required for the app to function. The next screen prompts you to set Liquid Phone as the default dialer. This is a critical step. Without setting it as default, the app cannot handle incoming or outgoing calls. The system settings menu opens. You select Liquid Phone from the list of available dialer apps. Once set, the app takes over all call handling. The entire process takes about thirty seconds. The app does not offer a tutorial or walkthrough. It assumes you know how to use a dialer. This is a common approach for replacement dialers, but it can be confusing for less technical users.

The default setup also includes a brief introduction to the Liquid Glass design. The interface uses a frosted glass effect with subtle animations. The colors are muted and modern. The app does not impose any ads during the setup process. This is a positive first impression. After setup, the app is ready to use. The call log populates with your recent calls. The contacts list syncs with your device's address book. The dial pad supports T9 search, allowing you to type a name or number quickly. The app feels responsive. There is no noticeable lag when opening or switching between tabs.

How Flash Alerts and Custom Backgrounds Work Together

The flash alert feature and the custom call background feature are two of the app's standout personalization tools. They operate independently but can be combined for a more immersive experience. The flash alert uses the device's camera flash to blink when a call comes in. This is useful in noisy environments or when the phone is on silent. The custom call background allows you to set an image that appears behind the caller ID during an incoming call. When both features are enabled, the flash blinks while the custom background displays. This creates a visual cue that is both functional and personal. The flash alert has an option to activate only in silent mode. This prevents unnecessary flashing during normal usage. The custom background can be set globally or per contact. This means important contacts can have a distinct background, making them instantly recognizable even before you see the name.

The interaction between these two features is not explicitly documented. However, in practice, they work seamlessly together. The flash alert triggers the moment the call is received. The custom background loads simultaneously. There is no delay or conflict between the two. This suggests the app handles both features in parallel threads. The flash alert uses the camera hardware directly. The custom background uses the display. The app manages both without noticeable performance impact. This is a well-implemented combination of features that enhances the calling experience without complicating it.

Real-World Performance: Ads, Bugs, and Stability

The app displays banner ads on the dial pad and call log screens. These ads are not intrusive during active calls. However, they occupy screen space when browsing contacts or recent calls. The latest version, 6.8.6, includes improvements to ad placement. The changelog mentions "Improved ads & fixed some minor UI bugs." This suggests the developer is actively addressing user complaints about advertising. User reviews on the Play Store and third-party sites frequently mention intrusive ads. Some users describe the ad experience as overwhelming. This is a common trade-off for free apps. The app does not offer an in-app purchase to remove ads. This means users have no option to pay for an ad-free experience. This is a significant limitation compared to some competitors.

Stability is generally good. The app does not crash frequently. However, some users report reliability issues. These include calls not connecting or the app freezing during calls. The changelog for version 6.4.1 mentions "Fixed some bugs related add & edit contact screen." This indicates ongoing bug fixes. The app's overall rating of around 4.1 out of 5 suggests most users find it reliable. The negative reviews are concentrated on ads and the lack of call recording. The app does not support call recording. This is a frequently requested feature. The developer has not indicated any plans to add it. For users who need call recording, this app is not suitable.

Permission Requirements and Data Handling

The app requests a wide range of permissions. These include phone, contacts, call log, notifications, foreground service, and microphone. These are standard for a dialer app. The phone permission is required to make and receive calls. The contacts permission is needed to display and manage your address book. The call log permission is used to show recent calls. The notification permission is for incoming call alerts. The foreground service permission keeps the app active during calls. The microphone permission is for call audio. The app also requests location and financial information according to the Play Store data safety section. This is concerning. A dialer app does not need location or financial data. The app shares location, app activity, and two other data types with third parties. Data is encrypted in transit, but the data cannot be deleted. This raises privacy concerns. Users should be aware of these data practices before installing. The app does not offer a clear privacy policy within the app itself. The developer's contact email is provided, but there is no detailed explanation of data usage.