Gravity Screen - OnOff

Automatic screen on/off app using device sensors for convenient control.

Overview

Gravity Screen - OnOff is designed to make everyday phone use faster and more convenient by automatically managing your device’s screen based on its position and motion. The app utilizes pocket and table sensors to detect when to turn the screen off and employs motion recognition to wake the device when it is picked up or moved. This hands-free approach is particularly valuable if your lock or power button is difficult to access or nonfunctional.

Core Features and Functionality

Pocket Sensor: Gravity Screen automatically turns off the screen when it detects that your phone is placed in a pocket, minimizing accidental touches and saving battery life.

Table Sensor: The app can also recognize when your device is lying undisturbed on a table, prompting the screen to turn off after a configurable period.

Motion-based Wake: If the phone is lying face up with the screen off, slight movements will activate the display, enabling quick access without pressing any hardware buttons.

Keep Screen On by Motion: When actively using your device, the app keeps the screen awake as long as motion is detected, such as holding the phone or scrolling, preventing unintentional screen dimming.

Smart Lock and App Exclusions: Gravity Screen offers compatibility with Android’s Smart Lock and excludes specific apps from its automatic control, available through in-app purchase.

User Experience

Gravity Screen generally delivers a reliable and efficient hands-free screen management experience. The core functionality works well in most situations, particularly for users who find hardware keys uncomfortable to use or wish to extend their lifespan.

However, some users have reported issues following recent Android updates. For instance, after installing certain system updates (such as the June update on Samsung S22 Ultra), the app occasionally fails to turn off the screen as intended, despite proper sensor readings. Additionally, irregularities may occur after device reboots, where the app doesn’t always resume its service until manually restarted.

Another notable concern is the persistent vibration feedback on unlocking or launching specific apps, both included and excluded from the automations. Currently, options to disable this vibration are limited or unclear, leading to user frustration.

Compatibility and Battery Consumption

Gravity Screen is designed to operate with minimal impact on battery life. Light to moderate daily use typically incurs a modest increase in power consumption. However, frequent use of the “Rise to Wake” feature may increase drain and is best managed by placing the phone face down when not in use.

The app requests Device Administrator and Accessibility permissions for comprehensive functionality, which may concern some privacy-focused users, but this is standard for apps offering similar automation.

Premium Features

Upgrading via in-app purchase enhances the app further, unlocking increased customization options, more widgets and shortcuts, longer sensor timeouts, and app exclusion features. These premium additions suit power users or those with precise automation needs.

Conclusion

Gravity Screen - OnOff stands out as a practical tool for reducing wear on hardware buttons and streamlining how a device is woken or locked. Its friendly automation will appeal to those seeking an effortless way to manage the screen, especially on devices with harder-to-reach hardware keys. Compatibility hiccups with certain system updates and the unconfigurable vibration-features may affect user satisfaction but overall, the core offering remains compelling.