I'd like to find a replacement app for the AOSP dialer by Google. I've done some preliminary research and am flabbergasted by the state of this kind of app. I didn't know that contacts and dialer were the same, nor would I have ever presumed that to replace one, I have to replace them both. I wasn't looking for a new contacts app yet, but am not opposed to replacing it. I am primarily dissatisfied with the stock app, and I don't make too many calls, so I don't have a long list of features I am looking for. I find it gets in the way more often than I could even fathom was possible. You know, given that this is (was?) the primary app of the device while it was being designed.
What has me aghast
- The top dialers keep a copy of your contacts (Truecaller and Drupe)
- At least Drupe requires a login to Facebook
- They seem to require a constant data connection
- The companies are keeping a copy (the copy?) of your contacts on their servers.
- Presumably, they are profiting from keeping a copy of your current contacts by selling them to someone. That business model seems to be all the rage nowadays.
What I dislike about the stock dialer
- DMTF tones are absurdly loud when dialing a number
- DTMF tones cause some kind of delay or slowdown; trying to press them rapidly induces slow feedback, the far end may not hear them all correctly
- Dialer has no configurability (ie for absurdly loud DTMF tones)
- Backing up and restoring contacts invariably loses some of them for some unknown reason (but it's been mentioned here, so I'm thinking it's a bug of some kind)
What I am looking for in a dialer (requirements)
- Compatibility with Android N and its permission system
- Works on AOSP/CM/OctOS
- UI is always highly responsive
- Low CPU/RAM footprint (aka lightweight)
- Made by a reputable firm/developer
- Full featured (supporting all the phone functions my hardware and cell plan do)
- Doesn't get in the way when I am making or receiving phone calls
- No ads
- No sleazy business model
- Don't steal, copy, or rent out my personal information
Icing on the cake
- Free software
- Open Source
- Completely separate app from contacts app
- Integrates with Tasker
- Integration with a PC for VoIP calling or other cool whiz-bang features