In 2019, Google introduced “Gallery Go,” a lightweight app designed for devices with limited storage and RAM. The app aimed to provide users with a quick, offline solution for managing photos and videos, featuring automatic organization, dark/light themes, and built-in editing tools.
Today, “Gallery Go” has been rebranded simply as “Gallery.” Similar to the transition from Files Go to Files, this app remains a free alternative to Google Photos on Android. It boasts an impressive 4.4-star rating and has surpassed 1 billion installations. Despite this popularity, many people seem to be unfamiliar with it.
While browsing the Google Pixel subreddit, I came across a popular thread where users expressed a desire for a standard gallery app separate from Google Photos. Several users suggested the Gallery app, but I was surprised to see how many were unaware of its existence.
The thread is gaining traction, with many users newly discovering the app, even though it has existed for six years and received an update as recently as January 2025. Google continues to support it, so it’s worth mentioning that while it may lack many new features, it is still very much functional.
Since it’s a streamlined gallery tool, the app doesn’t offer backups or access your Google Photos library. Instead, it’s designed to function independently and offline, remaining a straightforward solution.
Is it worth using? That depends on your needs for a media viewer. The app is simple yet effective in organizing your photos quickly, without overwhelming AI features. While I wish it included a search function, that might compromise its lightweight design.
Google Play Link: Google Gallery