How We Rate Android™ Applications
We review the most popular Android apps available, so you can be informed about how each app will affect you in terms of:
The apps are selected based on their rankings in the Google Play™ Store over a 30-day period. We do not rate apps that are preloaded on some devices when you buy them from Verizon Wireless.
How We Rate Security
Each app is scanned to identify if the app can perform harmful activities or read private information without permission. Then the level of risk to you, to your device’s performance and to information stored on your device is evaluated.
Verizon Wireless App Rating Guide for Security
| Rating | Description | |
|
5 |
No known security threat has been identified. |
|
|
4 |
Minor security threat has been detected. Example: Non-sensitive user data captured from device without user notification. |
|
|
3 |
Major security threat has been detected. Examples:
|
|
|
2 |
Significant security threat has been detected. This includes:
|
|
|
1 |
Critical security threat to user. Harmful impact to device performance and content. |
|
Rating Method for Security
The Android Application Package file (APK) is scanned for known malicious software including viruses, Trojan horses, boots and spyware. Potential risks are identified and classified.
How We Rate Battery Consumption
The battery drain from the app is measured when it’s open but not being used.
Verizon Wireless App Rating Guide for Battery Consumption
|
Rating |
Description |
How much battery life will be lost when the app is running in the background? |
|
5 |
Current drain less than or equal to 5mA |
Up to 30 minutes |
|
4 |
Current drain greater than 5mA and less than or equal to 10mA |
30 minutes to 1 hour |
|
3 |
Current drain greater than 10mA and but less than or equal to 15mA |
1 hour to 1.5 hours |
|
2 |
Current drain greater than 15mA and but less than or equal to 20mA |
1.5 hour to 2 hours |
| 1 |
Current Drain greater than 20mA |
Greater than 2 hours |
Battery Consumption Measurement
The battery drain from the app is calculated when it’s not in use by comparing the battery drain on two devices over a period of time. One device has the app running, and the other does not. Both devices are allowed to fall into deep sleep mode, and then battery drain measurements are taken. The difference in drain between the two devices tells us how much the app uses when it’s running in the background. Battery drain measurements are taken using a digital power measurement system while a device is operating on the Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Network.
How We Rate Data Usage
We look at how much data the app sends and receives when it’s open and running but you’re not actually using it.
Note: For a general idea of how much data different types of apps send and receive when they are in use, you can refer to our Data Calculator.
Verizon Wireless App Rating Guide for Data Usage
|
Rating |
Description |
Percentage of 1GB plan the app consumes in background mode |
|
5 |
Less than 10MB |
Less than 1% of 1 GB plan |
|
4 |
Between 10MB to 25MB |
Between 1% to 2.5% of 1 GB plan |
|
3 |
Between 25MB to 50MB |
Between 2.5% to 5% of 1 GB plan |
|
2 |
Between 50MB to 100MB |
Between 5% to 10% of 1 GB plan |
|
1 |
Greater than 100MB |
10% or more of 1 GB plan |
Data Usage Measurement
The amount of data that the app sends and receives is measured when it’s running but not being used (i.e., when it and the device are in idle mode). The measurement is performed with a real time device data collection and diagnostic monitoring tool that logs data traffic during the test period.
All ratings are on a five point scale from Agree to Disagree.
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