When comparing LG SmartWorld vs APKMirror, the Slant community recommends APKMirror for most people. In the question“What is the best Google Play Store alternative?” APKMirror is ranked 1st while LG SmartWorld is ranked 5th. The most important reason people chose APKMirror is:
If the current app doesn't work correctly, users can seek an older version of the app by finding it and downloading through APKMirror.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Interesting recommendations
LG SmartWorld recommends user specific content through gender, age group, or model of device. This allows the user to find apps tailored to their liking based on things such as recent use. This also allows for one to find apps they may not have known about easily, as they too are recommended to them.
Pro Easy to install
Just navigate to this page to download the install file for the store.
Pro Great for customizing an LG device
LG SmartWorld is LG's storefront that offers apps for LG smart TVs and mobile devices, which gives LG a place to distribute their own apps and themes for said devices. Their ecosystem allows them to easily distribute apps, themes, etc., without the need for a third party store.
Pro Takes PayPal and credit cards for payments
Users can use their PayPal account or a credit card to purchase paid apps in the LG SmartWorld app. Taking PayPal allows for an easy way to purchase apps for those who do not have or want to use credit/debit cards.
Pro Developer services
LG SmartWorld offers developer services so devs can publish apps on their store. On top of their content management system, LG also offers tips on how to develop apps specifically for their devices to utilize features such as Dual Window.
Pro Ability to get old version of an app
If the current app doesn't work correctly, users can seek an older version of the app by finding it and downloading through APKMirror.
Pro Safe (Verifiable SHA-256 hash available)
Apkmirror is run by the people behind Android Police, one of the biggest android news sites. All apps are manually vetted and approved.
Pro No account needed
There is no account creation required, so anyone can freely download the app directly from the website.
Pro Get access to early alpha / beta version of apps
The website also hosts many early alpha / beta versions of apps, so that anyone can access the beta app without needing to wait to become a beta tester.
Pro Many popular apps available
There are many popular apps on APKMirror that are also available on the Google Play Store which are contributed by the community. There is a strict check of the app when any user or developer wants to upload the app to the website to ensure that the app is same as on the Google Play Store.
Pro Modern war source for all your favorite developers
Modern war source is an open-source code for online gaming and program developing, which can help to minimize the effort of making an online compatible game.
Pro No region locking
No region locking.
Pro Hundreds of cookie options to deactivate indervidually.
When going on to the website it asks for consent regarding cookies so when you go to manage there are about a hundred to turn off, you can no reject in one hit!
Cons
Con Difficult to install on non LG devices
The app will have to be side-loaded unofficially as the website (where the install file can be downloaded) only recognizes specific LG devices. Places such as XDA Forums may have the .apk listed for those who would like to find it.
Con Lacking content
There are only 8 themes left. No longer has a wide selection. Lg phones are dying
Con Only works 100 percent on LG devices
Not all apps will be available for users on devices other than an LG, especially the LG device specific themes. This can be an issue for those who would like to see their device themed more like an LG device, or for those who wish to use LG specific apps on a non LG device.
Con In Korean on some phones
The Korean version of the app is installed on some phones.
Con Greedy
Con Garbage
Get better elsewhere.
Con No native Android store app
APKMirror only comes as a website and does not have their own Android store app, thus users will need to download the app through the website and then sideload their app manually (requires activation of sideloading on ones device, this can be done by going to Settings > Security > Allow Unknown Sources).
Con Uninstalled due to constant failure
It's paralyzed. It freezes up. It shows you every single app you don't have on the upgrade page if you seriously want to call that a page.
Con Many apps are missing
Con Accepts very few new APKs
Whilst this has the benefit of ensuring the APKs that are hosted are less likely to contain malware, it's problematic for developers and means that fewer apps are available.
Con Hundreds of cookie options to deactivate individually
When going on to the website it asks for consent regarding cookies so when you go to manage there are about a hundred to turn off, you can no reject in one hit!
Con Bundled apps need it's own installer
Split APKs bundled as ".apkm" which aren't compatible via SAI, are installable only via APKMirror Installer.
Con There is no compiled 'Changelog history' for apps
There shall be some changelog history, which contains the (maybe official) changelog of the app from earliest to the latest version available on that site (i.e. ApkMirror).