Register now » Login
« Login

Forgotten your password?

« back to "All Android Tests"
» to app at AndroidPIT
» Market link
Anti-Virus Pro

Anti-Virus Pro – A Security Suite, And Then Some

by jana o. on Jan 28, 2012 11:53:02 PM — read 4,060 times

TAGS: Applications, Apps,

Tested version: 2.10
Latest version: 2.10

Add this app to my profile

Add this app to My Favorites List

QR Code QR Code

Summary

We love our Android devices and hence security is a big concern for most Android users. Can Anti-Virus Pro help fight off viruses, Trojans and spy programmes? And what's more, how essential are mobile security applications, anyway? Find out in today’s review.


Wanna give your app a boost, too?
Click here for more info!

Features & Use

Section rating: * * * * *

Test device: HTC Desire
Root: Yes, MiUi 2.1.13
Android version: 2.3.7


I approached Anti-Virus Pro with mixed feelings: I was both curious and apprehensive. Why? Because of two of the functions the application provides: it is a security app and task killer in one.


Let’s start with the task killer function, and let’s not mince words about it: Android does not require task killers! Despite everything you might read on various blogs and websites, unleashing a task killer on Android devices is totally counterproductive. Android performs best when it’s challenged and knocks off applications that are no longer needed independently.


What’s more, a lot of power users and experts will argue that Android doesn’t really require anti virus apps either, even if you do happen to download more applications than your run-of-the-mill user. I know my device is always bursting at the seams with apps, and for the purpose of this review I even took the liberty of downloading a few dodgy ones, just to see what would happen.


Does this mean that Anti-Virus Pro is useless, then?
No, it doesn’t. Because the application is jam packed with so many functions that there’s bound to be something in there for everyone.


Let’s start off with the most obvious feature: a virus scanner, which scans applications and notifies users if ever there’s something fishy in the ranks. To the application’s credit: it’s a very good virus scanner, fast and efficient. That said, a lot of experts agree that virus scanners simply aren’t essential to Android, unless you’re the kind of user who plunges into the deepest depths of the Android Market. But—we wholeheartedly encourage users to make up their own minds about whether or not they wish to make use of anti virus and security programmes.

Having said all that, Anti-Virus Pro offers more than the two aforementioned features—in fact, it offers a whole suite of features. It’s kind of the Swiss Army knife of applications. The app provides suggestions on how to improve security on your device (we don’t recommend this for AndroidPIT users, as the application suggest deactivating installation processes from sources; this function is needed in order to use the App Center), a host of scanners, anti-theft protection and much more. Considering that Anti-Virus Pro is first and foremost an anti virus app, we are rather impressed by the sheer number of extra features it harbours.
The scanners are reliable and do their job just as they should, leaving you to surf the web completely worry-free. The application sussed out a virus on my device that the anti virus service on my computer had also picked up on.

Another added bonus: a very well functioning app lock. App locks are not only blessings in hindsight for those of us who occasionally drink and text – anything that can spare me from the cringe-worthiness of the next morning is a welcome addition on my phone – but also when your device happens to fall into the wrong person’s hands. That said, the app lock can be undone by simply uninstalling Anti-Virus Pro. It’s a shame the function isn’t password protected.


There’s also a backup feature, though I have seen better, as Anti-Virus Pro doesn’t backup contacts and the like, only other applications.


The application has a lot of useful features to offer, but there are also one or two that I personally could do without, starting with ‘Tune-up beta’, which deconnects from WiFi or mobile networks. Most smartphones are programmed to be able to do that without the help of an extra application.


On to ‘real-time scanning’: this means that applications are scanned for viruses and the like while they are being installed. This could be interesting for users who tend to download a lot of applications from unverified sources. Scans always take place in the background and you won’t notice them unless a warning pops up.


Finally the anti-theft protection service may seem very attractive to many users. Sign in via your Gmail account and you will be able to control your device via your account on http://www.avgmobilation.com. You can programme your device to produce sounds, send out messages or lock up. In a worst case scenario you can even wipe (i.e. delete all you data) your SD card and internal storage. That said, if the thief is familiar with Anti-Virus Pro they may delete it, and then unfortunately your device will no longer be remotely accessible.
 

Bottom line:
Anti-Virus Pro provides users with a lot of features, most of which are pretty nifty, though not always as thorough as applications that specialise in only one functionality. However, if you’re the type of user who wants a lot of features all in one go – rather than having to download X amount of extra apps – Anti-Virus Pro may be the right application for you.
 

Screen & Controls

Section rating: * * * * *

Controls are relatively simple and easy to get the hang of. The application is also designed so as to make using it as easy and pleasant as possible. Our only small critique: it would be great if there were an option that allowed users to select what the first main screen of Anti-Virus Pro should be. In my case I would appreciate being able to access the main menu straight away, rather than having to decline the offer to scan my data that pops up every time I start up the application.

Speed & Stability

Section rating: * * * * *

Anti-Virus Pro is extremely reliable and fast to boot. It didn’t crash or lag at all and it scanned my 10 GB worth of data within no time at all.

Price/Performance Ratio

Section rating: * * * * *

Anti-Virus Pro usually costs EUR3,63 but at the moment there’s a special discount on and it can be downloaded for only EUR1,54. There’s also a free version and a trial version of the pro version.

Comparable Apps

Antivirus Free

Dr.Web Anti-virus

Kaspersky Mobile Security

Lookout Security & Antivirus

MyAntiVirus Pro - AntiVirus

Anti-Virus Pro - Tablet

Report comparable or similar apps

Reviews of this app in other languages

Review "Anti-Virus Pro" from Feb 11, 2012 (Spanish)

Review "Antivirus Pro" from Feb 11, 2012 (French)

Review "Anti-Virus Pro" from Jan 13, 2012 (German)

Developer

No developer added yet.

Are you this appʼs developer?
Then check out our developer program right away.
Good
Features
*****
Screen
*****
Speed
*****
Price
*****
Market Rating:
*****
AndroidPIT User Rating:
*****
Own Rating:
Log yourself in!
Ad

Bookmark / E-Mail

Click on an icon to bookmark this test report.
» Send this article via e-mail

Screenshots

Screenshot
Screenshot

All Test Reports

Archive


Richard M.
Jan 29, 2012 5:37:07 AM

I just got the AVG Anti- Virus a couple of days ago and wouldn't feel safe without it now, Its a five star in my books.


Drizzt dourden
Jan 29, 2012 10:28:14 AM

ive found that i had been tagged with droid dream and was being used as part of anonymous attacks...had avpro didn't catch any of that action. hooked to my clean pc and ran it thru Comodo and saved my android...id rate app with negative stars if i could...
btw anonymous botted mine via twitter be careful


jana o.
Jan 29, 2012 12:12:49 PM

Wow, two very different user experiences there -- thanks for sharing!


Omnius
Jan 31, 2012 1:32:58 PM

I find it awkwardly strange to hear a software reviewer tell the reader that, antivirus is not really needed on Android... What rock have you been living under?
I would certainly find it interesting to hear what experts it is you refer to, cuz what we actually experience at the moment is, that mobile devices indeed is just small computers with all kinds of exploitational vectors.
Same was said about OSX back in the days, and now you say it about Android.. How wrong you will be proven sooner than later.

Write new test report comment:

You must log in or register now,
to submit a comment!

As a logged in user, you can also change the order of the comments.

Market Comments

* * * * *   Josh, Feb 21, 2012
Not the best. Okay for av but the lock screen and tracking of your phone is just a gimmick. The lock screen does not actually lock your phone, it pops up asking for the password and all you need to do is press the home button and you can access all your apps. Using HTC sensation and on Android revolution hd custom firmware. Based on ice cream sandwich.
* * * * *   vicky, Feb 21, 2012
Expesive, not for virus Some features are gud, but its not a protecting app. Lock screen has problem. Problem with update.
* * * * *   Sasikumar, Feb 20, 2012
Not sure I am not sure whether it actually prevents from virus.. till now it has not identified any virus in my S2. i will be happy if atleast it detects a single virus.
* * * * *   , Feb 20, 2012
4* Protecting your phone or other device is important and AVG does a good job in that. It could use few enhancements, like a "select all" feature when scanning individual files. Photon 4G.
* * * * *   Anthony, Feb 20, 2012
Verygood Use it
* * * * *   Chris, Feb 18, 2012
Great I feel secure knowing avg is protecting my phone. Runs seamlessly. Galaxy s2
* * * * *   whatisit, Feb 17, 2012
Avg I have tried the other's through the years but found them less reliable than avg
* * * * *   Jjr, Feb 17, 2012
I TRUST AVG!! I have mine set to scan & update once a day! If it doesn't find anything, it doesn't notify me! Believe me, (cos this happened to 'me')...."IF you run across something that is a threat..as soon as you "hit" it, it let's you KNOW! This is why I trust it. Been using it on my computer since 2001-2002!! I still have it. So, I knew I could trust my phone to it! I've got a friend that 's a computer programmer, & he said he put it thru all kinds of tests (up against Norton, McAfee, Avast...all those) & it beat 'em
* * * * *   mochi, Feb 16, 2012
Apps to sd not working on gtab 7.7 Apps to sd not working on gtab7.7
* * * * *   Barb, Feb 16, 2012
Love this Great. . .! ! ! !
* * * * *   ChadDamnHarding, Feb 15, 2012
Seems good Had an issue with my gmail account. The password would get changed whenever I logged in with my phone. Hasn't happened since I installed this app. Nothing else seemed to work, so I'm giving the credit to this app.
* * * * *   Del Bianco, Feb 14, 2012
Bug! Nexus S with ICS Dont Work with ICS
* * * * *   Matthew, Feb 14, 2012
Great app Been using for a while n it works great just wish the task killer had a kill all button
* * * * *   Alan, Feb 14, 2012
Perfect. Been using this for over 12 months without an issues. It does ehat it says on the box. Download and let it get on with protecting your Android device.
* * * * *   joe, Feb 12, 2012
Automatic Just install and it updates itself, scans new aps, great program' easy to use.
* * * * *   Janice, Feb 12, 2012
Ok Been using lookout, just got avg and it didn't fund anything the free lookout missed. Can't read my card correctly, only shows 9G . Fix for 16G cards please.
* * * * *   Drizzle, Feb 12, 2012
I have not had one... One virus Cool app
* * * * *   paul, Feb 12, 2012
Ok i suppose.. Like some features like locking up app. The locate feature doesn't seem to work and couldn't locate my device. Samsung galaxy nexus.
* * * * *   Ann, Feb 11, 2012
A A
* * * * *   Sumi, Feb 10, 2012
Avg Excellent app...
Go to pg.: 1 2 3 ... 40 »

 

Support AndroidPIT

Do you enjoy AndroidPIT? We?re thrilled to have your support! How does it work? Just click on the links below.

Recommend to Others

Enjoy AndroidPIT? Then please let other people know about us!

Questions / Help

Do you have questions about AndroidPIT or simply want to learn more about us? Then you might find the following links helpful.

Search Keywords

Bookmarks

  You are reading: Anti-Virus Pro - A Security Suite, And Then Some - Testing Android Apps - AndroidPIT. All times are UTC+01:00. The time now is 6:32 AM.