[naitgacem]

I still use ES file explorer pro from ages ago. I transfer the apk from device to device and backed it up on multiple locations. It really provides a unique set of features, browser-like tabs, ftp server/client, ... it makes managing files so much more doable on a phone.

it saddens me that it got removed.

[infinityplus1]

Yes. ES File Explorer is the best. I only resort to these material file explorers when installing any APK as newer Android versions have restricted APK installation from ES File Explorer.

Material UI file explorers have too much wasted screen space and unnecessary slow animations, lack of bottom positioned controls etc. and it makes managing files slow and frustrating.

[naitgacem]

I use the system one for installing APKs. otherwise totally agreed, these newer ones cater to the new demographics but they sacrifice a lot of usability.

I read a campus-wide study carried by a university. It showed new students don't know about such things as files and folders, they just think their computers (think smartphones) are just a dump of files. So I guessfunctional file managers aren't a priority anymore.

[FrostKiwi]

OMG YES! I though I was the only one. Specifically non-pro v3.2.5.5. The Versions after that are an ad ridden mess.

[naitgacem]

When they started filling it with ads I just stopped updating and went with the pro version. never updated since

[rkagerer]

Do you know a reputable source to get older-version APK's for it, and which version do you use?

(I did buy it way back when)

[FrostKiwi]

Using the non-pro 3.2.5.5 in my case. Got it off apkmirror. Insane that it still work all those Android versions later.

[naitgacem]

The Android/data and Android/obb show up as empty. which imo steps into, and may or may not qualify as, "breaking backwards compatibility".

[pcchristie]

Why was it removed? I think I had that for some reason...

[naitgacem]

I think they got suspected for data collection or something of the sort. I still trust it for some reason as I wasn't very convinced.