Unlocking Your Android: A Battle Between DroidKit and Dr.Fone
Comparisons • Sept.5, 2024
If you’ve ever lost important data on your Android device or found yourself locked out due to a forgotten password or system glitch, you know the frustration that follows. In this scenario, the best options are data recovery and repair tools.
With many tools available, we’ve compared two of the best options to help you make an informed decision: DroidKit and Dr.Fone. We tested both tools on different Android devices using HP Victus 15 running Windows 10.
DroidKit vs. Dr.Fone quick comparison
| Feature | DroidKit | Dr.Fone |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Android | Android and iOS |
| Data Recovery | Deep Recovery (requires rooting), internal storage, broken devices, backups | Internal storage, broken devices, backups |
| Recovery Success | Recovered 70% from internal storage in 30 min, 80% from broken device in 40 min, 95% from Google Drive in 10 min | Recovered 75% from internal storage in 40 min, 80% from broken device in 40 min, 95% from Google Drive in 20 min |
| Screen Lock/FRP Removal | Yes, with potential data loss | Yes, with potential data loss |
| System Repair | Fixes boot loops, black screens, app crashes in ~15 minutes | Fixes boot loops, black screens, app crashes in ~10 minutes |
| Phone Management | Device manager, Android mover, WhatsApp manager | Data management, cross-platform sync, advanced tools |
| User Interface | Less user-friendly | More user-friendly |
| Price | More affordable ($39.99/year or $55.99 perpetual) | More expensive ($99.95/year or $115.95 perpetual) |
| Try free and Learn More | DroidKit official site | Dr.Fone official site |
How’s the data recovery?
DroidKit
DroidKit is designed to handle a wide range of data recovery scenarios, making it a versatile tool for Android users. During our testing, we used different devices (Samsung S8+, LG G7, and Mi Note 7) to explore several key recovery scenarios that you’re likely to encounter.
* Recovery from Internal Storage: We tested this with the Samsung Galaxy S8+’s internal storage and found that DroidKit quickly scanned the device and recovered about 70% of the lost data within 30 minutes, including recent photos, messages, and WhatsApp chats.The recovery process is straightforward, requiring no technical knowledge, and covers a variety of file types. You can preview and retrieve important files without needing a backup.
* Recovery from a Broken Android Device: If your Android device is physically damaged such as a cracked screen or an unresponsive display, DroidKit can still access your data.We tested this scenario with an LG G7 that had a broken screen. DroidKit managed to recover about 80% of the data within 40 minutes, including critical documents and older photos, even though the device was unusable.
* Recovery from Google Drive: We tested this with a Mi Note 7, where data had been backed up before a factory reset. DroidKit was able to retrieve about 95% of the data, including WhatsApp messages, photos, and contacts. The process was quick and easy, taking just under 10 minutes to complete.
* Important [Deep Recovery]: When standard recovery modes aren’t enough, DroidKit’s Deep Recovery mode digs deeper into your device’s storage, including internal memory, SD cards, and SIM cards.On our Samsung S8+, Deep Recovery was able to retrieve older, more difficult-to-recover data that Quick Recovery missed. However, the need to root your device can be a limitation if you’re not comfortable with the process or are concerned about potential risks.
Dr.Fone
Dr.Fone also provides robust data recovery options, and to ensure a fair comparison, we used Mi Note 10 and 7 for testing. Dr.Fone supports multiple recovery scenarios, which we explored to see how it performs.
* Recovery from Internal Storage: Dr.Fone’s recovery from internal storage is decent, taking about 40 minutes to complete. It recovered around 75% of the lost data, including some older files that had been deleted weeks ago.
* Recovery from a Broken Android Device: We tested this with the LG G7, which had a damaged screen. Dr.Fone, like DroidKit, managed to retrieve about 80% of the data within 40 minutes and was able to recover lost data.
* Recovery from Google Drive: Dr.Fone’s integration with Google Drive is seamless and user-friendly. In our tests with the Mi Note 7, Dr.Fone quickly accessed the Google Drive backup and recovered 95% of the stored data, including photos, WhatsApp messages, and contacts, in under 20 minutes.
Note: Both tools let you preview the recovered data in all recovery scenarios, so you can select what you want and save them on the device or your PC.
No more screen and FRP locks
DroidKit
DroidKit offers tools for dealing with screen locks and FRP (Factory Reset Protection) locks, which are common hurdles if you’ve forgotten your unlock credentials or bought a second-hand device with security features still enabled.
We tested DroidKit on a OnePlus 8 and a Vivo V20 to evaluate how well it handles these situations.
* Screen Lock Removal: For our test on the OnePlus 8, which had a forgotten PIN lock, DroidKit handled the process with relative ease.The software guided us through the necessary steps, and the screen lock was removed within about 15 minutes. This process results in a complete data wipe, which is a standard approach for screen lock removal across most tools.
* FRP Bypass: We also tested DroidKit’s FRP bypass feature on a Vivo V20. Although the device had been factory reset, the previous owner’s Google account was still linked, preventing access.DroidKit’s FRP bypass process was straightforward, requiring about 20 minutes to complete. The software walked us through each step, from connecting the device to removing the FRP lock.While it’s effective, the process erases all data on the device, similar to removing a screen lock.
Dr.Fone
Dr.Fone also provides screen lock removal and FRP bypass capabilities. As DroidKit was able to do its job, we proceeded with the test using a Huawei P30 and a Google Pixel 4a to see how it performs in real-world scenarios.
* Screen Lock Removal: Dr. Fone took about 15 minutes to remove the screen lock on the Huawei P30, which had a forgotten pattern lock. The process was simple, but like with DroidKit, it resulted in a full data wipe.Dr.Fone doesn’t offer an option to preserve data during this process on most devices, which is a limitation if retaining your data is important.
* FRP Bypass: For the Google Pixel 4a, which had an FRP lock after a factory reset, Dr.Fone was able to bypass the Google account verification in about 20 minutes.The process was guided and easy to follow, but it also erased all data on the device. Dr.Fone supports a variety of brands for FRP bypass, making it versatile, but data loss is something to be aware of if you’re considering this tool.
Note: None of the tools were able to save the data. While this can be a letdown, it is impossible to save data while removing screen and FRP locks. So, to avoid situations like these, ensure you always back up your devices to the cloud or on local storage.
Fix your smartphone
DroidKit
DroidKit provides tools to address various system issues that can render your smartphone unusable. We tested its capabilities on a Samsung Galaxy A51 and a Realme Narzo 30 to see how well it handles common problems like boot loops, black screens, and app crashes.
* System Repair: DroidKit offered a straightforward solution for the Samsung Galaxy A51, which was stuck in a boot loop after a failed update.The system repair process was easy to initiate, and the tool guided us through each step. It took about 15 minutes to complete the repair, after which the device rebooted successfully.
* System Reinstallation: We also tested the system reinstallation feature on the Realme Narzo 30. This device had been experiencing frequent app crashes and slow performance, likely due to a corrupted Android version.DroidKit’s system reinstallation feature allowed us to reinstall the Android OS with the latest version available. The process took about 20 minutes and required a stable internet connection to download the necessary files.
Dr.Fone
Dr.Fone also offers system repair capabilities, focusing on fixing issues like black screens, boot loops, and bricked devices. We tested Dr.Fone’s system repair tools on a Motorola Moto G7 and a Samsung S10 to assess their effectiveness.
* System Repair: On the Motorola Moto G7, which had been stuck on a black screen, Dr.Fone’s system repair tool provided a solution that took about 10 minutes to complete.The process was well-guided, with clear instructions for each step. After the repair, the device rebooted normally, and the black screen issue was resolved.
* System Reinstallation: For the Samsung S10, which had been experiencing frequent crashes and slowdowns, Dr.Fone’s system reinstallation feature allowed us to reinstall the Android OS. The process took around 25 minutes, including the time needed to download the appropriate firmware.
Are the phone managers reliable?
DroidKit
DroidKit proved to be a reliable solution for managing and transferring data on Android devices, particularly with its straightforward approach to backups and migrations on the Galaxy A51. The interface, while effective, could be more user-friendly.
* Device Manager: We transferred photos, videos, and documents from the Galaxy A51 to a computer using DroidKit’s Export Content mode.The process was efficient, taking about 10 minutes to transfer 3GB of data. DroidKit also excels in backing up data, especially when migrating to a new device, ensuring that your important files are safely transferred without any hassle.
* Android Mover: DroidKit’s Android Mover is a handy tool for those switching devices. We tested it by transferring data from an iPhone to the Galaxy A51. The migration was seamless, with all contacts, messages, and media files transferred in about 15 minutes.
* Whatsapp Manager: It lets you backup, transfer to a device, and restore a WhatsApp backup. We used this feature to back up WhatsApp chats from the Galaxy A51 and were able to restore it later.
Dr.Fone
Dr.Fone, tested on the Galaxy S22, stands out for its cross-platform capabilities. Whether transferring files between Android and a computer, syncing with iTunes, or importing contacts from iCloud, Dr.Fone handled these tasks effortlessly.
* Data Management: Dr.Fone offers robust data management capabilities. We transferred a mix of photos, music, and videos from the Galaxy S22 to a computer, with the process taking about 12 minutes for 4GB of data. The ability to delete files directly from the device through Dr.Fone adds convenience, especially for freeing up space quickly.
* Cross-Platform Sync: Fone made transferring files between the Galaxy S22 and a computer effortless, with smooth drag-and-drop functionality.
It also seamlessly synced media from iTunes to the Galaxy S22 and efficiently imported contacts from iCloud, making it an excellent tool for managing data across different platforms, especially if you’re moving from iOS to Android.
* Advanced Tools: Dr.Fone includes useful tools like real-time mobile diagnostics, which we used to check the Galaxy S22’s root status, battery health, and hardware configuration.You can also manage your Android or iPhone entirely within the app, enhancing your productivity and flexibility. To test it, we have connected our Samsung S21+ and it worked well but needed to install its app.
Where do they shine?
DroidKit stands out for its comprehensive approach to data recovery, offering more recovery scenarios than many other tools. It’s specifically focused on Android devices, making it highly specialized for this platform.
If you’re dealing with non-conventional data loss, such as SD cards and SIM cards, DroidKit has you covered with Deep recovery. It’s particularly suited for advanced users who are comfortable with procedures like rooting, which can unlock the best possible results.
Also, the cross-platform compatibility with the Data Manager tool helps transfer different data between iPhone and Android with ease.
Dr.Fone shines as a versatile, all-in-one toolkit that supports both Android and iOS platforms. It not only offers data recovery but also includes tools for screen unlock, system repair, and more, making it a comprehensive solution for a wide range of smartphone issues.
Dr.Fone is ideal for beginners, thanks to its intuitive and friendly interface, which feels refined and easy to navigate. Despite being beginner-friendly, it offers advanced tools that deliver reliable recovery and repair results, making it a solid choice for both novice and experienced users. Read our full Dr.Fone review here.
Where do they lack?
DroidKit is tailored specifically for Android, which limits its use if you manage multiple device platforms. The tool’s advanced procedures, such as rooting, can be risky as it voids the warranty and makes it more vulnerable.
Additionally, while DroidKit’s interface is functional, it could be improved to be more user-friendly. It supports many prominent Android devices, but there’s a risk of incompatibility with some of the repair and unlock tools, especially on less common models.
While DroidKit’s Data Manager worked as a phone manager and did a great job with the transfers and cross compatibility, it didn’t offer the flexibility to use the Android device from the tool.
Dr.Fone’s focus on safety sometimes results in less effective recovery compared to the more aggressive methods used by DroidKit, particularly when using DroidKit’s Deep Recovery mode.
While Dr.Fone offers tools for both iOS and Android, not everyone needs or wants a multi-platform tool. Some users prefer a more focused solution tailored to a specific operating system.
Like DroidKit, Dr.Fone supports many prominent devices, but there’s a similar risk of incompatibility with certain repair and unlock tools, which can be an issue with less widely used models.
What’s the best pick?
In our detailed testing, we primarily focused on recovery performance, as that’s often the most critical factor for many users. We didn’t dive deeply into other features, as their effectiveness can vary based on the device and manufacturer.
If a tool worked for the task, we were satisfied, and both DroidKit and Dr.Fone did their job.
DroidKit has an edge with its Deep Recovery mode, which goes deeper into the device’s storage but requires rooting. If you’re comfortable with that, DroidKit delivers impressive results, though its interface could be more refined.
Price-wise, DroidKit is more affordable, at $39.99 for a one-year license and $55.99 for a perpetual license. Dr.Fone, on the other hand, costs $99.95 per year and $115.95 for a perpetual license.
So, it really comes down to your needs. If you’re focused solely on Android, DroidKit is the better pick. However, if you need tools for both Android and iOS and are willing to pay extra, Dr.Fone offers a more comprehensive package.
Note: Keep in mind that while you can purchase individual bundles for Android with Dr.Fone, they can be more expensive than DroidKit.
