MyBackup Pro: The Android OS has built-in backup and restore functionality, but handset makers sometimes don't enable this feature on their phone models. And Android's basic recovery program won't bring back your call logs, text messages, or photos if you lose them.

Rerware's ($5, free trial available) gathers up more of your data than the basic Android utility does, and lets you schedule regular backups. You can save backups to your phone's SD Card, or to Rerware's secure server. MyBackup Pro also features additional options for users with rooted phones, including the ability to disable bloatware on your handset and prevent those unwanted apps from running.

Lookout Mobile Security: The plainly designed (free, plus a $30-per-year premium version) is our choice for keeping malware off a phone. In addition to regularly scanning your phone for all known malware, this utility scans new apps as soon as you download them, to confirm that they are safe. Lookout can also help you locate your lost or stolen phone. In a recent comparison, the security testing firm AV-Test named Lookout the most capable security app for Android.

DroidWall: Want to prevent certain apps from accessing the Internet? (free) lets you specify which apps to block. The tool is dead-simple to use, and it can stop apps from transmitting your personal data to remote servers or downloading annoying ads. The catch: To use DroidWall, you need to , which may void the warranty.