Customer Reviews (100)

Fred Maxmuri • 2025-03-25T05:00:52.384Z

the best app I ever I used,

Tulasi Hansda • 2025-03-24T14:10:29.523Z

Exactly what I need 👍

Gamer Ijaz Ahmed Qurashi • 2025-03-22T03:51:00.667Z

good

Summary of Key Insights

  • The "Calls Blacklist PRO - Blocker" app is generally well-received, with a high percentage of 5-star reviews indicating user satisfaction with its core function of blocking unwanted calls and SMS messages. However, there are recurring issues, particularly related to compatibility with newer Android versions, SMS blocking functionality, and customer support responsiveness. The app's ease of use and effectiveness in reducing spam calls are its main strengths. Weaknesses include reported issues with SMS blocking, especially image attachments, and instances of call blocking failing after Android updates.
  • Overall Sentiment: Positive.
  • Overall Rating: Weighted average around 4.4/5 based on the provided distribution.
  • Score Distribution: 70% 5-star, 13% 4-star, 4% 3-star, 2% 2-star, 11% 1-star.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews.
  • Time Frame: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be recent due to mentions of "Android 15" and update dates in reviews.
  • Analysis Methods: Primarily qualitative analysis, focusing on identifying recurring themes, sentiments, and feature requests expressed in the user reviews. Quantitative analysis involved calculating the weighted average rating and percentages for each star rating. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned terms related to issues and positive aspects.

Key User Pain Points

  • Android Version Compatibility Issues: Several users reported that the app stopped working correctly after upgrading to newer Android versions (specifically Android 15 mentioned). This includes call blocking failures and SMS tab disappearance.
  • SMS Blocking Problems: Users experience difficulties with SMS blocking, particularly with MMS (image) messages. Some users reported that enabling SMS blocking prevents them from receiving image texts from contacts. Others reported issues blocking SMS at all.
  • Lack of Customer Support: A few users reported a lack of response from the developer when contacting them with issues.
  • False Positives/Overblocking: Some users reported the app blocking all calls/SMS, even after setting up a whitelist, or blocking outgoing calls.
  • Notification Issues: Some users have experienced notification problems, such as notifications appearing for outgoing calls instead of blocked calls.
  • Importing custom lists of phone numbers: Some users are unable to import custom lists of phone numbers.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Regex Support for Blocking/Whitelisting: Users requested the ability to use regular expressions for more flexible and precise number blocking and whitelisting.
  • Option to Block Only Unknown Mobile Numbers (but not Landlines): A user specifically requested this feature.
  • Dark Theme: A user requested a dark theme.
  • Improved MMS Handling: Users want to be able to send and receive MMS messages while still using the SMS blocking features.
  • Option to allow contacts only: Users want an easy way to only allow calls from their contacts.
  • SMS sent notification on block: A user requested an option for a notification to be sent when a SMS is blocked.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Effective Call Blocking: The app is generally praised for its effectiveness in blocking spam calls and reducing the number of unwanted calls.
  • Ease of Use: Users find the app user-friendly and easy to set up.
  • Area Code Blocking: The ability to block entire area codes is a highly valued feature.
  • Silent Blocking: The app blocks calls silently without ringing the phone.
  • Customization: Users appreciate the ability to create blacklists and whitelists.
  • Value for Money (Pro Version): Users who purchased the Pro version generally feel it is worth the cost.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Android Compatibility: Immediately investigate and fix compatibility issues with newer Android versions (Android 15 and later). This is a critical issue affecting core functionality.
  • SMS Blocking Functionality: Address the SMS blocking issues, particularly the inability to receive MMS messages and reports of inconsistent blocking.
  • Improve Customer Support: Ensure timely responses to user inquiries and bug reports. This builds trust and improves user satisfaction.

Medium Priority:

  • False Positives/Overblocking: Investigate and resolve the issue of the app blocking all calls/SMS even with whitelists.
  • Notification Issues: Fix the notification bugs reported by users.
  • Whitelist/Contact-Only Mode: Implement a clear and reliable "contacts only" mode to allow only calls from contacts.

Low Priority:

  • Feature Requests: Consider implementing popular feature requests such as regex support, dark theme, and the option to block only unknown mobile numbers.
  • Improve MMS handling: Work on improving the MMS handling to allow the app to send and receive rich texts with attachments.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • AI-Powered Spam Call Detection: Develop an AI-powered system that can identify and block spam calls based on call patterns, voice analysis, and crowd-sourced data. This could be integrated into the existing app or offered as a separate service.
  • Context-Aware Blocking: Create a system that blocks calls based on the user's context, such as location, time of day, or activity. For example, automatically block all calls except from family members when the user is at work.
  • Community-Based Blacklist: Develop a community-driven blacklist that allows users to share and update spam number lists.

Trends and Observations

  • Android Update Dependency: The app's functionality appears to be heavily dependent on Android updates, making it vulnerable to breakage when new versions are released.
  • Language Preferences: Most reviews are in English, with some in Spanish and other languages, indicating a global user base.
  • Shift in Sentiment: There is a noticeable shift in sentiment from positive to negative among users who have recently updated their Android versions.

Conclusion

"Calls Blacklist PRO - Blocker" is a valuable app that effectively addresses the problem of spam calls and SMS messages. However, its reliance on Android versions and issues with SMS blocking are significant weaknesses. By prioritizing Android compatibility, improving SMS functionality, and enhancing customer support, the developer can significantly improve user satisfaction and maintain the app's positive reputation. Implementing popular feature requests and exploring innovative ideas such as AI-powered spam detection can further enhance the app's value and attract new users.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vladlee.callsblacklist