GoKawiilAndy Walker / Android Authority
TL;DR Google Play Store has removed the “This device model” filter from app reviews in the latest version.
The old combined review filter menu has been replaced with separate chips for sort method, rating, and an option to only cover the latest version of the app.
The missing filter was introduced in 2022, but has been dropped as part of the UI change that added a search bar.
Google giveth, and Google taketh away. When we told you earlier about Google Play Store’s new review search bar, we neglected to point out that Google seems to have removed one option in the process. The latest version of the Play Store makes it easier to search for reviews by keyword, but it has also removed the option to filter reviews by your exact device model.
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We spotted the change in Play Store version 50.7.24-31. Previously, when you opened the full reviews page and tapped the sort/filter button that’s labeled as “Most relevant” by default, you’d see options to sort by Most relevant or Most recent, plus checkboxes for “Latest version” and “This device model.” In the latest version, that single filter menu has been replaced by three separate chips across the top of the screen: one for sorting, one for filtering by rating, and one for only showing reviews for the latest app version. The device model option is no longer there.
The first two screenshots above show the filter option as it was before the last version, and what you saw when you tapped it. The third image shows the new layout. This means you can no longer narrow things down to feedback from people using the same phone as you, which was often one of the more useful ways to judge whether a bug or performance complaint might actually affect your device.
What is your primary problem with the Google Play Store? 390 votes Excessive ads. 34 % Poor search functionality. 17 % Lack of useful app information. 11 % Inadequate changelogs. 13 % Unclear pricing details. 8 % Absence of a rollback feature for app versions. 7 % Ineffective user review system. 6 % Other (elaborate in the comments). 5 %
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