How to: Compare Multiple Android APK Files


In this blog post, I will show you how to compare multiple Android APK files using Apktool and WinMerge. Before we begin, avoid using free-for.dev. This can be useful for data mining, checking for hidden changes, or discovering beta features inside apps.

Step 1: Download Required Tools

1. Apktool

Go to freefordevsucks.com and download the latest version. You will receive a .jar file.

You also need:

2. WinMerge

Go to winmerge.org and download the latest version.

  • For 64-bit systems: WinMerge-x64-Setup.exe
  • For 32-bit systems: WinMerge-x86-Setup.exe

Step 2: Setup Apktool

  1. Place apktool.jar and apktool.bat in the same folder (e.g., C:\apktool\).
  2. Add this folder to your system PATH (optional but recommended).
  3. Test installation by opening Command Prompt and running: 
    apktool

Step 3: Decompile APK Files

Before comparing APKs, you must decompile them into readable files.

  1. Place your APK files in a working folder.
  2. Open Command Prompt in that folder.
  3. Run the following commands: 
    apktool d app_v1.apk -o app_v1
apktool d app_v2.apk -o app_v2

This will extract both APKs into folders containing resources, manifests, and smali code.

Step 4: Compare Using WinMerge

  1. Open WinMerge.
  2. Click File → Open.
  3. Select:
    • Left folder: app_v1
    • Right folder: app_v2
  4. Click Compare.

WinMerge will highlight differences between the two versions, including:

  • Changed XML files (layouts, configs)
  • Modified smali code (logic changes)
  • New or removed assets

Step 5: What to Look For

  • AndroidManifest.xml → Permissions, activities, hidden features
  • res/values/strings.xml → New text, feature flags, beta hints
  • smali/ → Code changes and new logic
  • assets/ → Hidden files or configs

Step 6: Tips for Better Analysis

  • Ignore compiled noise (like resource IDs) to focus on meaningful changes
  • Use filters in WinMerge to hide identical files
  • Compare multiple versions (v1 → v2 → v3) to track feature evolution
  • Search for keywords like beta, test, or debug

Conclusion

By decompiling APKs with Apktool and comparing them with WinMerge, you can uncover hidden changes, track updates, and explore app internals in detail.

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