I downloaded a few language apps just to experiment, but I ran into the same problem you mentioned: lots of flashy exercises but not much depth. It felt like a game more than learning. After a while I realized I needed something that still works on a phone but is organized more like a real course with a learning path. The program I eventually settled on is basically a set of self-study courses on your phone that you can open whenever you have a few spare minutes. What made it different for me was the structure. Instead of random vocabulary drills, the lessons are arranged around everyday topics like greetings, travel situations, basic conversations, and simple questions you might ask people. That makes it easier to imagine actually using the phrases in real life. I also appreciate that the lessons include listening and pronunciation practice because reading words alone never helped me speak comfortably.