I've been using MiX for years now:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mixplorer.silver
A bit weird feel, but once you got used to it, it's awesome.
This might be the best suggestion, outside of the Material Files workaround, yet.
Can confirm, I've used it for years and checking their XDA thread from 2011 states that it still supports Froyo? Amazing
https://xdaforums.com/t/app-2-2-mixplorer-v6-x-released-fully-featured-file-manager.1523691/
Material Files foss is the best one i found a year back and never looked back.
You can open a second or third instance of material files via the three dots menu. You then have the app multiple times open and can copy/cut and paste between them.
Its not quite two panes but maybe better on a small screen. Its also a feature that's easy to miss.
Thank you very much. That is indeed helpful.
Total Commander is really good for remote connections. It does dual pane.
Or alternatively, if you prefer FOSS, Ghost Commander.
Appears to be more modern than Total Commander, but no Material You support.
The Windows version of TC is also quite old fashioned, but it works.
The screenshots are targeting Ice Cream Sandwich
Sure but it works well and is stable.
AndSMB had been good to me for connecting to my nas and other shares. It's not the most polished but it is exceptionally reliable.
Thanks for the suggestion
Closed source alternative: FX explorer with horizontal split panels and nice UI
Foss alternative: ghost commander with vertical split panels but dated UI
FX explorer
Over a year since the last update 😭
If everything works, doesn't need updates every week
Especially on the play store where Google approving updates for file managers is a lottery
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