Since you are bypassing the Google Play Store, you must take security seriously. Not all APK websites are safe.
Knowing this, I can tell you exactly which legacy version to look for or how to set up the browser to act like an app.
were historically popular for older devices because they don't rely on Google Play Services. These "lightweight" clients often provide a smoother experience on limited hardware, though even these developers are gradually dropping support for API levels as low as 19 (KitKat). Security and Risks