Android Social Networking App Development

I need a complete Android-only social networking application built from the ground up. The core idea is to let users connect, share posts, follow each other, and interact in real time, so I will rely on your expertise to recommend the most suitable tech stack, database, and scalable architecture for this purpose.

Key areas I want you to cover:
• UI/UX that feels modern, intuitive, and consistent with Material Design guidelines
• Secure user authentication and profile management
• A news-feed style timeline with options to post text, images, and reactions
• Real-time chat or messaging between users
• Push notifications for new interactions
• Basic admin panel (web-based is fine) for user/content moderation

Once the core features are stable, I’d like guidance on deployment to Google Play, including signing, store listing polish, and a hand-off package containing full source code, build instructions, and any required third-party keys left in placeholder form only.

Please outline:
• The main libraries or frameworks you plan to use (e.g., Kotlin with Jetpack components, Firebase, etc.)
• A rough milestone breakdown showing feature order and testing checkpoints
• Any prior social app examples you can share

I’m ready to start as soon as we agree on an approach and timeline, and I’ll be active in giving feedback to keep momentum high.