Samsung is one of the biggest mobile phone brands. Many consider the company to be the undisputed king of Android devices.
Samsung launches new models each year which deliver impressive displays and camera systems alongside additional features. The impressive hardware specifications of these devices often lead users to overlook the software capabilities. The fact is that many Android devices already have many capabilities, such as how to recover deleted files. Samsung takes it a step further but many of these features are hidden and require in-depth investigation.
Our job is to save users the stress of searching for these features. Read on to learn about 10 of the best-hidden features on Samsung’s Galaxy device.
1. Swipe for a screenshot
A screenshot often requires pressing the proper button combination. This is mostly the volume up or down together with the power button. Trying to press them at once could lead to turning off the screen or changing the volume.
But here’s a simple way for Samsung users: head to Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures. Turn on the Palm swipe to capture toggle. Swipe across the screen, and the screenshot Is taken.
2. Flip the phone to mute calls and alarms
A disturbing call or a jangling alarm? All that is required is a simple flip, rather than fumbling in the dark to silence the sound or cancel the call.
Although this feature isn’t enabled by default, setting it up is straightforward. To turn this feature on, head to Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures. Now, tap the Mute with gestures toggle to activate the feature.
Aside from silencing alarms and calls, the gesture also mutes notifications if a hand is placed over the Samsung Galaxy screen.
3. Fit more apps on the home screen
Customization of home screens has always been a highlight of Android devices. Samsung takes this a step further. Users can change the number of applications that can be displayed by making the icons smaller or larger to accommodate more or fewer apps.
For home screen customization, long press on the page, then select Settings. Here, there are options for changing the icon size. This can also be applied to Samsung’s folders and app drawer.
4. Lock the home screen layout
In a scenario where the phone is unlocked and placed in the pocket, apps may move around or get uninstalled. Rearranging these apps might be stressful, and reinstalling them requires data. However, this can be avoided with the feature that lets users lock their home screen.
Go to Settings > Home screen. Next, turn on the Lock Home screen layout toggle. This will stop any apps from being relocated or deleted from the home screen. The toggle can be turned off when the user decides to make changes to the homepage.
5. Cloning of messaging apps
Most messaging applications like WhatsApp, Telegram and Messenger only permit using one account. So, would those who need personal and work accounts require a second device? With Samsung, the answer is no, thanks to Dual Messenger. This feature creates a clone of popular messaging apps for separate accounts.
To use this feature, open Settings > Advanced features > Dual Messenger. Select the app that requires cloning, and the copy will appear in the app drawer.
6. Enable RAW photos
Samsung pictures are automatically set to JPEGs. However, the quality is much better with the RAW format. This feature is handy for professional photographers who want to edit their pictures further. Do note that RAW photos take up much more storage due to the level of detail.
Open the Camera app > Settings cog > Advanced picture options > Pro mode picture format to enable RAW photos. Click the RAW format toggle to switch to this mode. Samsung also has a mode that supports the use of RAW and JPEG at once
7. Create secure folders
Samsung phones have a hidden vault called the Secure Folder. It acts as a separate space to store files and apps. Main phone content is kept private here.
How to use this secret vault? Go to Settings > Security and Privacy> Secure Folder. The vault requires a PIN, password, pattern and fingerprint access. The Secure Folder app will appear in the app drawer after activation.
Most users secure their banking apps and other sensitive data within this folder. There Is no limit to what this folder can secure.
8. Lift subjects out of photos
One UI 5.1 allows users to lift a subject directly from a photo. This feature helps copy image elements to the clipboard or save them separately. It works like the iPhone’s Visual Lookup. It is a useful addition to Samsung devices for quick image editing.
To lift an object from an image:
- Open the image.
- Tap and hold on an element to cut it out (a short animation confirms the cutout).
- Release to see options like copying to the clipboard or saving as a new image.
9. Enhance gaming with game booster effects
The Game Launcher is an essential feature for those who enjoy mobile gaming. This feature groups games and casino apps into a single location so they can be accessed quickly. The feature allows gamers to personalise their experience with options like a Do Not Disturb mode to mute notifications during intense gameplay sessions.
Players of Sweet Bonanza can utilize this feature to record and share gameplay, highlighting the slot game’s distinctive candy-themed graphics.The game’s colorful design, smooth animations and cascading reels enhance the gameplay, allowing users to capture and share its vibrant aesthetics and mechanics.
Go to Settings > Advanced features > Game Tools and turn on the toggle to enable this. Supported apps are listed here, but be aware that using this feature increases battery usage.
10. More options from the side key
The side key on Samsung phones serves more functions than to just launch Bixby or turn off the device. A second function can be assigned to it, which can be activated with a double press. This allows quick access to frequently used features.
Go to Settings > Advanced features > Side key. Turn on the Double press toggle. Several options will appear, such as the camera or Samsung Wallet. This customization transforms the side key into a convenient shortcut tool.
