Samsung phones offer a ton of useful features, but ironically, the sheer volume of these features makes it hard to actually find them in the settings. This leads to many of them being left unused and you not being able to get the full value out of your device.

In this guide, we'll show you 12 of the best features on Samsung phones that will improve your user experience, enhance your security, and make your life easier. Let's get started.

1. Lift Your Phone to Wake

Your phone can detect when you pick it up using the sensors in it, so you can instantly get to the Lock screen and unlock the device without needing to push the power button.

To enable the feature, go to Settings > Advanced features > Motions and gestures and toggle on Lift to wake. Now you don't have to push the power button every time.

2. Double-Press the Power Button to Launch the Camera

You can set your Samsung phone to quickly launch the camera without unlocking the device, so you don't miss any photo op. To do this, go to Settings > Advanced features > Side key and toggle on Double press. Now select Quick launch camera from the menu.

3. Use Power Saving Mode to Extend Your Battery Life

You can maximize battery life on your Samsung phone by going to Settings > Battery and device care > Battery > Power saving and toggling on Limit apps and Home screen. Doing this limits your phone to selected apps, turns the wallpaper to pitch black, and halts additional features such as Edge panels.

All this combined maximizes power saving. You won't want it turned on all the time, but it's vital when your battery is getting low.

If you're curious, you can also check out these tips to extend battery life on Android.

One of the best features of the Samsung Gallery app is the ability to hide albums containing sensitive content. To do so, just open the app, go to the Albums tab, tap the three-dots menu, and tap Hide albums. Here, select all the albums that you want to hide by tapping the toggle switch next to them.

5. Answer Calls Hands-Free Over Bluetooth

Picking up a call while you're, say, cooking or driving, is a major pain. Luckily, Samsung phones come with a really useful accessibility feature that allows you to answer incoming calls hands-free when wearing a Bluetooth device.

To activate it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Interaction and dexterity > Answering and ending calls and toggle on Answer automatically. You can go a step further by enabling Read caller names aloud, so you can know exactly who's calling beforehand.

6. Unlock Your Phone Without Opening the Lock Screen

You can unlock your phone slightly faster by going to Settings > Security and privacy > Biometrics > Fingerprints and toggling on Fingerprint always on. Doing this allows your phone to read your fingerprint even when the screen is off, so you don't necessarily have to press the power button and go to the Lock screen.

7. Set Up and Use Edge Panels

Edge Panels is one of the best features on Samsung phones, and makes it so much easier to navigate your device. You can enable it by going to Settings > Display and toggling on Edge panels. Once enabled, a handle should appear at the side of your screen which you can pull inwards to access your Apps panel where you can store your favorite apps for quick access.

Once you learn the basics, you can follow these tips to use Edge Panels like a pro.

8. Move Items to the Secure Folder

Most Samsung phones come with the Secure Folder app; it's a sort-of digital vault that you can use to store your sensitive photos, videos, documents, and more. You can find it under Settings > Security and privacy > Secure Folder.

Make sure to read our full guide on how to use Secure Folder on Samsung phones.

9. Instantly Delete Shared Screenshots

Screenshots you share with other people are stored in your gallery and clutter it up. You can set your phone to automatically delete shared screenshots to save space. To do this, go to Settings > Advanced features > Screenshots and screen recorder and toggle on Delete after sharing from toolbar.

For the feature to work, you need to share the screenshot from the image toolbar that appears right after you capture it. Otherwise, the screenshot will be saved in your gallery as usual.

10. Create a Custom Sound Profile for Your Ears

Everyone's ears are different, and if you find that the sound quality of your Samsung phone is not satisfactory, you can create a custom sound profile according to your ears. Follow these steps to get started:

  1. Go to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects > Adapt Sound.
  2. Tap Test my hearing, then tap Start to begin the test. Answer if you can hear the beeps.
  3. Once the test is done, give your sound profile a name and hit Save to finish.

Check out how to improve the sound quality on Samsung phones for more info.

11. Access the Hidden SOS Flashlight

Samsung phones come with a hidden SOS flashlight feature that allows you to attract attention if you're lost and need help. If you're curious to test it out, you can check out our guide on how to enable the SOS flashlight on Samsung phones.

12. Automate Your Device With Modes and Routines

Modes and Routines (formerly Bixby Routines) is perhaps the most underrated feature on Samsung phones. It's an automation feature that allows you to set commands and have your phone execute them based on certain triggers such as the time, your location, or the device status.

You can access the feature by going to Settings > Modes and Routines. Check out our full guide on how to use Modes and Routines on Samsung phones if you need help setting up the feature.

Discover the Best of Your Samsung Phone

Your Samsung Galaxy phone is a lot more capable than you realize, and it's a good idea to explore the settings to discover features you may have previously missed.

With every new update, Samsung adds more features to One UI to enhance your experience, so if you're a fan, make sure to always keep an eye out for the latest announcements.