Samsung smartphones run a heavily modified version of Android called One UI, which adds more and more features every year.
I’ve often written reviews of Samsung smartphones and used them for a long time. Most of the branded “features” are not very practical, but I’ve gotten used to some of them so much that it’s uncomfortable to use other devices without them.
In this article, I highlighted the most useful and interesting features that may be useful to owners of Samsung smartphones. The text is based on my experience with the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy A72. I also studied official materials and reviews from users and fellow reviewers.
Currently, the current version is considered to be One UI 6. To check whether your phone supports this system, you can check the list on the Samsung community website. Not all models from previous years have received an update to this version, so for each function in the article, the oldest supported firmware version is indicated.
Common functions Edge Sidebar Gestures instead of touch buttons Alternative gestures with One Hand Operation+ DeX mode Split screen and window mode Automatically adjusts colors to the image on your desktop Lock screen customization Selecting an object from a photo Bells in the windows Vibration instead of ringtones for individual contacts Connecting two pairs of wireless headphones to one device Screenshot with scrolling Contents of the Knox Secure Folder Neurofunctions Built-in analogue of ChatGPT Auto-formatting notes Brief summary of pages in the browser Search the Internet by image Removing and moving objects in a photo Create Slo-mo from any video AI Desktop Wallpaper Generator Real-time translation of telephone conversation Transcript of voice recorder recording into text Common functions Edge Sidebar What it is: A menu for quickly accessing apps and tools on any screen Where it’s available: On devices with One UI 2.0 and above
How to enable and use. The Edge side menu can be accessed by swiping from the left or right edge of the screen. This is useful for quickly opening a calendar or calculator, calling a loved one, taking a screenshot, or running a couple of apps in split-screen mode.
If the panel does not open, you can activate it like this:
Find the “Display” item in the settings. Scroll down to “Edge panel”. Select panel type - up to 10 pieces. The marker’s location, color, size, and transparency can be configured in the “Marker” section.
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Samsung has a Galaxy Store, its own app store. In addition to the eight main panels, you can download more than 50 additional ones, some of which are paid. Here are the panels:
Applications: You can select up to 22 shortcuts for quick access to programs; People: up to 22 contacts for quick calling; screenshots: copy a rectangular or arbitrary part of the screen, make a long screenshot or animated gif; quick actions: add an event to the calendar, take a quick screenshot, launch the camera, create a new contact, add an alarm, write a message; tools: interactive compass and ruler; reminders: create a new reminder and open the list; clipboard: it stores up to 40 of the latest screenshots and recordings. The buffer is cleared automatically over time or by pressing a button; volume control panel; calculator. This is what a full Edge panel looks like. To bring up additional panels, swipe the open one left or right This is what a full Edge panel looks like. To bring up additional panels, swipe the open one left or right Additional Edge panels in the store. You can’t filter paid and free Additional Edge panels in the store. You can’t filter paid and free Common functions Gestures instead of touch buttons What it is: Gestures that replace touch controls Where it’s available: On devices with One UI 1.0 and above
How to enable and use. By default, Samsung smartphones show three buttons at the bottom of the screen: Back, Home, and Recents — these are where recently launched apps are displayed. To save space, you can replace them with gestures. Here’s how to enable them:
Find the “Display” item in the settings. Scroll down to “Navigation Bar”. Select the type “Swipe gestures”. Open “Other options”. Choose the type of swipes that is most convenient for you. If you have previously used an iPhone or other Android smartphones with gesture support, select “Swipe from the bottom edge of the screen and side edges.” In this case, the list of open applications will be called up by swiping and holding from the bottom of the screen, exit to the desktop - swipe from the bottom without holding, go back - swipe to the side from the left or right edge of the display.
If you’re used to buttons but want to try gestures, choose “Swipe from bottom of screen.” On some phones, this scheme is hidden behind the “More options” button. Here, the three buttons remain in the same places at the bottom of the screen, but instead of being pressed, they are activated by swiping from the bottom edge.
Swipes from the bottom and sides are convenient to use on larger phones that are harder to hold with one hand. Swipes from the bottom and sides are convenient to use on larger phones that are harder to hold with one hand. Common functions Alternative gestures with One Hand Operation+ What it is: An alternative set of gestures for easier one-handed use of the phone Where it is available: On devices with One UI 1.0 and above
How to enable and use. If the two pre-installed gesture control schemes are not convenient enough, you can download the official One Hand Operation+ program . It allows you to perform many actions with one finger, without grabbing the phone at all.
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Several markers can be placed on the side edges, each with available settings for the appearance and set of functions. There are 50 functions in total, some with additional options. I will not list them all, but in addition to the standard ones, there are also unusual ones:
switching tracks and volume; opening the notification panel; quick closing of applications; fast sending of links; start split screen or move the program to a small window; Record video from the screen. In the marker settings, you can select the number of functions and angles for each swipe In the marker settings, you can select the number of functions and angles for each swipe These are just a few of the One Hand Operation+ gestures. These are just a few of the One Hand Operation+ gestures. Common functions Split screen and window mode What it is: Run multiple apps on one screen Where it’s available: On devices with One UI 1.0 and above
How to enable and use. Programs in windows are convenient to use, for example, to keep an important chat on top of a video or a calculator on top of a banking application. The window size can be adjusted, but on smartphones with small screens this function is inconvenient: the window is still too big.
The mode is initially enabled in the system and is activated through the menu of running applications:
Bring up the menu of open applications. Click on the icon of the desired application at the top of the screen. Select “Open in pop-up mode”. Windowed mode on the Galaxy Fold3 screen - the browser does not adjust well to the window, but messengers and YouTube are convenient to use Windowed mode on the Galaxy Fold3 screen - the browser does not adjust well to the window, but messengers and YouTube are convenient to use In addition to applications in windows, there is a split-screen mode. In it, the display is divided into two parts, with one program in each. On folding smartphones of the Z Fold series, the screen is divided into three parts.
This will come in handy when working with documents and letters, when you need to keep a translator or a page with information in front of your eyes. For some applications, you can choose the window size - from half to 1/5 of the display. For example, you can open a training video on YouTube on a quarter of the screen and simultaneously take notes in a notebook .
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You can open a pair of applications in the same way as a window, via the recently launched menu. But you need to select “Run in split screen mode”.
The second way to open a pair of apps is through the Edge sidebar:
Open the sidebar with applications. Press and hold the first app icon and drag it to the top or bottom of the screen. Select an application for the free half of the screen. To split the screen into three sections on Galaxy Fold:
Open the first two applications in a convenient way. Open the Edge sidebar and drag the icon of the desired program to the chosen location on the left or right side of the screen. If you drag the icon to the center of the screen, nothing will happen. You can pin two-app split-screen sets to the Edge panel or the desktop. The phone will create a dual icon to quickly access, for example, a browser and a note-taking app. Here’s how to pin a combination of apps:
Open the apps you want in split screen mode. Click on the three dots between the two apps. Click on the star. Choose where you want to add it - to your desktop or Edge screen. Three dots on the separator line open a menu where you can swap open applications or add a bundle to your favorites Three dots on the separator line open a menu where you can swap open applications or add a bundle to your favorites Split-screen mode on the Galaxy Fold3. On regular phones, you can only open two windows on top of each other Split-screen mode on the Galaxy Fold3. On regular phones, you can only open two windows on top of each other Common functions DeX mode What it is: A mode in which the phone can be connected to a monitor like a desktop PC Where it is available: On Galaxy Note 8 and newer smartphones and Galaxy Tab S4, S5, S6, S7, and S8 tablets
How to turn on and use. Simply connect your phone to the display via USB-C via the docking station.
In this mode, the phone broadcasts a “full-fledged” desktop onto the screen, like a desktop PC: with a “Start” panel and the ability to open programs in separate windows or on the entire screen.
A wired connection is available for any monitor or TV with HDMI. You will need to purchase a docking station from Samsung or a third-party manufacturer - these are sold, for example, on Aliexpress .The main thing is that it is possible to connect additional power to the adapter via USB-C.The phone’s built-in battery is not powerful enough in this mode. USB ports will also come in handy - to connect an external keyboard and mouse.
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The same thing is available wirelessly, but you’ll need a 2019 or newer Samsung smart TV . If your TV is compatible, here’s what you need to do:
Connect your TV and phone to the same Wi-Fi network. Open the quick settings panel on your smartphone by swiping down and tapping on the DeX icon. Select “DeX for TV or Monitor”. If you only see “DeX for PC”, click the three vertical dots. This will open the “More” menu, and select “Switch to TV/monitor”. Select the desired display from the list and click “Start”. Confirm the connection. For control, you can use the touchpad on the phone screen or connect a mouse and keyboard via Bluetooth. The Dex for PC mode is activated by connecting a compatible phone to a Windows PC. All you need is a regular USB-C cable included in the package.
The smartphone desktop opens in a window - this is convenient if you need to work on someone else’s computer, but do not want to log into your mail and social networks. This is also an option for old laptops, on which the browser and social networks work slower than on the connected phone.
This is what the desktop looks like in DeX mode This is what the desktop looks like in DeX mode In DeX mode, you can use your phone as a separate device, but you can’t run the same app twice. In DeX mode, you can use your phone as a separate device, but you can’t run the same app twice. You can use a universal adapter for MacBook with HDMI and an external power connector You can use a universal adapter for MacBook with HDMI and an external power connector Common functions Automatically adjust colors to the image on your desktop What it is: The system color scheme can be adjusted to match the image on the desktop Where it is available: On devices with One UI 4.0 and above
How to enable and use. This feature appeared in Android 12, but on phones from different manufacturers it is enabled and works slightly differently . The system automatically adjusts the colors of the main menu items, the quick settings curtain, and system applications like Calls and Calendar to the image on the desktop.
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Here’s how to activate this feature:
Open Settings. Go to the Wallpaper and Style section. Open the Color Picker and turn it on. The system will select 12 color options to match your desktop wallpaper. Choose one. The palette can also be applied to system icons. You can also open the wallpaper menu by holding your finger on an empty space on your desktop. You can also open the wallpaper menu by holding your finger on an empty space on your desktop. Applying a palette to icons will make the screen look cleaner. Applying a palette to icons will make the screen look cleaner. Common functions Lock Screen Customization What it is: Lock screen customization — choose the design of notifications, clock, and widgets Where it’s available: on devices with One UI 5.1 and above — in 2023 models
How to enable and use. This feature appeared in 2023 with the flagship Galaxy S23 line. It works roughly like iOS 16: you can change the style and content of the lock screen to your taste. For example, choose one of the clock options that will “fit” into the background image. Or even set a short video instead of wallpaper.
There are no full-fledged widgets on the locked screen, like on the iPhone, but you can select any two applications or contacts for quick access. The icons will appear in the lower left and lower right corners.
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Here’s what you need to set up your lock screen:
Find the “Wallpaper & Style” section in Settings. Open Change Wallpaper. Click on “Wallpaper” and select an option from the suggested ones, a photo from the gallery or a video clip up to 15 seconds long. Set the image on your lock screen. Click on the clock and choose one of five options. You can turn off the clock completely. Choose one of six fonts. Tap the notification icon below the clock and choose how you want them to appear or turn them off. Click on the application icon in the left corner and select the required one - or disable it. Similarly, select the application for the right corner. Add contact information if necessary. There are not many clock options, but they are varied, and the color and font for them can be customized separately. There are not many clock options, but they are varied, and the color and font for them can be customized separately. Lock screen after customizing the design Lock screen after customizing the design You can also enable “Dynamic Wallpaper” for the locked screen — pictures from the Samsung library will change automatically You can also enable “Dynamic Wallpaper” for the locked screen — pictures from the Samsung library will change automatically Common functions Selecting an object from a photo What it is: Allows you to select an object in a photo and turn it into a sticker, like on an iPhone Where it’s available: Galaxy S20 and later, Note 20, Z Fold3 and later, Z Flip3 and later on One UI 5.1 and above
How to enable and use. The function is almost identical to the one in iOS 16: you can select a photo and get a fairly neatly cropped sticker.
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Automatic photo cropping only works in the pre-installed Gallery app:
Open the application. Select the photo in which you want to highlight the object. Hold the desired object until it separates from the background, this takes about a second. The selected object can be sent as a sticker in Telegram or another messenger. This is how highlighting works on the Galaxy S23 Ultra This is how highlighting works on the Galaxy S23 Ultra Common functions Bells in the windows What it is: Incoming call does not overlap the running app Where it is available: on devices with One UI 2.0 and above
How to enable and use. Usually on Android, an incoming call closes or minimizes the active application. This is inconvenient when you write something in a chat for a long time or play a game. Therefore, it is better to switch calls to a window mode that will be displayed on top of other programs. Here’s how to do it:
Open the Phone app. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner. Open Settings. Open the “Incoming calls in applications” item. Choose one of the three available options: full screen, pop-up or small window. The small call window can be expanded to full screen by clicking on it The small call window can be expanded to full screen by clicking on it Common functions Vibration instead of ringtones for individual contacts What it is: You can set a separate vibration type for specific contacts, so you know who’s calling even without sound Where it’s available: on devices with One UI 1.0 and above
How to enable and use. Vibration is set only for contacts, it cannot be applied to a group. For example, if you need to set it for the whole family, you will have to select it manually for each person.
The vibration settings are hidden quite deep in the phone book settings:
Open Contacts. Select the desired person. Click on the “Edit” button at the bottom of the screen. Scroll to the very bottom. Click “Expand”. Scroll to the bottom until you see “Vibrate on call” and tap on it. Choose one of seven options. Save the changes. 1 / 3 Scroll down and expand the additional menu 2 / 3 Click on the last item Common functions Connecting two pairs of wireless headphones to one device What it is: Allows two people to watch videos and listen to music on one smartphone Where it is available: on devices with One UI 1.0 and above
How to enable and use. Not all smartphones support simultaneous connection of two pairs of headphones or wireless speakers. But on Samsung, this function is found on almost all more or less modern models of smartphones and tablets. It is useful on long trips to watch a movie with someone on a bus or plane.
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Here’s how to add a second headphone:
Find the “Connections” item in the settings. Open the Bluetooth menu and turn it on. Connect two pairs of wireless headphones one at a time. Go back to your desktop and open the curtain from top to bottom. Click on “Media Output”. Mark two pairs of headphones. Click on “Media Output” Click on “Media Output” Select the required output devices Select the required output devices Common functions Screenshot with scrolling What it is: A long screenshot of a web page or conversation Where it’s available: On devices with One UI 2.0 and above
How to enable and use. The screenshot with scrolling is obtained like this:
Take a regular screenshot by pressing the power and volume down keys simultaneously, or swiping your palm across the screen from the left or right side to the opposite side. A pop-up menu will appear at the bottom. Click on the square with the arrow in the left corner. Hold it until the desired moment or until the limit is reached. It is impossible to take an infinitely long screenshot - scrolling stops after about 15 screens. The leftmost button will start scrolling down The leftmost button will start scrolling down If the limit is reached, you can take another long screenshot If the limit is reached, you can take another long screenshot Common functions Knox Secure Folder What it is: An encrypted folder that can only be accessed with a PIN , pattern, or fingerprint Where it’s available: On devices with One UI 1.0 and above
How to enable and use. In this folder you can store programs, documents, photos, audio and other files, even a separate account for the browser. And screenshots from programs protected by Knox go to the protected gallery and are not displayed in the main one.
Open Settings. Go to the “Biometrics and Security” section. Go to the Knox Folder section. Create a folder - the process takes about two minutes. Click Continue. Set a PIN , pattern or fingerprint to unlock the folder. Add the required programs and files. At the creation stage, we set the lock type to protect the folder At the creation stage, we set the lock type to protect the folder Add files or applications Add files or applications Neurofunctions Built-in analogue of ChatGPT What is it: Samsung AI neural network - an analogue of ChatGPT, built into the standard virtual keyboard Where is it available: on devices with One UI 6.0 and higher
How to enable and use. Using the new AI button on the keyboard in any application, you can ask questions, run a spell check, translate or summarize the text. There is support for the Russian language.
Before sending a message, you can ask the AI to edit it. For example, write it in a business or conversational style. Before sending a message, you can ask the AI to edit it. For example, write it in a business or conversational style. Neurofunctions Auto-formatting notes What it is: You can tidy up and add structure to your text entries Where it’s available: On devices with One UI 6.0 and above
How to enable and use: In the standard Notes application, you need to open a note and select the option to format text using AI.
The system will divide the text into paragraphs according to meaning, suggest headings, and format similar data as a list The system will divide the text into paragraphs according to meaning, suggest headings, and format similar data as a list Neurofunctions Brief summary of pages in the browser What it is: A short summary of any open page in the browser Where it is available: On devices with One UI 6.0 and above
How to enable and use. Open any page in the browser and launch the AI using the button - inside there will be a short summary of the text with the main thoughts and facts.
1 / 2 AI options for retelling and translating pages are available in the standard browser Neurofunctions Search the Internet by image What is it: the option is similar to the built-in photo search in the search engines Yandex and Google Where is it available: on devices with One UI 6.0 and higher
How to turn on and use. Press the Home button and circle the desired object on the screen. The system will search for photos in Google and suggest the breed of animal, car brand, model of clothes or shoes.
The new option is built into the system and works in any application. The new option is built into the system and works in any application. The new option is built into the system and works in any application. Neurofunctions Removing and moving objects in a photo What it is: The built-in photo editor lets you remove objects from photos, move them, or resize them, and when you crop or rotate a photo, AI will fill in the missing areas of the frame. Where it’s available: on devices with One UI 6.0 and above.
How to enable and use. In the photo editor, you need to press the AI activation button. After that, you can select and move objects, delete unnecessary things from the photo, or crop the picture and fill the frame.
If you edit a photo using AI, the photo will have a watermark and a note in the metadata If you edit a photo using AI, the photo will have a watermark and a note in the metadata Neurofunctions Create Slo-mo from any video What is it: neural networks fill in missing frames and turn a regular video into a slow-motion one. Where is it available: on devices with One UI 6.0 and above
How to enable and use. You need to find any video in the gallery and hold your finger on the screen. Slow playback will turn on.
Slo-mo mode is no longer needed, slow-motion video can be made after shooting Slo-mo mode is no longer needed, slow-motion video can be made after shooting Neurofunctions AI Desktop Wallpaper Generator What it is: You can create unique background images according to specified parameters Where it is available: on devices with One UI 6.0 and above
How to enable and use. In the new desktop settings section, you need to select a template, add clarifying words and specify a color palette. AI will offer several generated images to choose from.
Friends and acquaintances will definitely not have such a picture Friends and acquaintances will definitely not have such a picture Friends and acquaintances will definitely not have such a picture Neurofunctions Real-time conversation translation What is it: AI can translate the speech of interlocutors into the desired language on the fly Where is it available: on devices with One UI 6.0 and above, Russian is not supported yet
How to enable and use. If you press the AI assistant button during a phone call , the system will start translating the speech. Each interlocutor will hear a voice translation into their language or see the text on the screen.
The voice translator is available without a phone call; you can translate text in a chat or browser.
You can choose between voice translation or text transcript of the dialogue You can choose between voice translation or text transcript of the dialogue Neurofunctions Transcript of voice recorder recording into text What it is: Audio recordings in the built-in voice recorder can be turned into a text note Where it is available: on devices with One UI 6.0 and above, Russian language is not supported yet
How to enable and use. When recording a conversation on a voice recorder, AI will separate the speech of the interlocutors and translate it into text on the fly. The transcript will appear in the voice recorder.
AI will not only decipher the dialogue, but also collect the main ideas in a short summary AI will not only decipher the dialogue, but also collect the main ideas in a short summary