Was one of the best flagships of 2014, and it's still one of the most popular devices of the Galaxy generation. Its remarkable processor and stellar camera are complemented by a comparatively unappealing design. Now that the Galaxy S5 is more than a couple of years old, it's time to show you some ways to improve your phone. Read on for our best tips and tricks for samsung galaxy S5.
Cinema mode
Cinema is the best mode for watching videos, playing games and even shopping online. You can easily find it in Settings - Display. "Cinema" mode provides better color reproduction and makes the perception of the picture more pleasant. Try checking out the tips and tricks below, but switch to cinema mode.
One handed use
Some people with small hands might find the 142 x 72.5mm Galaxy S5 a bit big for one hand. Luckily, Samsung offers a feature that could help. This is called the one-hand operation mode. The feature reduces the size of the screen you are using and shifts it so that you can reach every part of it with your thumb.
To enable this feature, go to Settings - Sound & Display - One-handed operation. Once the feature is enabled, you can access it by swiping your thumb towards the side of the screen. The feature also enables quick access to certain apps at the bottom of the minimized window. You can also adjust their size by dragging the outer corner of the screen.
Private mode
It's not uncommon for smartphone users to worry about privacy, but Samsung has tweaked the privacy feature for the Galaxy S5. Private mode lets you hide documents, videos, and photos. To access them, you must enter a PIN code.
First enable the function in Settings - Personalization, then create a PIN code. You will see that the mode is activated on the notification panel. Now, for example, go to the Gallery application, use a long press on the photo you want to move to a closed area.
Click on the menu button and select "Move to Private". These pictures will be moved to another folder, which will disappear when you exit private mode.
S Finder
You can use S Finder to find anything on your Samsung Galaxy S5, whether it's an app, event, contact, Google Disk document, or other file. Just pull out the notification bar and you will see an "S Finder" button.
Click on it, a new window will open where you can enter search criteria. This will save you a lot of time navigating your smartphone.
List View settings mode
When I first saw the new TouchWiz settings menu, I couldn't believe how unwieldy it was. To make navigation easier, you should switch from icon display (the default) to something simpler, such as a list. This should reduce the amount of time it takes to scroll.
Turn on power saving mode
If it's not one of the first things you do when you get a new one Galaxy smartphone, you must do it. We recommend getting familiar with the S5's two power saving modes and what they actually do. Ultra power saving mode is an extreme case when you are on a trip or you are offline for a long time. This is an emergency power saving mode, which greatly limits the functions of the S5 to extend the time battery life phone. The mode is not ideal for everyday use, but very useful in emergencies.
However, the normal power saving mode can be used more often, but you can enable background data transfer and possibly disable grayscale mode to tailor the feature to your needs.
Screen brightness and screen timeout
We've said this before, and we'll say it again: your screen is the biggest drain on your smartphone's battery, so you need to manage it. This means manually adjusting the screen brightness.
Not only does auto brightness change screen settings up and down all day, it also uses too much brightness. Get your display working right and you'll make great strides in battery management. Don't forget to set a short screen timeout and avoid live wallpapers.
Use black wallpaper
Sounds stupid, doesn't it? Well, it's not, it's science. The Galaxy S5 uses Samsung's Super AMOLED technology, which is based on LED technology.
The LED screen does not have to be active to create black pixels: black is obtained by turning off the LEDs. On the other hand, LCD panels require the display to show black. You can search for a more detailed description of technologies on the Internet. The black wallpaper allows you to keep most of the panel off, which saves energy.
Use the Samsung Dashboard
Samsung Toolbox's smart floating bubble gives you quick access to a group of customizable apps from any screen. This is a great feature that everyone should use.
Just go to settings (easy to access by dragging down with two fingers) and turn on the toolbar. You can then drag the little three-dot bubble wherever you want to avoid accidentally clicking it, or tap on it to open your favorite apps.
Manage background apps and notifications
The idea is simple: when your notification light flashes on your phone like a puppy tugging at your boot, you rush to find the cause. More screen time means more battery drain (and you'll be surprised how many times you turn your screen on unnecessarily, as well as having an impact on overall battery life).
Go to "Sounds and Notifications" in your settings and then to App Notifications. If you're bombarded with unwanted notifications from Puzzle Temple Candy and Adventure Blast 3, just select that app from the list and uncheck the Notifications box.
Reduce the vibration intensity or turn it off completely, also in Sounds and Notifications.
Turn off smart gestures
If you've never taken screenshots with your palm or Air Browse to navigate your emails or web pages, then you could live without smart gestures.
Disabling all of these sensors will also have a positive effect on your battery. Of course, you can always return them if needed. Don't forget to disable Smart Stay in the display settings as well.
Set up your finger scanner correctly
Despite criticisms of the Galaxy S5's fingerprint scanner, it works consistently if you can set it up right.
When you enroll your fingerprints, make sure you hold your smartphone the same way you would when unlocking it when you swipe down on the home button. This means that the fingerprint that registers the device is in the same position as always, which will greatly facilitate the work of the scanner.
Use your smartphone with gloves
There is no need for a special pair of touch gloves for the Galaxy S5. By increasing the pressure sensitivity, you can easily navigate the phone even when wearing gloves. Just go to "Settings" - "Display" and check "Increase sensitivity".
Enable bootloader
Samsung has equipped the S5 with Download Booster, a tool that helps you download large files faster, which is especially important if you're in a hurry or just plain impatient. The technology works by combining Wi-Fi with LTE. That helps to significantly increase the download speed. But keep in mind that this solution involves a significant amount of mobile data, so if you have an expensive data plan, it's best not to abuse this tool.
To enable the bootloader, simply go to Settings and scroll down to Network Connections. There you will see the "Download Booster" option. Click on it, and then slide the switch to the right.
Know of other useful tips and tricks for Samsung Galaxy S5? Do you think they will help you get the most out of your Galaxy S5? Write us.
Many devices running the Android OS are additionally equipped with a special environment - the engineering menu. With its help, the user has the opportunity to test all the sensors and modules of the mobile device, as well as adjust certain parameters of the gadget for himself for its more comfortable use. In Samsung phones, Engineering Mode is hidden in the system by default. And in different models, the entrance to it is performed differently. Yes, and the functionality of this area may also differ. Let's look at how to enter the engineering menu on the Samsung Galaxy A5, Galaxy S6, J3 and other smartphones from the Galaxy line.
Where to find the engineering menu on Samsung Galaxy
The main purpose of Engineering Mode is to fully test mobile devices at the final stage of their production. The specified environment was originally developed for debuggers of smartphones and tablets, but today anyone can use it. The main thing is to know how to open the technical mode on Galax.
You can enter the engineering menu using a special combination (USSD code), which is written in the dial pad. At the same time, in different phone models, these commands may differ:
- in Samsung J7 and J1, the combination *#*#0011# is relevant;
- for Samsung Galaxy A5, Galaxy S5, Galaxy S6, *#*#8255#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#*;
- on Samsung Galaxy A3 the code is *#*#9646633#*#*;
- for Samsung Galaxy S3 – *#*#0#*#*;
- in Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge - *#*#8255#*#* or *#*#4636#*#*.
On other devices from the Galaxy line, you can use the service combinations *#*#4636#*#*, *#*#8255#*#* or *#*#3646633#*#*.
If you can’t open the engineering menu using the above commands, you can resort to one of the programs designed specifically for this purpose (EngineerMode, Mobileuncle Tools, Shortcut Master, etc.). To start the technical mode, just install and run one of the utilities. After that, you will automatically enter Engineering Mode.
All applications for opening the engineering menu work only with MTK processors (MT6573, MT6577, MT6589, etc.) and with some Exyon chips. For phones equipped with a Qualcomm CPU (for example, Samsung Galaxy A5), such software will be useless.
The main features of the engineering menu on the Samsung Galaxy
Having figured out how to enter the engineering menu on Samsung, let's look at its main features. A full-fledged Engineering Mode for MTK chips is equipped with a large number of tools with which you can make a complete diagnosis and fine-tune Samsung in many ways.
However, many smartphones have a stripped-down version of the technical mode, which somewhat reduces its functionality. And in mobile devices based on the Qualcomm processor through the engineering menu, you can only view information about some modules and perform small tests of the main elements of the phone (display, modem, SIM cards and battery).
On the Samsung Galaxy A5 and Galaxy S6, the main sections of the engineering menu are:
- Telephony;
- Wireless interfaces (Connectivity);
- Test mode (Hardware Testing).
In the Telephony tab, the user has the ability to:
The Connectivity section is intended for diagnosing and configuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and FM wireless modules. It is not recommended to change anything here, as this can lead to the failure of the smartphone.
The most popular engineering menu tab is Hardware Testing. This is where you can test the performance of the processor, battery, speakers, camera, display and GPS module. This area allows you to make a complete diagnosis of Samsung at the time of its purchase and identify possible product malfunctions.
Samsung has changed the way the settings menu looks to new Galaxy S5 and it doesn't look terrible. But the change may be discouraging for some. Luckily, it only takes a few minutes of your time so you can easily change appearance and menu behavior to your liking.
To get started, launch "Settings", click on the menu icon (three dots in the upper right corner) and select the desired layout. Before clicking anything else, here's what each of the three different layouts looks like.
By default, the setup menu is set to what Samsung calls "Grid Mode." As you can see in the screenshot above, the grid view displays icons (similar to app icons) for each respective option. Below the grid layout, you'll notice expandable sections arranged and titled according to the type of settings you'll find in the corresponding section.
The "List" layout is more traditional for Android settings. Each section is displayed as a vertical list that you can quickly scroll through to find what you're looking for. Everything is divided into sections, but they cannot be collapsed.
There is a familiar "Tabs" layout that is often found on Samsung devices. Here you will find sections displayed as lists, but each section is only visible when its tab at the top of the screen is selected. You will need to scroll the tabs horizontally to view additional sections.
Finally, another nice addition is the ability to adjust the Quick Settings options (the first set of options, no matter which layout you're using). Again, click on the menu button, but this time select "Change quick settings". From here, select the items you want to add or remove from the quick settings section.
We assume that you probably know how to change the wallpaper on your phone, as well as add and remove folders and widgets. But do you know how to delete change font size and type?
Everything is very simple. In the settings, select DISPLAY - FONT - FONT STYLE. You will see a list of available fonts. It's worth knowing that only some of the font is free. The rest ranges from $1 to $4. The changed font will be available both in the phone menu and in the browser. You can also change the font size from tiny to huge in this menu.
2. Change default icons on Samsung Galaxy S5
Fun fact: different countries have different icons.
But there is no way to change them. Therefore, so that on the main page of your Samsung Galaxy S5 there are no well-known icons that you hardly use, just drag them to another place. Free up space for the icons and apps you really need.
3. Change Folder Color on Samsung Galaxy S5
On the subject of folders. Samsung has rethought their design in this smartphone. In the Galaxy S4, the folders are more rounded, while in the Galaxe S5 they are already square. But there is a little surprise here - the colors. Click on the button in the form of three dots on any folder, and you can choose colors. Five color options are available: blue, brown, green, gray and burgundy.
4. Make 3D Home Screen on Samsung Galaxy S5
Swipe your finger across the screen from right to left and you will see how subtly the screens change each other. Two changing screens create a 3D effect. The Samsung Galaxy S5 provides other swipe options as well. First, find an empty space on the home screen, press and hold on it until the controls appear. Select the SETTINGS button and then TRANSITION EFFECT. A menu will appear with the paging options. Here you can disable this feature altogether.
5. Close "My Journal" on Samsung Galaxy S5
If you decide you don't need the My Magazine feature on your Samsung Galaxy S5, you can easily turn it off. It is also necessary to enter the SCREEN SETTINGS menu.
This additional Flipboard function is located to the left of the rest of the home tables. To go to My Magazine, you need to swipe the screen to the right. This feature is set by default.
6. Creative Daydream Screensavers on Samsung Galaxy S5
To turn off the Daydream mode, go to the SETTINGS - DISPLAY - DAYDREAM menu.
7. Screen motto
The Galaxy S5 retains the ability to leave reminders, a motto, or write your name on the lock screen. True, in the case of S5, the font of this text has decreased, but has not disappeared at all.
The message text can be edited by going to SETTINGS - SCREEN LOCK - OWNER DETAILS. You can enter any type of message in the hidden field. And while unlocking the phone, you will definitely notice a reminder message.
1. One-hand operation
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is still a big smartphone and Samsung knows it. Fortunately, there is a special mode in the settings, which, when turned on, allows you to “squeeze” the smartphone’s screen to size so that it is convenient to cope with the interface with one hand – or rather, with the thumb.
If it is convenient for you to operate with your left hand and position the screen display on the left side of the display, you can move it yourself. This option first appeared on Galaxy Note. You can find it in the sound and display settings.
2. Toolbox
The Toolbox toolbar allows you to use the context menu on the Galaxy S5. This option is also hidden in the sound and display settings.
All you need to do is add your favorite applications, but no more than 5. After that, a small “floating” button will be located on the screen, which will always be located on the smartphone screen. This means that at any time you can open the desired application, regardless of what is currently open on the screen - you are reading a message, viewing a page in a browser, or something similar.
3. Scan the fingerprint with a lateral movement of the finger
This paragraph sounds completely incomprehensible. But you already know that the Galaxy S5 has such a scanner that can be used both to unlock the smartphone and to third party applications to authenticate actions, but it is impossible to use this option with one hand.
Luckily, you can register your fingerprint by swiping sideways instead of up and down. Just open the scanner settings and ignore the demo when the top down gesture is shown. You can register your thumb print by moving it sideways. This will also work.
4. Grouping applications into folders
If you think you know everything about this, you are probably wrong. To keep your app drawer tidy, create folders here. This will allow you to save space by not having to constantly scroll through the menu in search of the desired application. What could be easier - to group the games in one folder.
To create a new folder, you must open the application tray and press the button in the upper right corner and select the option to create a folder. You can then open a new folder and add the applications you see fit here.
5. HDR mode
There is one new feature in the Galaxy S5 camera - to show the picture in HDR processing even before you take a new picture. Now you do not have to take pictures first, and then see the result.
This means that you can immediately balance the settings as desired - contrast, shadow, etc.
6. Display the number of steps on the lock screen
Samsung has added some new fitness options in the updated S Health 3.0. Now the pedometer can constantly show the number of steps taken, but there is an interesting feature right there - this can be presented immediately on the lock screen. Whenever you pick up your smartphone, you will know how far you have walked.
7. Open quick settings with a two-finger swipe
There are hardware keys for quick access to the notification panel, but if you need to open the entire list of settings toggles, then just swipe down with two fingers across the screen.
This is actually a standard feature for Android, but Samsung has perfected it to the max so that you can open the settings whenever you want and enable/disable any settings option.
8. Multi-window multitasking
The Galaxy S5 has a multi-window option, which is a feature of the Galaxy Note family. Now you don't have to think about the fact that you have to minimize the application to open another one. The Galaxy S5's 5-inch screen lets you run two apps at the same time.
Recall that with this mode of operation, the smartphone offers a split screen - on one part you can, for example, chat on Twitter, and on the second part you can browse the web.
9. No extra apps
Samsung has prepared many new branded bells and whistles for the Galaxy S5, but unlike previous generations of devices, this time Samsung decided not to overload new flagship all applications at once. You have received only the essentials.
However, you can find the branded Samsung Apps app in the app tray - in this market you can easily download many additional apps for free, including WatchOn, Samsung Wallet or S Note.
10. Changed navigation
The Galaxy S5 has already received a reconfiguration of the buttons at the bottom. As usual, the central button is the standard "Home", but earlier there were buttons on the sides of the Back and the application button.
Now there is no menu button. Instead, you'll have to use the Menu button in the apps themselves, which was already on the transitional Galaxy S4. This is a direct jump to the standard set of buttons found in stock Android.
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