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Five built-in Galaxy features repay a few minutes of setup: One-handed mode (and One Hand Operation+) for reaching the whole screen, Edge panels for one-swipe access to favourite apps, Modes and Routines for changing settings automatically, Motions and gestures for touch-free controls, and Secure Folder for private files. All five sit in Galaxy settings or a Samsung-published download, so you do not need extra hardware to try them.
Samsung’s support pages do not measure how many owners use these features, so this is a practical guide to what each one does, not a ranking of how often they are ignored.
Before you start: check your menu paths
- The paths below follow Samsung’s US support pages, which were checked in early October 2026. Where Samsung’s UK or Australian guidance differs, that is noted.
- Samsung’s UK One-handed mode and One Hand Operation+ page was last updated on 3 June 2024. Its Australian One-handed mode guide was updated on 10 August 2026 and is written for Australian variant devices.
- Availability depends on model, software version and region. Samsung says the features vary by device, so a path that does not match your phone is a signal to search Settings for the feature name rather than assume the feature is missing.
One-handed mode and One Hand Operation+
One-handed mode temporarily scales the display down so that controls at the top of a large screen come within thumb reach. It is for smartphones only, according to Samsung’s UK guidance.
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- Open Settings.
- Tap Advanced features.
- Tap One-handed mode, switch it on, and choose the gesture or button method you want to use to trigger it.
One Hand Operation+ is a different tool. You download it from Galaxy Store. It assigns actions to short swipes from the screen edges, and you can customise the handles and map each gesture to an action or an app. Samsung says it is available on phones and tablets, which makes it the option to look at for a tablet. Because it is a separate download, check the Galaxy Store listing for your device before you install it.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Edge panels
Edge panels put favourite apps, contacts and tools behind a small handle on the screen edge, so you can open them with a swipe instead of going to the home screen.
- Open Settings, then tap Display.
- Tap Edge panels.
- Select the panels you want, then adjust the handle’s position and appearance.
Samsung says panels can be disabled if the handle gets in the way. Some downloadable panels may cost money, and some devices do not support Edge panels at all, so check your model before you plan around them.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Modes and Routines
Modes and Routines run actions when a condition you set is met. Samsung’s examples include muting sounds and turning on Wi-Fi when you arrive at work, or lowering screen brightness at bedtime. Each routine has two parts: an If condition and a Then action. Once a mode is set up, you can also start it from Quick settings.
- Open Settings, then tap Modes and Routines.
- Create a routine, or open an existing one.
- Set the condition under If, such as a time, a place or an event.
- Set the actions under Then, such as muting sounds or changing brightness.
- Test the routine once in its normal setting before you rely on it.
Before you enable a routine that depends on location or other sensitive data, review the permissions it asks for and Samsung’s Privacy Notice, both available from the app’s settings. Samsung also states that availability varies by device and software version.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Motions and gestures
Motions and gestures let you control the phone with movement or a tap. Open Settings, tap Advanced features, then tap Motions and gestures. Each control can be turned on or off individually. Samsung’s list includes:
- Lift to wake, which turns the screen on when you pick the phone up.
- Double tap to turn the screen on or off.
- Keep screen on while viewing.
- Alert when phone picked up.
- Mute and cover gestures.
- Finger-sensor gestures.
- Palm swipe to capture, which takes a screenshot with a swipe of your hand.
Lift to wake
Useful when the phone sits on a desk and you want the screen to wake as soon as you grab it. Turn it off if the screen wakes too often in a pocket or bag.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Palm swipe to capture
A swipe of the side of your hand across the screen takes a screenshot. It is unavailable while the keyboard is showing, so use the side buttons in that case.
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Finger-sensor gestures
These use the fingerprint sensor for shortcuts. Samsung says the gesture is unavailable on phones with under-display sensors and on several newer Fold and Flip models listed on its current support page, so check the page for your device before you rely on it.
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Secure Folder
Secure Folder is a locked space for private or sensitive files and photos. Samsung says it is supported by Samsung Knox, its security platform. On Samsung’s US support pages, the path is:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Security and privacy.
- Tap More security settings.
- Tap Secure Folder and follow the prompts to set it up.
Treat Secure Folder as one privacy layer, not a guarantee. Samsung states that not all security features are available on all devices, and nothing in its support material promises protection in every situation. Keep backups of anything important, and do not rely on the folder as your only copy.
Quick Recap
Which feature fits which problem
| Problem | Feature to try |
|---|---|
| Top of a large phone screen is hard to reach with one thumb | One-handed mode |
| Same reach problem on a tablet | One Hand Operation+ |
| Opening favourite apps or tools in one motion | Edge panels |
| Phone should change settings at set times or places | Modes and Routines |
| Waking the screen or taking a screenshot without buttons | Motions and gestures |
| Keeping private photos and files separate from everyday apps | Secure Folder |
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