The Tool Desk
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For a better-balanced Galaxy phone, start by reviewing app permissions and battery use, then adjust background limits, charging protection, and automation to fit your habits. Settings and menu paths vary by model, region, Android version, and One UI version; if a path below differs, search Settings for the feature name.
Review privacy access without breaking apps you rely on
Check which apps can use sensitive information before removing access. An app may need a permission for a feature you use, such as navigation or taking photos. Samsung’s Security and privacy guide describes reviewing app permissions on Galaxy devices.
Change permissions app by app
- Open Settings > Security and privacy > Privacy > Permission manager.
- Choose a permission, such as Camera, Microphone, or Location, to see which apps have access.
- Select an app and choose an available option. Depending on the permission and software, choices can include Allow, Don’t allow, Allow only while using the app, or Ask every time.
For location, consider approximate access when an app does not need your precise position. Android’s privacy overview explains this control.
Check recent access and camera or microphone use
Android’s Privacy dashboard shows which apps accessed sensitive data and when. The history window depends on Android version: Google says it covers seven days on Android 13 and 24 hours on Android 12. See Google’s Privacy dashboard help for details.
#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
Galaxy phones can show a green indicator when an app is using the camera or microphone. If you do not recognize the activity, review permissions for the app. Samsung’s Gulf support article, updated June 11, 2026, explains how to identify apps using these sensors: camera and microphone indicators.
Consider Auto Blocker if you install apps outside official stores
Samsung describes Auto Blocker as a way to block apps downloaded from unverified sources outside the Play Store or Galaxy Store. Look for it under Settings > Security and privacy if your device supports it. Samsung notes that security features are not available on every device; see its security troubleshooting guide.
Rank #2
- 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.
Improve battery behavior by finding the cause first
Before restricting apps, inspect which ones and which phone features are using battery. Samsung recommends reviewing battery usage and identifies display settings, Power saving, and Background usage limits as controls to consider. Instructions vary by model and software; see Samsung’s battery optimization guidance and Galaxy battery optimization page.
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Use sleeping apps selectively
Sleeping apps are restricted from running freely in the background. Deep sleeping apps work only when opened, according to Samsung’s sleeping apps guide. That can reduce background activity, but Samsung developer documentation notes that background restrictions can affect jobs, alarms, and foreground services.
Rank #3
- 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
Do not put an app into deep sleep if you depend on it for timely messages, health alerts, navigation, or automation. After changing sleep settings, check that notifications and syncing still work as expected. For notification troubleshooting, Samsung also provides a guide for Secure Folder notifications.
Choose Power saving for the limits you can accept
Power saving can change display or connectivity behavior, and Samsung says users may be able to configure which features it affects. Exact options depend on device and software. Use it when the trade-off suits your needs, rather than expecting a guaranteed amount of extra runtime; Samsung’s Power saving guidance describes the available controls.
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.
Set a charge limit that matches your day
Battery protection options depend on Galaxy model and One UI version. Samsung’s UK guide, updated May 21, 2024, describes these options in One UI 6.1:
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|---|---|---|
| Basic | Stops charging at 100% and resumes when the battery falls to 95%. | Allows a full charge, but does not keep the phone capped below 100%. |
| Adaptive | Uses Maximum while the phone estimates you are asleep, then switches before your wake time. | Depends on the phone’s estimate of your sleep and wake schedule. |
| Maximum | Stops charging at 80%. | Limits the charge available for the day. |
Samsung says older software may offer only an 85% limit, and battery optimization varies by model. These controls are not a guarantee of a particular battery lifespan. Check Samsung’s Battery protection guide for version-specific details.
Best Value
- 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.
Automate recurring changes with Modes and Routines
Modes and Routines can apply settings based on a schedule or context. Samsung’s examples include muting notifications and enabling Wi-Fi for work, or lowering brightness at bedtime. Custom modes can also include Do not disturb and app-use restrictions. Availability and options differ by model and software; see Samsung’s Modes and Routines guide.
Quick Recap
- Open Settings > Modes and Routines.
- Choose a mode or create a routine, then select its trigger, such as a time or context, and the actions it should apply.
- Start with a small change—such as lowering brightness at bedtime—and test it before adding more actions.
- Check that important alarms, notifications, and connectivity behave as you expect when the automation runs.
Choose controls by the trade-off you want
- Privacy: Less app access can mean less data exposure, but may disable a feature that depends on that permission.
- Background activity: More restrictions can reduce work outside the app, but may delay notifications or syncing.
- Charging: A lower cap may limit the charge available for a day away from an outlet.
- Automation: Scheduled changes save repeated effort, but settings may change when you would rather keep manual control.
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