Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

Android 12

Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10

Top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10After updating your Galaxy S21, S20, or S10 to Android 12, you will encounter many new features in Android 12 update (both One UI 4.0 and One UI 4.1).

This Galaxy S21 guide explains the top 12 new features in Android 12 update (One UI 4.1/4.0) for Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to help you use these new features effectively on your Galaxy S21, S20, or S10.

As discussed in this guide, there are two Android 12 updates for Galaxy S21, S20, and S10.  Some new features were added in the One UI 4.0 update and some in the One UI 4.1 update. The top 12 new features in Android 12 update for Galaxy S21, S20, and S10 discussed in this guide include:

  1. Camera and microphone indicators (One UI 4.0).
  2. More transfer options in Smart Switch (One UI 4.1).
  3. Voice memo on the lock screen (One UI 4.0).
  4. Extra dim screen (One UI 4.0).
  5. Writing Assistant (Grammarly integration) on Samsung Keyboard (One UI 4.0).
  6. Customisable virtual memory (RAM Plus) (One UI 4.1)
  7. Skip an alarm just once (One UI 4.0).
  8. Portraits for pets (One UI 4.0).
  9. Extra time for single-take mode (One UI 4.0).
  10. Telephoto lens in Pro and
… Read the rest

Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12

Android 12 update vs One UI 4.0 vs One UI 4.1: update Galaxy S21, S20 and S10 to Android 12In almost all regions, the Android 12 update has been available for Galaxy S21, S20, and S10 since December 2021.

But there is still some confusion about the Android 12 update, One UI 4.0 update, and One UI 4.1 update.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains the difference between the Android 12 update, One UI 4.0 update, and one UI 4.1 update for Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, and S10, then shows you how to update Galaxy S21 to Android 12.  Finally, some questions you may have on updating Galaxy S21, S20, and S10 to Android 12, are answered

As the Android 12 update is almost identical for Galaxy S21, S20, and S10, this guide applies to all these three phones.

For Galaxy S10, S10+, S10e, and S10 5G, Android 12 is the last update. They will not receive the Android 13 (One UI 5) update. Update: Samsung stopped security updates for Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e in April 2023. Galaxy S20, Galaxy S21, and Galaxy S22 all received Android 13 (One UI 5.0 and One UI 5.1) updates. You may check the new features in the Android 13 update for Galaxy S21 and S22 here. … Read the rest

How to set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party apps?

set and resize photo size on Samsung Galaxy S21, S20, S10, and S9 without using any third-party appsThe default photo size on Galaxy phones is fine most of the time. But occasionally,  you may want to reduce photo size for various purposes.

This Galaxy S21 camera guide explains how to set photo size on Galaxy phones including Galaxy S21, S20, S10 and S9, how to use the Gallery app to resize photo size on these Samsung Galaxy phones, and how to revert back to the original photo size.

How to set photo size on Galaxy S21?

When Samsung switched from Samsung Experience (Samsung Launcher) to One UI with (Android Pie), the camera app was overhauled.  One of the casualties is the photo size settings.

In the old Camera app, you can set different sizes (resolutions) for the photos to be taken, as in the Galaxy S7 Camera app. If the storage is limited and you mainly share the photos through social media, you can choose a smaller photo size (lower resolution). Of course, if you may need to print the photo or view the photo on a large screen (e.g., an 8K TV), you should choose a higher resolution.

But with the Android Pie update, the user can only set the aspect ratio … Read the rest

How to use widgets on Galaxy S21?

widgets on Galaxy S21You can use widgets on Galaxy S21 to instantly access some info or specific features of some apps instead of fiddling around the app.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains what widgets on Galaxy S21 are, how to add widgets to the Galaxy S21 Home screen, and how to resize and customize widgets on Galaxy S21.

With Android 13 (One UI 5) update for Galaxy S22, S21, and S20, you can now use the stackable widgets, i.e., stacking widgets in the same location. For example, you can stack two or more copies of the Gallery Widget to show more photos concurrently on the Home screen. You can also stack multiple camera widgets (with Android 14/One UI 6 update) to access different camera modes directly.

What are widgets on Galaxy S21?

Some Galaxy S21 owners may think widgets are something new because Apple only added home screen widgets to iOS 14 last year.

In fact, widgets are a built-in feature in Android. Android users have used widgets since Android Cupcake (Android 1.5) in 2009. In other words, iPhone users are 11 years behind Android users in terms of using widgets on the home screen.

So, what are widgets on … Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

use Galaxy S21 quick settings panelGalaxy S21 quick settings panel (aka Galaxy S21 quick panel or Galaxy S21 quick setting buttons) lets you turn on/off some features or change some settings quickly from a dropdown panel without navigating through the Galaxy S21 Settings.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains what Galaxy S21 quick settings panel is, how to access the Galaxy S21 quick panel, the components in the quick settings panel on Galaxy S21, how to customize the layout of the quick settings panel, and how to add (and remove) buttons to Galaxy S21 quick panel.

Update: in the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S21, S22, and S23, the quick settings panel was greatly improved with a new button layout, smart flight mode, and instant access to the quick settings.

What is Galaxy S21 quick settings panel?

Galaxy S21 quick settings panel (aka Galaxy S21 quick panel, quick settings buttons) is a special page with some buttons for you to access or turn off some features directly without digging into the Galaxy S21 Settings page.

Just like other Android phones, you can turn on or turn off some features quickly on the quick settings panel of Galaxy … Read the rest

How to Use Galaxy S21 Camera Modes?

How to Use Galaxy S21 Camera ModesSooner or later, you will find the default camera mode (Auto mode) is not sufficient. You may want to try other Galaxy S21 camera modes to get desired photos or videos.

This Galaxy 21 camera guide explains what Galaxy S21 camera modes are, the meaning of all (15) available Galaxy S21 camera modes, when to use them, how to use them, and how to manage them on Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra.

Although Galaxy S21 Ultra differs significantly from Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+, in terms of the camera lens and capabilities, they all share an almost identical camera app. The camera models in these three Galaxy S21 phones are almost identical. So, this guide applies to all of them.

In the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S21, S22, and S23, you can now use the Camera Widget to access individual camera modes directly.

What are Galaxy S21 camera modes? Why do you need them?

By default, when you open the camera app on Galaxy S21 from the home screen or lock screen, you are in the Photo (Auto) mode. Of course, you can set it to the last used camera mode in … Read the rest

How to Use Galaxy S21 Home Screen?

Galaxy S21 Home screenGalaxy S21 Home screen is an essential part of your phone. It is a convenient location for you to open apps and check widgets.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explained what the Galaxy S21 Home screen is, why you need it, the meaning and usage of all items you may find on the Galaxy S21 Home screen, and how to use gestures on the Galaxy S21 Home screen.

Although Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra differ in hardware configurations and a few software features, the home screen is identical on these 3 phones. So, this guide applies to all Galaxy S21 phones.

What is the Galaxy S21 Home screen? Why do you need it?

Galaxy S21 Home screen is the centre of the phone. You always start from the home screen after you unlock the phone (you SHOULD set up lock screen security for Galaxy S21). It is like your desktop on a PC.

Like on other Android phones, the Galaxy S21 Home screen can be used to hold frequently used apps, app folders, and widgets. You can also use it to pin files and pictures.

So, the Galaxy S21 Home screen can help you use the phone … Read the rest

How to use Galaxy S21 Camera App?

Galaxy S21 Camera AppYou need to understand the meaning of all icons and buttons in the Galaxy S21 Camera app to take desired photos with Galaxy S21 camera.

This Galaxy S21 camera guide explains everything you need to know about the Galaxy S21 Camera app: how to access (open) the Camera app, the layout and meaning of all buttons in the app, and touchscreen gestures supported in the Galaxy S21 Camera app.

Although Galaxy S21 Ultra has a more sophisticated camera system, compared to Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+,  the Camera app on all these 3 models of Galaxy S21 phones are almost identical. So, this guide applies to all Galaxy S21 phones.

Update: if you updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 12, there are a few new features for the Galaxy S21 camera.

Update 2: In the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S23, S22, and S21, there are many new features you should try. For the Camera app, there is a new resolution button. You can also use the camera widget to access any specific camera mode from the Home screen. Document scan (Auto Scan) is also separated from the Scene Optimizer.… Read the rest

Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S21 Ultra

Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S21 UltraLike Galaxy S20, Samsung released 3 models of Galaxy S21: Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra. Many potential buyers are not sure which one to get when considering Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S21 Ultra.

This Galaxy S21 guide explains the major differences of Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+ vs Galaxy S21 Ultra and explains which model is the right one for you.

Galaxy S21 vs Galaxy S21+: the difference is on the size and material of the back cover.

Among the 3 models, Galaxy S21 and S21+ share almost identical components except for the size of the screen and the material used for the back cover.

Galaxy S21+ has a 6.7″ flat OLED screen. The screen of Galaxy S21 is noticeable smaller at 6.2″.

Except for the size, the displays on Galaxy S21 and S21+ are identical. The resolution is FHD+ (1080 x 2400, 20:9). The same Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with brightness up to 1300nits is used. Both support a 120Hz refresh rate (adaptive refreshing 48-120Hz). HDR 10+ is also supported.

The biggest difference between the Galaxy S21 and S21+ is about the material of the back cover.  Galaxy S21 has a plastic back cover and … Read the rest