Samsung Galaxy S21 Guides

One UI 6

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 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

Understand and Use Galaxy S21 Lock Screen

Understand and Use Galaxy S21 Lock ScreenYou have to use the Galaxy S21 lock screen to secure your Galaxy S21 and control access to your phone and data.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains the role of the Galaxy S21 lock screen, pages, layout and the meaning of each item on the Galaxy S21 lock screen, and how to use gestures on the lock screen.

The lock screen is identical on all Galaxy S21 phones (Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra). So, this guide applies to all Galaxy S21 phones.

If you have updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 14 (One UI 6), you can reposition the clock on the lock screen.

The role of the Galaxy S21 lock screen

The lock screen is an essential part of a smartphone.  It is part of the security system of the phone.

You can think Galaxy S21 lock screen as the only entrance for your Galaxy S21. It is an analogy of the main door of your home.

Therefore, you need to secure the lock screen on Galaxy S21 so that only you can “unlock” it. You should set up a screen lock (PIN, password, or pattern) to lock down … Read the rest

Ultimate Guide for Galaxy S21 Camera Settings

Galaxy S21 Camera SettingsGalaxy S21 camera settings let you fine-tune the camera so that you can take desired photos with Galaxy S21.

This Galaxy S21 camera guide explains everything you need to know about Galaxy S21 camera settings, the meanings and usage of Galaxy S21 camera settings, and how to reset Galaxy S21 camera settings.

Although Galaxy S21 Ultra has significantly more powerful camera sensors than Galaxy S21 and S21+, the camera app is almost identical on all these three Galaxy S21 phones. So, this guide applies to all 3 Galaxy S21 models.

If you have updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 13 (One UI 5), you will see the new entry of Watermark, which lets you enable and customize watermarks on photos taken with the Galaxy S21 camera app.

If you have updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 14 (One UI 6), you should see some of the new camera settings, e.g., turn off swipe up/down to switch cameras, document scan (Auto Scan), quality level selection, auto FPS. Please refer to this guide (coming soon) on the new camera features in the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S23.

How to access Galaxy S21 Camera

… 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

How to use Galaxy S21 camera quick launch?

How to use Galaxy S21 camera quick launch?You can use Galaxy S21 camera quick launch to open the camera app instantly without looking at the phone, even without unlocking the phone.

This Galaxy S21 camera guide explains what Galaxy S21 camera quick launch is, how to use it, and how to disable or enable it on Galaxy S21, S21+, or S21 Ultra.

Galaxy S21 camera quick launch is a standard feature of Galaxy S21. So it works identically on all three models of Galaxy S21 (S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra).

If you have updated your Galaxy S21 to Android 14 (One UI 6), you can now use the camera widget to launch the camera app quickly with any specific camera mode from the Home screen.

What is Galaxy S21 camera quick launch and how to use it?

Sometimes, you may need to take a photo or record a video as soon as possible because the perfect moment may go on forever if you miss it.

But opening the camera app on Galaxy S21 by locating and tapping the camera app icon on the Galaxy S21 Home screen or Lock screen can take considerable time, and therefore, you may miss some precious moments.

Voice … Read the rest

How to charge Galaxy S21 battery properly?

How to charge Galaxy S21 battery properly?You need to charge Galaxy S21 battery properly to slow down the degradation of battery performance over time.

This Galaxy S21 how-to guide explains everything you need to know on how to charge Galaxy S21 battery properly. The two charging modes (USB cable, wireless charging) are explained and illustrated with detailed steps. Questions related to charging Galaxy S21 battery, including the first time charging, disabling fast charging, overnight charging, topping up the battery, draining up the battery,   are answered.

All three Galaxy S21 models (Galaxy S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra) use identical battery and charging technology. So, this guide applies to all these 3 models.

Update: in the Android 14 (One UI 6) update for Galaxy S23, S22, and S21, the battery settings are separated from the Device Care.

Two charging modes to charge Galaxy S21 battery

You can charge Galaxy S21 battery in two different modes:

  1. USB  cable charging.
  2. Wireless charging.

These two modes are based on different technologies. And there are different standards for these two charging methods.

USB cable charging

USB cable charging is common among smartphones. Almost all smartphones support USB cable charging.

But charging speed differs dramatically due to various … Read the rest