15 Ultimate Smartphone Life Hacks

Smartphones have come a long way in the past few years, and, for most, living life without one is unimaginable. They help us manage our diaries, keep us constantly connected, have near on replaced digital cameras and can even, occasionally, be used to make actual phone calls. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With the launch of the new Samsung Galaxy S5 imminent, we’ve rounded up our favourite smartphone-related life hacks, so you can squeeze the most out of your mobile.

1. Turn a water bottle into a lamp using your smartphone light

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Just place the smartphone light under the water bottle for a makeshift lantern that distributes a bright light. Great for power cuts or camping.

2. Make your battery last longer when you’re out and about

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For most smartphones, switching to airplane mode will extend your battery life. The S5’s Ultra Power Saving Mode goes one step further, switching your display to black and white and turning off all background features, while still letting you make and receive calls. So you can pull an all-nighter at the club without worrying about charging.

3. Put your phone in a glass to amplify the sound

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Your impromptu kitchen party will be the talk of the town.

4. Use your phone’s finger sensor to hide your secrets from nosy friends

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Private mode on the S5 means that your fingerprint – and yours alone – will unlock any private info you have stored.

5. Slow your heart rate by blowing on your thumb

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Your thumb has a pulse, so slow it down with a breath of fresh air. Want to see if it works? Use your S5's heart rate monitor to check the result.

6. Jazz up your phone charger with a splash of glow-in-the-dark paint

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You’ll never struggle to find it in the dark again.

7. Take a photo of your fridge before going shopping

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It’s quicker than making a list, and guarantees you won’t forget what you‘ve got at home and what you need to stock up on.

8. Combine 4G and Wi-Fi to get downloads done in a rush

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Another one for the S5 – when you’re about to lose internet connection (when boarding the tube, perhaps), then you can use download booster, which combines 4G and Wi-Fi, to get it done in record time.

9. Take a photo of your car in a busy car park

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An easy way to remember where you left it.

10. Use your phone camera to take photos of important documents

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That way, if they get lost when travelling, you’ll have all your important info. The bonus of private mode on the S5 means you won’t have to worry about prying eyes.

11. Take snaps of items you lend to friends and family

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You won’t have to worry about forgetting who borrowed what.

12. Create your own bathroom spa

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The S5 is water resistant in up to 1m of water for up to 30 minutes. So you don’t have to worry about accidental spills while using your smartphone to playing soothing music as you take a dip.

13. Take a screenshot of your travel route before getting on the tube

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No service? No problem! A quick snap of your route will make sure you don’t forget your stop, even when your connection cuts out.

14. Turn your home into a photo gallery

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One thing that’s unique to the new S5 is its 16MP camera. More megapixels mean sharper images, so you can print your smartphone snaps and adorn your walls for a bit of DIY decor.

15. Play games without the ads by putting your phone on airplane mode

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It will also keep you free from any other interruptions. Go forth and get that high score!