Android phones can do everything iPhones can do and more. There was a time when the iPhone was actually more useful and fun to use but that time has passed. Here are just some cool and useful features you can enjoy with Android phones.
Change Wi-Fi Networks Super Quickly
Your device automatically connects to your home router. But when you are in a different location with Wi-Fi access, how do you change quickly?
The usual method is to go to Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi. That works too but it’s not quick!
Do this instead:
From the top of your phone screen, simply swipe down 2 times. This will bring up the Quick Settings menu. There, you’ll find the Wi-Fi icon. Just long-press the Wi-Fi icon and you’ll be able to see all the available Wi-Fi networks and switch easily.
Do a Screencast
Getting frustrated with helping grandpa use a particular app? With Android, you can easily share your screen or a recording of it with Android.
Use One-Handed Mode
Big screens are wonderful. You can watch videos, read, play games, and do other things easier with a bigger screen. However, it can become unwieldy when you’re forced to use just one hand.
One-handed mode slides down the user interface so you can reach things more conveniently.
Automatically Disable Phone Lock When at Home
No doubt, the phone lock is a very useful security feature. But when you’re at home or somewhere secure, unlocking the phone every time you have to use it can be tedious.
You can set your phone to automatically unlock in secure places.
Allow Phone Borrowers to Use Just One App
Sometimes you don’t have a choice but to lend someone your phone (maybe to your child or friend). However, your phone is private and there may be some things you don’t want anyone else to access.
This is when the screen-pinning feature comes in handy. Once you pin an app, the person who borrowed your phone can only access that particular app. Nifty!
Separate Volume Settings
With Android, your music player and video player have separate controls from your ring volume and alarm volume. This is a handy feature especially if you don’t want to hear incoming calls, but you want to be able to hear your alarm when it goes off.
Replace Default Apps
The apps that come bundled with Android are excellent. However, there may be other more powerful apps available. Android lets you choose which app to use as default. Let’s say you use a third-party messaging app. Every time you receive a new message, your Android phone will use the third-party app to open it.
Remove Apps You Don’t Need
Too many apps running in the background can slow down your phone. Android allows you to remove apps to save space or memory. Some apps are just annoying with too many ads or unwanted notifications. Android lets you control which apps you want to be installed.
Install Apps on Your Phone Using a Desktop
You don’t have to be on your phone to install new apps. You can use your desktop to browse the Google Play store and choose your device where you want the app installed. Still, you can install new apps on your phone directly using APK files.
Allow Guest Access
Let’s say someone needs to use several different apps on your phone. Obviously, app-pinning won’t do the trick. What you’re looking for is guest access. The person borrowing your phone will be able to access apps but not your private data.
Make Android phone More Secure
Another thing worth mentioning is security. Android is open source, and its source code is available to everyone to tear apart and scrutinize. iOS, on the other hand, is proprietary software and Apple closely guards its source code.
It may seem that iOS is harder to hack but the truth is that it’s easier to hack from the inside. You are totally reliant on Apple for your security. With Android, you can increase your security yourself and be reliant on just one company.
In conclusion, you can do more with an Android phone than with an iPhone and it’s more secure too! Consider these when buying your new phone.
