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13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ flagship smartphones launched in India just days ago, earning rave reviews for their premium design and innovative features. Powered by Android Nougat with Samsung's intuitive interface, these devices are packed with powerful capabilities. As seasoned Android experts who've hands-on tested countless Samsung flagships, we're sharing 13 essential tips to unlock their full potential.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

In this guide, discover pro-level tricks for customization, productivity, security, and more to elevate your S8 experience.

Quick Navigation:

  1. Customize the Navigation Bar
  2. Customize Edge Panels and Apps
  3. Boost Downloads
  4. Fingerprint Gestures
  5. Enhance Selfies
  6. Arrange Apps iOS-Style
  7. Manage Apps Easily
  8. Anchor the Screen
  9. One-Handed Mode
  10. Optimize Game Mode
  11. Auto-Align Icons
  12. Set Up Secure Folder
  13. Dual Audio

Also read: 3 Ways to Optimize Samsung Galaxy S8 Battery Life

1. Customize the Navigation Bar

The Galaxy S8 series replaces the physical home button with on-screen navigation buttons, with Back on the right and Recents on the left by default. Prefer the traditional layout? Easily swap them in settings. Plus, personalize with colors and adjust sensitivity for comfort.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

Pro tip: Set screen resolution to max 2960 x 1440 in Display settings for stunning visuals on the 2220 x 1080 panel.

2. Customize Edge Panels and Apps

The curved Edge display delivers quick access to weather, news, and alerts. Make it yours by downloading and swapping Edge panels like Apps, Contacts, Tasks, or Reminders.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

Access via Edge Screen Settings > Edge Panels.

3. Boost Your Downloads

Download Booster accelerates files over 30MB by combining Wi-Fi and cellular data. Toggle it on in Connections > More connection settings. Monitor data usage if capped.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

4. Fingerprint Gestures

The rear fingerprint sensor unlocks your phone and swipes down to open notifications instantly.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

Cool tip: Say "Cheese," "Smile," "Capture," or "Shoot" for hands-free camera shots.

5. Enhance Selfies

Add fun Snapchat-style filters with 31 cartoon options in the camera app—tap the bear icon. Rabbit filter is a favorite!

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

6. Arrange Apps iOS-Style

Prefer no app drawer like iOS? Go to Home screen settings > Home screen layout > Home screen only.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

7. Manage Apps Easily

Long-press any app icon for a quick menu with uninstall and other options—no dragging required.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

8. Anchor the Screen

Build on Android Nougat's split-screen: Long-press Recents, tap the dock icon, and pin a window at the top while using the bottom half—perfect for videos.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

Explore 15 coolest Android Nougat features for more.

9. One-Handed Mode

The expansive Infinity Display shines, but one-handed mode shrinks it for easy reach. Enable in Advanced features, then triple-tap Home or swipe from the corner.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

10. Optimize Game Mode

Game Launcher enhances performance with a floating sidebar for controls. Switch to performance mode for intensive gaming.

11. Auto-Align Icons

Mix Android freedom with iOS grid: Long-press home screen and tap auto-align for perfect rows, or place freely.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

12. Set Up Secure Folder

Knox-powered Secure Folder creates a private vault for apps, photos, and files, locked with PIN/password. Includes isolated gallery, email, and notes.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

Check: How quickly a pattern lock can be bypassed on Android.

13. Dual Audio

Bluetooth 5.0 enables Dual Audio: Stream to two devices simultaneously without dropouts.

13 Expert Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8+ Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Experience

Bonus: Shop with Bixby

Bixby debuts with camera vision: Point at products for Amazon/Pinterest info. Enjoy new Emoji 4.0 icons like broccoli and giraffe too.

Is the Galaxy S8 on Your Wishlist?

With Infinity Display, Bluetooth 5.0, and these tips, the S8/S8+ is a powerhouse. Read also: Samsung S8 won't officially support Bixby button remapping.