The Samsung Galaxy A5 is a great new device, with a capable camera and a vibrant screen. It’s getting brilliant reviews, and it’s also affordable. What’s not to like? But you can always get more from your handset, and that’s why you’re here. If you’re just getting to grips with the new A5, here’s a list of 11 tips and tricks to get you started with the device.
1. Uninstall Apps You Don’t Use
If you’ve just downloaded a new app to try it out, there’s no point in keeping it on your device in the long run if you don’t like it. This might seem unnecessary, but it can help to speed up your device. It’s always good to keep as much memory free as possible. Since the A5 can sometimes suffer from lag, it’s worth taking as many steps as possible to keep your phone running smoothly.
2. Enable Power Saving Mode
If battery life is a problem for you, the power saving mode found on the device could be really useful. You can also change how it works within the settings, and we’ll show you how to do that too. To enable power saving; Battery life on the device is reasonably good, but it’s always best to keep it topped up during long days away from the plug.
3. Double Tap for a Period
If you’re constantly typing emails or notes, you can tap the space key twice and the phone will insert a period. It’s a quick shortcut that will save you time in the long run, and it’ll soon become second nature.
4. Quickly Open the Settings Menu
The settings menu allows you to control your device in a number of ways. Here’s a quick way to open it from anywhere on your A5. You can open the Settings menu by bringing up your Notification bar. Tap the Gear icon to quickly launch your settings.
5. Using the Sound Equalizer
The A5 has a nifty sound equalizer, which can be used to change the bass and other settings while you’re listening to music. If you’re not grooving like you should be, this is the first place you should check.
6. Dual Shot Mode
The A5 has a very capable camera, so it’s worth taking as many shots as you can. This is an interesting feature, which allows you to use both the front and rear cameras at the same time. You’ll need to be sure to align both images correctly, and it can take a bit of getting used to. You can find this feature hidden within the camera settings.
Open the camera app. Press the middle icon in the top right corner to enable dual shot mode.
It might take a bit of getting used to, but it’s great if you’re looking to take additional selfie snaps.
7. Facial Unlocking
Another great feature is the opportunity to unlock the device with your face. The A5 will use the camera to unlock after you set it up.
Open your Settings, and tap Lock Screen. Tap Screen Lock, and tap Face Unlock. Proceed through the steps to set up this feature.
It’s usually faster to enter a code, but it’s always nice to try out the technology on offer.
8. Enable Developer Options
Developer options allow you to access a hidden menu found on your A5. You can access the Developer Options menu by:
Going to your Settings, and tapping About Device. Tap the Build Number several times. Eventually, you’ll get a message informing you that you’ve now become a developer. You can find the Developer Options menu in the main settings menu of your device after you unlock it.
It’s worth having a look through the options afterwards if you’re interested in delving deeper into your A5.
9. More Battery Saving Options
If you’re still struggling with battery life, here are a few more tips that should be helpful. Lowering your screen brightness is always one of the best things you can do to conserve energy. You can set a dark background, or use the Power Saving menu as discussed above. (The screen always drains a lot of battery power.) Turning off Wi-Fi will always give you better battery life, and you can also disable apps running in the background.
10. Fixing Lag
Unfortunately, a few users have reported that the A5 has been lagging during normal use. There are a number of reasons why this could be happening, so let’s do some troubleshooting below. First of all, try restarting your device to see if that helps. If not, try removing any widgets that are active, and restart again. It could potentially be a problem with the launcher, so check our guide for the best replacements for Android. If it’s only now and then, you’ll have to wait, (and hope) that an update will solve your problems.
11. Google Now
If you don’t know about Google Now, this is a great time to get acquainted. In many ways, Google Now is like a personal assistant. It’ll help you to with questions, but it can also learn from you. In time, you’ll get notifications with relevant news and travel information, and it’s great if you don’t mind its intrusive nature. Here’s a guide with more information.
Conclusion
With the tips on this list, you should now be ready to get more from your A5. It’s an affordable device that has a lot of advantages to offer, and you’re sure to be happy if it’s a new purchase. So what’s next? Why not check our list with some of the best apps to customize your Android device? If we’ve missed a great trick for the A5, or you have questions about the device, let us know in the comments below, or you can contact us via Facebook or Twitter. Featured Image Credit
