Earlier this year, Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 smartphone. One can choose the base variant or the Galaxy S23 Plus, which has the same features but additional storage and a larger display. Those wanting more can check out the top-of-the-line Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Regardless of the model, one must be well-versed with its features and utilize them to their advantage. Here are six simple tips to improve the Galaxy S23 user experience.

1. Customize the lock screen
Samsung’s One UI 5.1 lets users customize the S23 so that all critical information appears on the lock screen when they wake the device. To do this, one must long-press the lock screen and go to the lock screen editor. Here, individuals can change the wallpaper, notification style, and clock style and add extra contact information. In addition, users can add two app shortcuts to the lock screen for easy access.

2. Play around with the user interface colors
Another way to customize and improve the Galaxy S23 experience is by changing the UI’s color based on one’s preferences. Individuals can modify the color scheme of buttons, app icons, and text to match a wallpaper or theme. To execute this customization, users must head to the Settings app, tap Wallpaper and Style, and then click Color Palette. Here, one can select the color scheme they like. The phone will show a quick preview before the color scheme is applied.

3. Adjust the settings for dark mode
Many users prefer switching on their smartphone’s dark mode. Besides enhancing aesthetic appeal, this mode is easier on the eyes, considering the whites on the screen can be harsh. Moreover, it saves battery life as the AMOLED display shuts off most pixels, requiring less battery to power the screen. To turn on the dark mode on the Samsung Galaxy S23, one must go to Settings and then click Display. Interestingly, users can also decide when the mode should be automatically activated and deactivated. It’s useful when one wants dark mode to kick in only at a specific time of the day. Or, one can go with the default setting of having the mode on from sunset to sunrise.

4. Tweak the navigation bar
With the introduction of Android 10, smartphones began supporting gesture-based navigation, which is a step above the conventional button-based navigation. The Samsung Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus, as well as the S23 Ultra support this new capability. Although the S series phones have the navigation bar as default, it can be changed to Swipe Gestures. The feature can be enabled by visiting the Settings app, opening the Display menu, and selecting Navigation Bar.

5. Customize the Edge Panels
Edge Panels is a unique feature on Samsung Galaxy phones. It lets users create a hidden vertical panel at the side of the screen to store their favorite contacts, features, and apps for quick access. When the feature is enabled, the screen’s edge will have a thin handle-like object, which can be dragged out to open the hidden panel.

One can customize the Edge Panel by changing its color, position, and the apps that appear on it. To do this, Edge Panels must be turned on. Users can adjust the panel’s position or lock it in place by simply tapping it. The same can be done to change its color. To modify which apps appear on the panel, one must tap the pencil button at the bottom.

6. Switch on Labs and try new experimental features
Labs is a lesser-known feature that can take the Galaxy S23 experience to the next level. It is for those who want to try out new-age smartphone technologies that Samsung is currently testing and plans to roll out; for example, running an app in a pop-up window and swiping to enter the split-screen mode.

Labs is similar to public beta testing of upcoming tools for the Galaxy S series phones. Before turning it on, one must note that some features might not work well since these are still in the testing stage. To try out Labs, users can head to the Settings app, scroll to Advanced Features, and tap Labs. One can switch on whichever Labs feature they want to try on their phone.

Individuals looking to purchase a model from the Samsung Galaxy S23 series should consider their needs and research well before deciding. While the S23 Ultra is the priciest, it offers remarkable features like a 200MP camera!