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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIn a September 20, 2026, Android Police article, Oluwaniyi Raji describes five Galaxy features that renewed his enthusiasm for Android: Good Lock, Modes and Routines, S Pen Air actions, Audio Eraser, and Samsung DeX. The examples come from his experience with a Galaxy S24 Ultra—not a universal feature checklist for every Galaxy phone. Model, S Pen, app, and One UI version can all affect what works.
What the five features do
Good Lock: customize One UI without rooting
Good Lock is a free Samsung app that adds customization through separate modules. Raji highlights RegiStar for changing parts of Settings and assigning an action to a back tap, One Hand Operation+ for edge gestures, and NotiStar for searching notification history. Module availability and capabilities can change, so check what the Galaxy Store offers for your device rather than assuming every example will be available.
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Modes and Routines: automate actions with if/then rules
Modes and Routines lets you set a condition—such as connecting to a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth device, reaching a battery threshold, or arriving at a chosen time—and have the phone carry out one or more actions. Raji’s example is setting media volume when earbuds connect. Available triggers and actions depend on the phone and software version.
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S Pen Air actions: useful, but tied to the pen and phone
Raji describes hover-related controls, handwriting-to-text, Screen off memo, and the floating Air command menu. He distinguishes the Galaxy S24 Ultra S Pen, which he says has Bluetooth for remote Air actions, from the Galaxy S25 Ultra S Pen, which dropped Bluetooth Air actions. Do not infer support from the “Ultra” name alone: verify the exact phone and S Pen combination before relying on remote controls.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Audio Eraser: adjust sound elements in recordings
Audio Eraser separates sound into categories such as voices, music, noise, crowd, and nature so a user can adjust them. Raji reports that it reached the S24 series with One UI 7, expanded to Voice Recorder and Samsung Notes with One UI 8, and became available during playback in certain streaming apps on the S26 series. Those are his reported rollout details, not a complete compatibility list; the feature’s availability may vary by model, app, and software version.
Samsung DeX: use a phone with a desktop-style display
DeX presents a desktop-like interface on an external monitor, with a taskbar and resizable app windows. Raji describes connecting with a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter and using a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Connection support depends on the phone and accessories, so confirm compatibility before buying a cable, adapter, or hub. He also reports that One UI 8 and 8.5 added desktop changes including multiple desktops and saved window placement; those details should be checked against the specific device and software build.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Why these features are not guaranteed on every Galaxy
Samsung’s September 15, 2025, One UI 8 announcement describes a rollout beginning with specified Galaxy series and names eligible device families. That illustrates why a software feature should not be treated as universal across Galaxy phones. The announcement is rollout context, not a full compatibility chart for every capability described above.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →“Samsung-exclusive” is the framing of Raji’s personal article, not proof that no other Android phone offers a comparable function. The value of these five is in how Samsung combines customization, automation, pen input, audio tools, and an external-display desktop workflow in its own ecosystem.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
How to check whether a feature fits your phone
- Check the model and One UI version: Look up the exact device and installed software version in Samsung’s support information; a feature arriving on one Galaxy family does not establish availability on another.
- For Good Lock and automation: Check module availability and the available Modes and Routines triggers/actions on your own phone.
- For S Pen controls: Confirm Bluetooth Air actions support for the precise phone and pen pairing, especially when comparing S24 Ultra and S25 Ultra.
- For Audio Eraser: Verify support for the specific device, One UI version, and app in which you want to use it.
- For DeX: Confirm that the phone supports the required external-display connection and that your chosen display adapter or hub is compatible before purchasing accessories.
Raji says he uses DeX so often that its reported five-window-per-desktop limit is the only thing stopping it from replacing his laptop. That is his personal assessment, not a performance test or a guarantee that DeX will suit every desktop workflow.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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