15 Galaxy S9 Features and Tricks Worth Trying

Samsung’s latest flagship duo, the Galaxy S9 and S9+, have dominated tech discussions in recent weeks. The devices boast a fast processor, an innovative camera setup with variable aperture, and a more ergonomic fingerprint sensor placement.

Exploring the Galaxy S9’s interface reveals numerous new features, some practical and others more gimmicky (yes, AR Emoji, we’re looking at you). Setting aside bias, let’s delve into the noteworthy software additions and tricks offered by the Galaxy S9 that are worth your attention if you’re an owner of Samsung’s newest flagship.

15 Cool Galaxy S9 Features and Tricks

Note: We tested all these features and tricks on the Galaxy S9 Plus, but they should also work for the S9.

1. Variable Aperture Camera Sensor

One standout feature of the Samsung Galaxy S9 is its variable aperture camera sensor, a unique offering among smartphones. This feature enables users to select between two aperture values: f/1.5, ideal for low-light photography, and f/2.4 for normal lighting conditions.

To adjust the aperture, simply open the camera app and switch to Pro mode. Once in Pro mode, tap the lens icon with the aperture value displayed beneath it, and then press the pill-shaped button on the left side of the screen to make adjustments.

Here are camera samples illustrating the impact of variable aperture. Images taken at f/2.4 (Left) versus f/1.5 (Right).

2. AR Makeup Effect in Selfies

Another clever use of AR in the Galaxy S9’s camera app is makeup effects, applied in real-time for immediate preview. Users can select from lip color, eyelashes, eyebrows, etc., in Selfie mode. Samsung recently partnered with ModiFace to integrate AR makeup effects into the Bixby Vision section of the Galaxy S9’s camera app.

To use AR makeup effects, simply open the selfie mode and tap on the ‘sparkle’ icon located on the right side of the screen. Select a filter, then tap on the pencil icon to choose your preferred AR effect.

3. Dolby Atmos

An exclusive addition to the Galaxy S9, Dolby Atmos audio technology offers a 360-degree surround sound experience for enhanced audio output. Testing the Galaxy S9’s audio playback alongside the Galaxy S8, I found that Dolby Atmos provides superior music output.

• Visit Settings > Sounds and Vibration > Sound quality and effects
• Turn on the Dolby Atmos toggle
• Select one of four Dolby Atmos modes: Auto, Movie, Music, or Voice

4. 4K Video Recording at 60fps

The Galaxy S9 camera greatly improves over its predecessor, offering the ability to record UHD videos at 60fps. To do so, access the camera app’s Settings menu and tap ‘Video Size’ under ‘Rear Camera’. Choose ‘UHD (60fps)’, but note that you can only record up to 5 minutes at this frame rate.

5. Intelligent Scan

• Access the Settings menu and select ‘Lock screen and security’.
• Register your iris and face scan data in ‘Intelligent Scan’ to activate the feature.

6. Create an App Pair for Split Screen View

• Open two apps and minimize them. Then, open one of the apps and long-press the multitasking button. This allows users to select the other app they want to multitask with.
• Once the two apps are open in a multi-window format, tap on the trapezoid icon with a ‘+’ sign to create an app pair on the home screen.

7. Super Slow-Mo Videos

One of the heavily-advertised features of the Galaxy S9 is the ability to record Super Slow-Mo videos at 960FPS, which is truly insane. The Samsung flagship can record 0.2 seconds of slow-motion video stretched to a 6-second clip at 720p resolution.

To use the feature, open the camera app and tap on the ‘Super Slow-Mo’ option at the top of the screen to activate it. Choose between Auto and Manual mode to capture slow-motion video, adjust background music, and set the video as your wallpaper.

However, remember that the feature works best outdoors with ample natural light or indoors with strong lighting.

8. AR Emojis

Apple introduced Animojis, and Samsung countered with AR Emojis in the Galaxy S9. To use AR Emojis, open the Galaxy S9’s camera app, switch to the selfie camera, and tap on the ‘AR Emoji’ option at the top to begin. Choose from various AR effects like stickers, wallpapers, tags, animal faces, etc., to enhance your selfies.

The highlight is the ability to create custom AR emojis by tapping ‘Create My Emoji’. After capturing a template selfie, your AI avatar will be generated, with customizable skin color, costume, and hairstyle. Additionally, these AI emojis can be saved and shared with friends.

9. Live Focus & Selfie Focus

Bokeh and background blur effects are popular, and Samsung understands this. The Galaxy S9 introduced background blur for both selfies and rear camera shots. To capture selfies with bokeh, use the ‘Selfie Focus’ mode, though you may need to adjust the distance.

Regarding the practical implementation of background blur on the Galaxy S9, the feature operates seamlessly on the flagship device. Simply launch the camera app and select the ‘Live Focus’ option to capture images, saved in two formats in the gallery: a Close-up shot with blur and a wide-angle shot devoid of bokeh. Additionally, you have the flexibility to adjust the background blur intensity within ‘Live Focus’, making it a valuable inclusion.

10. Device Security Scan

Malware poses a serious threat to smartphones, often slipping past even Google’s security checks on the Play Store. To safeguard users, Samsung integrated McAfee’s Device Security feature into the Galaxy S9, conducting comprehensive system scans and alerting users to any risks.

• To initiate a security scan, navigate to Settings > Device Maintenance.
• Select ‘Device Security’ and tap ‘Scan Phone’.

11. Bixby Vision

Samsung integrates its version of Google Lens, ‘Bixby Vision,’ in the Galaxy S9’s camera app, and it performs well. Simply click the Bixby Vision logo on the left side of the screen above the black bar in the camera app, and you’ll find six options: Text (for translating text on an image), Image (to search for similar images), Food (to find dish information like calorie count), Place, Wine, and QR code scanner. In my brief experience with this feature, I found it surprisingly helpful.

12. New Edge Lighting Effects

The Edge Lighting feature on the Galaxy S8 was cool, but the Galaxy S9 has improved it with newer effects and controls. Users can choose Glitter, Basic monocolor, Multicolor, or Glow effects. They can also control color, transparency, and width.

• Open Settings > Display Edge Screen
• Activate Edge Lighting, tap, and select Edge Lighting style
• Choose effect and adjust settings

13. Enable Landscape Mode on Home Screen

• Access Settings > Display > Home Screen

14. Enhance Touch Sensitivity with Screen Guard

Using a screen guard on a smartphone might require adjustment, as it adds a layer that needs slightly more touch effort. The Galaxy S9 addresses this with enhanced touch sensitivity, improving touch response with a screen protector.

15. App Shortcuts

Long pressing an app’s icon on the Galaxy S9 introduces a new dimension to user interaction. Instead of merely facilitating app movement, relocation, or uninstallation, this action now unveils an expanded tray offering a plethora of app-specific functionalities.

For instance, a prolonged press on the YouTube icon reveals immediate access to the Subscriptions and Trending sections. A single tap swiftly redirects users to the desired page. Likewise, for Twitter, extended pressing offers quick access to ‘New Tweet,’ ‘New Message,’ and QR Code scanning, eliminating the need to navigate within the app.

Discover the Finest Galaxy S9 Features and Techniques. Have You Tried Them Yet?

Here’s our list of 15 cool Galaxy S9 tips and tricks. However, it’s not the end of the new features brought by the flagship device. Other remarkable changes include support for Project Treble (significant, considering Samsung’s typically slow approach to Android updates), Smart Things integration, and smarter notification channels.

What are your thoughts on the mentioned features? Do you have any other productive features introduced by the Galaxy S9 in mind? Feel free to share your suggestions in the comments below and utilize these new features to maximize your Galaxy S9 experience.