The cameras in the Samsung Galaxy line of smartphones are powerful, easy to use — and stuffed to the gills with hidden features and customization options.
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Samsung’s Galaxy line of smartphones and tablets has long been known for including more features than anyone could possibly use, and the cameras on those devices are no exception. Aside from massive megapixel counts and triple-digit zoom capabilities, the camera software is crammed full of features you’ll never find if you don’t go digging.
For those who just want to point and shoot, any phone will do, but Galaxy devices take things to the next level with a slew of hidden features that will make you the photographer of your friend group. From taking pictures completely hands-free using voice commands to unlocking settings that aren’t there by default, here are some Samsung Galaxy camera tricks that will take your Instagram game to the next level and make it easier to get the perfect shot.
All the features in this list work on devices running One UI 5.0 and above, with a couple of caveats. For our testing, the latest version of One UI that I had access to is version 6.0 running on a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, but if you’re one of the lucky people to own one of the new Galaxy S24 phones, everything should still work. Any feature that utilizes the S Pen is, obviously, limited to devices with S Pen support. Without further preamble, let’s get snapping.Hold up palm to take pictures and videos
It’s happened to everyone. Your friends want to take a group shot, so someone pulls out their iPhone or Pixel, but no one else is around to hold the phone. «It’s fine,» they say. «I’ll just prop it up on this shelf and start a timer.» Suddenly, everyone is scrambling to pose, but inevitably, not everyone does, and the resulting shot is disappointing. Samsung Galaxy owners, it’s up to you to stop this scenario before it unfolds by using your phone’s ability to take pictures remotely by holding up a hand. After everyone is in position for the photo, you can simply raise a palm to the camera to begin the photo timer. Note that this feature only works on the front-facing selfie camera.
To use palm detection for pictures on your Samsung Galaxy camera:
The palm recognition feature works on devices as far back as the Galaxy S6 series. It works best in bright lighting conditions, and you may need to fiddle with the exact gesture of your hand to make it work.Say cheese to take pictures and videos hands-free
One theme that will become evident as we uncover the hidden secrets of the Galaxy camera app is that Samsung has included a ludicrous number of ways to take a photo hands-free. On top of the palm method described above, you can also trigger a photo countdown by saying, «Cheese,» «Smile, «Capture,» or «Shoot,» and you can begin recording video by saying, «Record video.» Not only is this a convenient — and, frankly, magical — way to take photos, but since you’re not touching the phone to take the photo, it should result in more stable shots. This feature works on devices as far back as the Galaxy S6 series of phones.
To use voice commands on your Samsung Galaxy camera:
Note that this feature may not work as well in noisy environments, or if the phone is placed too far away from you. In either scenario, the microphones may not pick up your command phrase. If you’re having trouble using voice commands to take photos on your Galaxy device, try moving to a quieter environment or bringing it closer to you.Use your S Pen as a remote control
Although it often goes overlooked, the S Pen stylus is one of Samsung’s most impressive hardware features.
