We’re spoilt for choice. There are so many models of phones to choose from, in so many colours and styles. But how do you get the most of what you have? Generally speaking, phones seem to more and more separate into two categories: Apple and Android. So, if you have decided to go for the latter, there are some tips and tricks to know about to make the most out of your Android phone. It should be noted that although these tips should work in most of Android’s devices, they might not work for all since Android covers many makes and models (Picture: Getty)

1. Snap pictures faster

Android users: all you have to do is double-tap your phone’s power button to launch the camera app. Then you can use the volume-down button to snap a picture, or you can hold it down to start a video. This can make your life so much easier, especially in those moments where shooting horizontally one-handed is needed (Picture: Getty)

2. Limit your phone to one app

If you’re ever in a scenario where you have to hand your phone over to someone else, but you can’t be sure they won’t go through it, try a feature known as app pinning. It works by allowing users to only use one app. To set it up, go to the More Security and Privacy menu, scroll down to the bottom, and tap App pinning. On Samsung devices, open Security and privacy in Settings, tap More security settings, and then toggle on Pin app. Then open the app carousel, or tap the three-lines button on a Samsung phone. Select the app you want to pin, then tap the icon on top of the app to open the menu, and tap Pin. If you want to unpin the app, swipe from the bottom of the screen and hold, or, on Samsung phones, hold the three-lines and back buttons simultaneously. This will prompt your phone to lock, and you will need to use your password, PIN, or biometrics to unlock it (Picture: Getty)

3. Use Android’s version of AirDrop

Known as Quick Share, this feature allows you to share files between Android devices, Chromebooks, and select Windows PCs – even if you’re offline. To set it up, go to Settings, search for Quick Share, make your device visible to nearby devices, and select to share with your contacts or everyone nearby. Your device will either use Bluetooth or device-to-device Wi-Fi to share content (Picture: Getty)

4. Use your phone to charge your friends

No cord? No problem! If you or a friend is need of power boost, you can do it with ease. All you need to do is, on Samsung phones, open Settings, and then tap Wireless power sharing. For Pixel owners (except those with a Pixel Fold or an A-series Pixel), go to Settings > Battery > Battery Share. To charge a device, put your phone face-down and place any other phone that has wireless-charging capabilities face up on top of your phone. Then your phone should start charging (Picture: Getty)

5. Personalise your phone

Change up your phone to match your personality. On Samsung devices, tap and hold anywhere on the screen, and then tap Wallpaper and Style > Colour Palette. This will allow you to customise your screen a little more than widgets and live photos would on Apple. Some Pixel devices even have have a feature called the Emoji Workshop which allows you to create a colourfully themed emoji background that also briefly changes to lightning bolts when you start charging your phone (Picture: Getty)

6. Split screen

To split screen on an Android device, open the app you want to use. Then open the recent apps menu by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. Long-press the app icon you want to split, and select the ‘Split screen’ option. This will allow you to choose the second app you want to display alongside the first one on the screen (Picture: Getty)

7. Screen record

Recording your screen has never been easier. Simply, pull down the notification shade, tap the pencil, find Record screen. Then when you want to record your screen, specify whether to record your whole screen or just one app. You can even choose if the recording should include audio (Picture: Getty)