Dark mode is another popular option. Besides making the display more comfortable for some people in low-light environments, it can reduce display power consumption on phones with OLED screens because darker pixels require less power. The actual battery savings depend on the device, brightness, and how you use it.

Widgets can also save time by placing information and controls directly on your home screen. Calendar appointments, weather, notes, reminders, and other frequently used information can often be viewed without repeatedly opening the full app.

Many Android phones also support split-screen multitasking, allowing two compatible apps to appear simultaneously. The exact method varies by phone and Android version, but it’s useful when you want to reference one app while working in another.

Finally, keep your apps and operating system updated and watch your available storage. One common misconception is that you should constantly close background apps or clear every cache to make a phone faster. Modern iPhones and Android devices generally manage memory automatically, and repeatedly force-closing apps isn’t normally necessary. With the right shortcuts and a few sensible settings, you may discover that the phone you already own can do considerably more than you realized.