4 Smartphone Features You’re Not Using

Did you pay a few hundred bucks or over a thousand dollars for your smartphone? Then you should be milking its every feature for what they’re worth. Read this article to learn what features you might be missing.

What more can you get out of your device?

Aside from being able to obtain driving and commuting directions, video and voice calling people, taking high-definition photos and videos, and many more, there are other features that one can’t even fathom to come with a handheld device.

Here are some of the surprising things you can do with your smartphone:

1. Using it as a closed-circuit camera alternative.

If you need a quick fix when it comes to monitoring surroundings you can’t stay in, you can tap your smartphone’s ability to capture videos and images coupled with motion detection. It’s as simple as downloading an application from your smartphone’s corresponding application store. For iOS users, they can use the iPhone CCTC application from the App Store. Android users on the other hand can make use of an application called Motion Detector.

Unsurprisingly, you can use an old phone for longer CCTV use. Download the application, make sure the battery is juiced up, and place it somewhere you want to monitor. If the old phone’s screen has screen damage that will compromise the quality of what it captures, bring it in for LCD repair services. 

2. Displaying contact information on lock screens.

It’s impossible for a smartphone not to have its lock screen. Any phone from all price ranges comes with this feature, and they’re also highly customizable. A user can opt to display images, calendars, and contact information.

Displaying contact information is useful when you lose your phone or get in an emergency where you can’t access your phone all by yourself. The person who found your phone will be able to locate you to either return your property or contact family members to alert them of your situation.

3. Screen time management.

When you have a handheld device that can cover any task or type of entertainment, it’s difficult to pry your fingers and eyes off it. Fortunately, smartphones now come with built-in screen usage features that monitor the time your phone’s screen is on with the activity. At the end of the day or week, the feature tells you about your phone usage habits. They can even show the applications you spend most of your time using.

This is extremely helpful if you want to minimize your screen time and focus on more important tasks.

4. Dashboard camera alternative.

The nearly 4 billion smartphone users have drivers in the mix. These users can turn their smartphones into dashboard cameras when they’re on the road. We’re all aware of how useful they are because they can be used for the safety and protection of people on the road. Simply plop your smartphone on your dashboard and make sure the placement is sturdy, open your camera application, then begin recording. It’s optional if you want to leave your phone inside your car, but isn’t ideal when it gets too hot inside vehicles and you might damage your phone, or worse, it might even turn into a hazard.

Final thoughts

Depending on the brand and model of your smartphone, you may have fewer or more features within your reach. Some brands have features unique to them, and some features are universal, but some manufacturers do them better. If you already have a device and would want to make every dollar worth it, make sure you use your phone’s hidden features that can help with your daily tasks.

5 Ways to Free up Space on Your iPhone Storage

Before we had 1TB storage iPhones (iPhone 13 Pro Max), the biggest iPhone storage capacity users could have was 8GB (the first iPhone). If we were in the year the first iPhone came out, 8GB is probably more than enough for music and low-quality photos and videos. 

But in 2022, a 1TB iPhone is easily filled up by 1080p@60fps videos and HDR photos. Put some mobile games on top of that, and a 1TB iPhone will start giving your iPhone storage warnings. We can’t even begin to fathom what an 8GB iPhone can bring (or can’t bring).

As your trusted iPhone repair experts, it’s necessary for us to help you maximize your iPhone’s storage and avoid missing photo ops. 

Here’s a list of five ways to free up space on your iPhone:

  1. Check which unused apps are taking storage space

You might have iPhone apps that you used only once that are taking storage space but aren’t actually useful to your daily smartphone use. Fortunately, you can easily check this by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

In there, you’ll see a breakdown of file types and apps that take space. Since newer iOS versions have the “Recommendations” section that’ll give you tips on how to free up space, you can follow those and get a few good GBs.

Alternatively, you can scroll down and view the list of apps and figure out which ones you don’t use and how much space they’re taking. If you don’t use them at all, just remove them, especially if they’re taking a lot of space that you can use for other stuff.

  1. Back up your photos and videos in iCloud

Each iPhone comes with a free 5GB iCloud storage users can take advantage of to back up files on their iPhone. It works for anything you store inside your iPhone, even emails. The free iCloud storage is perfect for storing photos and some videos. However, if your iPhone’s gallery is heavy, you might need to purchase additional iCloud storage.

To check if your iCloud backup is turned on, go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud.

As an alternative, you can use Google Photos. It offers free 15GB worth of storage you can use to back up your iPhone’s photos and videos. This means you can keep your gallery’s content and still save iPhone storage.

  1. Delete music you stopped listening to

Your music taste might have changed over the years, but you forgot to refresh your Apple Music’s contents. Since most songs average about 20MB per file, having a hundred songs you don’t listen to takes around 2GB of iPhone storage you can use to store other files.

Fortunately, it’s easy to delete songs on your iPhone. Go to Settings > Music > Downloaded Music. Tap “Edit” at the top right corner and tap “-” to delete a music file. 

Alternatively, you can turn on “Optimize Storage” to let your iPhone delete music that you haven’t played in a while. You can find this option in Settings > Music > Optimize Storage. Tap the toggle and turn it green.

  1. Delete old downloaded videos from Netflix or YouTube

Both Netflix and YouTube have offline downloads that take space on your iPhone storage, especially if the videos you’ve downloaded have piled up. They can take significant space if you continue downloading them without deleting old ones.

To delete downloaded videos in streaming apps, launch them and go to the downloaded videos section. Delete what you don’t watch anymore, and you should get free space to store other files.

  1. Delete old messages

It’s possible that your iPhone’s messages from the start are still in your phone and taking a lot of space. That includes media such as audio messages, photos, and videos sent over the Messages app.
You can manually delete messages from your Messages app or go into Settings > Messages. Tap “Keep Messages” and change it to 30 Days or 1 Year. Either option will delete messages received and sent based on your choice. This can save you significant iPhone storage since piled-up messages can take space.

Which iPhone Model Is the Best for You?

Apple usually comes out with 2 to 4 models of the iPhone with every generation. That means you’ll have to choose between 4 different iPhone models to find the best iPhone model that will suit your daily productivity, social, and entertainment needs.

Moreover, if you’re a smartphone user who takes high-quality photos and videos, plays heavy mobile games, and does other hardware-demanding tasks on your phone, you’re bound to look for an iPhone that can serve all your needs without an issue.

Fortunately, we came up with a list of iPhone 13 models to find the best iPhone model for you. Go through our list and finish reading it to find a suitable smartphone:

  1. iPhone 13 mini

Today’s smartphone mantra is the bigger, the better. That doesn’t stand true for the iPhone 13 mini. It has a 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR display, which is by far the smallest viewable screen since the iPhone 8. 

Since not everyone is a fan of big smartphones with wide screens, the iPhone 13 mini is perfect for people who like to have their cell phone fit just right in their hands and pockets. It’s never easy to always have to hold your phone in your hands because it won’t fit in any of your pockets, right?

With the iPhone 13 mini, you get 5G support, a powerful dual-lens rear camera that can capture up to 4K@60fps videos, the A15 Bionic chip, and up to 17 hours of video playback on Wi-Fi. When it comes to storage, you can have up to 512GB to store all your images, photos, files, and apps.

Even with all those features, the iPhone 13 mini is still mini – it only weighs 140g! Size-wise, this is the best iPhone model for users to like the comfort of having a cell phone with a size that’s just right to fit in their palms and pockets.

  1. iPhone 13

The iPhone 13 mini made a slight jump and became the iPhone 13. The iPhone 13 is just a tad bigger, with a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display and the same rear camera power. It’s also powered by the same A15 Bionic chip but has a bigger battery that can play up to 19 hours of video on Wi-Fi.

It’s also 5G-enabled to let you stream videos without a problem. However, you get 63 additional grams for a bigger display and battery. If you think carefully, 2 hours of additional video playback and .7 inches of additional screen size isn’t all that big of an improvement to accept carrying a 173g iPhone around when there’s the 140g iPhone 13 mini with the same features.

But if you’re looking for the selling point of the iPhone 13, it’s the familiar size that the colorful iPhone XR has. Are you a fan of the XR? The iPhone 13 is a good way to look back.

  1. iPhone 13 Pro

Since iPhones are famed for their superb camera quality, the iPhone 13 Pro gets a huge upgrade from the iPhone 13’s dual-lens rear camera set up.

The iPhone 13 Pro has a triple-lens set up with 6x optical zoom, LiDar Scanner for better photos in Night mode and low light environments, a bigger battery that allows up to 22 hours of video playback on Wi-Fi, and up to 1TB of storage.

However, the screen size didn’t change. The iPhone 13 Pro still has the same 6.1-inch screen you’ll see in the iPhone 13 but with ProMotion. Even if the Pro version weighs 33 grams more (203g), the only changes you’ll see is the better camera, bigger battery, and more storage capacity.

So if you want the iPhone 13 with a better camera and more storage to take advantage of the quality of that camera, get the iPhone 13 Pro.

  1. iPhone 13 Pro Max

The brightest of the iPhone 13 line is the iPhone 13 Pro Max, which has the same camera as the iPhone 13 Pro. However, its screen size is much bigger, with 6.7 inches of the viewable area on Super Retina Display with ProMotion.

It has a beefier battery, allowing up to 28 hours of video playback on Wi-Fi. Its storage capacity is also capped at 1TB, which we think is enough if you’re not trying to shoot movies on your iPhone.

The iPhone 13 Pro Max has the biggest display, so this one is perfect for creators who want to utilize the camera power of the 13 Pro Max for content creation. In addition, you’ll also appreciate this model if you love watching videos on your phone.

LG Velvet

LG Velvet

We understand when your LG Velvet needs repair, it can throw you into a frenzy. From your contacts and appointments, to your documents and playlists, your phone is a crucial part of your life. Whether your LG Velvet needs a screen repair, battery replacement, or has been affected by water damage, we have the parts, skills and experience to get the repair done quickly and for an affordable price.

CTA – device model pages (Edit as Needed)

Repair Questions

Standard Warranty

90 Day Warranty

Homepage: Warranty Content

You can rest easy when you have your device repaired with us. We offer a warranty on all our repairs and devices we have for sale. So rest assured if something is out of the ordinary after your repair, we will take care of it for you free of charge. Restrictions may apply

Standard Turnaround Time

Fast Turnaround

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Time is money. And our personal electronics are used in almost every aspect of our life. We strive to get your device back to its original condition in the shortest amount of time possible, without sacrificing quality. Count on us to get your device back to you in no time.

Common LG Velvet Repair Problems

LG Velvet Battery Replacement

Batteries age over time and lose their ability to hold a full charge. We can replace your battery and restore your device to full performance.

LG Velvet Screen Repair

Cracked or shattered screens are all too common, even from a short drop. We carry all of the high quality parts to get your screen repaired quickly.

LG Velvet Speaker Repair

Noticed your audio cutting in and out? You may have a speaker problem. Our techs are experts at speaker repair and can get your audio working like new.

LG Velvet Water Damage Repair

Dropped your device in water? Even the most water resistant devices can get water damage and corrosion can still occur. Bring it to our repair shop.

LG Wing

LG repair

We understand when your LG Wing needs repair, it can throw you into a frenzy. From your contacts and appointments, to your documents and playlists, your phone is a crucial part of your life. Whether your LG Wing needs a screen repair, battery replacement, or has been affected by water damage, we have the parts, skills and experience to get the repair done quickly and for an affordable price.

CTA – device model pages (Edit as Needed)

Repair Questions

Standard Warranty

90 Day Warranty

Homepage: Warranty Content

You can rest easy when you have your device repaired with us. We offer a warranty on all our repairs and devices we have for sale. So rest assured if something is out of the ordinary after your repair, we will take care of it for you free of charge. Restrictions may apply

Standard Turnaround Time

Fast Turnaround

Homepage: Fast Turnaround Content

Time is money. And our personal electronics are used in almost every aspect of our life. We strive to get your device back to its original condition in the shortest amount of time possible, without sacrificing quality. Count on us to get your device back to you in no time.

Common LG Wing Repair Problems

LG Wing Battery Replacement

Batteries age over time and lose their ability to hold a full charge. We can replace your battery and restore your device to full performance.

LG Wing Screen Repair

Cracked or shattered screens are all too common, even from a short drop. We carry all of the high quality parts to get your screen repaired quickly.

LG Wing Speaker Repair

Noticed your audio cutting in and out? You may have a speaker problem. Our techs are experts at speaker repair and can get your audio working like new.

LG Wing Water Damage Repair

Dropped your device in water? Even the most water resistant devices can get water damage and corrosion can still occur. Bring it to our repair shop.

LG Aristo

LG Aristo

We understand when your LG Aristo needs repair, it can throw you into a frenzy. From your contacts and appointments, to your documents and playlists, your phone is a crucial part of your life. Whether your LG Aristo needs a screen repair, battery replacement, or has been affected by water damage, we have the parts, skills and experience to get the repair done quickly and for an affordable price.

CTA – device model pages (Edit as Needed)

Repair Questions

Standard Warranty

90 Day Warranty

Homepage: Warranty Content

You can rest easy when you have your device repaired with us. We offer a warranty on all our repairs and devices we have for sale. So rest assured if something is out of the ordinary after your repair, we will take care of it for you free of charge. Restrictions may apply

Standard Turnaround Time

Fast Turnaround

Homepage: Fast Turnaround Content

Time is money. And our personal electronics are used in almost every aspect of our life. We strive to get your device back to its original condition in the shortest amount of time possible, without sacrificing quality. Count on us to get your device back to you in no time.

Common LG Aristo Repair Problems

LG Aristo Battery Replacement

Batteries age over time and lose their ability to hold a full charge. We can replace your battery and restore your device to full performance.

LG Aristo Screen Repair

Cracked or shattered screens are all too common, even from a short drop. We carry all of the high quality parts to get your screen repaired quickly.

LG Aristo Speaker Repair

Noticed your audio cutting in and out? You may have a speaker problem. Our techs are experts at speaker repair and can get your audio working like new.

LG Aristo Water Damage Repair

Dropped your device in water? Even the most water resistant devices can get water damage and corrosion can still occur. Bring it to our repair shop.

LG V Series

LG V20

We understand when your LG V Series needs repair, it can throw you into a frenzy. From your contacts and appointments, to your documents and playlists, your phone is a crucial part of your life. Whether your LG V Series needs a screen repair, battery replacement, or has been affected by water damage, we have the parts, skills and experience to get the repair done quickly and for an affordable price.

CTA – device model pages (Edit as Needed)

Repair Questions

Standard Warranty

90 Day Warranty

Homepage: Warranty Content

You can rest easy when you have your device repaired with us. We offer a warranty on all our repairs and devices we have for sale. So rest assured if something is out of the ordinary after your repair, we will take care of it for you free of charge. Restrictions may apply

Standard Turnaround Time

Fast Turnaround

Homepage: Fast Turnaround Content

Time is money. And our personal electronics are used in almost every aspect of our life. We strive to get your device back to its original condition in the shortest amount of time possible, without sacrificing quality. Count on us to get your device back to you in no time.

Common LG V Series Repair Problems

LG V Series Battery Replacement

Batteries age over time and lose their ability to hold a full charge. We can replace your battery and restore your device to full performance.

LG V Series Screen Repair

Cracked or shattered screens are all too common, even from a short drop. We carry all of the high quality parts to get your screen repaired quickly.

LG V Series Speaker Repair

Noticed your audio cutting in and out? You may have a speaker problem. Our techs are experts at speaker repair and can get your audio working like new.

LG V Series Water Damage Repair

Dropped your device in water? Even the most water resistant devices can get water damage and corrosion can still occur. Bring it to our repair shop.

LG Optimus Series

LG Optimus G Pro E980

We understand when your LG Optimus Series needs repair, it can throw you into a frenzy. From your contacts and appointments, to your documents and playlists, your phone is a crucial part of your life. Whether your LG Optimus Series needs a screen repair, battery replacement, or has been affected by water damage, we have the parts, skills and experience to get the repair done quickly and for an affordable price.

CTA – device model pages (Edit as Needed)

Repair Questions

Standard Warranty

90 Day Warranty

Homepage: Warranty Content

You can rest easy when you have your device repaired with us. We offer a warranty on all our repairs and devices we have for sale. So rest assured if something is out of the ordinary after your repair, we will take care of it for you free of charge. Restrictions may apply

Standard Turnaround Time

Fast Turnaround

Homepage: Fast Turnaround Content

Time is money. And our personal electronics are used in almost every aspect of our life. We strive to get your device back to its original condition in the shortest amount of time possible, without sacrificing quality. Count on us to get your device back to you in no time.

Common LG Optimus Series Repair Problems

LG Optimus Series Battery Replacement

Batteries age over time and lose their ability to hold a full charge. We can replace your battery and restore your device to full performance.

LG Optimus Series Screen Repair

Cracked or shattered screens are all too common, even from a short drop. We carry all of the high quality parts to get your screen repaired quickly.

LG Optimus Series Speaker Repair

Noticed your audio cutting in and out? You may have a speaker problem. Our techs are experts at speaker repair and can get your audio working like new.

LG Optimus Series Water Damage Repair

Dropped your device in water? Even the most water resistant devices can get water damage and corrosion can still occur. Bring it to our repair shop.

LG K Series

LG K20

We understand when your LG K Series needs repair, it can throw you into a frenzy. From your contacts and appointments, to your documents and playlists, your phone is a crucial part of your life. Whether your LG K Series needs a screen repair, battery replacement, or has been affected by water damage, we have the parts, skills and experience to get the repair done quickly and for an affordable price.

CTA – device model pages (Edit as Needed)

Repair Questions

Standard Warranty

90 Day Warranty

Homepage: Warranty Content

You can rest easy when you have your device repaired with us. We offer a warranty on all our repairs and devices we have for sale. So rest assured if something is out of the ordinary after your repair, we will take care of it for you free of charge. Restrictions may apply

Standard Turnaround Time

Fast Turnaround

Homepage: Fast Turnaround Content

Time is money. And our personal electronics are used in almost every aspect of our life. We strive to get your device back to its original condition in the shortest amount of time possible, without sacrificing quality. Count on us to get your device back to you in no time.

Common LG K Series Repair Problems

LG K Series Battery Replacement

Batteries age over time and lose their ability to hold a full charge. We can replace your battery and restore your device to full performance.

LG K Series Screen Repair

Cracked or shattered screens are all too common, even from a short drop. We carry all of the high quality parts to get your screen repaired quickly.

LG K Series Speaker Repair

Noticed your audio cutting in and out? You may have a speaker problem. Our techs are experts at speaker repair and can get your audio working like new.

LG K Series Water Damage Repair

Dropped your device in water? Even the most water resistant devices can get water damage and corrosion can still occur. Bring it to our repair shop.

LG X Series

LG X

We understand when your LG X Series needs repair, it can throw you into a frenzy. From your contacts and appointments, to your documents and playlists, your phone is a crucial part of your life. Whether your LG X Series needs a screen repair, battery replacement, or has been affected by water damage, we have the parts, skills and experience to get the repair done quickly and for an affordable price.

CTA – device model pages (Edit as Needed)

Repair Questions

Standard Warranty

90 Day Warranty

Homepage: Warranty Content

You can rest easy when you have your device repaired with us. We offer a warranty on all our repairs and devices we have for sale. So rest assured if something is out of the ordinary after your repair, we will take care of it for you free of charge. Restrictions may apply

Standard Turnaround Time

Fast Turnaround

Homepage: Fast Turnaround Content

Time is money. And our personal electronics are used in almost every aspect of our life. We strive to get your device back to its original condition in the shortest amount of time possible, without sacrificing quality. Count on us to get your device back to you in no time.

Common LG X Series Repair Problems

LG X Series Battery Replacement

Batteries age over time and lose their ability to hold a full charge. We can replace your battery and restore your device to full performance.

LG X Series Screen Repair

Cracked or shattered screens are all too common, even from a short drop. We carry all of the high quality parts to get your screen repaired quickly.

LG X Series Speaker Repair

Noticed your audio cutting in and out? You may have a speaker problem. Our techs are experts at speaker repair and can get your audio working like new.

LG X Series Water Damage Repair

Dropped your device in water? Even the most water resistant devices can get water damage and corrosion can still occur. Bring it to our repair shop.