Smartphones like the brand new Samsung Galaxy S5 are packed with so many features that consumers sometimes get lost in all options or advanced features and just want it to be a little easier to understand.
From enthusiasts to beginners, the Samsung Galaxy S5 can be a little daunting for some, not to mention that the first-time smartphone buyer may be overwhelmed. Luckily, Samsung has made things extremely simple with what they call “Easy Mode” on the Galaxy S5.
Easy Mode is one of the features that is also available on the Galaxy S4 or Galaxy Note 3 but is not as talked about as big HD screens or the S-Pen pen features. We provide more information about Easy Mode and how to enable it below, which makes it a very easy to use and understand experience for your parents, even grandparents.
The Samsung Galaxy S5 runs the latest Android 4.4 KitKat software designed by Google, but is covered in Samsung’s own TouchWiz “User Experience” skin. This adds tons of advanced features, different options, and even the home button has a built-in fingerprint scanner for enhanced security. There’s a lot going on on this phone, so let’s make it easy for average users.
Easy Mode only has three screens instead of letting users scroll through tons of pages and screens full of apps and widgets. Everything is made into a simple experience. On the home screen there is a large box called a widget with weather, clock and calendar that cannot be accidentally removed or deleted. Below are the apps needed to make calls, browse the web, send messages or use the camera. All icons are large and easy to see, which helps those with poor eyesight.
A swipe to the right, you’ll be able to add contacts instantly in the one-click area for easy phone calls, and on the other side of the home screen there are a few more essential apps and then the full app tray if the user needs it to access them. Everything is big, simple, but most importantly, simple. Let’s have a look.
Samsung has even made an “Easy Settings” area where you will get only basic and basic settings. Turn up the volume, enlarge the font, change the screen brightness, and do a few more things like change the wallpaper or ringtone. It’s all about making the phone easy to use and understand, almost like a feature phone from 2006, but still a smartphone.
For those who didn’t follow the instructions in our hands-on video above, below are a few screenshots as a visual guide and the quick 3-4 steps needed to enable Easy Mode on the Galaxy S5.
Go to settings by tapping the gear-shaped settings button in the notification pop-up bar at the top right. From here you will progress almost all the way to the end and tap on the blue “Easy mode” icon that looks like a house. From there, simply select Easy Mode as shown above and select the apps you prefer to have on your home screen.
Once you have selected the easy mode and the apps you want to use, select DONE and let the Galaxy S5 do its magic. You will instantly return to the home screen and be greeted with a brand new minimalist experience that even beginners can enjoy.
To disable easy mode and revert to a full-featured Galaxy S5, go to the same setting (in normal or easy mode settings) and select “Easy Mode” again and disable it. Select the standard mode and make sure you are done, the phone will return to the original scene.
Should You Use This?
There are tons of advantages to using easy mode on the Galaxy S5. Those who are new to technology or smartphones, those with vision problems or the elderly, even your stubborn father who refuses to learn anything new. Easy mode simplifies things while making it extremely difficult to accidentally screw up a setting or remove an app from the home screen.
These are also customizable by the end user, although average users may find the icons large and the font a bit too large. Overall the easy mode is a great example of what a smartphone can do even for beginners and should be perfect for first time users. Once they get used to a smartphone, returning the phone to standard mode is just a few taps away.
Give it a try today using the instructions above and enjoy the brand new Samsung Galaxy S5.