Smartphones today have become an integral part of our lives. We depend on them throughout the day for personal tasks, work, and entertainment. Even after installing dozens of apps, most people use their smartphones only for basic functions like paying bills, taking photos, or booking a cab. But these devices can do so much more. This small computer in your pocket can perform tasks that once required several different gadgets.
Modern smartphones perform hundreds of functions that previously needed separate devices. They have replaced tools like scanners, music players, GPS devices, and even remote controls. You can read our recent article on the number of gadgets we would be forced to buy if smartphones didn’t exist.
There are also excellent discussions on Quora on how to use your smartphone more effectively. You should know all the ways by which you can maximize the output of a smartphone. Many users are unaware of the advanced tools and features already built into their phones. Learning these features helps you maximize your phone’s output and solve many tasks without additional tools.
So let us explore some surprising things you can do with your smartphone, including a few updated features recently added to newer devices.
1. Lock, Unlock, and Start Your Car
For people who frequently misplace their car keys, modern smartphones offer a solution. Apps like Viper SmartStart allow you to lock or unlock your car without touching your keys. Some cars even support digital car keys, allowing you to start the engine with your phone.
Newer models from leading car manufacturers now support NFC-based keyless entry, meaning your smartphone replaces the traditional key entirely. This also improves security because digital keys can be revoked or shared temporarily.
You can start, control or locate your vehicle from virtually anywhere from your iPhone or Android smartphone.
2. Monitor Your Heart Rate and Basic Health Stats
You can install apps like Instant Heart Rate to measure your pulse by placing your fingertip on the camera. Within seconds, your phone shows a reading. While earlier versions were not highly accurate, newer smartphones include dedicated health sensors that track:
- Heart rate
- Blood oxygen levels
- Stress patterns
- Sleep quality
Some phones also connect with smart accessories for more accurate readings. This eliminates the need for expensive health gadgets for basic monitoring.
3. Project an Augmented Reality Map on Your Car Windshield
Driving becomes difficult in fog, rain, or heavy traffic. Apps like HUDWAY can project a navigation map onto your car’s windshield. Just place your phone on the dashboard and follow the projected display.
With modern advancements, AR-based navigation is becoming more common. Some smartphones now support live AR lane guidance, showing arrows directly on the road through your camera view.
4. Turn Your Smartphone Into a Handy Tool
Numerous apps can turn your phone into a spirit level, helping you align shelves, furniture, or frames. These tools use the phone’s sensors to measure angles with precision.
Many smartphones also offer:
- Compass tools
- Measurement apps
- Sound level meters
- Flashlight utilities
All of these eliminate the need to purchase separate equipment.
5. Search Images in Your Camera Roll
If you have an Android device, apps like Google Lens can search for information about any picture in your gallery. You can point the camera at a building, product, or object and instantly find details online.
This is helpful for identifying:
- Plants
- Animals
- Text
- Products
- Landmarks
You can even translate text on images instantly using this feature.
6. Digitize and Scan Old Negatives
If you have old photographic negatives lying around, you can bring them back to life. Apps such as Helmut Film Scanner let you digitize negatives easily using your phone’s camera.
Newer models also support AI-enhanced restoration, which repairs faded colors and improves clarity. This helps you save old memories without buying special scanning equipment.
7. Measure Height, Distance, and Width Using the Camera Lens
Smartphones with LiDAR or depth sensors can measure almost anything. You can measure:
- Room dimensions
- Furniture
- Objects at a distance
- Height of a person
- Space needed for new items
Several apps allow you to create a digital floor plan, take 3D measurements, or estimate the size of large objects your tape measure cannot reach.
8. Turn Your Phone Into a Baby Monitor
There are many apps that let you monitor your baby’s sleep. These apps can detect movement or sound and send alerts to another number. You can place your phone near the baby and receive notifications instantly.
Some apps also include live camera streaming, allowing parents to check on their baby from wherever they are.
9. Control Your Television and Other Electronics
If you’ve misplaced your TV remote, your smartphone can help. Many phones have built-in IR blasters or apps that connect through Wi-Fi. These apps can control:
- Televisions
- Air conditioners
- Projectors
- Audio systems
- Set-top boxes
This helps replace multiple remotes with one easy solution.
10. Use It as a Barcode and QR Code Scanner
Smartphones can scan barcodes and QR codes printed on food packets, newspapers, posters, and products. This feature helps you find product details, compare prices, or access special offers instantly.
Apps like Google Lens even allow scanning handwritten notes and converting them into digital text.
NEW Surprising Smartphone Features Added Recently
To make the article updated, here are additional modern smartphone functions many users don’t know about:
11. Real-Time Language Translation
Your smartphone can translate speech in real time. Apps like Google Translate or built-in translation tools help you talk to people in different languages instantly.
Newer models also support live translation during calls, which is extremely useful for travelers.
12. Detecting Objects Using AI
With advanced AI tools, smartphones can now identify objects, ingredients, or even troubleshoot minor household issues. These features help users diagnose small hardware problems or understand what an unknown device may be.
13. Document Scanning With Auto Cropping
Your phone can scan documents and automatically:
- Crop edges
- Enhance clarity
- Remove shadows
- Convert to PDF
This replaces bulky scanners and makes sharing documents easier.
14. Using Your Phone as a PC (Desktop Mode)
Some smartphones allow you to connect to a monitor and use a desktop interface. This helps with tasks like typing, browsing, and multitasking without needing a laptop.
15. Detecting Nearby Devices and Lost Items
Phones can help locate lost devices, keys, or headphones using:
- Bluetooth tracking
- Ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors
- Smart tags
This makes finding misplaced items extremely easy.
These were some of the unknown things you could do with todays smartphone. Learn what you should expect in future smartphones.
Final Thoughts
These were some of the surprising things you can do with your smartphone. Modern smartphones offer far more value than basic calling and texting. They help in many areas of life, from health monitoring to remote control, scanning, navigation, and everyday problem-solving.
Your smartphone has many hidden features you may not be using. It can even help you save money by eliminating the need for many separate tools and gadgets.
So what are you waiting for? Start exploring your smartphone and unlock its full potential.
We would love to know your thoughts. Share your opinions in the comments below.
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