{"id":3373,"date":"2025-12-05T12:05:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T12:05:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/new\/?p=3373"},"modified":"2026-01-07T17:23:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T17:23:59","slug":"unexpected-things-you-can-do-with-smartphone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/unexpected-things-you-can-do-with-smartphone\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Surprising Things Your Smartphone Can Actually Do"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>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. <strong>This small computer in your pocket can perform tasks that once required several different gadgets.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/if-smartphones-didnt-exist\/\">gadgets we would be forced to buy if smartphones didn\u2019t exist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also excellent discussions on Quora on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.quora.com\/How-does-one-use-a-smartphone-effectively\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how to use your smartphone more effectively<\/a>. 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 <strong>maximize your phone\u2019s output<\/strong> and solve many tasks without additional tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So let us explore some <strong>surprising things you can do with your smartphone<\/strong>, including a few updated features recently added to newer devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Lock, Unlock, and Start Your Car<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>For people who frequently misplace their car keys, modern smartphones offer a solution. Apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.viper.com\/smartstart\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Viper SmartStart<\/a> allow you to lock or unlock your car without touching your keys. Some cars even support <strong>digital car keys<\/strong>, allowing you to start the engine with your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Newer models from leading car manufacturers now support <strong>NFC-based keyless entry<\/strong>, meaning your smartphone replaces the traditional key entirely. This also improves security because digital keys can be revoked or shared temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em><strong>You can start, control or locate your vehicle from virtually anywhere from your iPhone or Android smartphone.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Monitor Your Heart Rate and Basic Health Stats<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>dedicated health sensors<\/strong> that track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Heart rate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blood oxygen levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stress patterns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleep quality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some phones also connect with smart accessories for more accurate readings. This eliminates the need for expensive health gadgets for basic monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Project an Augmented Reality Map on Your Car Windshield<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving becomes difficult in fog, rain, or heavy traffic. Apps like HUDWAY can project a navigation map onto your car\u2019s windshield. Just place your phone on the dashboard and follow the projected display.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With modern advancements, AR-based navigation is becoming more common. Some smartphones now support <strong>live AR lane guidance<\/strong>, showing arrows directly on the road through your camera view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Turn Your Smartphone Into a Handy Tool<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Numerous apps can turn your phone into a <strong>spirit level<\/strong>, helping you align shelves, furniture, or frames. These tools use the phone\u2019s sensors to measure angles with precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many smartphones also offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Compass tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measurement apps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sound level meters<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flashlight utilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All of these eliminate the need to purchase separate equipment. Choosing between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/smartphone-phablet-or-tablet-which-is-the-right-device\/\">buying a smartphone and a tablet<\/a> can be confusing. You should decide which device fits your lifestyle and usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Search Images in Your Camera Roll<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is helpful for identifying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plants<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Animals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Text<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Products<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Landmarks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can even translate text on images instantly using this feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Digitize and Scan Old Negatives<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Newer models also support <strong>AI-enhanced restoration<\/strong>, which repairs faded colors and improves clarity. This helps you save old memories without buying special scanning equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Measure Height, Distance, and Width Using the Camera Lens<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Smartphones with LiDAR or depth sensors can measure almost anything. You can measure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Room dimensions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Furniture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Objects at a distance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Height of a person<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Space needed for new items<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Turn Your Phone Into a Baby Monitor<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many apps that let you monitor your baby\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some apps also include <strong>live camera streaming<\/strong>, allowing parents to check on their baby from wherever they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>9. Control Your Television and Other Electronics<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Televisions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air conditioners<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Projectors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Audio systems<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set-top boxes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This helps replace multiple remotes with one easy solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>10. Use It as a Barcode and QR Code Scanner<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apps like Google Lens even allow scanning handwritten notes and converting them into digital text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>NEW Surprising Smartphone Features Added Recently<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>To make the article updated, here are <strong>additional modern smartphone functions<\/strong> many users don\u2019t know about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>11. Real-Time Language Translation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Newer models also support <strong>live translation during calls<\/strong>, which is extremely useful for travelers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>12. Detecting Objects Using AI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>13. Document Scanning With Auto Cropping<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your phone can scan documents and automatically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Crop edges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhance clarity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove shadows<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convert to PDF<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This replaces bulky scanners and makes sharing documents easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>14. Using Your Phone as a PC (Desktop Mode)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some smartphones allow you to connect to a monitor and use a <strong>desktop interface<\/strong>. This helps with tasks like typing, browsing, and multitasking without needing a laptop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>15. Detecting Nearby Devices and Lost Items<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Phones can help locate lost devices, keys, or headphones using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bluetooth tracking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smart tags<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This makes finding misplaced items extremely easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These were some of the unknown things you could do with todays smartphone. Learn&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/smartphones-of-the-futue-what-should-we-expect\/\">what you should expect in future smartphones.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>These were some of the <strong>surprising things you can do with your smartphone<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what are you waiting for? <strong>Start exploring your smartphone and unlock its full potential.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We would love to know your thoughts. Share your opinions in the comments below.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3374,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[51],"tags":[54,55,56],"class_list":["post-3373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mobile-phones","tag-cell-phones","tag-mobile-phones","tag-smartphones"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3373","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3373"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4178,"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3373\/revisions\/4178"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3374"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.prizminstitute.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}