8 Hidden Features Samsung Galaxy S23 (Ultra 2025 Edition)
G’day Auckland! Your Galaxy S23 Ultra packs way more punch than you realise. While most Kiwis stick to the basics, your premium Samsung device is hiding some seriously clever features that’ll change how you work, play, and stay connected around the City of Sails.
As Auckland’s go-to repair experts at SMASHED IT, we’ve seen thousands of S23 Ultras come through our Ponsonby, Parnell, and Papakura stores.
Here’s the inside scoop on eight hidden gems that’ll make your device feel brand new again.
Table of Contents
What Makes the Samsung S23 Ultra Special?
Before diving into the hidden features, let’s acknowledge what sets this device apart. The S23 Ultra isn’t just another Android phone – it’s Samsung’s flagship powerhouse with a 200MP camera system, built-in S Pen, and industry-leading specs that still compete with 2025’s newest models.
1. Now Bar – Your Personal Assistant on Lock Screen
- What is it: One UI 7.0 introduces the Now Bar, providing real-time updates that matter most right on the lock screen. Think of it as your personal dashboard without unlocking your phone.
- Why it’s brilliant: Perfect for busy Aucklanders catching the bus on Queen Street. Check your morning run stats, see delivery updates, or monitor your Uber’s arrival – all without touching your phone.
- How to use it: Update to One UI 7.0 (available now in NZ), then customise which apps can show updates on your lock screen through Settings > Lock Screen > Now Bar.
- Pro tip: Set it up for Auckland Transport app updates during peak traffic hours on the harbour bridge.
2. Expert RAW Mode – Professional Photography Unleashed
- What is it: Expert RAW mode is designed specifically for those who want to tweak their images post-capture, allowing you to shoot in RAW format with much more detail and dynamic range.
- Why it’s game-changing: Auckland’s stunning harbour views and dramatic weather deserve proper photography. RAW files capture every detail from Rangitoto’s sunrise to the city’s moody winter skies.
- How to access it: Download Expert RAW from Galaxy Store, then access it through your camera app’s “More” section.
- Local bonus: Perfect for capturing Auckland’s golden hour light bouncing off the harbour – those files will blow your mates away on social media.
3. Advanced S Pen Air Actions – Remote Control Magic
- What is it: Your S Pen does way more than writing. It’s a Bluetooth remote control with gesture recognition and app-specific shortcuts.
- Hidden features include:
- Long-press S Pen button for instant camera launch
- Air gestures to control music playback
- Custom shortcuts for different apps
- Remote selfie control from 10 metres away
- Auckland use case: Perfect for those Instagram shots at One Tree Hill or Mission Bay – set up your phone, step back, and control the camera with S Pen gestures.
- Setup: Remove S Pen > Settings > S Pen > Air Actions. Customise gestures for each app.
4. Hidden High-Resolution Display Mode
- What is it: The Galaxy S23 Ultra comes with a hidden high-resolution display mode with a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen capable of 1440 x 3088 pixels, but the screen doesn’t show that many pixels by default to save battery.
- The secret: Your S23 Ultra ships in FHD+ mode to save battery. Enable WQHD+ for crystal-clear detail that makes text razor-sharp and photos pop.
- How to enable: Settings > Display > Screen Resolution > Select WQHD+
- Trade-off: Uses about 10% more battery, but worth it for media consumption and professional work.
- Perfect for: Reviewing architectural plans in central Auckland offices or editing photos from weekend trips to the Waitākere Ranges.
5. Bixby Text Call – Screen Calls Like a Pro
- What is it: Answer phone calls by typing messages that Bixby converts to speech, while transcribing the caller’s responses back to text.
- Why Aucklanders love it:
- Screen spam calls without answering
- Take calls in noisy cafes on Ponsonby Road
- Respond during meetings in Sky Tower offices
- Setup: Phone app > Settings > Call assistance > Bixby Text Call > Enable
- Real scenario: Stuck in Auckland traffic? Use Text Call to handle that work call without taking your hands off the wheel.
6. Object Eraser with AI Enhancement
- What is it: Advanced AI-powered photo editing that removes unwanted objects, people, or reflections from your photos with scary-good results.
- Recent improvements: One UI 7.0 enhanced the AI processing, making object removal more natural-looking with better background reconstruction.
- Perfect Auckland moments:
- Remove tourists from your Harbour Bridge photos
- Clean up beach shots at Mission Bay
- Eliminate power lines from landscape photos
- How to use: Gallery > Select photo > Edit > Object Eraser > Circle unwanted objects
- Pro tip: Works best on photos with simple backgrounds – think Auckland’s blue skies rather than busy Queen Street scenes.
7. Customisable Widget Revolution
- What is it: Home and Lock screens are more customizable, with new clock styles and enhanced widget functionality in One UI 7.0.
- Hidden depth: Long-press any widget to access customisation options including size, colour, transparency, and data display preferences.
- Game-changer features:
- Weather widgets showing Auckland’s notoriously changeable conditions
- Calendar widgets sized perfectly for your workflow
- Transport widgets for real-time bus/train updates
- Local hack: Set up a weather widget with hourly precipitation – essential for Auckland’s “four seasons in one day” climate.
8. Split Notifications and Quick Settings
- What is it: One UI 7.0 splits notifications and quick settings for faster use, creating two separate panels for better organisation.
- Why it matters: No more accidentally opening Wi-Fi settings when you’re trying to check messages during Auckland’s busy commute.
- How it works:
- Swipe down once from the right for quick settings
- Swipe down from the left for notifications
- Much faster access to what you need
- Productivity boost: Perfect for busy professionals juggling emails, calendar alerts, and transport updates while navigating Auckland’s business district.
Bonus Features Worth Mentioning
- Screen Off Memo: Remove S Pen when phone is locked to instantly jot notes – brilliant for capturing Auckland parking meter numbers or shop addresses.
- Palm Swipe Screenshot: Swipe your palm across the screen for instant screenshots – handy for saving those cute dog photos from Auckland’s dog-friendly cafes.
- Enhanced Good Lock Support: Samsung’s customisation suite works beautifully with One UI 7.0, offering deeper personalisation options.
Why These Features Matter for Aucklanders?
Your Galaxy S23 Ultra isn’t just keeping up in 2025 – Samsung has committed to four major OS updates and five years of security patches for the S23 series, meaning it will remain supported well into the decade. These hidden features transform a premium phone into a productivity powerhouse perfectly suited to Auckland’s fast-paced lifestyle.
From screening calls during rush hour on the Northern Motorway to capturing professional-quality photos of Auckland’s stunning scenery, these features make your daily life smoother and more creative.
Need Help Unlocking Your S23 Ultra’s Potential?
If your Galaxy S23 Ultra isn’t performing at its best, our expert technicians at SMASHED IT can help. We offer:
- Parnell Store: Premium repairs with genuine Samsung parts
- Ponsonby Store: Central Auckland convenience
- Papakura Partnership Store: Erepair N Spares for South Auckland
All repairs come with our warranty-backed service guarantee. Visit us if these features aren’t working as expected – sometimes a quick software tune-up makes all the difference
