Hidden Smartphone Features You Probably Didn't Know Existed

Sep. 2025

We live in a world where smartphones are practically an extension of ourselves, it’s easy to assume we’ve mastered every swipe, tap, and setting. But beneath the surface of your everyday device looms a treasure trove of hidden features, tools and tricks that you may not have discovered yet.

From secret shortcuts and time-saving gestures to unexpected customization options and powerful utilities, your Android device has far more potential than meets the eye, and some of its most impressive abilities are reserved for the Zenfone 12 Ultra, a device that takes AI integration to the next level.

We’ve all done it: swiped away a notification in a rush, only to realize later that it was something important—an email from your boss, a sale alert, or a calendar reminder you needed.

With Notification History, you can rewind time and see exactly what you dismissed, even hours later.

How to enable:

Settings > Apps & Notifications > Notification History

Once turned on, your phone will quietly log every notification you receive for easy reference. Think of it as a “time machine” for your alerts—especially helpful for those prone to fast-finger swiping.

Customizing how your phone responds to taps and presses can make it feel truly yours. The Zenfone’s Smart Key is like a secret command center built into your power button. Imagine this: you’re hiking and suddenly see a perfect view. Instead of unlocking your phone, swiping, and searching for the camera, you just double-tap the Smart Key, and Voila! Your camera’s ready in under a second.

You can also long press to launch Google Assistant when your hands are full

How to access Smart Key:

Settings > Advanced > Smart Key

The Back Tap feature adds even more convenience: Double-tap the back to grab a quick screenshot during a video call, triple-tap to turn on the flashlight when walking at night.

Path:

Settings > Advanced > Back Tap

It’s like having secret buttons that only you know about.

If you’re the type who juggles multiple tasks, the Floating Notification Window is your best friend. This feature lets notifications pop up in a small, movable window so you can reply or interact without leaving the app you’re in.

Enable it via:

Settings > Apps & Notifications > Open Floating Windows via Heads-Ups

It’s a lifesaver for multitaskers; you can respond to messages, check your to-do list, or confirm details without interrupting what you’re doing.

Remembering (and spelling) your Wi-Fi password for guests can be a hassle. Instead, open your Wi-Fi settings, tap the QR Code option, and let them scan it. In seconds, they’re connected; no typos, no headaches.

Settings > Network and Internet > Internet > Select your Wi-Fi network

This also means you can share access without revealing the actual password—great for public spaces or short-term visitors.

Some users like the news feed that appears when you swipe left on the home screen. Others find it distracting. If you’re in the latter camp, disabling it is easy:

The result? A cleaner, calmer home screen experience.

Gaming, video recording, or using GPS for long stretches can generate heat and wear out your battery faster over time. Bypass Charging solves this by powering your phone directly from the charger without filling the battery.

Connect the Charger > Settings > Battery > Charging Mode > Bypass Charging

This reduces heat buildup, prolongs battery health, and keeps performance stable, especially useful for mobile gamers.

Typing in landscape mode can feel like a stretch, like literally. Splitting the keyboard moves the keys closer to each side of the screen, making thumb typing effortless.

On Gboard:

While most of the features we’ve covered are available on many Android phones, the Zenfone 12 Ultra hides a less obvious trick up its sleeve: a dual AI system that can process tasks either in the cloud or directly on the device.

This dual approach ensures flexibility; combining the power and speed of Cloud AI for demanding applications with the privacy and reliability of On-Device AI when you’re offline or dealing with sensitive information.

Which AI features use Cloud or On-Device AI?

Where to find the hidden AI Switch?

The option to switch between Cloud and On-Device AI isn’t located in your main system settings. Instead, it’s hidden inside the settings menu of each AI-powered app (such as Sound Recorder for AI Transcribe and File Manager for AI Summary).

Real-world example

Imagine attending an international exhibition where everything is presented in a foreign language:

If you want a deeper look at all the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s AI capabilities, check out our full AI features guide.

Your smartphone can do far more than you think, if you know where to look. Whether you’re digging through notification history, streamlining multitasking, or tapping into the Zenfone 12 Ultra’s advanced AI features, the right tools can save time, reduce frustration, and even make your device more fun to use.

So, before you consider upgrading, explore the features you already have and if you’re ready for the next level of smartphone intelligence, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is proof that “smart” is evolving fast.