You can scan receipts, IDs, hand-written notes, even whiteboards—and save or share as a clean PDF in seconds. Bonus: both platforms now use AI to auto-crop and enhance legibility.

Offline Access to Maps, Translations, and More

Even in 2025, signal blackouts happen—especially when traveling. But your phone can be prepped:

• Download offline maps in Google Maps (great for travel, dead zones, or saving data).

• Use Live Translate in Google Translate or iPhone’s Translate app for on-the-spot bilingual conversations—no internet required.

• Save boarding passes, hotel confirmations, and tickets to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for offline access.

Most people only discover these features mid-crisis. Use them ahead of time, and you’ll look like a genius.

Digital Wellbeing and Focus Tools

Your phone can now help you stop using it—at least when it matters.

• Focus Modes (iPhone) let you filter notifications, apps, and even Home Screen layouts depending on what you’re doing—work, gym, sleep.

• Digital Wellbeing (Android) lets you set app timers, dim your screen before bed, and track usage patterns without judgment.

If you’ve ever felt like your screen time is out of control, these tools can reset your relationship with your phone—without going full minimalist.

Your Camera’s “Secret” Skills

The camera isn’t just for selfies—it’s also a search engine, scanner, and translator.

• Visual Look Up (iPhone): long-press a photo of a plant, dog, or landmark—your phone will identify it instantly.

• Google Lens (Android + iOS app): point your camera at anything—a product, restaurant menu, barcode—and get info or real-time translations.

You can even use your camera to copy text from the real world straight into your clipboard. Just aim, highlight, paste. Magic.

Accessibility Features Everyone Should Use

Accessibility settings aren’t just for specific needs—they’re for anyone who wants smoother interaction:

• Speak Screen: swipe down with two fingers on iPhone to have the phone read content out loud

• Color Filters and Dark Mode can reduce eye strain

• Magnifier Tool turns your phone into a digital zoom lens—surprisingly handy for reading fine print

Once customized, these settings make your phone feel more tailored, more human.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got a Supercomputer—Use It Like One

Phones today are powerful enough to shoot films, launch businesses, and manage health data. Yet most of us use them like it’s still 2013. Exploring just a few of these lesser-known features can make everyday life feel smoother, smarter, and maybe even a little bit cooler.