Top 5 defects of Galaxy Note 5

Galaxy Note 5 vs Galaxy Note 4: 

what are the missing features? 

No Micro SD card support, non-removable battery, no IR blaster, smaller battery, and missing Lollipop features.

Update 1: Galaxy Note 5 S Pen is another design defect.  If you accidentally insert the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen in wrong direction, Galaxy Note 5 will not be able to detect whether the S Pen is in the slot or not. There are no solutions except visiting service center. Please read this page for details.

As detailed in this post, Galaxy Note 5 comes with some new or improved features, for example, new design with curved glass back, fast wireless charging, improved S pen features, improved camera, more RAM, faster CPU, better fingerprint sensor.

You will surely enjoy these features and the new Galaxy Note 5.

However, it seems Samsung  failed to get some user feedback of the defects or design flaws of Galaxy S6  and Galaxy S6 edge.  Galaxy Note 5 share some similar defects.

This post will try to summarize the top 5 defects in Galaxy Note 5.

Top 5 defects of Galaxy Note 5:  1. No micro SD card support

All previous generations of Galaxy Note devices, including Galaxy Note tablets (Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition and Galaxy Note Pro), have a micro SD card slot for you to expand the storage or to transfer files.

But Galaxy Note 5 stops this trend. Galaxy Note 5 does not support micro SD card. There is no micro SD card slot.

As micro SD card has similar size to SIM card,  micro SD card slot does not necessarily reside inside the phone.

If you have a SIM card slot, then technically, there is no problem to put a micro SD card slot.

One of the excuses of missing SD card slot is that Galaxy Note 5 is using UFS 2.0 storage, which is 3 times faster than eMMC storage. The micro SD card is too slow to match the performance of UFS 2.0 storage.

The truth is in your PC, you very likely have a very fast SSD drive, together with traditional, slower mechanical hard disk. It does not make sense you should throw away your old mechanical disk because of the new SSD drive. They can co-exist and serve different purposes:  SSD for fast access and old disk for storage.

This is same for UFS 2.0 and micro SD card.

Another commonly cited excuse is that most Galaxy Note users do not use SD card at all, based on some stupid market studies.

The truth is you should still buy medical insurance although you haven’t made any claims in last 10 years. 

One of the major factors we choose Samsung Galaxy Note devices is the “choices”.

The reality is Samsung made a wrong decision by removing micro SD card support. They hope they can get enough Galaxy Note 5 users who do not know what they want.

But Galaxy Note 5 will lose many existing Note users who know what choices mean.

Top 5 defects of Galaxy Note 5:  2. non-removable battery

Removable battery is now a luxury for high-end smartphones.

Apple enjoyed the success of embedded non-removable battery in all their devices. The non-removable battery can give them more freedom in internal design.

Now, more and more Android vendors follow this strategy.

But they forget that Apple has an extensive service network with acceptable service standard all over the world.

This means Apple fanboies can replace the battery easily in almost all places. The cost will be relatively similar in all regions. So, it is predictable.

So, how about Samsung? How many Samsung service centers in your area?

Do you know how much they will charge you for replacing the battery 2 years later?

You have no answer, Samsung has no answer.  Nobody has the answer. Maybe, the part is always out of stock and they will suggest you buy a newly released Galaxy Note 7.

Even worse, in some regions, Samsung relies on local distribution agents. Why do they have interest to stock parts for more than 20 different smartphones  that are 2  years old?

Of course, the non-removable battery is due to glass back cover design. It is hard to design a removable glass back cover.

So, the question is whether the glass is a good choice over plastic as in previous Galaxy Note devices.

Although many Galaxy Note owners criticized the plastic back cover. But what they complained is the poor-quality plastic Samsung used.

If you try Motorola or Nokia phones, you will know plastic is not created equally. Motorola even shows us you can customize your $180 Moto G with all-plastic construction.

The reality is that Samsung made another wrong decision to go to glass for the back cover, instead of using better plastics.

Metal is not a good option if wireless charging is needed.

Top 5 defects of Galaxy Note 5:  3. No IR blaster

Surprisingly, Galaxy Note 5 removed the IR blaster, which some of Galaxy Note 4 owners have enjoyed.

Very likely, “most” of Galaxy Note 4 owners never used it. And removing it can save about less than $1 in each device.

And therefore, Samsung decided to remove this feature from Galaxy Note 5 to cater for the mass market who do not know what they want.

As mentioned, this means Samsung slammed the doors to users who know why choices matter.

Top 5 defects of Galaxy Note 5: 4. Smaller battery

Galaxy Note 5 has an identical screen size (5.7″) to Galaxy Note 4.  But the battery capacity is reduced from 3220mAh to 3000mAh.

Probably, Samsung’s home-made 14nm Exynos processor in Galaxy Note 5 may be more power efficient than the 28nm Snapdragon 805 processors in Note 4.

But you should not expect longer battery life than Galaxy Note 4.

This is really bad for heavy users who have problems to access the wall charger often, although you can charge Galaxy Note 5 batteryfaster

For Galaxy Note 4 owners, you can just prepare a spare battery.  For Galaxy Note 5 owners, you have to learn to save battery and reduce the usage.

Top 5 defects of Galaxy Note 5: 5. missing  Lollipop features

Android allows all sorts of customization.

This makes a colorful Android world. HTC Android phones may have some unique features. LG can customize it to get some unique features.

Samsung is infamous of adding too many useless (sometimes also unique) feature to Android phones.

But the backlash of many half-baked unique features in Galaxy S4 dragged Samsung “back to basics” in Galaxy S5.

Now, Samsung is heading to another extreme. |

They trimmed many useful features in the TouchWiz. Now, they also trim some Android features.

Some excellent Android Lollipop features were removed in Samsung Galaxy Note 5 as they did for Galaxy S6.  This is surely another defect of Galaxy Note 5.

Here are a few examples:

• no guest user support. Android Lollipop offers guest user mode and multiple users in smartphones. This makes device sharing easier and safer. But you cannot find these features in Galaxy Note 5.
• no multiple user support.
• messed notification and interruption system. AlthoughAndroid Lollipop notification and interruption system received some negative feedback, it is still the best notification system compared to iOS, Windows phone. In Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Samsung implemented a hybrid of new notification system and the old one. It simply makes more confusions for new users.

Everything about Galaxy Note 5 S Pen

This guide shows you Galaxy Note 5 S Pen components and their functions, the difference between white and grey S Pen nibs, and how to replace S Pen nibs...

S Pen is the signature accessory for Galaxy Note devices. A lot of special features and functions on Galaxy Note 5 require S Pen.

This guide will try to cover all aspects of Galaxy Note 5 S Pen.  So, this guide will be helpful for you even you are a new user of S Pen.

For experienced S Pen users, the difference between Galaxy Note 5 S Pen and S Pen in previous generations is illustrated.

Because S Pens in all Galaxy Note devices share similar design. This guide also applies to old generation Galaxy Note devices, e.g., Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 10.1, Galaxy Note 8.0, Galaxy Note Pro.

If something is exclusive to Galaxy Note 5, it will be highlighted.

Galaxy Note 5 S Pen components and their functions

In your Samsung Galaxy Note 5 box, you should find following components related to Galaxy Note 5 S Pen:

1. a S Pen (with  a S Pen button) attached to Galaxy Note 5 S Pen slot (see Galaxy Note 5 layout here);
2. 5 spare S Pen nibs (in 2 colors), and
3. tweezers.

The 5 spare spare S Pen nibs and the tweezers were put inside a small plastic bag in the box.

The functions of the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib:

1. Use the S Pen to write, draw, or perform touch actions on the screen.
2. Hover the S Pen over items on the screen to access additional S Pen features, such as Action button and the Air view feature.

The functions of the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen button:

1. Hover the S Pen over the screen and press the S Pen button to display the Air command features.
2. While pressing and holding the S Pen button, drag the S Pen over items to select them.

The function of tweezers is to remove the S Pen nib when replacing the nib.

What are the differences between the white and grey S Pen nibs?

You may notice among the 5 spare S Pen nibs, 3 are white and 2 are grey.

By default, the S Pen attached to Galaxy Note 5 is white in most regions.

The color is not random. The white nibs are actually different from the grey ones.

The white one is harder and it is easy to move it on the screen with less friction. The grey one, on the other hand, is like rubber. It provides more friction.

So, these two types of S Pen nibs give you different S Pen experience depending on your habit.

But if you applies screen protector to your Galaxy Note 5 screen, you may find it is hard to use the grey one.

How to replace Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib?

You may need replace the Galaxy Note 5 S pen nib when:

• you want to get more friction (grey) or less friction (white).
• the S Pen nib is dull or not responsive as usual.

Please note, S Pen nibs are NOT reusable.  So, don’t waste your S Pen nibs.

You may follow these steps to replace Galaxy Note 5 S Pen nib.

Step 1: Remove the old nib with tweezers

You need hold the nib firmly with the tweezers, then pull it out as shown below. Do not use any other tools.

Step 2: Insert the new S Pen nib.

Insert the new S pen nib into the S pen with your hand as shown below.

Do not insert the rounded end of the nib into Galaxy Note 5 S Pen.

How to detach Galaxy Note 5 S Pen?

To detach Galaxy Note 5 S pen, you need press the end of the S Pen to disengage it. Then, pull the S Pen from the slot as shown below

This is different from detaching S Pen from previous Galaxy Note devices. The Galaxy Note 5 S Pen is loaded with a spring. And you must press the end to disengage it.  For S Pen in Galaxy Note 4 and older devices, you can pull out the S Pen directly.

In Galaxy Note 5, the S Pen is fully inserted into the slot and you cannot pull it without pressing the end.

How to store Galaxy Note 5 S Pen?

To store Galaxy Note 5 S Pen, push it back into the S Pen slot until you hear it click. You need insert the S Pen’s nib first as shown below. Failure to do so can
cause the S Pen to become stuck. Forcefully detaching the S Pen from the slot may cause damage to the S Pen and Galaxy Note 5.

The Galaxy Note 5 S Pen design has a flaw: you may accidentally insert the S Pen in wrong direction without applying much force until it is stuck. If you pull out the S Pen after it is stuck, your Galaxy Note 5 will not be able to detect S Pen any more. You have to visit local Samsung service center to repair it.

If the Galaxy Note 5 S Pen is stored properly, the whole S Pen should be in the S Pen slot.

What can I do if I accidentally insert Galaxy Note 5 S Pen into the slot in wrong direction?

As mentioned, Galaxy Note 5 S pen has a design flaw. You may insert the S Pen in wrong direction without getting any warnings until it is stuck.

It is too late!

If this happened to you, you may damage the S Pen slot. Galaxy Note 5 will unlikely detect whether the S Pen is in the slot or not from now on.

This means you cannot use screen off memo. You have to use air command by pressing the S Pen button.

As it is a hardware damage, you have to visit local Samsung service center to repair the S Pen slot.  Factory data reset will NOT solve the problem.

For other Galaxy Note 5 features and detailed Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides , please check Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides page.

You may also download and read the official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 user manual here.

Air View in Galaxy Note 3

Get to know how to use Air View in your Galaxy Note 3. Point at an item with the S Pen or your finger to preview content or view information in a pop-up window.

Back to Table of Contents

Use Air View to perform various functions in Galaxy Note 3 while the S Pen or your finger is hovering over the screen.

On the Home screen, tap Apps → Settings → Controls → Air view, and then drag the Air view switch to the right.

Point at an item with the S Pen or your finger to preview content or view information in a pop-up window.

You can scroll through panels or lists by moving the S Pen pointer to an edge (top/bottom/left/right) of the screen.


When you point at an area on a webpage for a few seconds with your finger, the device magnifies the area.

Top 5 new features of Galaxy Note 5 you will like

Galaxy Note 5 vs Galaxy Note 4: what's new and exciting? New design, fast wireless charging, improved S pen features, improved camera, more RAM, faster CPU, better fingerprint sensor.....

Update 1: Official Samsung Galaxy Note 5 user manuals are available now. You can download and read them in your language from this page.

Update 2: Galaxy Note 5 how-to guides page is available now. You can get detailed guides on how to use Galaxy Note 5.

On August 13 2015, Samsung announced the 5th generation of Galaxy Note phone: Galaxy Note 5 (together with Galaxy S6 edge+). In Asia, Galaxy  Note 5 has been available 2 days later (August 15). In US and North America, the release date is August 21.

If you are a long term Galaxy Note device user, you will notice Galaxy Note 5 was announced 2-3 weeks earlier than its predecessors.

All previous generations of Galaxy Note phones were announced in IFA Berlin (International radio exhibition Berlin, Berlin Radio Show).  The event usually starts from last week of August or first week of September. Galaxy Note (Note 1)  was announced in IFA Berlin 2011, Galaxy Note II in IFA Berlin 2012 (August 29, 2012), Galaxy Note 3 in IFA Berlin 2013 (September 4, 2013) and Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge in IFA Berlin 2014 (September 3, 2014).

But this year, Samsung desperately rolls out Galaxy Note 5 earlier due to competition of the 5.5″ iPhone 6 plus, and the upcoming S version of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus next month.

So, Samsung not only announced Galaxy Note 5 three weeks earlier than IFA Berlin 2015, but also released it immediately. It used to take Samsung 1-2 months to release Galaxy Note devices after the device was announced.

many Galaxy note users may wonder what the new features of Galaxy Note 5 are, and whether you should get this new Galaxy Note device.

To help you understand Galaxy Note 5 better, two posts are prepared. This post shows you the new and cool features in Galaxy Note 5. The other one will focus on flaws of Galaxy Note 5.

A new design, full metal-glass construction andcurved glass back

Galaxy Note 5 looks fundamentally different from Galaxy Note 4 and other older Note devices, although Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy Note 4 share similar 5.7″ screen.

The new design of Galaxy Note 5 follows Galaxy S6. And, sadly, the design also reminds you about iPhone.

Galaxy Note 5 also says bye-bye to plastic (or faux leather). Metal and glass are used instead. It look gorgeous.

The unique point of Galaxy Note 5 design is the curved back. All Samsung Galaxy devices have a flat back, including Galaxy S6 edge which has curved screen in front side, not back.

The curved back reminds you Motorola design for Moto X or Moto G. But Galaxy Note 5 is only curved near the frame/edge. So, it still looks very different from Moto devices.

This curved edge in the back actually is far more useful than the curved screen (edge screen) in Galaxy S6 edge+, or Galaxy S6 edge. It makes it is very easy to hold Galaxy Note 5.

Wireless charging and fast wireless charging

Galaxy Note 4 supports fast charging, but not wireless charging.

Galaxy S6 comes with fast charging and wireless charging.

Now, Galaxy Note 5 gives you fast charging, wireless charging andfast wireless charging.

The fast wireless chargingis absolutely new for smartphones. Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ probably are the first duo to get this feature. You can simply enjoy fast charging with wireless charging.

Improved S Pen features in Galaxy Note 5

S Pen is the signature feature of Galaxy Note devices.

Of course, Samsung continues to improve the S Pen features in Galaxy Note 5.

Here are some remarkable improved or new S Pen features:

• New S Pen design. There is a serious flaw in Galaxy Note 5 design. You may accidentally insert the S Pen in wrong direction, and this will damage the S Pen slot. Please read this page for details.
• You can customize air command menu by adding your favorite apps to it.
• Scroll capture. You can take screenshot for multiple screens to cover whole web page, not just current screen.
• Screen off memo. You can write memos on the screen without turn the screen on.

We will prepare individual guides to show you how to use these cool features.

Improved camera

For the front camera, compared to Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 5 upgrade the camera sensor. You can take 5MP selfies. A jump form 3.7MP in Galaxy Note 4.

The rear camera in Galaxy Note 5 has a similar 16MP sensor withOIS as you have in Galaxy Note 4.

But Samsung improved camera features significantly through software. For example:

• Pro mode. You can have detailed control of your photo.
• Camera quick launch. You can launch Galaxy Note 5 camera by tapping home button twice. Quick launch works even when the screen is locked.
• Tracking AF (auto focus) for you to take photos with moving objects..
• Lock focus and exposure.
• RAW support in Pro Mode. For advanced users,  Galaxy Note 5 can save photos in RAW format. This means you have the full freedom to edit the photos after they are taken. You are not limited to effects and filters. You can travel back and re-adjust camera settings.
• Video collage mode. You can capture multiple videos and play them in a single collage.
• Live broadcast. You can broadcast yourself live through YouTube in Galaxy Note 5 camera app. You can set the broadcast as private (only invited contacts can watch) or public. It is up to you.

More RAM, faster CPU, better fingerprint sensor

Compared to Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 5 is equipped  with 4GB RAM (3GB in Note 4), faster 64-bit processor (Octa-core Exynos 7420). These surely boosts the performance of Galaxy Note 5 significantly.

Another improvement in Galaxy Note 5 is the UHS 2.0 storage, which is about 2-3 times faster than other smartphones with eMMC storage.  This is actually one of the  excuses of removing  micro SD card support in Galaxy Note 5.

Galaxy Note 5 also updated to touch-based fingerprint sensor. In Galaxy Note 4, you have to swipe your finger across the home button to register your fingerprint. In Galaxy Note 5, you need just touch the home button.

Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes guide

When and how to use Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes?

What are Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes?

Samsung Galaxy S6 brings thebest smartphone camera in 2015.  The Galaxy S6 camera is fast and easy to use. It outperforms all other smartphone cameras, including iPhone 6 Plus,  in most scenarios, especially in low-light conditions.

You can even double tap theHome button to launch the camera at any time, even when your Galaxy S6 is locked. We illustrated this quick launch feature in this page.

Most Galaxy S6 or S6 edge owners just use Auto mode to get outstanding photos in most cases.

But Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge give you even more controls and options.

In this guide,  we will show you the meaning of  various Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes, when you should use them and how to use them,  and how to download additional Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes.

You can imagine Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes are actually pre-defined templates for you to take special photos under certain scenarios.

By default, for the main (rear) camera (see Galaxy S6 device layout), there are 7 -pre-installed Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes:

1. Auto mode (default).
2. Pro mode.
3. Selective focus mode.
4. Panorama mode.
5. Slow motion mode (for video recording).
6. Fast motion mode (for video recording).
7. Virtual shot mode.

For the front camera, there are 4 pre-installed Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes:

1. Selfie mode (default).
2. Wide selfie mode.
3. Virtual shot mode.
4. Interval shot mode.

In addition to these 11 pre-installed Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes, you can also download and install more camera modes from Galaxy Apps for your Galaxy S6. You may follow this guide to add more Galaxy S6 camera modes for your S6 or S6 edge.

Please note, the camera (hardware) and camera app in Galaxy S6 are identical to Galaxy S6 edge camera. Although Galaxy S6 is often used in this guide, this guide equally applies to Samsung Galaxy S6 edge camera.

When and how to use Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes?

Please note, Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes for front camera and rear (main) camera are different. Some modes, e.g., selfie mode, are for front camera only as mentioned above.

1. Auto mode

Most Galaxy S6 users are using Auto mode, which adjust camera settings forexposure, color and ISO automatically based on lighting conditions and objects.  So, you can take best pictures without touching any settings.

The Galaxy S6 camera Auto mode actually is a combination of several modes in some old Galaxy devices.

For example, Galaxy S6 Auto mode will automatically apply low-light condition settings when Galaxy S6 detects the lighting is not good or it is in night. In some old devices, you probably have to manually set “night mode”.  Galaxy S6 also detects whether the lighting is from fluorescent source or incandescent source and apply the Auto mode settings accordingly.

How to use lock focus and exposure in Galaxy S6 Auto mode?

Samsung Galaxy S6 Auto mode also allows you to lock the focus and exposure.  You will find this feature useful when the object is outside the auto-focus area.

To lock the focus and exposure in Galaxy S6 Auto mode, you need tap and hold the area to focus, the AF/AE frame will appear on the area and the focus and exposure setting will be locked.

To cancel the focus and exposure lock in Galaxy S6 Auto mode, you just tap the AF/AE frame again. Otherwise, the setting remains locked even after you take a photo.  The focus and exposure lock will only be automatically removed when you relaunch the camera app.

Anyway, the Auto mode is probably your first choice if you do not fiddling around with other Galaxy S6 camera modes.

2. Pro mode

Pro mode in Samsung Galaxy S6 is a new camera mode which you cannot find in other Galaxy devices.

Galaxy S6 Pro mode allows you to manually adjust 5 items: ISO, exposure,white balance, focal length and color tone, like a pro (using a DSLR camera).

Of course, if you have no experience with photography, it is better to use Galaxy S6 Auto mode mentioned above.

How to use custom settings in Galaxy S6 Pro mode?

In Galaxy S6 Pro mode, you can save the current setting as a custom setting so that you can re-use the same settings in the future.

To save current settings as a custom setting, on the preview screen, tap Custom — Save current settings, Choose a name, and then tap Save.

To use the saved custom settings to the camera, open the preview screen, tap Custom, and then select the name of a custome setting.

How to separate exposure area and  focus area in Galaxy S6 Pro mode?

If bright light affects the contrast or the subject is outside the auto focus area, you can separate the exposure area and the focus area in Galaxy S6 Pro mode to achieve an appropriate exposure. You can separate the exposure and focus areas and select the exposure level you want for the subject.

To separate exposure area and focus area in Galaxy S6 Pro mode, on the preview screen, tap and hold the area to focus. The AF/AE frame will appear on the focus area. When you drag the frame, it the ring (frame) is separated into two: one for AF (focus) and the other one for AE (exposure). You can move the two frames independently.

Please remember, Galaxy S6 Pro mode is for owners who have some understanding of photography. It is one of the most useful Galaxy S6 camera modes.

3. Selective focus mode

Selective focus mode was actually first introduced in Galaxy S5.  Galaxy S6 Selective focus mode allows you to choose the focus of the image at any time: foreground (near focus), background (far focus), or focus evenly across the image (pan focus).

Once the photo is taken with Galaxy S6 selective focus mode, you can change the focus in Gallery app.

Key points of using Galaxy S6 selective focus mode

• It is recommended that you position subjects within 50 cm of your Galaxy S6.
• Position the subject that you want to focus on close to Galaxy S6.
• When taking photos with Galaxy S6 selective focus mode, ensure there is sufficient distance between the subject and the background. The distance should be more than three times the distance between Galaxy S6 and the subject.
• The quality of photos taken in Galaxy S6 selective focus mode can be affected in the following conditions:
  1. Galaxy S6 or the subject is moving.
  2. There is strong background light, low levels of light, or you are taking photos indoors.
  3. The subject or background has no pattern, or consists of a plain color.

4. Panorama mode

Galaxy S6 Panorama mode allows you to take a series of photos horizontally or vertically and then stitch them together to create a wide scene. This is one of the under-used Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes.

Panorama mode is available in almost allAndroid phones. But each Android manufacturer may implement this feature slightly different.

When taking photos with Galaxy S6 Panorama mode,  you are limited to 6MP as the picture resolution.  There is no way to get 16MP resolution for Galaxy S6 Panorama mode.

In addition, you are not allowed to use flash or set exposure or white balance when in Galaxy S6 Panorama mode. All these will be set by Galaxy S6.

To take a photo with Samsung Galaxy S6 Panorama mode, you can tap the camera button, then move the phone in one direction by following the on-screen instructions. Galaxy S6 will stitch and process the photos to one final photo without artificial traces between frames.

Tips for using Galaxy S6 Panorama mode

To get the best shots using Galaxy S6 Panorama mode, follow these tips:

1. Move the camera slowly in one direction.
2. Keep the image within the frame on the camera’s viewfinder.
3. Avoid taking photos of indistinct backgrounds, such as an empty sky or a plain wall.

5. Slow motion (for video recording)

Galaxy S6 slow motion mode allows you to record videos at high frame rate so that you can view the video as slow motion.

You may need this Galaxy S6 camera mode when you recording a sports event or events with fast moving objects.

If you play a video recorded with Galaxy S6 slow motion mode in high frame rate, the video is similar to smooth motion which can be found in Galaxy Note 4.  In Galaxy S6, smooth motion recording mode was removed.

When using Galaxy S6 slow motion recording mode, the video resolution is limited to 720p. It is impossible to increase it to full HD (1080p). This is probably due to hardware limitations.

For videos recorded in slow motion mode, you can edit them in Gallery app. You can choose:

• Play speed (1/2, 1/4 or 1/8) or normal speed.
• Set slow motion section.
• Export the edited videos so that they can be played on other devices with desired playing speed you specified.
• Split videos and trim videos.

 6.  Fast motion (for video recording).

Fast motion mode is opposite to slow motion mode.

Galaxy S6 fast motion video recording mode allows you to record a video for viewing it in fast motion.

For videos recorded with Galaxy S6 fast motion mode, you can specify sections of your videos to be played in fast motion. Other parts can be played in normal speed.

Similar to the editing features for slow motion videos, you can also edit the fast motion videos to specify:

• Play speed (2x, 4x or 8x) or normal speed.
• Set fast motion section. (other sections will be played in normal speed)
• Export the edited videos so that they can be play speed on other devices with desired playing speed you specified.
• Split videos and trim videos.

7.  Virtual shot mode

Galaxy S6 Virtual shot mode allows you to take a series of photos while circling around a subject to create a view of the subject from multiple angles.

This Galaxy S6 camera mode is useful when you want to create a multi-directional views for an object or an environment in one photo. Otherwise, you may have to record a video or take several photos.

With the photo taken in Galaxy S6 Virtual shot mode, you can view the subject from different angles by dragging your finger left or right on the photo.

Please note, the photo can be viewed only on Samsung  devices. In other non-Samsung devices, it is normal photo with a single directional view.

How to use  Galaxy S6 Virtual shot?

To use Galaxy S6 Virtual shot mode to take photos, you need select the virtual shot mode first, make sure the subject is in the center of the preview screen. then tap the camera (shutter) button.

Next move Galaxy S6 around the subject slowly in one direction to take more photos. When the on-screen arrow becomes completely yellow or when you stop circling the subject, Galaxy S6 will automatically stop taking photos.

How to view Galaxy S6  virtual shot photos?

You can view the Galaxy S6 virtual shot photos in Gallery app.

By default, the photo will change the view based on your moving directions automatically. You can tap and drag to left or right to manually  control the view directions.

8. Selfie mode (front camera only)

Galaxy S6 Selfie mode is for the front camera only. And it is the default camera mode for front camera.

Galaxy S6 Selfie mode allows you to take selfie shots and apply some effects automatically so that you look even better.

The effects are applied automatically and you are not allowed to configure the effects (e.g., the brush strength).

How to use Galaxy S6 Selfie mode?

1. Open camera app. You can use quick launch as detailed in this guide.
2. Switch to front camera.
3. The default mode should be galaxy S6 selfie mode already. If not, tap MODE, then tap Selfie.
4. Once you are ready, you have several ways to take the photo:
   • you can tap the camera (shutter) icon;
   • you can use your finger to cover the heart rate monitor (see Galaxy S6 layout here, Galaxy S6 edge layout here);
   • you can use your voice to control (see this guide);
   • you can use your palm if gesture control is enabled.

 9. Wide selfie mode (front camera only)

Wide selfie mode is one of very useful Galaxy S6 camera modes. Most Galaxy S6 owners are not fully aware of.

Galaxy S6 wide selfie mode allows you take wide-angle (up top 120 degrees) selfie photos so that you can fit more people in the photo.

How to use Galaxy S6 wide selfie mode?

Step 1:  Open camera app.

You can use quick launch as detailed in this guide.

Step 2: Switch to front camera.

Step 3:  Tap MODE, then tap Wide Selfie.

Step 4: Press the shutter button.

When your face is detected, you have several ways to take the photo:

• you can tap the camera (shutter) icon;
• you can use your finger to cover the heart rate monitor (see Galaxy S6 layout here, Galaxy S6 edge layout here);
• you can use your voice to control (see this guide);
• you can use your palm if gesture control is enabled.

Step 5: Move Galaxy S6 to left and right.

Slowly swivel Galaxy S6 left and then right or vice versa to take a wide self-portrait. You need follow the instructions on the screen.

Additional photos will be taken and merged when the white frame moves to each end of the viewfinder window.

Step 6: Wide selfie photo saved automatically.

If there are no errors, the final Galaxy S6 wide selfie photo will be saved automatically.

Tips for using Galaxy S6 wide selfie mode

• Make sure to keep the white frame inside the viewfinder window.
• The subjects should remain still while taking wide self-portraits.
• The resolution of a photo may be affected by lighting conditions.
• The top and bottom parts of the image displayed on the preview screen may be cut out of the photo depending on the shooting conditions.

10. Interval shot mode (front camera only)

Galaxy S6 Interval shot mode is a new camera mode in Galaxy S6.  This front camera mode is a hybrid of selfie mode and interval timer shooting which can be found in most DSLR cameras.

The Galaxy S6 Interval shot mode allows you to take 4 selfie shots continuously at an interval of 2 seconds. You then save any of the 4 photos you want.

How to use Galaxy S6 Interval shot mode?

Step 1:  Open camera app.

You can use quick launch as detailed in this guide.

Step 2: Switch to front camera.

Step 3:  Tap MODE, then tap  Interval shot.

Step 4: Press the shutter button.

When your face are ready you have several ways to take the photo:

• you can tap the camera (shutter) icon;
• you can use your finger to cover the heart rate monitor (see Galaxy S6 layout here, Galaxy S6 edge layout here);
• you can use your voice to control (see this guide);
• you can use your palm if gesture control is enabled.

Step 5:  Take 4 photos in next 8 seconds.

The timer will be shown on the screen. After 4 photos were taken with Galaxy S6 interval shot mode, you are prompt to chose photos to be saved.

If you are not happy with any photos, you can cancel so that none of them will be saved.

Need more Galaxy S6 camera modes?

Please follow this guide to download and install additional Galaxy S6 camera modes.

How about Samsung Galaxy S6 edge camera modes?

Galaxy S6 edge has an identical camera app as Galaxy S6. So, the Galaxy S6 camera modes mentioned above apply to Galaxy S6 edge equally.

Do you have any questions on  Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes and  Samsung Galaxy S6 edge camera modes?

If you have any questions or encounter any problems on using or understanding Samsung Galaxy S6 camera modes on your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 edge, please let us know them in the comment box below

We will try to help you.

For other features of Galaxy S6, please check Galaxy S6 online manual page.

For detailed guides on how to use Samsung Galaxy S6, please checkGalaxy S6 how-to guides page.

For detailed guides on how to use Galaxy S6 camera, please checkGalaxy S6 camera guide page.