Samsung Galaxy S3 is packed with the most wanted features and even it is not the flagship smartphone of Samsung for 2013, it can still do tons of things that other phones can't. Here are the top 50 tips and tricks to unleash, exploit and uncover secret features plus memory management and battery optimisation.

Credit: Wikicommons/Vinith Devdas

1. Upcoming Android 4.3 Jelly Bean
Samsung Galaxy S3 is getting an Android 4.3 firmware update before 2013 ends and it will include tons of features from the Galaxy S4 such as Smart Scroll, new camera and the S Translator.

2. App Download Issues
Downloading apps from the Play Store commonly frustrate owners and if you encounter this problem, there is one way to solve it before calling Tech Support. Go to Settings > Applications Manager > Play Store > Clear Cache > Clear Data > Restart the device.

3. Quick Settings
Access function switches from the notifications bar to quickly snap Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, Power Saver and other toggles you want to activate or disable.

4. iTunes Syncing
In case you use iTunes as your media library on your computer, your Galaxy S3 can sync files from the program via Play Store app called Easy Phone Sync. It can let your iTunes transfer media files on your Galaxy S3.

User Interface

5. Smart Stay
Enable the Smart Stay feature on the device Settings menu to control dimming of the screen whenever you are reading books, emails or articles. The screen will turn off if you're not looking at the screen and turns on once you back in front of it.

6. Changing Fonts
You can change the font on your Galaxy S3 from three different default available on the Settings. Additionally, you can download apps from Google Play Store to get more font options.

7. Simplified User Interface
Some owners aren't techie enough to handle the complex default UI of Galaxy S3 and enabling the "Easy UI mode" in the Settings will simplify home screen, widgets and other UI features.

8. Motion Control
Enable Motion Control feature if your prefer tilting the device than touching its screen. Flicking home screens and zooming Web pages can be done by simply moving your device via Motion Control.

9. Use Folders
Applications leave icons on your home screen or app drawer and if you want to quickly access them, use folders instead. Group apps and rename the folder for more organised home screen.

10. Search Bar Access
For quick access of the Search function, hold down the Menu key for two seconds to launch Google search bar. If you are running Android 4.1, Google Now will be launched.

11. Lock Screen Customisation
Your lock screen features row of icons which launching apps directly and by default, you will see dialler, SMS hub, S Voice and camera. Go to Settings and look for Lock screen sub menu to personalise them.

12. Face Unlock
If you want unlock your device without touching it, try using Face Unlock feature on your device which can be found in the Security submenu. Remember, it is more of the fun aspect than tight security measure.

13. Swype Keyboard
Some owners prefer sliding their fingers across the keyboard to create words and activating Swype feature will give you instant corrections, space between words and faster text input.

14. Home Screen Panes
Don't forget that Galaxy S3 can handle up to seven home screen panes including widgets and shortcuts functionality.

Calling and Contacts

15. Contact Gestures
Samsung TouchWiz UI allows you to swipe contacts from left to right to make a call or right to left to send a direct message.

16. Facebook and Twitter Contacts
Install both Facebook and Twitter apps to integrate your social networking contacts right on your Galaxy S3.

17. Blocking Mode
You can enable "do not disturb me" function through Blocking Mode inside the Settings menu. This will allow you to control notifications, calls and alerts you want to get during busy hours or beauty sleep.

Music and Accessories

18. Radio Tuner
Your Galaxy S3 has a built-in radio app and it features FM broadcast which is a lot less battery consumer than streaming radio.

19. Equaliser
The default equaliser installed on your music player can be customised to get the best sound out of the headphone.

20. Music Square
Similar to SenseMe feature of Sony Xperia phones, Music Square allows you to generate music playlist based on your mood.

21. Video Editing
A video editor is available on your device which can be used to trim video captures from the camera.

22. AllShare Feature
If you want to view your movies or play music from Galaxy S3 to other media devices, use the AllShare feature. It uses DLNA wireless streaming over Wi-Fi connectivity to TV sets, Blu-ray players or even tablets.

23. HDMI Adapter
Samsung MHL adapter will enable your Galaxy S3 to plug an HDMI cable to its micro USB port to send HD videos or surround sound to TVs and other devices.

24. Expand Storage
Buying a Galaxy S3 with 64GB internal storage won't do any good in the long run because storing too many files will slow it down. Purchase microSD cards instead to expand your device and prevent it from slowing due to files overcrowding.

25. Stylus Pen
Wacom tech used on the Galaxy S3 enables you to use capacitive stylus pen to perform tasks on your device. Galaxy S3 can sense these pens like your own fingers.

Web Browsing

26. Searching via Voice
Use the Voice Search app to search anything on the Web by simply speaking on the Galaxy S3. As an alternative, use the S Voice which features voice recognition built by Samsung.

27. Offline Reading
You can save Web pages on your smartphone for offline reading where Wi-Fi or mobile internet is not available. On the Web page, tap the Menu key > Save for offline.

28. Desktop Viewing
Normally, you can view Web pages via mobile viewing enabled by Galaxy S3 to save battery during Internet surfing. But if you prefer full content and original page viewing, tap the Menu key and check the box of Request Desktop site.

Connectivity

29. NFC Connectivity
Near Field Communication or NFC is enabled on the Galaxy S3 to let your share files, do payments and purchase items via wireless connection. Samsung's version of NFC called S Beam is available on your device.

30. Samsung Kies
Although optional for most users, Samsung Kies installed on your computer will let you manage files, convert videos and rip audio CDs for your device. In addition, Kies can also be used to download firmware updates.

31. Data Management
Manage your data usage by enabling limits to prevent you from getting overcharges. Go to Settings > Data Usage and then determine a safety net for data usage.

32. Wi-Fi Direct
Wi-Fi direct enables you to transfer and share files over devices with the same feature without any Wi-Fi internet connection needed. It is faster compared to Bluetooth media transfer.

Applications and Files

33. Get Essential Apps
Certain apps such as Facebook, Twitter, chat messaging clients, news, movies and cloud-based apps are essential for your Galaxy S3's daily functions.

34. Gaming Apps
During bored hours, Android games can lift your attention and kill free time better. Several famous and easy to solve game puzzles are available at the Play Store.

35. Troubleshooting
Sometimes Android apps or its system crashes just like a computer and the first thing to do is to restart the device. If the app still crashes, go to Settings > Apps Manager > Clear Cache & Data > Force Close then re-launch the app. If it fails, clear the cache and data then reinstall the application.

36. Installing Apps from Other Sources
You can install apps from third-party sources to get free or more games. Download the APK file from the source then go to Settings > Security > Allow installation from unknown sources. Now tap on the APK to install the application on your device. Be reminded that these apps may bring viruses or may cause system glitches on your Galaxy S3.

37. Creating Backup
Create backup of all your personal information, settings, apps and files on your Galaxy S3. Use the Samsung Kies PC Suite on your computer or get apps from the Play Store to create backup to the SD card.

Camera and Video Player

38. Overlaying Video
Galaxy S3 allows multi-tasking of its video player and you can do this my tapping the little button with an arrow in the player. You can browse the Web, read emails and more while watching the video.

39. Codec Support
Galaxy S3 supports several media codecs such as MKV format that commonly used today. In case the media is unknown for your device, use the Samsung Kies to convert the video file.

40. High Dynamic Range
The camera app supports HDR or high dynamic range mode which controls lighting conditions. Using HDR mode will capture both HDR image and a non-HDR version.

For Advanced Users Only

41. Gain Root Access
If you want to get full control over your Galaxy S3, get a root access to become its administrator. Root access will let you use apps requiring it, flash custom ROMs or even control CPU cores. Just be careful on performing rooting process since it may damage the device and void any warranties.

42. Flash Custom ROMs
Third-party developers create custom ROM which are faster and lighter compared to Samsung stock firmware. Custom ROM features customisation tools, CPU management, bloatware free environment and smoother UI.

Memory and Battery Management

43. Wallpapers
Galaxy S3 features Super AMOLED display screen which consumes less power with black or dark images. Use static wallpaper with darker colours to reduce screen display consumption on the battery.

44. Brightness Level
Adjust the brightness toggle from the notifications bar according to the comfort of your eyes. Screen display consumes about 50 per cent of the total battery consumption on your device.

45. Disable Wireless Connection
Disable Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, S Beam and mobile data connection when not in use. Even if the screen is off, some of this wireless connectivity constantly works and drains battery without your knowledge.

46. Uninstalling Apps
Remove applications that you are not using anymore to free some space and put less strain on the battery. Most apps are running the background even if you didn't launch them.

47. Power Saving Tool
Samsung included a default power saving tool on your device which can be accessed from the notifications bar. Moreover, the power saving tool can also be customised from the Settings menu.

48. Task Manager
Use the built-in Task Manager on your Galaxy S3 by holding on the Home key. Free the RAM by closing apps selectively or everything at the same time.

49. Regular Reboot
Reboot your device after it has completely recharged to free memory and refresh the entire system. It will help the device run smoothly for the next day.

50. Software Updates
Don't forget to always check for software updates to get latest features, security patches, bug fixes and battery improvements. Go to Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check for updates or connecting the handset to the computer with the Samsung Kies active.