Android 15 may look identical to its predecessor at first glance, but beneath the surface, it’s packed with enhancements designed to make your device smarter, faster, and more secure. Whether you’re using a Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, or any other Android mobile device, this blog discusses 20 advanced features that can transform how you use it.
Notification Cooldown (for Google Pixel devices only)
Reduce notification fatigue with Notification Cooldown, which automatically lowers the volume of repeated alerts from the same app. Enable it via Settings > Notifications.
Adaptive vibration (for Google Pixel devices only)
This feature dynamically adjusts vibration strength depending on your environment (e.g., stronger when in your pocket, gentler on a desk). You can turn it on by clicking Settings > Sound & Vibration > Vibration & haptics > Adaptive vibration.
Custom modes (for Google Pixel, Samsung, and other Android devices)
Modes is an expansion of Android’s Do Not Disturb (DND) setting. It lets you create customized profiles such as Work, Weekend, or Sleep, allowing you to fine-tune how and when you get notifications.
On Google Pixel and other Android 15 devices, Modes can be accessed under Settings > Modes, where DND has been fully integrated. Meanwhile, Samsung devices maintain DND as a separate feature alongside Modes.
Notification and Quick Settings panels split (for Samsung devices only)
Samsung now separates the notification and Quick Settings panels. Swipe down from the left side of the screen for notifications, and from the right for Quick Settings (i.e., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
Swiping between panels (for Samsung devices only)
Once a panel is open, swipe horizontally to switch between notifications and Quick Settings seamlessly.
Recombining panels (for Samsung devices only)
Prefer the traditional layout? Open Quick Settings and tap the pencil icon. Then go to Panel settings > Together to bring everything back in one swipe.
Private Space (for Pixel and stock Android devices)
Create a secure zone for sensitive apps. Apps in Private Space are hidden from the app drawer and require biometric or password access. Enable it by clicking Settings > Security & Privacy > Private Space. On Samsung, use the Secure Folder instead.
Split-screen shortcuts (for all Android 15 devices)
Easily multitask by launching two apps, such as Chrome and Gmail, in split-screen mode. Here’s how:
- Open your phone’s Overview mode. If you’re using the current Android gesture system, swipe up from the bottom of the screen about an inch and hold. If you’re still using the legacy three-button navigation, tap the square or three-line Overview button at the bottom of your screen.
- In Overview, tap the icon above any app and select Split screen (on standard Android) or Open in split screen view (if you’re using Samsung’s version of Android).
- Choose a second app to pair with the first one.
- To save this app pair for quick access in the future, return to the Overview mode, tap the icon above the newly paired apps, and select Save app pair (or Add app pair if you’re on Samsung).
Auto app archiving (for all Android 15 devices)
Android 15 has automatic app archiving to save storage space while preserving your data. Unused apps are compressed and temporarily disabled, taking up minimal space on your device. If you need one of them again, simply tap it in the app drawer a few times to restore them instantly.
If you want to prevent specific apps from being archived, even if they’re not in use, go to your system settings, navigate to the Apps section, and view the full list of installed apps. Select the app you want to protect, locate the “Manage app if unused” option in its settings, and toggle it off.
Full app names in app drawer (for Pixel devices only)
In the past, apps with lengthy names were often shortened, resulting in clumsy and sometimes unclear abbreviations, such as “American Ai…” for American Airlines. Android 15 now introduces the option to display full app names by splitting them across two lines, so you can easily identify apps. To enable this, click Home screen > Home settings > Apps list settings.
Vertical app drawer scrolling (for Samsung devices only)
Want to scroll up/down instead of swiping through pages? You can do so by going to the app drawer, tapping the three-dot menu, then clicking Sort > Alphabetical order.
Persistent taskbar (for Pixel Fold/Tablets only)
Make multitasking seamless by pinning the taskbar permanently. Swipe up to show it, then long-press the vertical bar and enable the persistent toggle.
Smart screen saver controls (for all Android 15 devices)
Android 15 allows a connected-device control panel to appear whenever your device is docked or charging so that it’s useful even when idle.
To enable this functionality, head to the Display section in your system settings and tap on Screen Saver. If it’s not already activated, turn the system on. Then, look for the option called Home Controls (or Device Control on Samsung devices) to configure and enjoy your new smart setup.
Gemini Assistant multistep commands (for Pixel and Galaxy devices only)
On Samsung S25 and Pixel 9 Pro, Gemini can support multistep tasks across apps, making it easier than ever to get things done. Whether it’s finding restaurants and messaging them directly or coordinating plans across multiple apps, Gemini streamlines the process. You can launch Gemini effortlessly using voice commands, the power button, or by opening the Google Gemini app.
Audio output routing (for Pixel devices only)
Android 15 brings a sleek redesign to your volume panel, and for Google Pixel users, it also introduces the ability to control exactly where your audio is directed.
Here’s how it works: Press one of your device’s volume buttons to open the volume panel. Tap the three-dot menu icon, then select Audio will play on at the top of the expanded panel. From there, you can choose where your audio plays, whether it’s your phone, tablet, or another connected device.
Auto-reenable Bluetooth (for Pixel devices only)
Temporarily turning off Bluetooth? Your Pixel device can automatically reactivate it a day later.
Whenever you disable Bluetooth, this option will appear, offering a hassle-free way to keep your connections seamless. Alternatively, you can enable this feature by navigating to your system settings. Simply go to the Connected Devices section, select Connection preferences, and then tap on Bluetooth.
Magic audio eraser upgrade (for Pixel 8+ and up devices only)
Edit out wind, voices, or background noise from videos with pinpoint control. Simply open any video, tap Edit > Audio Eraser, and isolate sounds you want to remove or reduce.
Call recording and transcription (for Galaxy and Pixel 9 devices only)
Record and summarize calls in real time. You can do this on Samsung by clicking Phone app > Settings > Record calls. On Pixel 9, a similar feature is available via the native Phone app.
Advanced contrast controls (for all devices)
Android 15 introduces an advanced set of controls to enhance your screen’s contrast. On Pixel devices, you can access this feature by navigating to Settings > Display > Color Contrast. For Samsung users, head to Settings > Accessibility > Vision enhancements.
Custom charge limits (for Samsung devices only)
Prolong your battery’s life with flexible charge limits. To enable it, go to Settings > Battery > Battery protection and choose at which point your phone should stop charging: 80%, 85%, 90%, or 100%.
Try out these settings to experience how they can streamline your day, improve your phone’s performance, and enhance your privacy and usability. Need help applying these tips to your device? Reach out to our IT experts for personalized support and guidance.