The line between smartphones and computers is increasingly blurred; modern phones possess significant power, accomplishing tasks that once necessitated a desktop or laptop. However, certain functionalities still exhibit substantial differences, particularly concerning display adjustments. For instance, the customization options available for the display on an iPhone are limited compared to those offered on a Mac. Regularly, users find themselves relying on the presets provided by Apple.

In contrast, Samsung is elevating user control, at least for select devices. While Android platforms generally provide a broader range of setting modifications, Samsung’s latest offering takes it a step further. The company has introduced a new app in beta called Display Assistant as part of its One UI 7.0 beta rollout. This innovative app presents numerous new options for optimizing the display on your Galaxy S24, enhancing both battery efficiency and overall user experience.

Exploring Display Assistant Controls

The Display Assistant beta grants access to a set of six unique settings that modify your screen’s behavior. One feature, “App’s screen timeout,” allows you to individually set a timer for each application that determines how long the display remains active. For example, you might want to extend screen time for social media apps like Instagram or WhatsApp while minimizing it for financial applications.

The “Keep screen on” function permits the display to stay active for a maximum of 30 minutes, unless the power button is pressed, the device is restarted, or battery levels drop below 15%. Conversely, the “Brightness limit profile” lets you exceed the manufacturer’s default brightness settings on your Galaxy device, enabling a brighter display than typically allowed. However, Android Police cautions that this increased brightness may lead to higher operating temperatures and extended cooling periods for the phone.

With “Adaptive brightness options,” users can accelerate the adaptation speed of the screen brightness, opting for double or quadruple the standard rate. Additionally, the “Standard refresh rate apps” option allows for setting a 60Hz refresh rate on specific applications. This is particularly useful for apps where high refresh rates are less critical. Adjusting this setting can significantly conserve battery life without sacrificing the smooth functionality of 120Hz across all usage scenarios.

Lastly, “Screen Curtain” activates a low-power display mode, positioning the screen in a dormant state. While further technical specifics are limited, reports from Android Authority suggest that this mode vastly reduces brightness without locking the screen. Samsung suggests its utility for phone calls, gaming sessions, and streaming on platforms like YouTube. Nonetheless, it may be preferable to retain visibility while gaming or actively watching videos.

Getting Started with Display Assistant

For those eager to explore the Display Assistant beta and gain enhanced control over their smartphone display, certain prerequisites must be met. Currently, this feature is exclusive to Galaxy S24 devices, which must operate on the beta version of One UI 7. Once the beta has been successfully installed, users can retrieve the app from the Galaxy Store.