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HowToMen's Samsung Galaxy Smartphone Review

Samsung · Reviewed by HowToMen · Published 2026-03-14

Rating 4.5/5Source quality 75/100Evidence 11Claims 9Q&A 7Pros 7Cons 4Sponsored

Based on a review by HowToMen (accessed 2026-03-14).

What they actually found

  • Loved — Reclaims 8GB of storage by disabling RAM Plus, potentially extending flash memory lifespan.
  • Annoyed by — Requires a specific workaround using Good Lock's Lock Star and Clock Face modules to hide Samsung's default lock screen clock for third-party depth wallpapers.

Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about reclaims 8gb of storage by disabling ram plus, potentially extending flash memory lifespan. — just accept requires a specific workaround using good lock's lock star and clock face modules to hide samsung's default lock screen clock for third-party depth wallpapers..

This source's evidence 🎬

Source verdict

The reviewer concludes that by following his steps, users can transform their "boring stock Galaxy phone" into a "way faster, cooler, and incredible smartphone" with enhanced features and a personalized look, making it look "way more cleaner and customized" and as good as his own setup.

About this source

This video tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on customizing Samsung Galaxy phones, specifically mentioning the new Galaxy S26. It covers various aspects from performance enhancements and ad blocking to aesthetic changes for the lock screen and home screen, including custom widgets and icon packs.

Review notes

This comprehensive tutorial effectively transforms a stock Samsung Galaxy smartphone into a highly personalized and efficient device. The guide shows how to reclaim 8GB of virtual RAM by disabling RAM Plus and how to eliminate most in-app and website ads using a private DNS (dns.adguard.com). However, applying third-party icon packs requires a specific workaround through Good Lock's Theme Park module, which adds an extra step to the customization process. If you own a Samsung Galaxy and want to optimize performance, enhance aesthetics, and add unique features like a hidden compartment, this guide is invaluable. If you prefer a completely out-of-the-box experience without any setup, this customization guide is not for you.

What the reviewer liked

  • Reclaims 8GB of storage by disabling RAM Plus, potentially extending flash memory lifespan.
  • Significantly speeds up UI animations and app opening times using Good Lock's Home Up module.
  • Effectively blocks most ads across websites and apps by configuring a private DNS.
  • Enables seamless depth effect wallpapers for lock and home screens with custom clocks.
  • Introduces a secure, fingerprint-protected "secret hidden compartment" for apps.
  • Offers free custom KWGT widgets and wallpapers designed to match the Galaxy aesthetic.
  • Showcases recommended Spigen cases and accessories that support MagFit and offer robust protection without compromising style.

What the reviewer criticised

  • Requires a specific workaround using Good Lock's Lock Star and Clock Face modules to hide Samsung's default lock screen clock for third-party depth wallpapers.
  • Applying custom icon packs necessitates using the Good Lock Theme Park module as an intermediate step.
  • Some recommended third-party apps, like Pix Material Expressive icons, are paid.
  • The entire customization process, though demonstrated quickly, takes more than "under 10 minutes" to fully implement.

Structured claims

Disabling the default RAM Plus setting on Samsung Galaxy phones instantly frees up storage, improves phone snappiness, and prevents premature wear of flash memory.

reviewer_claimstrong

Utilizing the Good Lock app with the Home Up module and adjusting gesture settings to 'dynamic' and speed to 'fast' significantly quickens app opening animations, making the UI feel snappier.

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Configuring Private DNS to dns.adguard.com on a Samsung Galaxy phone effectively removes most advertisements across websites and applications.

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The 'Depth Wallpaper' app offers a selection of 3D effect wallpapers and allows the lock screen clock to seamlessly transition to the home screen clock, which is a feature not available in Samsung's default Good Lock app.

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A workaround using Good Lock's Lock Star and Clock Face modules allows users to effectively hide the default Samsung lock screen clock, enabling full visibility for custom wallpapers.

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Spigen cases for the Galaxy S26 Ultra provide cool designs and solid protection, along with MagFit support, allowing for easy attachment of magnetic accessories like wallets, grips, and chargers.

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The KWGT Custom Widget Maker app, combined with custom-made files, allows users to create and integrate aesthetically matching custom clock and music player widgets onto their Samsung Galaxy home screen.

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Third-party icon packs, such as Simply Minimal White, can be successfully applied to Samsung Galaxy devices using the Theme Park module within the Good Lock app, allowing for extensive icon customization.

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The Pix Material Expressive icons app can create a secret, fingerprint-protected folder on the home screen, allowing users to hide selected apps from the app drawer and search, accessible only through this hidden compartment.

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Evidence items

Disabling RAM Plus for Performance

hands_on_demopositivet=00:41–00:59

The reviewer demonstrates how to turn off 'RAM Plus' in settings. He states that disabling it instantly gives back storage and prevents flash memory from wearing out faster, making the phone feel snappier.

Good Lock & Home Up for Snappier Animations

hands_on_demopositivet=01:00–01:35

The reviewer shows how to use Good Lock's Home Up module to enable gesture settings, tune home gesture animation to dynamic, and set animation speed to fast, resulting in much quicker app openings.

Ad Blocking with Private DNS (AdGuard)

hands_on_demopositivet=01:36–01:58

The reviewer instructs on changing the private DNS provider hostname to dns.adguard.com, claiming that this method successfully blocks most ads across websites and apps.

Depth Effect Lock Screen with Depth Wallpaper App

hands_on_demopositivet=02:11–02:40

He demonstrates using the 'Depth Wallpaper' app from the Play Store to achieve a depth effect look where the clock sits behind wallpaper elements, noting its seamless transition from lock screen to home screen clock.

Hiding Default Lock Screen Clock

hands_on_demopositivet=02:51–03:32

The reviewer provides a workaround using Good Lock's Lock Star and Clock Face modules to hide Samsung's default lock screen clock, allowing custom wallpapers to shine through without obstruction.

Spigen Case Designs and MagFit Support

reviewer_claimpositivet=03:49–04:02

The reviewer endorses Spigen cases, highlighting their 'cool-looking designs' and universal support for MagFit, allowing magnetic accessories to attach to the Galaxy S26.

Spigen MagFit Accessories

hands_on_demopositivet=04:16–04:47

He demonstrates various Spigen MagFit accessories including the Valentinus MagFit Plus Wallet, OM104 Grip, a new 3-in-1 charger for phone, watch, and buds, and the AlignMaster EZ Fit screen protector.

Custom KWGT Widgets

hands_on_demopositivet=05:10–06:26

The reviewer explains how to use KWGT Custom Widget Maker and custom files to create and install a custom clock and music player widget on the home screen, emphasizing customization options like scaling and fonts.

Customizing Stock Samsung Widgets

hands_on_demopositivet=06:27–07:38

The reviewer demonstrates making a folder of favorite apps transparent, and incorporating stock Samsung widgets like Now Brief, Digital Wellbeing, Battery, Step Counter, and Weather, customizing their transparency and shape.

Applying Third-Party Icon Packs with Theme Park

hands_on_demopositivet=07:44–08:29

He shows how to use Good Lock's Theme Park module to apply a third-party icon pack (Simply Minimal White) and customize icon shapes, demonstrating the process to theme all app icons.

Secret Hidden App Compartment

hands_on_demopositivet=08:35–09:40

The reviewer demonstrates using the Pix Material Expressive icons app to create a hidden folder, enabling fingerprint protection, selecting apps to hide, and then further hiding the folder itself on the home screen.

Quick answers

  • How can I make my Samsung Galaxy phone faster? The reviewer suggests two main ways to speed up your Samsung Galaxy: first, by navigating to settings and turning off 'RAM Plus' to free up storage and prevent flash memory wear.
  • How do I block ads on my Samsung Galaxy phone? To block most ads across websites and apps, the reviewer instructs users to go into settings, then connections, more connection settings, and private DNS.
  • Can I customize my Samsung Galaxy lock screen with a depth effect? The reviewer demonstrates using the 'Depth Wallpaper' app, which offers various 3D effect wallpapers and seamlessly transitions the clock from the lock screen to the home screen.
  • What are good cases and accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra? The reviewer, in a sponsored segment, highly recommends Spigen cases, specifically mentioning the Ultra Hybrid MagFit 01, Neo 1, and Liquid Air MagFit.

Buyer questions answered

How can I make my Samsung Galaxy phone faster?

The reviewer suggests two main ways to speed up your Samsung Galaxy: first, by navigating to settings and turning off 'RAM Plus' to free up storage and prevent flash memory wear. Second, by using the 'Good Lock' app and its 'Home Up' module to set gesture animation tuning to 'dynamic' and speed to 'fast', which makes app openings much quicker.

How do I block ads on my Samsung Galaxy phone?

To block most ads across websites and apps, the reviewer instructs users to go into settings, then connections, more connection settings, and private DNS. Switch it to 'private DNS provider host name' and type in 'dns.adguard.com', then save. This method is shown to effectively remove unwanted advertisements.

Can I customize my Samsung Galaxy lock screen with a depth effect?

The reviewer demonstrates using the 'Depth Wallpaper' app, which offers various 3D effect wallpapers and seamlessly transitions the clock from the lock screen to the home screen. To fully utilize this, a workaround involving Good Lock's Lock Star and Clock Face modules is shown to hide the default Samsung lock screen clock, allowing the custom wallpaper and clock to shine.

What are good cases and accessories for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?

The reviewer, in a sponsored segment, highly recommends Spigen cases, specifically mentioning the Ultra Hybrid MagFit 01, Neo 1, and Liquid Air MagFit. He praises their cool designs and robust protection, emphasizing their MagFit compatibility which allows for the use of magnetic accessories like the Valentinus MagFit Plus Wallet, OM104 Grip, a 3-in-1 charger, and the AlignMaster EZ Fit screen protector.

How can I customize my Samsung Galaxy home screen widgets?

The reviewer details using KWGT Custom Widget Maker (along with a Pro Key and custom widget files) to create custom clock and music player widgets, allowing for extensive scaling and font customization. Additionally, he shows how to make folders transparent and effectively integrate and customize stock Samsung widgets like Now Brief, Digital Wellbeing, Battery, Step Counter, and Weather.

How do I apply third-party icon packs on my Samsung Galaxy?

Since Samsung doesn't directly support third-party icon packs, the reviewer provides a workaround: download the 'Theme Park' module within the 'Good Lock' app. Inside Theme Park, users can select an icon pack (like 'Simply Minimal White'), choose an icon shape, and then apply it to theme all their app icons on the home screen.

How can I hide apps on my Samsung Galaxy with a secret compartment?

The reviewer demonstrates using the 'Pix Material Expressive icons' app (a paid app) to create a 'mini folder' widget. Within this folder, users can select apps to hide, enable fingerprint protection, and then place and stretch the folder on the home screen, even stacking it on another widget to make it less obvious. Finally, apps can be hidden from the app drawer and search through home screen settings, making them accessible only via the hidden folder.

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Weight
  • Not covered: Value
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

75/100 source quality

  • • Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • • Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

In this guide, learn how to significantly enhance your Samsung Galaxy's performance and aesthetics in under 10 minutes. Discover how to disable RAM Plus for faster operation and more storage, block intrusive ads with a private DNS setting, and customize your lock screen with depth effects. The video also covers setting up custom home screen widgets, applying unique icon packs, and creating a hidden, fingerprint-protected app compartment for privacy and organization. It also features a sponsored segment on Spigen cases and accessories.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

Deep dive 🤓

About this page

This page converts HowToMen's review of the Samsung Samsung Galaxy Smartphone into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Sponsorship & disclosure

Sponsored: this source is sponsored by the brand.

Brand relationship disclosed as: sponsored

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