While once there was a competition between manufacturers to those who made the cellphone smaller and more compact, today smartphones are getting bigger, with screens that can be up to 6 inches large.
Having a large-screen phone allows us to use it as if it were a tablet and perform operations that previously could only be done with a computer.
The side effect of the big screen is the difficulty of using it with one hand and reaching all the keys when we are in a hurry or when we have a busy hand.
Attempting to operate commands on a large device using one hand can often lead to wrong touches and involuntary commands, especially when it comes to writing messages.
Speaking of Android, fortunately, there are some applications that facilitate one-handed use, not only by activating the one-handed mode on each type of smartphone (which is already present in many Samsung, Xiaomi and LG models), but also using easy-to-call tools that allow you to more easily reach the main functions of the phone.
1) One-Handed Mode is the app that adds the One Hand function on every Android phone.
For those who have never tried it, the One hand mode is the one that makes the screen smaller by moving it to one side so that you can narrow the space and reach every point even with your thumb when you take the phone with one hand.
The installation of One-Handed Mode is easy and immediate on unlocked phones with root, while it requires some work on the unlocked phones.
In particular, it is required to connect the smartphone to the PC with the USB cable, install ADB on the computer and execute ADB commands following the instructions visible when the application is started for the first time.
The app allows you to configure right-handed or left-handed use and to decide how much margin should be left and how much space the screen should occupy when it is made smaller.
If you like, you can buy the premium version which unlocks some more customizations.
2) Swipe Master is a free application that allows you to have an application launcher that hides in a corner of the screen while remaining on one side, always available and semi-transparent.
You can then expand the dot at the corner to quickly access notifications, settings, contact list and open your favorite apps with a single touch.
You can choose whether to position this launcher from the lower left or right corner and customize the various most used shortcuts.
In addition to being easy to use, the app is tiny, just over 1MB, and completely disappears from view when not in use.
3) Simple Control solves the problem of reaching the Android buttons (Home, back and open apps) with one hand on large screens.
Simple Control places the virtual Home, Back and Pan buttons on the edge of both sides of the screen, so you can access these features without having to stretch your thumb towards the bottom of the phone.
The buttons disappear from view when not in use, so as not to obstruct the home screen.
4) Circle Sidebar is one of the apps that allows you to launch apps faster on Android.
This circular button always remains handy at a point on the screen and allows you to open the list of the most used applications and switches in a circle.
To open this menu, simply swipe your finger across the screen from side to side depending on how you configure it in the settings.
5) The Google Keyboard is one of the best apps for changing keyboards on Android, especially for its one-handed mode.
You can then hold the comma key for a few seconds to shrink the keyboard so you can touch the keys using your thumb when holding it with one hand.
6) Assistive Touch places an icon with a small button somewhere on the device screen.
Tapping this button opens a mobile panel that allows you to access apps, settings and activation switches.
The button is fully customizable and can also open the notification bar, adjust the brightness and much more.
You can also configure a double tap on the button to open, for example, the camera or press and hold on this button to turn off the phone.
This allows us to access all the controls from a single point.
READ ALSO: The 10 most useful apps for Android smartphones
Having a large-screen phone allows us to use it as if it were a tablet and perform operations that previously could only be done with a computer.
The side effect of the big screen is the difficulty of using it with one hand and reaching all the keys when we are in a hurry or when we have a busy hand.
Attempting to operate commands on a large device using one hand can often lead to wrong touches and involuntary commands, especially when it comes to writing messages.
Speaking of Android, fortunately, there are some applications that facilitate one-handed use, not only by activating the one-handed mode on each type of smartphone (which is already present in many Samsung, Xiaomi and LG models), but also using easy-to-call tools that allow you to more easily reach the main functions of the phone.
1) One-Handed Mode is the app that adds the One Hand function on every Android phone.
For those who have never tried it, the One hand mode is the one that makes the screen smaller by moving it to one side so that you can narrow the space and reach every point even with your thumb when you take the phone with one hand.
The installation of One-Handed Mode is easy and immediate on unlocked phones with root, while it requires some work on the unlocked phones.
In particular, it is required to connect the smartphone to the PC with the USB cable, install ADB on the computer and execute ADB commands following the instructions visible when the application is started for the first time.
The app allows you to configure right-handed or left-handed use and to decide how much margin should be left and how much space the screen should occupy when it is made smaller.
If you like, you can buy the premium version which unlocks some more customizations.
2) Swipe Master is a free application that allows you to have an application launcher that hides in a corner of the screen while remaining on one side, always available and semi-transparent.
You can then expand the dot at the corner to quickly access notifications, settings, contact list and open your favorite apps with a single touch.
You can choose whether to position this launcher from the lower left or right corner and customize the various most used shortcuts.
In addition to being easy to use, the app is tiny, just over 1MB, and completely disappears from view when not in use.
3) Simple Control solves the problem of reaching the Android buttons (Home, back and open apps) with one hand on large screens.
Simple Control places the virtual Home, Back and Pan buttons on the edge of both sides of the screen, so you can access these features without having to stretch your thumb towards the bottom of the phone.
The buttons disappear from view when not in use, so as not to obstruct the home screen.
4) Circle Sidebar is one of the apps that allows you to launch apps faster on Android.
This circular button always remains handy at a point on the screen and allows you to open the list of the most used applications and switches in a circle.
To open this menu, simply swipe your finger across the screen from side to side depending on how you configure it in the settings.
5) The Google Keyboard is one of the best apps for changing keyboards on Android, especially for its one-handed mode.
You can then hold the comma key for a few seconds to shrink the keyboard so you can touch the keys using your thumb when holding it with one hand.
6) Assistive Touch places an icon with a small button somewhere on the device screen.
Tapping this button opens a mobile panel that allows you to access apps, settings and activation switches.
The button is fully customizable and can also open the notification bar, adjust the brightness and much more.
You can also configure a double tap on the button to open, for example, the camera or press and hold on this button to turn off the phone.
This allows us to access all the controls from a single point.
READ ALSO: The 10 most useful apps for Android smartphones
