Changing this one setting on my Android phone doubled the speed (literally)

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As a full-time smartphone reviewer, I spend an unhealthy amount of time every year pushing the latest handsets to their limits, especially Android phones.

By habit, I've picked up several shortcuts, tips, and tricks for setting up handsets, tweaking them so that they perform as best as possible when the verdicts are due.

Also: How to clear your Android phone cache (and wipe out lag for good)

One tip I always give to family members, friends, and passersby when asked, "How can I make my phone faster?" is straightforward yet typically hidden: Adjusting the animation speed.

The method is quick, simple, and absolutely free. As a bonus, you'll feel like the "guy behind the computer" in action movies. Here's the breakdown.

How to change your animation speed

What you'll need: An Android device ...