AllYouCanTech

Do you have a Galaxy S8 or S9 that’s been collecting dust in your junk drawer for the last couple of years? The one you keep remembering to exchange for credit toward shiny new gadgets like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7? That device may actually be more valuable than you realize. Many of those older Samsung models — including your Galaxy S8s, S9s, Note 8s, and even some from the A-series — remain surprisingly effective. The cameras produce excellent images, the microphones are clear, and all those sensors that seemed so advanced back in 2017 continue to perform well.

Samsung has recognized this, too. That’s why it launched a program called Galaxy Upcycling at Home. Instead of allowing old phones to collect dust as expensive paperweights, the initiative allows you to convert them into smart home sensors. The process is straightforward with no complex adjustments or coding required — simply download the update via SmartThings, and your phone can serve as a motion detector or sound monitor. It’s an intelligent option, although it’s compatible only with S, Note, and Z series models released from 2018 or later (essentially, at least an S9 or Note9).

The microphones and light sensors in these gadgets frequently outperform the inexpensive smart sensors you’ll find on Amazon. Furthermore, if you’re already using SmartThings (or are considering it), this project is an effortless way to enhance your setup without additional spending. Samsung presents it as a step towards sustainability, but in reality, it’s simply practical.