Expert RAW DNA May be Making its Way into Samsung’s Stock Camera

Samsung appears to be taking a fresh approach to improving the camera performance of Galaxy devices. A recent discovery in One UI 8.5 suggests that the company is introducing Expert RAW–style controls into the stock camera. While this isn’t a full merger, this move signals that useful pro-grade tools could soon be more accessible, starting with the upcoming Galaxy S26 series.

Samsung brings Expert RAW-like controls to the stock camera in One UI 8.5

Expert RAW is Samsung’s pro-grade camera app for flagship Galaxy smartphones. It offers advanced features and granular controls that casual users don’t typically need or want to adjust. Rather than cluttering the main camera app with an overwhelming number of buttons and sliders, the company chose to keep those powerful tools in a separate app for users who seek deeper control over their photography.

Tests have consistently shown that Expert RAW doesn’t just offer more powerful tools, but it also uses a superior processing algorithm. Even when left in default or auto settings, it often produces better results than the stock camera app in similar conditions. Experts have urged Samsung to bring these enhancements to the main camera experience, and it may be taking that step with One UI 8.5.

A reputed tipster recently discovered that One UI 8.5 adds manual white balance adjustment to the stock camera app. This option was previously limited to Pro Mode and Expert RAW. While this may seem like a small change on the surface, it signals a broader shift in how Samsung is thinking about its camera software.

What makes this change particularly interesting is how it behaves. As noted by @Wvisioncreation, the white balance adjustment doesn’t resemble the traditional Pro Mode implementation. Instead, the look and feel are much closer to Expert RAW, suggesting Samsung may be borrowing underlying processing logic rather than simply exposing a basic manual slider.

This is significant because Expert RAW has long been praised for its more natural color science, better tonal control, and reduced aggressive processing, especially in tricky lighting conditions. Bringing even parts of that “DNA” into the default camera could dramatically improve everyday photography for most users. Hopefully, we aren’t being overly optimistic. Stay tuned for more.