Samsung’s Camera Woes Could be Remedied with Software

Samsung’s camera performance has faced ridicule for the past few years, even sparking a petition to replace the camera division head. That might sound extreme, but the criticism isn’t without merit. However, while many point to hardware as the culprit, the real bottleneck holding Samsung back actually lies in its software.

Wvisioncreation, once again, is in the spotlight for Samsung’s photography woes. He previously advocated for an ND filter solution, which was later pushed as feedback during One UI 7’s beta testing. It was then implemented into the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Expert Raw algorithm, which is now broken with One UI 8. Meanwhile, he now has a solution that can help improve the camera performance of Galaxy devices on One UI 8.

Expert Raw superior algorithm

It is never the tool that decides. It’s the hands-and the heart-of the one who wields it ― Kevin Sands, The Blackthorn Key

This quote not only applies to users, but to Samsung as well. Software can make up the difference by a considerable margin, which Wvisioncreation has proven. Regardless of the hardware, you can still produce quality shots with proper execution and software tuning. Before I dive deeper, check out these images.

5x 24MP Expert Raw

1x 24MP Expert Raw Night Shot

20x 12MP Expert Raw Shot

All these photos were taken with a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra running One UI 7, using the Expert Raw app. Color edits were applied, but none had noise reduction edits. This demonstrates how powerful the Expert Raw algorithm is. The Galaxy S25 Ultra and future Galaxy devices will gain the most from improvements due to their advanced hardware. Older Galaxy models will benefit, but to a lesser extent.

The software solution for Samsung’s stock camera

Currently, the stock camera enforces heavy processing, causing less-than-ideal shots. Instead, the default algorithm should be replaced with Expert Raw’s algorithm, and 24MP should be the default output.

The Expert Raw algorithm works up to 20x magnification, so it could easily become the new point-and-click setup. Beyond 20x to 100x, Samsung should use a stacked telephoto setup, using multiple captured frames for a better result. AI upscaling options (Off, Medium, Maximum) should be provided for those who want additional control.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra should leverage its advanced hardware, prioritizing virtual aperture for higher-quality shots compared to portrait mode.

2x Portrait Aperture 12MP

2x Virtual Aperture 12MP

Switching to virtual aperture offers a clear advantage, avoiding smearing and enhancing details, as seen on the glass swan below.

Virtual Aperture (Left) vs. Portrait Mode (Right)

This goes to show how much of an impact software optimization can have. More importantly, Samsung knows this; they boast the Galaxy S25 Ultra as having “DSLR-level virtual aperture”.

Samsung Newsroom Acknowledgment

Additionally, Samsung should provide a mode for Pure RAW images — Real 16-bit RAW photos with manual control. After all, the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200MP primary sensor is capable of capturing RAW images in full 200MP resolution. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, meanwhile, is capped at 50MP.

Galaxy S24 Ultra Expert Raw Interface

This creates an all-in-one experience, eliminating the need to download plugins or another app. A “Fast Capture” option would allow users to capture motion shots for moving subjects. Manual controls and Expert Raw features should be built into the stock camera app, as well as the formats: RAW, HEIC, and JPEG.

The solution works for all users

Regardless of who is in control, Pro or Casual, this solution applies to everyone. Samsung could also adopt Apple’s approach and offer photography style options. It would give users a choice between Natural and Vivid looks. While these solutions will perform best on the Galaxy S25 series and beyond because of the superior ISP, older models will benefit too.

Software is key to utilizing hardware effectively. If software remains subpar before hardware upgrades, we can’t maximize future hardware potential. Hopefully, Samsung gets serious about reviving the camera performance before it’s too late.