Android apps that unlock your smartphone camera’s full potential

Want to go beyond the basic camera app? These tools help you take things up a notch — from full manual control and glitch effects to photo scanning and even home surveillance.

Glitch – Neon style and VHS vibes

Tired of the same old filters? Glitch brings a retro touch with VHS-style distortions and digital glitches. It’s super simple: pick an effect, apply, and save. Perfect for anyone who loves visual experiments and creative edits.

Cymera – For selfie lovers

Packed with features that actually work for selfies: skin tone smoothing, face reshaping, eye adjustments, and tons of built-in filters. Great for those who want to look their best — without turning the photo into an obvious Photoshop job.

DSLR Camera Pro

Clean interface, no ads, no clutter. You control the light, focus, and exposure. Ideal for users who already know the basics of photography and want to feel fully in charge of the shot.

Google Lens – Make your camera smart

Point your camera at a book, sign, dish, or plant — and instantly get info, translations, or similar products. A must-have for travel or unfamiliar surroundings. It’s like turning your camera into an interactive encyclopedia.

Alfred – Turn your old phone into a security cam

Reuse your old smartphone as a surveillance camera and use your current one as a monitor. Simple setup, night mode, motion detection, even two-way audio. A solid option if you want to keep an eye on your home, kids, or pets without buying new hardware.

Adobe Lightroom – Shoot and edit like a pro

Capture photos in-app and edit them right away — from exposure to color tone. It supports RAW and suits both beginners and seasoned photographers. All-in-one: a camera and a powerful photo editor.

Open Camera – Full manual control, no ads

A free app loaded with manual settings: ISO, focus, shutter speed, white balance, and more. It supports RAW, voice commands, and auto-shooting triggered by face detection. The interface is straightforward — a bit unusual at first, but easy to navigate once you get the hang of it.

A smartphone camera is no longer just point-and-shoot. With the right apps, it becomes a versatile tool — for manual control, creative effects, RAW shooting, or scanning old prints. Pick the ones that fit your style and enjoy every shot.