Some Samsung phones, particularly those in the mid-price range, tend to under-perform iPhones in terms of picture quality due to their inconsistent and artificial results, it largely boils down to the manufacturer’s image processing algorithms that spur such variability. Over-processing, involving excessive sharpening and saturation, ultimately hampers the natural look of the images captured by these phones. hence the need to find ways to capture natural-looking photos on Samsung phones.
Android manufacturers often prioritise producing pictures that are ‘camera-ready’ for immediate sharing, a concept that might not always align with consumer needs because of the unpredictability in the quality of the results. However, for photos on Samsung phones to appear more natural, users have the option to switch off ‘Scene Optimizer’ and ‘Auto HDR’ options in the camera settings. Bear in mind, though, that such actions can curtail the functionality of the camera app, impeding aspects like document recognition and potentially degrading low-light performance.
Samsung device owners can also consider exploring alternative solutions such as downloading various camera apps from the Play Store that leverage different image processing approaches. By doing so, you may capture truly authentic, high-quality photos without the tedious element of post-processing – empowering you to create and enjoy beautiful shots effortlessly.
In this guide, we’ll explain why Samsung phones tend to overprocess images and produce unnatural-looking results. We’ll also show you how you can use the original camera app to make photos look more natural on Samsung phones.
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Why Do Samsung Phones Over-Process Photos?
For achieving more natural appearing photographs with mid-price range Samsung phones, comprehending why these devices inherently overprocess images is crucial. Samsung devices’ characteristic overprocessing, which frequently involves excessive image sharpening and saturation, stems from the manufacturer’s image processing algorithms. The images often turn out to over-edited, appearing artificial instead of naturally stunning due to the manufacturer’s focus on a ‘finished’ look for instant sharing, however desirable this might not always be due to unpredictable results.
It may already be common knowledge to you that every smartphone manufacturer creates their own algorithms for image processing that influence how your photos turn out eventually. Now, even though camera hardware matters, smartphone photography is becoming more and more focused on how these algorithms edit your photographs after you’ve already taken them.
As a result, the finished product is rarely similar to what you observe in the viewfinder before capturing the image. For instance, experts that compared the Galaxy S22 Ultra camera to that of the iPhone 13 Pro Max reported that iPhones don’t have this issue because they favor realism to editing photos after taking them. However, this is not the case for Samsung phones and other Android brands.
Android OEMs seem more interested in making images appear as “finished” as possible so that you can share them immediately without editing. While this calibration might be beneficial, the disadvantage is that it’s hard to know the results to expect when you take pictures with your camera.
It’s important to note here that aggressive processing is not always undesirable. For instance, consider the fact that many users appreciate the way images on Pixel phones look. However, Samsung phones in the mid-price range do not receive the same camera treatment as flagships. This in turn results in photographs that appear artificial and over-edited.
With that being said, if you’d rather make photos look more natural on Samsung phones, consider the instructions below.
How to Capture Natural-Looking Photos on Samsung Mobile Devices
Not many people like over-processed effects on photos, so it becomes important to find out how to make photos look more natural on Samsung phones.
To do this, open the camera app, navigate to Camera settings, then disable Scene optimizer and Auto HDR. This action will reduce the amount of processing the phone performs after you take a shot without completely removing the effects.
In summation, notwithstanding certain drawbacks like reduction in functions such as document recognition and potential impact on low-light performance, adhering to the suggestions laid out in this discourse is beneficial if you aim to attain a more natural appearance for photographs taken with Samsung mobile phones, particularly mid-range models.
Owing to their proprietary image processing algorithms meant to produce 'finished' images, they tend to over-edit, thereby lending an artificial appearance to the photographs. A crucial point to keep in mind, however, is that disabling the Scene Optimizer and Auto HDR camera settings could lead to these outcomes. It is prudent therefore, to compare the quality of your photographs with these settings switched on and off, to discern your preference.
There are also alternatives like downloading various camera apps from the Play Store that process photographs differently, tailored to your preferences.
It should also be noted that this action may have a negative impact on low-light performance. This is because intensive processing on Samsung devices helps to emphasize light and detail in light settings that are not so ideal. You may also notice that daytime images appear flat and lack vibrancy, making them less appealing.
So, these are some things to consider before disabling these features to make photos look more natural on Samsung phones.
In summation, notwithstanding certain drawbacks like reduction in functions such as document recognition and potential impact on low-light performance, adhering to the suggestions laid out in this discourse is beneficial if you aim to attain a more natural appearance for photographs taken with Samsung mobile phones, particularly mid-range models.
Owing to their proprietary image processing algorithms meant to produce ‘finished’ images, they tend to over-edit, thereby lending an artificial appearance to the photographs. A crucial point to keep in mind, however, is that disabling the Scene Optimizer and Auto HDR camera settings could lead to these outcomes. It is prudent therefore, to compare the quality of your photographs with these settings switched on and off, to discern your preference.
There are also alternatives like downloading various camera apps from the Play Store that process photographs differently, tailored to your preferences.
