Samsung Expert RAW: Pro Photography Guide (2026)

Samsung Expert RAW turns your Galaxy into something a little closer to a mirrorless camera for free. White balance can also be adjusted in post, and there’s much more highlight and shadow data available for correction when shooting in 16-bit linear DNG as opposed to the aggressively processed JPEGs the regular camera app might spit out. You’ll be shooting DNG files that you can develop in Lightroom and controlling everything yourself: shutter speed, ISO, white balance, focus, etc.

So if you’re fed up with blown-out skies or muddy shadows from your Samsung’s default camera app, or you just can’t stand HDR being so heavy-handed on some shots, Expert RAW is the answer. In this guide I’ll be showing you what Expert RAW is, what phones it’s available on and how to get it working. Then I’ll explain how to use all of the different shooting modes available in Expert RAW including Astrophoto and Multiple Exposure. Finally I’ll show you how to develop those DNG files in Lightroom.

What is Samsung Expert RAW?

Expert RAW is essentially an app for taking photos in the RAW format, which Samsung says are well suited to professional photo editing. Basically, that means that you can take better HDR shots and have more latitude when editing them afterwards. There are three major ways in which Expert RAW differs from the standard Camera app.

• Unlike an 8-bit JPEG with its 256 steps, a DNG file stores 16-bit image data, meaning there are around 65,000 steps to play with in each colour channel. It’s why skies that look blown out in JPEGs can often be recovered from DNGs.
• The linear DNG file is the result of merging multiple exposures. Samsung says the multi-frame capture extends dynamic range, and Android Authority found the app applies a little less processing than Pro mode. Note that Scene Optimizer, called Scene detection on Samsung phones running One UI 9, is only available in Photo mode, so has no bearing here. As these DNG files are linear, you’ll add contrast and colour in post.
• Access to ISO, shutter speed, white balance, exposure compensation, manual focus (with focus peaking) and a histogram, all on the same screen.

Which Galaxy devices support Expert RAW?

Samsung has now made a series-level list of supported phones. The Galaxy S20 to S26 series as well as the Z Fold and Z Flip series are listed as supported phones on Samsung’s support page (last modified on 14 October 2026). Galaxy A series phones with advanced camera systems are also listed, but Samsung doesn’t specify which models are supported. The previous list of supported phones did not include the Galaxy S20, S20+, S21, S21+, and Note20, and didn’t have Galaxy A series phones either.

Expert RAW can be downloaded for free from Galaxy Store on supported phones. Once installed, you can also launch it from Camera → More. Below is a list of phones we’ve been able to confirm Expert RAW availability on (as of November 2026). For phones we couldn’t confirm Expert RAW availability on, please check Galaxy Store on your phone to see if it’s supported or not.

According to Samsung’s website, Multiple exposure and Astrophoto are only available on the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S22, but they’re also on newer flagships like the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Samsung says both modes only work when using the 12MP camera resolution. You can find both modes under Settings → Special photo options.

What's new in Expert RAW in 2025 and 2026

Expert RAW 6.0.02.8 has seven features in Labs (flask icon). Not all Galaxy phones get all Expert RAW Labs features. Below is a table showing which features I was able to confirm on which Galaxy phones. I checked Expert RAW 6.0.02.8 in November 2026 on my Galaxy S25 Ultra running One UI 9. The Labs features appear in Expert RAW in the same order as shown below.

Expert RAW can shoot RAW files up to 200MP on the S25 Ultra and S26 Ultra. Starting with the S24 Ultra you can also shoot in a 24MP mode, which is still available on newer Ultras. Our S25 Ultra camera guide covers when the extra resolution is worth using.

Expert RAW still allows you to manually adjust the ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, exposure compensation and white balance (in Kelvin). You can manually focus with the help of focus peaking and there’s a histogram to help with exposure. There are also different metering modes (matrix, center-weighted and spot metering). If you choose RAW+JPEG in the shooting format menu, Expert RAW will save a JPEG image in addition to the 16-bit linear RAW (DNG) file.

Before updating Expert RAW, make sure you’re not using a beta version of One UI 9, because, according to SamMobile, Expert RAW 6.0.02.8 only works with the final version of One UI 9 and will show a message asking you to update the system software if you’re using a beta build. The final version of One UI 9 started rolling out on September 16, 2026 and was first available for the Galaxy S26 series.

Virtual reflector

A window throwing light onto just one side of your friend’s face? Time for the virtual reflector! Mimicking the gold and silver discs portrait photographers will often hold under your chin when taking your photo, Expert RAW’s virtual reflector simulates the effects of those tools commonly found in professional photo studios, filling in shadows and helping to shape the light in your image (according to the description of the feature quoted by SamMobile).

Like with actual reflectors, you can choose between a more neutral silver fill and warmer gold, and control the direction and intensity of the effect (we’d recommend erring on the side of subtlety here, as too much of a fill can flatten out features just like a flash can).

The virtual reflector debuted alongside the Galaxy S26 series, though we also spotted it in the Labs section of Expert RAW 6.0.02.8 on our Galaxy S25 Ultra. We can’t say for certain whether it’s also available on the rest of the Galaxy S25 range or Galaxy Z foldables.

The ND filter

ND filters can help you take long exposure shots in daylight by reducing the amount of light that hits your camera sensor, allowing you to use a slower shutter speed without overexposing your images.

GSMArena first reported an ND filter option for Samsung’s Expert RAW camera mode back in November 2023, and at the time it could be adjusted in multiples of two, up to a maximum of 1,000.

Samsung’s One UI 7 release notes for Expert RAW claim that the upper limit for the ND filter has been increased to 4,096, with a new 2,048 option also added. This applies to the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Fold6 SE and Galaxy Z Flip6, and there is no mention of the Galaxy S25 or Galaxy S26 series, so it’s worth checking which options you have before planning a shoot around them.

Once it’s enabled via Labs, you should see an ND button in the top right-hand corner of the viewfinder in Expert RAW mode. Mount your phone on a tripod, drop the ISO to 50 and increase the ND filter until you’re happy with the shutter speed. One or two seconds should be enough to blur waterfalls and similar subjects.

It’s also worth noting that the ND filter setting in Expert RAW mode only impacts stills, and if you want to shoot long exposure video in bright conditions, you’ll still need to invest in a physical ND filter for your phone’s camera lens (more info in our Pro mode guide).

Ocean mode

In April 2026, Expert RAW 5.0.08.2 introduced Ocean mode to the S25 Ultra, correcting for distortion and colour casts to enhance photos taken underwater, according to SamMobile.

While Samsung positions Ocean mode as a tool for underwater photography, users will still need a waterproof case and should be mindful of their phone’s water-resistance rating before taking their phone swimming.

According to SamMobile’s reporting on the Z Fold7, Ocean mode will work with all three of the Z Fold7’s rear cameras, provided the device is folded.

Astroportrait

Astroportrait is the least documented tool in the list. This feature isn’t explained anywhere by Samsung, but it has been spotted in the Labs section of Expert RAW 6.0.02.8 app on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. In 2024, when traces of AstroPortrait mode were found within the code of certain Samsung cameras, SamMobile explained that it would let users take portraits set against the night sky. The mode will reportedly take a photo of the subject with the flash on and then ask them to leave the frame while the camera, preferably on a tripod, captures the stars. Note that the details in that report may have changed slightly, and follow what it says on the screen, since that reflects the latest version. Consult the astrophotography guide prior to going out for the first time.

Where can I download Samsung Expert RAW?

1. 1

   Open the Galaxy Store

   Expert RAW can’t be found on the Play Store. Samsung makes it available for download on its own Galaxy Store.

2. 2

   Search 'Expert RAW'

   Tap Install when it appears. There’s no need to create an account. You’ll just use your existing Samsung account to sign in, and the app is completely free!

3. 3

   Add it to your Camera shortcut

   Head over to your Camera app (not this one), swipe over to More and tap Edit (the pencil icon). From here you can add Expert RAW to your visible modes by dragging its icon over, which is handy for quick access next time!

Which Expert RAW settings should I change first?

• From Settings (gear) → Save options make sure both RAW and JPEG are ticked. The latter is useful as a sort of backup and is handy for previewing images. (In 6.0.02.8 there’s a format option along the top with three choices, so select RAW+JPEG.)
• Enable Special photo options (Settings → Special photo options → ON). This adds Astrophoto and Multiple Exposure (on compatible models) although both will be limited to 12MP.
• Enable Auto level (Settings → Auto level → ON) to help keep horizons… well, level.
• Turn on the Histogram (Settings → Histogram → ON), handy for quickly checking highlights.
• Manual focus peaking (Settings → Manual focus peaking → ON) outlines areas of the frame in colour that are deemed to be in focus, handy as an aid to focusing, rather than just relying on tap-to-focus.

The shooting screen, dial by dial

On Expert RAW 6.0.02.8, I found the resolution and shooting format controls at the top of the screen. On a Galaxy S25 Ultra running One UI 9 in November 2026, Expert RAW shows 24M for the resolution and JPEG as the selected image format.

At the bottom of the viewfinder we find F / S / ISO / EV / WB controls, an AF button and buttons to switch between the UW / W / T / ST cameras. The settings menu (gear icon) and Expert RAW’s Labs section (flask icon) are tucked away in either corner of the viewfinder.

• You’ll find that you need to increase your ISO setting from the base setting of 50 (the setting we’d recommend sticking with outdoors) to somewhere between 200 and 400 in shade and up to 800 indoors (using 1600 only as a last resort).
• When shooting handheld use a shutter speed of at least 1/125s to avoid camera shake. When using a tripod you can lengthen this to as slow as 1/15s or, for long exposures, as slow as 30s. Indoors avoid using a shutter speed slower than 1/60s if your subject is moving.
• Set white balance using the Kelvin setting. For sunny midday conditions try 5500K, 3200K if you’re shooting with tungsten light indoors and 6500K on a cloudy day, and once you’ve got a good setting, lock it in so that all the pictures in a sequence will match.
• Use the exposure compensation control to increase or decrease exposure by up to ±2 EVs, which is handy if you just want a slightly brighter or darker image without having to manually change shutter speed or ISO setting.
• You can switch between AF and MF using the AF button. We find that using MF (with focus peaking enabled) is quicker than AF for product/macro work and also for landscapes.
• Try not to let the histogram touch the right-hand side of the graph as this means that you’re losing highlight detail that you won’t be able to recover later on.

Starting settings by scene

Landscape (golden hour)

Begin with a neutral starting point of ISO 50, 1/250s, 5500K WB and -0.3 EV (to retain detail in skies), focusing at infinity. If necessary to capture a broader dynamic range, try Multiple Exposure mode, which combines multiple exposures into a single DNG file (great for retaining highlight and shadow detail). Experiment with changing one setting at a time to understand the effects of each.

Low-light handheld

Set ISO 800 and a shutter speed of around 1/60s. Set white balance according to the main light in the picture. Exposure compensation should be 0. Prop the phone up against something (wall, railing, etc.). Take 3-5 shots and choose the best one.

Astrophoto

Firstly, make sure you have a tripod on hand, as we’ll need that for astrophotography. To get started, open up Expert RAW and tap the flask icon to open Labs. Navigate to 12MP resolution and enable Special photo options. You should now see the Astrophoto icon, and you should tap that.

From here, you can use the handy Sky guide feature (which outlines constellations for you) to help you get a good shot off. Otherwise, check out our astrophotography guide.

Once you’re happy with how it looks, choose your capture time. In Expert RAW 6.0.02.8 that’s Short, Medium or Long, although it’s interesting that Expert RAW doesn’t tell you how long these are, as reports from when the feature reached the Z Fold4 in 2023 suggest a range of 4 to 10 minutes (via SamMobile). Finally, hit the shutter button and leave well alone until the phone has finished taking your shot.

Multiple exposure

Use Multiple Exposure to create in-camera HDR images, light trails (think: cars zooming by at night), or even double-exposure portraits. Tap the Multiple Exposure icon, then choose a Shutter mode: Continuous (frames are captured one after another) or Manual (you tap to capture each frame). Choose an Overlay mode to specify how the exposures are combined (Bright, Dark or Average) and select the number of exposures you want to make. The final image is saved as a DNG file.

Product / macro

Place your phone on a tripod (or any other stable surface). Set ISO 50 and 1/250s (or another suitable exposure combination) and lock the white balance. Make sure exposure compensation is set to zero. Switch to manual focus and use the peaking outline to focus on exactly where you want.

Shoot using Multiple Exposure and Average overlay. You’ll get a product photo with very little noise because Multiple Exposure averages out all the frames it took.

Editing the DNG in Lightroom mobile

Navigate to the album your camera saves images to in the Gallery tab in Lightroom mobile. Long press one of the DNG images (they’re stored in Gallery on your Galaxy alongside the JPEG version) then select Import. You’ll notice the image looks a little flat and grey-green in appearance. This is totally normal as these DNG files are linear and haven’t had any colour or contrast added (yet!). Our Lightroom mobile guide covers import defaults and export sizes on a Galaxy.

• Set Profile → Adobe Color, or if it’s an outdoor image go for Adobe Landscape.
• Under White Balance use the eyedropper tool to select a point that should be neutral grey in the picture or choose one of the presets that best match your picture.
• Drag Highlights to -60 and Shadows to +40, as this will recover a lot of detail in your picture that you thought was lost in the JPEG.
• Drag Whites to the right until just before you get clipping (keep the slider button pressed while doing so, and the histogram will indicate clipping).
• Drag Blacks slightly to the left to increase contrast.
• Raise Texture a bit (+10), Clarity (+5) and Dehaze (+5). Don’t overdo it or your picture will look very crunchy.
• Play with Effects to your liking. Add a slight amount of Grain and Vignette.
• Save your picture as JPG with Quality 90 and choose Largest Available as the size.

How does Expert RAW compare to Pro mode and Lightroom?

Check out our Expert RAW vs Pro mode comparison for deeper dives on the first two columns, including RAW file construction, supported phones, and which mode is best for which situation.

Common Expert RAW mistakes

• If you're shooting indoors at base ISO, chances are your shutter speed will be slow enough to introduce some motion blur. Try cranking up to ISO 400 or even higher for better results.
• If Gallery is acting sluggish when browsing pictures, or you're having issues with apps not being able to preview pictures, you may want to double-check that you've got the JPEG copy turned on (instead of shooting RAW only).
• When checking pictures, crank up the brightness all the way. The default level may make under/over exposure problems less noticeable.
• If you try to take more than 10 consecutive pictures in full resolution mode, Samsung warns that the time between pictures will increase because of image processing. If you need to take several pictures in a row (i.e. action shots), try switching to 12MP mode.
• Use the histogram to judge exposure instead of relying on the picture preview (which is actually a JPEG approximation).
• The Special photo options are only available at 12MP (such as Astrophoto mode), so don't forget to change resolutions if you want to use them.

Frequently asked questions