Samsung Expands Camera Assistant Support: New Galaxy Devices and One UI 8.5 Features Revealed

Samsung is taking a significant step forward in democratizing professional-grade photography tools for its users. The tech giant has officially announced a major expansion of its Camera Assistant app support, reaching a broader range of Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. This rollout is closely tied to the highly anticipated One UI 8.5 update, which promises to enhance the user experience across various tiers of Samsung hardware, from mid-range powerhouses to flagship tablets.

Broadening the Horizon: 19 New Devices Join the List

The expansion is particularly noteworthy because it moves beyond the premium S-series. Samsung has confirmed that 19 additional devices will soon be compatible with the Camera Assistant app. This list includes popular mid-range models from the Galaxy A and M series, ensuring that users who opt for value-driven devices don't miss out on advanced photography controls. Furthermore, the expansion covers a wide array of tablets, including the Galaxy Tab S8, S9, and the newest S10 series.

What Makes Camera Assistant Essential?

Camera Assistant is not just another app; it is a powerful utility designed to unlock the hidden potential of the stock Galaxy Camera. It offers a level of customization that previously required root access or third-party camera apps. By integrating these settings directly with the system, Samsung allows for a seamless and stable photography experience.

Key features provided by the app include the ability to toggle automatic lens switching, which prevents the phone from jumping between lenses in tricky lighting. Users can also adjust the "softening" of images to achieve a more natural look, add specific zoom shortcuts to the main interface, and choose whether the camera should prioritize the speed of the capture or the accuracy of the focus. For video enthusiasts, the app enables HDR10+ recording and sensitivity adjustments for autofocus, making your Samsung Galaxy a more capable filmmaking tool.

Which specific Galaxy smartphones are newly supported?

The latest expansion includes the Galaxy A34, A35, and A36, along with the Galaxy M34, M35, and M36 models. These mid-range devices can now access professional camera settings previously reserved for flagships.

Is Camera Assistant available for Galaxy tablets?

Yes, the expansion covers a wide range of tablets, including the entire Galaxy Tab S8, Tab S9 (including FE models), and the latest Tab S10 series (including FE and Ultra variants).

What version of One UI is required for this expansion?

The new device support is being rolled out alongside the One UI 8.5 update. Users will need to update their system firmware to this version to utilize the Camera Assistant app on the newly supported models.

Can I disable automatic lens switching with this app?

Yes, one of the primary features of Camera Assistant is the ability to enable or disable automatic lens switching, giving the user total control over which camera sensor is being used for a specific shot.

Does the app help with shutter lag?

Camera Assistant includes settings to prioritize capture speed over focus accuracy, which can significantly reduce the perceived shutter lag during fast-paced photography.

🔎 In conclusion, Samsung's decision to bring Camera Assistant to a wider audience demonstrates a clear commitment to providing high-quality software experiences across its entire product lineup. By bridging the gap between mid-range hardware and professional software controls, Samsung empowers every user to take better photos and videos. As One UI 8.5 continues its global rollout, Galaxy owners should keep an eye on their software updates to unlock these powerful new capabilities.