Ryan Haines / Android Authority Pixel 9
The Pixel Camera app has long been considered one of the best camera apps on the market, and it’s easy to see why. The app offers a few standout modes, like Night Sight, astrophotography, and Best Take. For a long time, Google’s image processing was also considered superior to that of most other manufacturers.
Needless to say, any alternative to the Pixel Camera app has some big shoes to fill. But after trying out a few alternatives, I’ve found a few apps worth considering if you want something a little different.
OpenCamera
Do you merely want a camera app without flashy modes and effects? Looking for something with restrained processing? Then the long-running OpenCamera app might be for you.
One complaint I have about OpenCamera is that it doesn’t have a very intuitive UI. In fact, I’d say it doesn’t seem to have substantially changed since the early 2010s. But I’ve found this to be more compelling than the Pixel Camera app if I wanted to really fine-tune my shots. Between the choice of noise reduction and HDR algorithms, exposure/HDR bracketing functionality, and extensive RAW photography options, it definitely gives you more granular control over your snap.
I am somewhat disappointed that the app lacks many modern features, such as a night mode or light trail functionality. I still switch back to the Pixel Camera app for these capabilities. I’d also suggest you steer clear of OpenCamera if you want a truly fire-and-forget camera experience. But this is definitely worth a download if you value a fine-tuned, patient approach to capturing a photo.
GCam
This is a bit of a weird pick as it isn’t an official Google camera app, and there’s no single version of GCam out there. However, we’ve seen several developers port the Pixel Camera app to other phones over the years, and it remains a popular choice.
I’ve downloaded GCam on loads of budget Android phones over the years as it’s a surefire way to take better photos. In fact, it’s still worth downloading on many cheap devices today. These unofficial apps even include extra features like switching between different HDR algorithms, adjusting the Top Shot resolution, and more.
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