Tips, Tricks & Tweaks: Get the Best Out of Your Smartphone Camera and Software

Urban ScrollUrban Scroll
3 min read

Smartphones today come packed with powerful cameras and software, but most users barely scratch the surface of what they can really do. Whether you're snapping photos, shooting videos, or just looking to make your phone faster and smarter—there are simple tips and tweaks that can instantly upgrade your experience.

In this blog, we uncover the best camera hacks, hidden software features, and expert-level settings to help you get the most out of your smartphone in 2025.


📸 Camera Tips: Capture Like a Pro

1. Clean the Lens (It’s Not Just a Joke)

A simple wipe can dramatically improve sharpness and color accuracy. Dust, oil, and smudges can blur your shots more than a shaky hand.

2. Use Gridlines for Better Composition

Turn on gridlines in your camera settings to apply the rule of thirds. This helps in aligning landscapes, portraits, and architectural shots perfectly.

3. Tap to Focus & Adjust Exposure

Before clicking, tap on your subject to focus and slide your finger up/down to adjust brightness. This manual tweak gives better control over lighting and sharpness.

4. Use Pro Mode (Manual Mode)

Explore features like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance.

  • Low ISO for daylight

  • High ISO for night (with tripod)

  • Slower shutter speed for light trails or motion blur

5. Shoot in HDR or AI Mode

Use HDR for high-contrast scenes (e.g., sunsets) and AI mode for intelligent auto-enhancement of colors, shadows, and edges.

Quick fixes for your everyday tech issues.


🎥 Video Recording Tricks: Steady and Cinematic

1. Use fps or 4K recording.

Switch to 60 fps for smooth action or 4K for detailed footage. Just ensure enough storage and battery life.

2. Use EIS/OIS

Enable stabilization features (EIS or OIS) for shake-free video—even while walking.

3. Use Ultra-Wide and Macro Cameras Creatively

Experiment with perspectives using ultra-wide for landscapes and macro for creative close-ups like textures or insects.

4. Try Slow Motion or Time-Lapse

Perfect for action, traffic, or nature scenes. Many phones allow you to control the speed to create dramatic or fun effects.

See how your phone lens performs in the real world.


⚙️ Software Tweaks: Boost Performance & Efficiency

1. Use Developer Options

Enable Developer Mode (Settings > About > Tap ‘Build Number’ 7 times) to unlock:

  • Animation Scale (set to 0.5x for faster UI)

  • Force GPU Rendering for smoother performance

2. Disable Unused Apps & Bloatware

Go to Settings > Apps and disable unwanted pre-installed apps to free up RAM and storage.

3. Use Digital Wellbeing & Focus Mode

Stay productive by limiting distracting apps and scheduling screen time. This boosts battery life and mental focus.

4. Customize Quick Settings & Gestures

Add useful toggles (like screen recorder and dark mode) to your notification shade. Enable gesture controls for faster navigation.

Stay ahead with the latest OS features and updates.


🔋 Battery & Performance Optimizations

  • Enable Battery Saver during low power or long usage days

  • Restrict background usage for heavy apps like Instagram and YouTube

  • Clear the cache regularly to keep your phone smooth

  • Use Adaptive Brightness & Battery for smarter energy management


📲 Bonus: Must-Have Camera & Utility Apps

PurposeApp Recommendation
Manual PhotographyLightroom, ProCam X, Open Camera
Video EditingCapCut, VN Video Editor, InShot
AI EnhancementRemini, Snapseed, Adobe Photoshop Express
Storage CleanerFiles by Google
System MonitorAccuBattery, CPU-Z

🏁 Conclusion

You don’t need a flagship phone to get flagship performance. A few smart tweaks and pro tips can unlock features you never knew existed. Whether it’s better photography, faster software, or smoother performance—your phone has hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Try these tricks today and start getting the best out of your smartphone camera and software!

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Urban Scroll
Urban Scroll