In the realm of smartphones, where utility abounds, one finds the art of capturing moments through pictures to be a preeminent feature, rivaling even the act of making calls and exchanging text messages. However, the domain of smartphone photography is a realm of fluctuating fortunes, dependent not only on the hardware but also on the software that orchestrates the visual symphony. Enter the realm of GCAM Mods, a phenomenon that has captivated many in recent years. Yet, to truly elevate one’s smartphone photography, one must turn their gaze towards the realm of photo editing apps for Android. While these apps may not enhance the intrinsic performance of the camera, they do provide a canvas upon which one can mold and shape their images to suit their artistic vision. So, for those unsatisfied with the output of their smartphone’s camera and seeking to imbue their photos with a touch of magic before sharing them with the world, here are the 15 best photo editing apps for Android to consider in the year 2020.
In the pantheon of Android apps dedicated to the art of photo editing, a select few stand out for their ability to transcend mere embellishment and enter the realm of true image enhancement. These cherry-picked Android apps offer a plethora of image-editing controls that rival those found in professional editing software, alongside a profusion of exciting and engaging tools for enhancing and refining one’s visual creations. Without further ado, let us embark on a journey through the top photo editing apps for Android in the year 2020.
1. Snapseed
When the quest for enhancing the quality of photographs becomes paramount, a treasure trove of filters and meticulous attribute control tools emerges as the key to unlocking the true potential of images. In this quest, Snapseed emerges as a guiding light, offering a rich collection of features to elevate the visual experience. What sets Google’s image editing app apart is its integration of customized control variables within each filter and tool, enabling users to achieve the desired outcome and transform an ordinary image into a work of art worthy of admiration. Despite the initial overwhelming nature of the diverse editing tools and effects, mastery is attainable through practice, leading one to become a certified maestro of photo editing. Snapseed also boasts features such as the ability to edit RAW DNG files and convert them to JPG files without loss of quality. Additionally, the ‘Selective Saturation’ feature allows for precise adjustments to specific areas of an image without affecting the whole, while the ‘QR Look’ functionality enables the replication of editing effects by scanning a QR code. Best of all, the app is freely available for all to enjoy.
Download (Free): Snapseed
2. Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC
In the realm of image editing software, Adobe’s Photoshop line-up reigns supreme, renowned for its comprehensive set of enhancement tools that meet the highest standards of quality. Enter Photoshop Lightroom CC, the android counterpart that inherits the legacy of its predecessors. The app’s clean interface and streamlined organization of tools set it apart, offering editing options that leave one wanting for nothing. Noteworthy features include the auto preset functionality, allowing users to capture RAW images in various modes and preview the results in real-time. Lightroom CC serves as the perfect companion for on-the-go editing, with the premium tier offering access to Adobe Sensei, enabling AI-based object identification and tagging, RAW image editing capabilities on smartphones, and selective image adjustments. With 100GB of cloud storage, seamless integration across mobile, desktop, and web platforms, and a host of remarkable features, Photoshop Lightroom CC elevates the art of image editing to new heights.
Download (Free, with in-app purchases): Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC
3. PhotoDirector
Surprisingly, PhotoDirector emerges as a hidden gem in the realm of image editing apps, boasting a minimalist UI brimming with powerful enhancement and editing tools. From filters to light effects and a myriad of add-ons, PhotoDirector breathes new life into images captured by users. Notable among its features is the object removal tool, which swiftly erases unwanted elements from images. The app’s camera offers a plethora of lens filters with real-time intensity adjustments, complemented by face detection and gesture support for capturing images in various aspect ratios. With a wide array of image editing features at its disposal, PhotoDirector shines brightly in the realm of mobile photography. Users can harness the app’s creative tools to craft captivating images fit for sharing on social media platforms and beyond.
Download (Free, with in-app purchases): PhotoDirector
4. Photo Editor Pro
True to its name, Photo Editor Pro embodies the essence of professional-grade photo editing on Android devices. Boasting features unparalleled in the world of editing apps, Photo Editor Pro offers a wealth of tools, from basic editing functions to filters and stickers, all designed to unleash the full potential of every image. Users can seamlessly change backgrounds with nature-themed images or custom backdrops, while over 60 unique effects, including Lomo, Pink, Vignette, Natural, and Warm, provide a palette of creative options. The app’s draw tools stand out as exceptional, allowing for precise adjustments to brightness, saturation, hue, contrast, warmth, and more. With features such as Photo Blender and Light FX, users can create eye-catching images perfect for social media sharing. Innovative tools like Bokeh, Lens, Splash, and light leaks effects add an extra layer of creativity to the editing process, while body and face retouching features help users achieve their desired look. Whether creating collages, adding stickers and emojis, exporting high-quality images, or crafting square photos, Photo Editor Pro stands as a powerful ally in the quest for perfecting images on Android.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Photo Editor Pro
5. Fotor
A veteran in the realm of photo editing apps on Android, Fotor has evolved from a standalone retouching tool to an all-encompassing platform for image editing and licensing. With a familiar interface akin to Snapseed, sporting sliders and accessible menus, Fotor caters to users of all skill levels, from amateurs to professionals. Offering a vast range of filters and effects, including Film, Vintage, B&W, and Kaleidoscope, Fotor allows users to create captivating, otherworldly images with ease. The app’s robust editing tools, such as RGB curve adjustments and gradation tools, enable users to fine-tune every aspect of their images, from warmth and saturation levels to contrast and color effects. Advanced features like layer editing and selective adjustments provide unparalleled control over image customization, while weekly updates keep the creative process fresh and engaging. Whether retouching portraits or crafting layered compositions, Fotor excels as a versatile and user-friendly photo editing app for Android.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Fotor
6. Enlight Pixaloop
Venturing into uncharted territory, Enlight Pixaloop stands out as a unique photo-editing app on the Android landscape. Offering the ability to breathe life into still images through mesmerizing photo animations, Pixaloop empowers users to add movement and direction to static scenes with ease. From changing backgrounds to incorporating dynamic skies and animated elements, Pixaloop transforms ordinary images into captivating visual narratives. The app’s overlay feature allows for the addition of mood-enhancing elements to scenes, such as sparkles, flames, and cascading waterfalls, creating a cinematic flair to images. Users can fine-tune animations with adjustable speed, direction, and style, along with traditional editing tools like tone adjustment, color effects, and perspective correction. With a focus on creating stunning cinemagraphs for social media stories, Enlight Pixaloop offers a unique and immersive editing experience that is sure to captivate users seeking to infuse their images with creativity and motion.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Enlight Pixaloop
7. Cymera
Standing as a versatile tool in the arsenal of photo editing apps, Cymera offers a diverse array of features tailored to both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. With a dual-mode camera function catering to selfies and rear camera photography, Cymera provides users with a spectrum of editing tools, from conventional filters and effects to advanced complexion adjustments and scene modes. The app’s versatility extends to collage creation and meme generation, allowing users to express their creativity through customized layouts and text overlays. A noteworthy aspect of Cymera is its automatic face recognition feature, which enhances selfies with over 200 makeup effects and illumination tools. Embracing the art of visual storytelling, Cymera enables users to craft engaging and impactful images that capture the essence of the moment.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Cymera
8. Camly
Simplicity meets productivity in the world of photo editing with Camly, an app that prides itself on a user-friendly interface that belies its robust editing capabilities. With a mere seven enhancement options greeting users on the home screen, Camly simplifies the editing process, affording users quick access to essential tools and precise adjustments. Stepping beyond the realm of camera functionality, Camly’s editing section shines as a beacon of organization and efficiency, offering a seamless editing experience that outshines the competition. From zippy performance to instant effects rendering, Camly excels in delivering creative options without overwhelming users with unnecessary clutter. The app’s vast collection of stickers and text-based elements adds a touch of whimsy to the editing process, making Camly an ideal platform for crafting engaging and entertaining visual content.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Camly
9. VSCO
Renowned for its clean design and impressive array of editing tools, VSCO stands as a pillar of excellence in the realm of mobile photography. With a focused approach to image editing, VSCO organizes editing tools into four distinct categories, each offering a vast selection of filters and enhancements for users to explore. The app’s user-friendly interface and intuitive controls enable users to tweak their images with ease, creating custom looks and styles that reflect their artistic vision. For those seeking inspiration, VSCO’s vibrant community provides a platform for sharing creative ideas and engaging with like-minded individuals. With a curated selection of tools and presets, VSCO empowers users to elevate their image editing skills and craft visually stunning compositions that resonate with viewers.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): VSCO
10. PicsArt
In the vast landscape of photo editing apps, PicsArt stands out as a beacon of creativity, offering a harmonious blend of immersive design and powerful editing capabilities. With a wide array of live enhancement tools, scene modes, filters, and stickers, PicsArt caters to users of all skill levels, providing a wealth of options for enhancing images in real-time. The app’s dynamic camera app enables users to capture stunning visuals, while the extensive library of community-uploaded backgrounds offers endless creative possibilities. Whether embarking on a solo editing journey or joining the vibrant community, users can explore diverse editing tools, coloring options, text additions, and eye-catching overlays to elevate their images to new heights. With features like backgrounds, masks, and a collage maker, PicsArt empowers users to unleash their creativity and share their visual stories with the world.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): PicsArt
11. Pixlr
Entering the realm of editing apps with a refined sense of organization, Pixlr impresses users with its streamlined interface and thoughtful arrangement of editing tools. With tools neatly categorized into five distinct sections on the editing home page, Pixlr offers a seamless editing experience that delights users with a wide array of effects, overlays, stickers, and filters. The app’s innovative favorites feature allows users to save preferred combinations of filters and overlays for future use, while the direct sharing to social media platforms facilitates instant engagement and feedback. Pixlr’s collage making tool shines as a standout feature, offering a multitude of tools and presets for creating unique and captivating compositions. From editing aesthetics to sharing masterpieces, Pixlr stands as a formidable contender in the world of image editing apps, offering an unparalleled editing experience to users of all skill levels.
Download (Free): Pixlr
12. Toolwiz Photos – Pro Editor
An amalgamation of artistic filters, diverse editing tools, and a user-friendly interface, Toolwiz Photos – Pro Editor emerges as a powerhouse of photo editing capabilities on smartphones. With a comprehensive set of retouching tools, text additions, and pro-level adjustments for light and color, Toolwiz Photos caters to the discerning needs of users seeking complete control over their editing process. From portrait retouching to face toning and body slimming, the app offers a plethora of options for enhancing and refining images with precision. The app’s Moments feature showcases user-selected photos in the form of a short movie, complete with customizable visual themes and background music. A testament to inclusivity and innovation, Toolwiz Photos features editing tools designed by individuals facing congenital illnesses, a unique and commendable achievement in the realm of image editing apps.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Toolwiz Photos – Pro Editor
13. Photo Editor
Embark on a journey of true pro-level photo editing with Photo Editor, an app that places the power of color correction and pixel-level adjustment in the palm of your hand. With the ability to tweak RGB values, adjust color curves, and perform precise corrections, Photo Editor offers unparalleled control over image customization. Pixel-level correction tools, face retouching options, and text customization features enable users to create bespoke images that reflect their unique vision. Harnessing the power of hexadecimal color codes, users can highlight specific hues and elements within their images, adding a touch of sophistication to their creations. From basic editing to advanced adjustments, Photo Editor empowers users to unleash their creativity and craft images that resonate with viewers on a deep and meaningful level.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Photo Editor
14. Afterlight
For those seeking a pure and uncluttered editing experience, Afterlight serves as a beacon of simplicity and elegance in the world of image editing apps. Straying from overwhelming options and filters, Afterlight provides users with a curated selection of fundamental editing features designed to enhance images quickly and effortlessly. With a collection of filters curated by developers and Instagram users, along with a rich assortment of textures and overlays, Afterlight infuses images with a distinct and captivating visual flair. Beyond aesthetics and resolution enhancements, the app enables seamless sharing of images on social media platforms, offering users a platform to showcase their creative endeavors. With a focus on simplicity and effectiveness, Afterlight caters to users seeking a streamlined and intuitive editing experience that emphasizes quality and visual impact.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Afterlight
15. Prisma
Widely acclaimed for its artistic filters and unique visual style, Prisma stands as a titan in the realm of photo editing apps, offering a diverse array of filters crafted by renowned artists and creators. The app’s signature filters exhibit a distinct artistic flair, providing users with a gateway to creating visually stunning and emotive images with a touch of sophistication. Beyond image editing, Prisma serves as a social media platform in its own right, allowing users to share their artistic creations and engage with a community of fellow artists and photographers. With a constant stream of new filters and updates, Prisma offers an ever-evolving landscape of creative possibilities, inspiring users to push the boundaries of their artistic expression and craft images that resonate on a deeply emotional level.
Download (Free, Offers in-app purchases): Prisma
As you traverse the vast landscape of photo editing apps for Android, consider the unique traits and features of each app to select the one that best aligns with your creative vision. From powerful retouching tools to immersive editing experiences, each app on this list offers a distinct approach to image enhancement and customization. Delve into the realm of mobile photography with these top photo editing apps for Android, and unleash your creativity to transform ordinary images into extraordinary visual masterpieces. Share your experiences and creations in the comments below and let us know which app(s) you chose to download after exploring this curated list.
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