The Google Play Store has a lot of photography and imaging apps for Android. Many popular apps are free to start, but they need in-app purchases or subscriptions to remove ads and unlock features.
There are some good quality, free apps with no strings attached. Here are six photo apps built for Android phones that are entirely free.
Aves Gallery: A Simple and Free Android Photo App
Aves is a free photo gallery app that prioritizes compatibility and simplicity. It’s compatible with Android phones dating back to 4.4 KitKat, and it supports a wide range of file formats, including GeoTIFF, Google Photo Spheres, 360° videos, and more.
In today’s landscape, OEM gallery apps like Google Photos often feel bloated with features like AI, cloud storage integration, and various bells and whistles. If you’re seeking a free and streamlined app for viewing your camera roll of photos, Aves is a solid choice. Its focus on core functionality and compatibility makes it a reliable option for users who value simplicity and performance.
Where to Download From: Google PlayStore
Snapseed: A Useful Free Photo Editor for Android
Snapseed has long been a popular Android photo editing app, and Google acquired it several years ago. The app supports RAW image files and offers a plethora of tools and filters for photo manipulation, including crop and rotation tools, healing and brush tools, advanced filters, and more.
Snapseed is entirely free and provides all the fundamental features you need for quick photo editing directly on your Android phone. While it may not be as feature-rich as some other options, its free price tag makes it difficult to complain.
Where to Download From: Google PlayStore
PhotoScan: A Made-by-Google Free Photo App for Android
Google’s PhotoScan app is an often overlooked tool designed to address the issues of glare and crooked composition that can occur when taking digital images of developed photos. The app is incredibly easy to use, providing a simple prompt that guides you to point at the four corners of the photo you’re digitizing.
Many of us have cherished developed pictures stored in photo albums or displayed in frames. PhotoScan is a lightweight and straightforward utility that can help you preserve these precious analog memories in just a few seconds.
Where to Download From: Google PlayStore
Open Camera: A Free and Open-Source Photo App for Android
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While the default camera apps on most modern Android phones are generally enough for everyday use, sticking with your phone’s native shooter often offers the advantage of tighter computational integration compared to third-party apps.
That said, there’s always room for a free and open-source option, which is exactly what Open Camera provides. The app is relatively feature-rich, making it a solid choice if your phone’s default camera app isn’t meeting your needs. Although the interface may lack some visual polish, it’s a minor trade-off for software that isn’t tied to big tech.
Where to Download From: Google PlayStore
Muzei Live Wallpaper: A Free Android App to Bring a Dynamic New Look
Live wallpapers were once a prominent feature in the Android world, exemplified by the iconic Nexus glowing cube showpiece. While their novelty may have faded over time, live wallpapers remain actively supported by the Android OS, and there are still excellent options to infuse some vibrancy into your home screen setup.
The live aspect of live wallpapers can lead to slightly increased battery consumption, but this is often considered a worthwhile trade-off for the visual appeal they offer.
Muzei is an exceptional choice with an intriguing backstory, curating a collection of live backdrops inspired by famous works of art (like van Gogh’s The Starry Night). The app cycles through new wallpapers daily, ensuring your device feels fresh and stylish.
Unlike many live wallpapers that constantly animate, Muzei’s collection is more subtle. A double tap on your home screen temporarily highlights the featured artwork and removes a darkening filter. While the live aspect may slightly impact battery life, the visual enhancement it provides is often considered worth the trade-off.
Where to Download From: Google PlayStore
PicsArt: A Versatile Free Video Editor for Android
PicsArt is a free video editor for Android that offers a wide range of features to enhance your images for Instagram or achieve a more professional look.
Beyond using existing images, you can also capture your own photos. Retouching features allow you to change your appearance in selfies and other images, removing blemishes and perfecting your photo.
Intelligently, an AI-powered smart selection tool enables you to blur the background and even replace it with other images. PicsArt boasts many user-friendly features, although some users have found the layer system somewhat confusing.
While PicsArt provides a robust set of features, its layer system might present a learning curve for some users. Nonetheless, its versatility and user-friendly interface make it a valuable tool for enhancing your images on Android.
