ENHANCE YOUR PHOTOS WITH THESE SMARTPHONE APPS

Ever wanted to do more with your smartphone camera? While most devices today come with fairly advanced, multi-lens setups, the real “photo bugs” among us are always looking for ways to add a little something extra.

Fortunately, as with so much of the digital world nowadays, there’s an app for that. Actually, there are a lot of apps for that, so here are our recommendations of some of the most interesting apps you can use to enhance your smartphone photography.

Android Phones

For Android users, a quick search in the Play Store for “Photo Apps” offers nearly 250 choices, from pricey, advanced options to fun filters. We’ve chosen the following pair for their versatility, and ease of use.

Open Camera has serious features, including manual camera controls, a timer, support for some external microphones, HDR, exposure bracketing, and more. It’s a great option for both photographers and videographers, and it’s completely free, with no in-app purchases or advertising.

Google Camera is Google’s official camera app, and delivers an impressive set of features. They include a lens blur mode, slow motion (on supported devices), photo spheres, video stabilization, and more. The app is free, and can be used on any devices running Android 7.1.1 operating systems and up.

iPhones

There are also a massive number of photo apps offered in the Apple App Store for iPhone users. This free pair deliver some of the best enhancements to the iPhone’s already terrific camera.

Photoshop Camera Photo Filters is all about creative spontaneity. It’s a great way to add imagination to any snapshot. The app works in real-time, applying live filters and effects to whatever you’re looking at through your iPhone’s camera. Or, you can load an existing image and have the app transform it into something brand new.

VSCO Pronounced “Visco”, this app provides a robust range of photo editing tools and filters, including the unique ability to emulate a host of other cameras. Additionally, it offers most of these same features for video content as well.

Best App You Probably Already Have

No matter what type of smartphone you’re using, if you’re a digital shutterbug, no doubt you’re already using Instagram as part of your social media routine. It provides a host of classic filters from which to choose, along with the ability to comment, like, share, and send photos directly to friends of your own choosing.

14 Thoughts on "ENHANCE YOUR PHOTOS WITH THESE SMARTPHONE APPS"

  1. John Jacobs says

    When 3G is replaced by VoLTE (Jan 31) is consumer cellular going to drop voice metering and include voice usage in LTE data usage?

    This appears to be a given in that voice will then be sent over data channels making voice accounting all but meaningless.

  2. Carol Stacy says

    I am an AARP member and looking to get the Apple Iphone 12. After calculating my AT&T bill I have 3.9 GB of data and have used 0% of it so I can definitely go way down on my data. Can I turn in my current phone and do you pay me for this and add it to the iphone 12? Also do you transfer my information on my current phone to the new phone?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Thanks for the question, Carol. While we aren’t able to trade in your current phone for one of ours, we’re happy to help with transferring information between the devices.

  3. Donna Haas says

    HI. I love using my CC camera to take photos, however, how do I move them to my e mail account to print them out?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      You can actually send yourself an email, Donna. When composing the email, just type your own email address, attach the photos, and send.

  4. richard root says

    I am losing contact info and can I get it back?

    • Great question, Richard. If your information is backed up to a Gmail account or an Apple iCloud account, you could restore it from that backup. If you are having any trouble with those accounts and the back up form them, we would suggest having you contact them to see if there is something going on with them at all.

  5. Harriet Lester says

    I hope Consumer Cellular is working on supporting the Apple Watch (with cellular) so we can rejoin you folks. Any chance you’re doing that?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      That’s a great question, Harriet. The cellular function of the Apple Watches requires the use of an eSIM to work. Unfortunately, that’s something that is only available through a small number of carriers at this time, so we are not able to support it. If that changes in the future, we’ll be sure to let customers know.

  6. Max Royal says

    I have an Iphone 10 but cannot receive voicemail on it. How do I set it up to receive voicemail?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Hi Max, all you should need to do is hold “1” on the keypad and follow the prompts to set up your voicemail. If it doesn’t work, I recommend giving us a call at 888-345-5509 or chatting with us here.

  7. Judith says

    CC used to have instructional videos on phones. I found them very helpful in learning new things about my new phone. I just received my new Galaxy S21. Any videos available to teach me a few things I should know?
    Judy Terrell

    • Hi Judith, thanks for your question! We do plan on having those up on our website since the phone is new, we’re just working on getting everything compiled. We don’t have an exact date for when that will be up, but keep an eye on the website for it. In the meantime, if you have any questions about the phone, give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with us here.