There are few trends in modern smartphones which took hold quite like portrait mode. It's a simple concept – using a special mode on your phone camera, the background is artistically blurred, leaving you with great shots that put the subject front and centre in the frame.
But did you know that Samsung phones even allow you to add the portrait mode blur to images after they've been captured – including those which weren't taken on the device? That's a great additional feature, and means that you can easily add an extra dimension to any photos you have on your phone or tablet. The Google Pixel 7 range does something similar with their Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur settings.
It's not just limited to newer devices either. No need to splash out on a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – any device capable of running One UI 4.1 or newer will work.
To use it, simply select the photo in your gallery, open up the menu and tap "Add Portrait Effect". The processing takes a couple of seconds, and you even have the option to dial in the perfect amount of blurriness with a slider.
It's not quite as seamless as the native lens – the effect will only work when it can detect a face. That works with people, animals and even statues, but you won't be able to edit artsy photos of plants or other inanimate objects with the same ease.
What it does offer is a greater degree of flexibility than the portrait mode in the camera app. For example, photos shot with the ultrawide sensor, or under more intense zoom can get the effect – something you can't do at the point of capture.
That makes it a great feature for all users. Sure, if you don't have portrait mode on your phone, or you have stacks of old photos which could be improved with the help of some background blur, it's an obvious win. But it can also improve the versatility of modern camera setups, allowing users more choice over the composition of their images.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
Online news writer at T3.com, Sam has five years of experience in online and print journalism, with work featured in publications like Metro and Last Word on Sports. After years writing about music and football, Sam now turns his hand to bringing you news about new phones, smart home products, smart watches, laptops and TVs. Sam is a longtime fan and user of Apple products, including iPhones, MacBooks and Apple Watches.He’s also T3’s resident football expert, bringing you everything you need to know about the big games, including how to watch them. In his spare time, Sam is a keen guitarist, watch lover and (very) amateur golfer.
-
What are gorilla rows: the underrated strength exercise you’re not doing for a stronger back
It will also give your core a run for its money
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
iPhone 17 slated for one massive camera upgrade which photographers will love
The question is, will it be too technical for non-photographers?
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Your older Pixel phone could get a huge free communications upgrade very soon
Could make your old Pixel out of this world
By Chris Hall Published
-
First look at Oura Ring 4 shows Samsung Galaxy Ring could have a serious rival soon
It needs to launch sharpish though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Google officially reveals Pixel 9 Pro feature set – by having a dig at iPhone
A whole world of AI features have been revealed for Pixel 9
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Ring works on other Android phones – even iPhone could happen soon
There is a catch though
By Britta O'Boyle Published
-
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD) review: a top class 4K OLED monitor
This stellar display does gaming, streaming, and more
By David Nield Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro withdrawn from sale with a surprising explanation
There's a Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro problem - what's going on?
By Chris Hall Published
-
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 tipped to make Android tablets important again
A huge change to Samsung's Galaxy tablets has been confirmed
By Chris Hall Published
-
Leaked Pixel Watch 3 prices show Google's ready to take the fight to Apple
Pixel Watch 3 will come in a number of versions and enticing colours
By Chris Hall Published