You don’t need the latest flagship for pro-level bokeh. Samsung is enabling a new camera feature on the Galaxy S25, and our guide shows you how to use the Virtual Aperture tool to get standout portrait shots.
While the Galaxy S26 (review) did not bring significant hardware upgrades to its camera system, Samsung introduced a suite of fresh software features. Many of these are currently exclusive to the new flagship, but Samsung is already bringing a few tricks to earlier Galaxy devices. One of the standout additions is Virtual Aperture that enables more versatile shooting.
How Samsung’s Virtual Aperture Works
Samsung’s new Virtual Aperture camera feature lets you adjust blur (bokeh) in portrait shots, mimicking how standalone cameras with adjustable lenses work. By utilizing computational photography in the new software, this tool provides professional-level versatility right in your hand.
On the Galaxy S26, the feature is supported on the telephoto sensors, including the 5x zoom on the Ultra model. It is accessible directly from the native Camera app. Many owners of older Galaxy devices have been asking for this capability, which Samsung eventually shipped to the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra (review).
However, there are currently limitations on Galaxy S25 devices. The feature is only accessible through the Expert RAW app, which is less streamlined than the native integration on the Galaxy S26. Additionally, it is currently limited to the main sensor rather than the telephoto cameras. Fortunately, there is good news for users looking to utilize these expanded capabilities.
Using Virtual Aperture on Galaxy S25
In a community post (via SamMobile), a Samsung moderator confirmed that Virtual Aperture shooting will eventually be enabled for the telephoto sensors on the Galaxy S25+ and Galaxy S25 Ultra. For Galaxy S25 Ultra owners, this means the ability to use the feature on both 3x and 5x zoom lenses, which is similar to the Galaxy S26 Ultra.
- Open the Expert RAW app on your Galaxy phone.
- Select the camera lens.
- Enable Virtual Aperture mode.
- Adjust the background blur intensity to your preference.
- Once ready, capture your shot with the chosen aperture effect.
More importantly, the moderator also confirmed that the smaller base Galaxy S25 will eventually receive the feature through an update to the Expert RAW app.
Samsung did not explicitly mention older models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, but that doesn’t mean the tool won’t eventually trickle down to those devices as well. Many users are also hoping to see Virtual Aperture integrated into the native Camera app, which would offer the same seamless flexibility found on the Galaxy S26. While that isn’t on the table just yet, we may see progress in the upcoming One UI 8.5 update.
Beyond the Galaxy S26, rumors suggest Samsung may bring back a mechanical lens on the Galaxy S27, which would support physical aperture adjustment in one of the rear cameras. Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro is also widely expected to receive a similar camera upgrade.
What other Galaxy S26 features would you like to see rolled out to older Galaxy models? Share your thoughts in the comments!
We mark partner links with this symbol. If you click on one of these links or buttons–or make a purchase through them–we may receive a small commission from the retailer. This doesn’t affect the price you pay, but it helps us keep nextpit free for everyone. Thanks for your support! Prices are based on the date of publication of this article and may be subject to change.
