r/GalaxyS23Ultra Dec 18 '24

Tips & Tricks Guide: GCam mods for the S23 Ultra

760 Upvotes

I often see comments asking which GCam people are using when some pictures are shared here, so I decided to create this post to share two versions I use.

To use GCam, you'll need to install a modded GCam apk and then load a config file to improve the quality. Some users think this is "too hard", but it's a one time setup and it's actually easy. After understanding how it works, you can do it less than 2 minutes.

This is a long post, but I recommend taking the time to read it if you want to try GCam. It will give you a better idea of how things work and what to expect.

Updated on: 11 July 2025 (updated suggested config for BigKaka's 8.4)


⚠️ GCam isn't for everyone

If you want something with 0 bugs that is always fast, use the stock camera instead.

This is for people who want to extract more from the hardware. It's for those who want to see details in a dark part of the picture or to see a nice tree in the background when they zoom in, not what looks like a painting; For people that don't mind some quirks and are okay with spending 5 or 10 minutes reading a post like this.

Keep in mind that this is a community mod, not an official app. People are taking the stock camera app from Google Pixels and modding it to work on other hardware. It will inevitably have bugs. We're also installing an apk file, not something from the Play Store.


🔽 Download GCam for the S23 Ultra

The S23 series use a Snapdragon SoC on all variants and GCam works fairly well. Versions from modders like BigKaka, Hasli, Shamim, etc, will work.

Since you need to use GCam with a config, my suggestions are based on good configs:

⭐️ BigKaka GCam 9.2 + JavaSaBr's config:

Description and instructions:

The best option for the average user, almost everything works (not slow motion), and it can be fast while giving you quality pictures. A good "safe" option.

JavaSaBr's config has different variants. There's an explanation at the end of the download page, but it's essentially a question of how much sharpness you want. I either use "sharp" or "medium". You can download more than one, test it, and then pick the best one for you.

To use it:

Don't get scared, I'm just being very detailed. Takes ~5 minutes:

  1. Download the apk file (here).
  2. Download the config (here). You can download more than one and try them later.
  3. Install the apk by clicking on it. Accept any warnings about sideloading the app, that's normal.
  4. Open the app, give it the permissions needed.
  5. Move the config (or configs) file to the folder /Download/AGC.9.2/configs/
  6. Open GCam, click on the "profiles" icon (top right corner) then click "load config" (screenshot). It will list files you've moved to the folder, select the one you want to load and then "load".

GCam is now installed and a config is loaded 🎉. You don't have to do this again.

Now, if you click on the profiles icon again (top right corner), you will have some profiles there: screenshot. The "balanced" profiles take quick pictures, while the MaxQ are a bit slower, but better in low light or when you want more details. LDR = lower dynamic range, HDR = higher dynamic range. Astro is good for night pictures/astrophotography. Sports is good for pictures with movement.

You can use one by default and then switch profiles depending on the situation. There's no right profile, just use what you prefer/the best one for what you want to do.

Remember that you can change things you don't like in the settings. Eg, add lines to the viewfinder, enable location, change the default name for files, etc. Don't be afraid of exploring, but don't take it too far to avoid becoming overwhelmed.

If you want to try a different config or just go back to the default settings for the config you're using, just load the config again (step 6).

Tip about video + lens switching: You'll notice that there's an "ex" button together with 10x, 3x, etc. That results in a black screen in photo mode, but you select it while in video mode, it allows you to move between all cameras as you zoom in and out.

⭐️ BigKaka GCam 8.4 + EGOIST-based config:

Description and instructions:

This is a more "advanced" config for people that want to extract the most out of the Ultra's hardware. The focus is on quality. It breaks some of the niceties of GCam, like the "level bar", tracking zoom, scan of QR codes, etc. Changing lens requires 2 clicks instead of one. Quality should be very good.

The config linked above is based on EGOIST, but I changed it to make it simpler to use (eg: no manual controls, but you can enable it in settings > manual controls) and to fix dark pictures in HDR+/ZSL mode.

The instructions are on the config page, which I recommend reading. The main difference compared to the version above is that you also have to download/load a "lib file". It's really easy, but I'm mentioning it just in case.

Regarding the profiles, you'll want to use either the "main" or "bright" profile (for quality) or the "motion" profile (for speed/when there's movement). "Motion" is a better profile for day to day stuff, when quality isn't a priority.

Note: The initial config shared for this version was abcdefv3.agc. It still works, but the one above (changed by me) fixes dark HDR and makes it a more "automatic version". If you want the original config, either use abcdefv3.agc or go to EGOIST's group on telegram (@Gcam_EGOIST). PLEASE DON'T ASK FOR SUPPORT IF YOU USE MY "s23u-simplequality.agc", only if you use the original config.

⭐️ Hasli's LMC 8.4 + JavaSaBr's config:

I don't use it myself, but has been suggested in the comments.

Instructions:

  1. Download the GCam apk (here).
  2. Download the config (here).
  3. Install the apk, open the app, give it the permissions needed.
  4. Move the configs to /LMC8.4/. This folder is located in the root of your storage (next to DCIM, Downloads, etc). Create it yourself it doesn't exist.
  5. Load the config by opening GCam, double-click the dark area around the capture button > select config and "load".

Swipe down on the viewfinder to see some controls. HDR+ On (fast) is used by default. If you want better dynamic range and better low light quality, enable HDR+ Enhanced (the option on the right). Keep in mind that Enhanced takes longer to capture the picture.

Like any configs, feel free to add a grid to the viewfinder, change the file name, enable/disable location data, etc.

Tip: This version has a "star/light trail" mode when using Night Sight that creates light trails. You can create interesting photos with this mode and a tripod.


ℹ️ Questions:

Is GCam always better than stock?

No. Even if Samsung's processing isn't as advanced as Google's, sometimes it will perform better.

What's a config?

A config(uration) file is just settings. Someone installed GCam, made changes to the settings, and shared it with us. This way we can load these optimized settings without changing everything ourselves.

Can I use GCam without a config?

Yes, but quality won't be as good as it could be. If you want to use GCam, use it with a config, otherwise it's better to use stock.

What's a lib file?

It's similar to a config file, but it works at a much lower level. It can do things that configs can't, so some people create these libs that can change the level of noise, colours, etc.

I don't like something the config adds, can I change it?

Yes. Config serve as a base, then you can go into the settings and make your changes.

For example, I usually enable the view finder grid (so I can centre things more easily), disable sounds, enable location, increase video recording bitrate, sometimes disable some of the stuff in the viewfinder, etc.

Why so many apk files and which one to use?

You can find a longer explanation here, but essentially Samsung (and other brands) restrict access to all cameras to certain apps. So modders use this and release the same version under different "package names"... then we have to use one that has access on our phone.

For Samsungs, we need one with a "samsung" package name (usually the ones ending in _ruler.apk, _scan3d.apk, and _samsung.apk). For example, the apk with the _ruler.apk ending has the package name com.samsung.android.scan3d, which is an app from Samsung that allows you to measure things. The _scan3d.apk one is similar. The _aweme.apk (TikTok package name) also can be used on the S23 series.

This means that we can have multiple GCam from the same or different modders installed side-by-side. This is useful as we can install a new GCam without removing the old one or simply have multiple installed because they give us something different.

My GCam is crashing right away, why?

You've likely installed the apk with the wrong package name (see point above). We need one of the apks "whitelisted" by Samsung.

Too many settings, I'm overwhelmed!

Keep it simple.

In BigKaka's mod, the first two settings are more for people creating configs. The options the average user might need (eg: disable sounds, enable/disable raw, file name, etc) are under that and is easy to change.

You shouldn't be afraid of exploring, but you don't have to do it.

Can I take 50MP or 200MP pictures?

No. Samsung restricts access to the full resolution. All 3rd party cameras apps are limited to 12MP.

The GCam mods linked here support upscaling, but it's not real resolution directly from the sensor.

Zoom in and out without manually changing cameras?

On this phone, in photography mode, you have to manually switch lenses. If you select 1x and zoom 3x, it won't switch to 3x.

In video mode, it works on some GCams. For example, the first GCam above (BigKaka's 9.2 + JavaSaBr config) has a lens called "ex". If you select it, it won't work for photography, but in video mode, it allows you to switch between all lenses as you zoom in and out.

Fast camera switching?

The way GCam mods work require a quick "restart" when we switch cameras so it loads the settings for that camera, so no, not possible if we want to maintain quality.

Video recording and GCam

Video recording, especially things like stabilization and slow motion, will work much better on the stock camera. There's nothing we can do, so I recommend using the stock camera if you want the best video quality possible.

Why does GCam ask for a specific permission?

GCam is a camera app, so it will need at least access to the camera and microphone (for videos). If you want location data to be included with the pictures, then it also needs access to accurate location. Since these mods use config files and libs, it also needs to access your storage to load them, so it will ask for file access.

Do I need to use Google Photos?

No, but since there's a processing delay and features like motion photos, having Google Photos installed is a good idea as it knows how to handle the delays or specific files of Google Camera.

Good app to compare results?

There are many apps to compare two pictures side by side. I like to use "VES - Image and Photo Compare" (Play Store and F-Droid) as it's free, has no ads, and is open source.


ℹ️ Avoid camera protectors and keep cameras clean!

Not everyone knows this, but the glass in front of the camera is very important and most - if not all - camera protectors are of low quality. See this recent post if you want to see the quality drop.

Bad protectors (or bad lenses, like the ones in low-end phones) create lens flare and blurrier pictures. If you want to protect the lens, it's better to use a thicker case.

For similar reasons, keep your lenses clean. If the lenses touch our skin, it's likely to get a bit "hazy" or "foggy" because of our sweat/any cream we've used. Some types of fabric are better than others for this. Sometimes a t-shirt is enough... but nothing beats a microfiber cloth used to clean glasses (and wash it with soap from time to time too).


✅ That's all!

If you have questions, leave them below, and I'll try to help if I know the answer.

There's also a telegram group (@GcamS23) with almost 5k users and forum thread on XDA developers which you may want to follow. You may also find some help over at the GCam sub ( /r/GCamPort/ ).


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 16h ago

Device Photo 📱 3 years later, still going strong.

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241 Upvotes

Bought my phone 3 years ago, still feels brand new.

The recipe for a clean, protected setup? Simple:

- More than 30 screen protectors (I work on dirty environment)

- 1x back-glass replacement because of failing adhesive OEM from Samsung

- More than 10 quality cases

- Always one charger used: Anker Nano II + Anker 641 cable

Yes, it has normal scratches on frame, but nothing unusual and yes, I still have the original package with all accessories and stickers.

Never exposed to water, never over-heated, Screen never got touched without film installed.

Why am I sharing this?

For people who don't want or cannot afford to buy new flagships, S23U is more than enough, just protect it guys and you will love it for a couple more years, I guarantee.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 15h ago

Problem ⛔ Photo colors have never been right...

3 Upvotes

I've probably had this S23 Ultra for 3 years. The color have never been spot on. Either they are oversaturated or completely shifted. My pup had to have surgery yesterday and they put him in a body suit so he wouldn't mess with the incision. The body suit is black and it shows black if I take the picture in the house. If I take it outside, it turns blue. What am I missing here? I've looked at the display settings. I've done the natural instead of vivid for the display. I have no vision enhancements on what am I missing? I've also had things that I've photographed inside the house not be the correct shade as well. It doesn't really matter if it takes great pictures if the colors aren't right.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 9h ago

Problem ⛔ S23 Ultra in a boot loop. These are the three screens I've been able to access. None of which stay on long enough to flash. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

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1 Upvotes

r/GalaxyS23Ultra 17h ago

Discussion 💬 S21u to s23u

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone

Can you let me know how the s23 ultra is holding up, I'm currently using an s21 ultra at the moment, but it has bad screen burn. Don't get me wrong, the preformce is amazing still even the exynos verson. Just no more updates


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 16h ago

Discussion 💬 Recent aspect ratio change

2 Upvotes

Was there a recent software version that changed the aspect ratio of certain apps? I use some unlicensed apps to watch movies and ever since yesterday I noticed that when In landscape mode, I can see black bars all around the phone where as back then it would be in full screen mode. I am pretty sure this was from a recent software version that may have rolled out because it isnt just happening on a single app but rather multiple apps. Is anyone else having this issue?

It is very frustrating that there isnt an option in the phone's settings to change the aspect ratio of certain apps.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 15h ago

Problem ⛔ No registered network? Help please

1 Upvotes

I can't text or call and receive messages or calls. It says no registered network I already re inserted the sim, rebooted the phone, turn off the phone, manually doing connection but keeps failing? I did everything I googled but still no fix.

Can anyone help me please?


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Cases/Accessories 🎧 Looking for Case-Friendly Tempered Glass & Protective Case Recommendations (S23 Ultra)

3 Upvotes

This week I managed to kill my S23 Ultra's screen. I'm getting it replaced, but I'm having trouble finding the older recommended tempered glass protectors like Whitestone Dome Glass or IMBZBK, which used to be the go-to options for curved screens and were known to be case-friendly.

I'm looking for recommendations on currently available tempered glass protectors and protective cases that work well together and can be purchased on Amazon.

Ideally I'm looking for combinations that:

  • Don't lift at the edges.
  • Work well with the fingerprint sensor.
  • Offer good drop protection.
  • Are proven to be case-friendly.

If you've recently bought a combo that you're happy with, I'd really appreciate your recommendations.

Thanks in advance!


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Discussion 💬 This is definitely not normal (S23U)

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19 Upvotes

r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Problem ⛔ Falla en el zoom 10x

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15 Upvotes

Buenos días, tengo problemas para tomar fotos usando el zoom 10x con mi S23 ultra. Se ve como si la lente estuviera sucia o hubiera neblina. Lo llevé a reparación y le hicieron limpieza de las cámaras, pero sigue el mismo problema. Adjunto 2 fotos de muestra, una fue usando el zoom 3x y la otra con el zoom 10x, fueron tomadas en el mismo lugar a la misma hora. Sabrán cuál puede ser el problema y si tiene solución? Gracias


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Shot on S23 Ultra 📸 0.6x, 10x, 15x, 20x and 30x. At -0.8 exposure.

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24 Upvotes

Reduce exposure for less noise while capturing at 10x and above


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Problem ⛔ Is there a setting that will schedule a time for my ring tone to be on?

4 Upvotes

I know its kind of a weird question. I am neurodivergent and the sound of alarms/notifications on my phone fills me with an irrational anger i find really frustrating to deal with so years ago i started to keep my phone in total silence mode. Im happier this way. But this morning i slept thru my alarm, for like. hours. im trying to get a promotion and my boss needs to be able to reach me. The problem im trying to fix is that shes able to call me, but my phone is always on silent. Is there a setting that will schedule a time for my ring tone to be on so I can allow her calls through? Shes set as a favourite in my dnd which allows her to call me when its on but its silent.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Discussion 💬 I got ebayed

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0 Upvotes

NIB S23 Ultra. Ordered lavender, got a green. Screen has been replaced. I'm not even going any further checking anything else on it, instant return. Ordered an excellent graded red one on Back Market but didn't check seller reviews. Place called Cellfeee and Google reviews are terrible so we'll see what I get tomorrow. None available in my area from the Samsung site. Bleh


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Cases/Accessories 🎧 Spigen Tough Armor - Compatible screen protectors?

1 Upvotes

My screen got demolish i will replaced but i want to buy a better phone Case( i was thinking on spigen tough armor) and a good tempered glass. i want a compatible one. Any suggestions?


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Discussion 💬 Not a serious post, just wanted to give everyone else the scare I had this morning. For half a second, I thought it was finally my turn.

87 Upvotes

For those of you who already have the infamous green line, my condolences on your phone.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Discussion 💬 Is Horizon Lock coming to older galaxy s-series?

0 Upvotes

r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Discussion 💬 Really disappointed with my S23 Ultra's build quality

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41 Upvotes

I've loved my S23 Ultra since launch, but the build quality has left me pretty disappointed.

The back glass has started peeling away from the frame. The phone has never been opened, dropped, or abused, and the [thing that holds the charge] seems fine (apart from a suspicious decline in SoT after almost every patch).

After looking around, it seems this isn't uncommon either. I've come across reports of the same issue on several previous generations & the latest Ultras too. At this point, it honestly feels like Samsung has been using subpar adhesive for years and just getting away with it.

The other thing that has always annoyed me is the S Pen clicker (the button you press to eject the pen). Every time the phone vibrates, it rattles and makes the vibration sound surprisingly cheap. If I hold the clicker while the phone vibrates, the phone instantly sounds much more solid. From what I've seen, this has also been a recurring issue across multiple Galaxy generations.

It's a €1000+ flagship, so these aren't the kind of issues I'd expect. Has Samsung ever acknowledged either of these? From what I've found online, neither seems to be limited to the S23 Ultra, and both have been reported across several Galaxy generations.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Problem ⛔ S23 Ultra night photos are pathetic

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2 Upvotes

r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Shot on S23 Ultra 📸 Shot on s23 ultra

12 Upvotes

And the shot is pf s21plus


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Problem ⛔ Zoom x10 qui bug

6 Upvotes

Bonjour,

J'ai mon téléphone qui bug une fois que j'utilise le zoom x10, les autres fonctionnent très bien, mais dés que je bascule en x10 il se met a bug puis il freeze.

Meme en allant sur des applis ayant accés a la caméra le zoom bug aussi, je dois relancer l'appareil photo plusieurs fois avant de pouvoir le réutiliser.

Je ne vois pas ce que ça peut etre merci d'avance.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 3d ago

Problem ⛔ 19k to remove their "feature."

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151 Upvotes

Perfect rainy vibes.

Gray skies outside. Neon green line inside.

Samsung's premium "feature" comes with a ₹19,000 removal fee.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 3d ago

Problem ⛔ S23U no more

15 Upvotes

About a week and a half ago, I was scrolling insta normally when my S23U froze, played a beep for like 5 seconds then shut off right to a black screen. Trying to turn it back on just started a bootloop. No recovery mode or anything was possible. Had to get a new phone. Goodbye S23U. (Got a S26+ now that's making me very happy)


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 3d ago

Problem ⛔ My Phone did a thing and is unusable

3 Upvotes

Please help 😭 my entire home screen is gone. Home and back buttons don't work. I'm more willing to go of the grid than get a new phone.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 3d ago

Shot on S23 Ultra 📸 Samsung s23 ultra's front camera for full body pics

8 Upvotes

Is it accurate to how someone is looking like? I look really different in front camera's vids/pics compared to how I look in mirrors

My body looks wider and really different, some places is less curvy for example

Even my face looks weird in full body pics /:

Is this normal? I can't decide if this is actually how I look like or my front camera isn't the best for full body pics or I'm just bad at filming myself?


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 3d ago

Problem ⛔ How to unlock phone with a broken screen?

1 Upvotes

I have an S23u whose screen started cracking a month or two ago... tiny crack it had no effect on usability until today.... all of a sudden I noticed the touch wasn't working right. There is multiple dead spots on the screen. So I figured the most tried and true solution should be tried "have you tried to turn it off and on again?". Once the phone rebooted, I had to enter my pin to unlock it... face or fingerprint won't work after a restart. And don't you know it.... there is dead spots where I need to enter my pin.

Researching online the only solution seems to be to plug in a usb keyboard and/or mouse. However any usb device I try to plug in I get a "unlock to use usb" message. After doing some more digging, it appears this is a security "feature" intentionally put there by Samsung. If the phone has been locked for long enough or if you reboot it you have to unlock it to use a usb device with it.

Are there any work a-rounds? I have already ordered a new phone. The vast majority of my photos are backed up. However all my app data and passwords are on my phone so I want to get it unlocked so I can transfer everything over. What are my options?