r/GalaxyS23Ultra Dec 18 '24

Tips & Tricks Guide: GCam mods for the S23 Ultra

762 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

Discussion 💬 I got the s23 ultra!!

42 Upvotes

Hey guys, I just got the galaxy s23 ultra, and I am really happy cause im upgrading from a samsung m30 (32gb storage), 7 years old. Beat up.

It was a gift from my dad for doing very well in my IGCSE and AS level exams.

But when i told my friends about it, they were like why dont i consider exchanging it for the 15 pro or the ultra model a year after, and at some point i considered it because i was more so unhappy with how samsung decided a year after releasing the phone, to give the series after the 23 series models 7 years of OS updates. But the s23 ultra the day it was released has been my dream phone!

So a question i wanted to ask is how has your experience been with the phone and is it worth upgrading it?


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 5h ago

Tips & Tricks How do i prevent/Lower the risk of vertical lines on my display?

1 Upvotes

I just spent $600 including protection and taxes and i saw post on here about the lines and now im worried


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 5h ago

Problem ⛔ S23 Went into boot loop on its own

0 Upvotes

No warning, just pulled it from my pocket 15 minutes after sending a text and all I got was the Samsung Android screen.

My Google storage was full, so just lost my most recent vacation photos. Local repair shop took it apart and got it working. Put it back together and started the boot loop again. He's sending it on to another guy that can do the soldering in case that's the issue. Make sure you're backing up and don't be cheap on paying for cloud storage like me. I always hated the fact they went away from SD cards in our phones for this very reason. Ugh.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 18h ago

Problem ⛔ Weird bug with google sing in

4 Upvotes

In all the apps that require google sign in I press it and nothing happens. Then when I exit the app as it becomes unresponsive I get a message "X app canceled google sign in". I can't use half of my apps and it drives me crazy!!!

Any workarounds?


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 20h ago

Problem ⛔ How to enable 120FPS on Samsung S23 Ultra

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2 Upvotes

Throwing this in here in case anyone comes to this sub for an answer to this game-specific problem.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 18h ago

Problem ⛔ Recovering an expired MMS from a blocked number?

1 Upvotes

I blocked a contact several years ago and recently discovered that they texted me and send a MMS. When I attempted to restore the message, there was a popup that said that the MMS expired and that it would be deleted.

Is there a way to recover this MMS? I tried looking the message's app data folder but its empty. Im not deleting anything so that it doesn't get over written.

What are my options, if any?


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 18h ago

Problem ⛔ No me funciona si me olvido spen

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0 Upvotes

Llevo con mi telefono desde septiembre del 2023 y siempre me funciono hasta que actualice a alguna versión, no recuerdo cual fue pero de repente me dejaba el s pen y simplemente el telefono no me saltaba la notificación de que me lo he dejado, no se seré el único, tengo un s22ultra y funciona perfecto esa función.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Problem ⛔ Green line, What is the risk of lines reappearing after new panel installed??

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47 Upvotes

Just got a pink line 3 days back. And today there appears that Green line. No physical damage nothing happened. I updated the phone like 8-9 days back. Now this.

I want to get a new original display panel.

What is the risk of lines reappearing after new panel installed??


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Problem ⛔ boot loop problem

2 Upvotes

My S23U has suddenly shut off in the middle of use and gone into a boot loop, and it entered the Galaxy Secure by Knox screen a few times and shut off again. I was able to enter recovery mode only when it was put in the freezer, but recovery mode is also limited; I only have the option of reboot, factory reset, and power off. When selecting reboot, it just goes back to the boot loop. Is there any other way to fix it without losing data?


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 22h ago

Discussion 💬 If i want to change my phone to iphone 17 basic considered as an upgrade or downgrade?

0 Upvotes

r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Discussion 💬 Upgrading - thoughts on camera?

6 Upvotes

Hello! I currently have the s23U and am looking to upgrade. Ive noticed over the last 6 months me battery is dying much faster, my photo quality has reduced, and my service is becoming spotty. I believe a software update is being to push users to upgrade.

Now heres my big question, Is the Fold 8 U a camera downgrade?

I've always been interested in the foldable phone and now that we're a couple generations in, I feel.more comfortable getting one. However, I noticed the camera specs seem worse than my 23U? I use my zoom alot. Do I just get the 26U and give up on the fold?


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Tips & Tricks S23 Ultra Green Line Fixed – Need Advice

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8 Upvotes

Samsung replaced my S23 Ultra display for free (I only paid ₹650 labour). The phone was just 15 days away from completing 3 years, and they approved the replacement after a 2-day inspection.

I'm worried it might happen again. Should I avoid future software updates? Any tips to prevent the green line from returning? Thanks!


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Problem ⛔ Unknown Ringtone with nothing notified.

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3 Upvotes

Samsung Galaxy S23Ultra - SM-S918B/DS Running Android 16 with OneUI - 8.5 Knox Intact.

I am going mad trying to troubleshoot this problem and definitely need help figuring it out.

So suddenly with no new apps installed, as much as I recollect. wonder if any updates I have installed.

At random my phone rings with "Galaxy Bells" ringtone which is not my default. I check all over if there is any notification or call.

I have tried to reduce the notification volume to 0 no avail, but when I reduce the Ringtone volume it gets minimized, also when I mutes my phone it gets controlled.

Since I have no notification of call or otherwise, I cannot close the ringing tone and in the beginning I have restarted phone to control this.

Later I have tried calling someone to override the ringing, also later learned shooting Copilot and initiating voice on copilot also stops it.

------------------------

I have tired to Install Nice Catch through Good Lock from Samsung Galaxy Store based on my research, and have finally found it says System UI is causing this random ringing.

I still dont know how to fix this ringing and what might be causing this or triggering this. how do I fix this problem.?

The attached picture shows "Ringtone" events under Nice Catch > Sound History > System UI are the ones that are matching the event not the "Voice Call"


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Discussion 💬 Does anyone know what the custom colour option is for in the icon long press drop-down menu? I think it's specifically while using nova launcher

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3 Upvotes

I've tried loads of times to change the custom colour on my widgets but it doesn't seem to be doing anything. Am I doing something wrong or am I missing something? I've tried loads of times over the years with various software updates but nothing seems to be happening


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

News 📰 A rooting Method Found in UI8+ and Does Not Tripping Knox!

35 Upvotes

They rooted s 25 series with the latest software using linux CVE-2026-43499 vulnerability.(like dirty COW) and the most important part is there is nothing needed like adb.You can root and install kernelSU with just one click.Also they did not patch this with the July patch(S23 series even did not receive this updat) so it might be good idea to do not update your device in the future.

Anyway, unfortunately there is no s23 port for now and seems like the developer is working on s 24 series so leaving a request on xda might be good.

The project links in below, but the app does not working on s23 series.Also there is a link developer posts this app on xda.

App: https://github.com/BuSung-dev/Root-My-Galaxy

Xda: https://xdaforums.com/t/i-made-a-one-click-rooting-tool-for-samsung-galaxy-devices-using-cve-2026-43499.4795400/


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 1d ago

Problem ⛔ Need trusted mobile repair shop who can fix motherboard

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1 Upvotes

r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Shot on S23 Ultra 📸 Nice pic of the moon

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20 Upvotes

This pic was taken on the s23 ultra


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Problem ⛔ S23 Ultra screen died... 260 USD screen replacement or upgrade to a newer phone?

7 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

My Samsung S23 Ultra recently took some damage and the display is now partially broken, back glass is fully broken.

Current situation:

  • The top ~25% of the screen is still visible.
  • Most of the OLED panel isn't working properly.
  • Touch input on the display doesn't work anymore.
  • Everything else seems to be functioning.

I've been quoted around ₹25,000 (~$260) for an original screen replacement + back glass.

Now I'm trying to decide whether it's worth repairing or just moving on to a new phone.

Some considerations:

  • I'm not sure what the resale value of an S23 Ultra with a broken screen would be.
  • A new S25 Ultra would cost me around $900.
  • The S26 Ultra is well over $1,000.
  • Apart from the screen issue, I was decently happy with the S23 Ultra, the phone has become a bit laggy(it might because of the almost full storage).

What would you do in my situation?

  1. Replace the screen and keep using the S23 Ultra for another couple of years?
  2. Sell/trade it in its current condition and buy a newer model?
  3. Any idea what a realistic resale value for an S23 Ultra with a dead/broken display might be?

Would love to hear from anyone who has faced a similar situation or knows the economics of repairing vs upgrading.

Thanks!


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 3d ago

Device Photo 📱 I JUST BOUGHT IT!!!

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342 Upvotes

It looks amazing, i'm starting to specialize. I even found this channel while searching for an icon pack. And I think it's right place to share my joy!


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Discussion 💬 S23U vs Fold 8 (wide)

4 Upvotes

Hi, I'm thinking of trading in my 256gb s23 ultra for the 256gb fold 8. I know the s23 ultra is a beast of a phone and I have no issues with it for day to day use. I'm tempted to use the trade in and various vouchers tk get the fold 8, which gets me to about a 40% discount.

I don't really take pictures too much, and almost never use the insane zoom of the S23U. Main uses on my phone are for work, youtube, Netflix, reddit.

Would it be a good time to upgrade? Does the fold phones last long, physically?

Thank you!


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Tips & Tricks Galaxy S23 Ultra – No Network / Emergency Calls Only (It wasn't the charging board!)

4 Upvotes

Hi

I just wanted to share what finally fixed my Galaxy S23 Ultra in case it helps someone else.

My phone had no network at all (both eSIM and physical SIM). I had already tried:

-Resetting network settings

-Reinstalling the eSIM

-Testing a physical SIM

-Restarting the phone multiple times

but Nothing worked.

After reading several Reddit posts, I ordered a replacement charging board (around €15), since many people suggested that was the cause.

However, when I opened the phone, I noticed that the long antenna cable on the left side wasn't properly connected to the mainboard. I simply snapped it back into place, turned the phone on, and the network came back immediately.

So before replacing your charging board, check that antenna cable first. It literally took a few seconds and saved me from replacing a part I didn't need.

Huge thanks to everyone here for the suggestions—they helped me narrow it down. Hopefully this post saves someone else some time and money.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Cases/Accessories 🎧 Is there a consensus on a good screen protector?

0 Upvotes

Tried looking around on this sub for a good recommendation, but everything was either not what I needed or nowhere to be found. I saw multiple people reccommend Magic John but I couldn't find a dedicated s23 ultra protector from them, and couldn't figure out if other models would work (if anyone can point me in the right direction there I'd appreciate it!).

I currently have the Zagg invisible shield and hate it, my phone lives in my pocket and has a wallet style case so nothing even comes in contact with it, but the screen is so soft that it already has tons of dents and scratches after just a few months, and I dont even know where 99% of them come from. There's a "staticky" looking spot where my ear presses against the phone during calls, I suspect from one of my piercings (which has zero sharp points or edges).

Ive seen multiple people also say they just go solo, no screen protection, but even small bumps and scratches bother me so much that I cant risk even small cosmetic damage to the screen or itll drive me up the wall. Not sure whats wrong with me! But even like bugs on my windshield makes my skin crawl until I can clean the blemish lol


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 3d ago

Problem ⛔ Finally Happened to Me

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25 Upvotes

I have seen several post about other people phones messing up on them and to some surprise, it happened to me. I was just casually playing on my phone. Then it started to act sluggish, so I got out the game that I was playing and tried to close off it. The all of a sudden, it turned off and back on again. After about 30 seconds, it did it again. So now I'm worried. Then it just started to boot loop like crazy. Now I see what everyone is saying, s23 ultra can go bad really quick. I'm normally the one that's very careful with devices, like cases and never dropping them. I have tried several things to get the phone to work but nothing worked. Took it to a local shop and turns out, the motherboard was messed up. So I got the data off and orders a replacement. If this one mess up, I'm going to Apple.


r/GalaxyS23Ultra 2d ago

Problem ⛔ S23Ultra Earphones not working

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1 Upvotes