Samsung’s latest beta release disrupts advanced photography workflows—here’s how to temporarily fix the issue
A Rough Christmas Start for Pro Camera Users
Samsung’s rollout of the second One UI 8.5 beta for the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra came with new camera upgrades—particularly through an updated Camera Assistant app. But not everything is working as intended.
Early adopters are reporting that the popular Expert RAW app, a favorite among pro-level mobile photographers, has stopped working entirely with this latest beta build.
What’s Happening with Expert RAW?
1. The App Won’t Open
After installing One UI 8.5 Beta 2, launching the Expert RAW app prompts users to update via the Galaxy Store.
However, no update is available, leaving the app completely non-functional.
2. Who Confirmed the Issue?
The problem was first reported by @Wvisioncreation on X and later verified by SamMobile, which confirmed the issue on multiple Galaxy S25 devices running the beta.
Why Expert RAW Matters
Expert RAW offers advanced image processing beyond the stock camera’s Pro mode, including:
- Multi-frame RAW capture for enhanced dynamic range
- Manual controls for shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and focus
- A dedicated astrophotography mode
- High-quality RAW and JPEG outputs for professional editing
For many Samsung enthusiasts and professional creators, it’s an essential tool—making this issue particularly frustrating.
Temporary Workaround: Revert to an Older Version
If you’ve already installed the beta and need Expert RAW, there’s a workaround:
How to Restore Expert RAW Functionality:
- Uninstall the current version of Expert RAW.
- Download an older APK (from a trusted source).
- Sideload the APK by opening it through the My Files app.
While it may not be fully optimized for One UI 8.5, most core features should function with minor stability issues.
⚠️ Important: Only download APKs from reputable sources to avoid malware or security risks.
Should You Skip This Beta?
If you rely on Expert RAW regularly, you may want to hold off on updating to Beta 2 until:
- Samsung pushes an official fix, or
- An updated version of Expert RAW appears on the Galaxy Store.
Since Samsung recently released a new Camera Assistant update, there’s hope the Expert RAW patch will arrive soon as well.
