According to SamMobile, a leak from an upcoming One UI 8.5 beta build shows Samsung is testing a manual white balance adjustment feature for its native Camera app. The feature, which currently appears as a non-functional slider in the “Pro” mode, would allow users to set a specific color temperature in Kelvin, a level of control common on other flagship phones. There’s no confirmed date for when this will arrive in a public beta, as the initial implementation isn’t working properly. The report suggests Samsung will likely take its time to polish the feature before a wider release. This move directly addresses a long-standing critique from mobile photography enthusiasts who have had to rely on post-processing or third-party apps for precise color control.
Why this matters now
Here’s the thing: Samsung’s “Pro” mode has always been a bit of a misnomer. It gave you manual control over shutter speed, ISO, and focus, but the one thing that fundamentally defines the look of a photo—the color temperature—was locked to auto. You could tweak it after the fact, but that’s not how serious photographers work. They want to set it in-camera. So why add this now, years after competitors like Apple and Google offered it? It feels like a play to solidify Samsung’s position with its most loyal and vocal users: the tech-savvy crowd that cares about specs and control. It’s a relatively small software addition that screams, “We listen to you.”
The bigger picture for Samsung
This isn’t just about a slider. It’s about ecosystem lock-in and perceived value. Samsung’s business model hinges on selling you the phone, then the watch, then the buds, and keeping you in its Galaxy universe. Features like this, which cater to prosumers, make the high-end Galaxy S Ultra or a Fold seem more complete, more “worth it” compared to the competition. It removes a reason to jump ship. Think about it—if you’re a hobbyist photographer who finally gets the manual controls you wanted on a Galaxy phone, you’re probably less likely to consider an iPhone or Pixel next time. The timing is also interesting, potentially landing with One UI 8.5 based on Android 15. It’s a software headline for a cycle that might otherwise be light on hardware surprises.
Who really benefits?
Obviously, mobile photography nerds win. But this has a trickle-down effect. When a major player like Samsung standardizes a pro feature, it raises the bar for what’s considered a “complete” camera app. It also benefits content creators who need consistent color between shots without diving into an editor. Basically, it makes the phone feel more like a tool and less like a point-and-shoot. The real test, though, will be in the implementation. Will it be a clunky afterthought or a smoothly integrated part of the Pro mode? Samsung’s taken its sweet time to build it, so let’s hope the wait means they’re getting it right.
