To brighten a photo in Samsung Gallery, open it, tap Edit, adjust the available light controls, then tap Done. Samsung documents Brightness, Exposure, Contrast and Highlights; the controls shown can vary by Galaxy model and software version. To preserve the untouched image, choose More options (three vertical dots) > Save as copy when available.
Adjust a photo’s brightness in Samsung Gallery
- Open the photo: Launch Gallery and select the image you want to edit.
- Enter the editor: Tap Edit, usually shown as a pencil icon.
- Choose a light adjustment: Look for Brightness, Exposure, Contrast or Highlights. Samsung’s US instructions list these as options, but the controls available and their placement can differ by device and software version. Samsung’s photo-editing guide describes the editor and its adjustment options.
- Make gradual changes: Adjust one control at a time and inspect the image. As a practical editing check, look for visible texture in both bright and dark areas rather than pushing the whole image toward an extreme. Editing can make recorded detail easier to see, but it cannot restore image information that was never captured or is clipped.
- Apply the edit: Tap Done, then save using the option shown in your version of Gallery.
What “shadows” means in Gallery
Samsung’s cited US editing guide names Brightness, Exposure, Contrast and Highlights, but does not establish that every Galaxy Gallery editor has a separate tonal Shadows slider. If you do not see one, use the available light controls carefully rather than assuming it is hidden under a universal menu.
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Samsung separately documents an Erase shadows function in its Caribbean object-eraser instructions. That tool removes shadows cast by objects; it is not the same as lifting dark tones throughout a photo. See Samsung’s object eraser instructions.
Keep the original or undo an edit
Save a separate edited copy
After editing, tap More options (three vertical dots) and choose Save as copy if that option appears. Samsung documents this route for retaining the original alongside the edited image. The exact menu and availability vary; consult Samsung’s editing instructions if your screen differs.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Undo individual changes or restore the original
While editing, Samsung’s guide says the arrow controls undo or redo changes. To discard the full edit sequence after saving, use Revert > Revert to original where supported. Reverting removes the edits, so it is not a substitute for saving a separate copy if you want to keep both versions. Samsung also describes the original-image and edit workflow in its Canada Gallery basics guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Why your screen may look different
- Galaxy Gallery controls and menu labels can differ by model and software version.
- A guide for another region or device may show a different layout; Samsung’s US and Caribbean instructions describe different features.
- If Save as copy or Revert to original is absent, do not assume that a regular save preserves a separate untouched file. Check the options on your device before committing changes.
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