Luminar: Photo Editor icon
Luminar: Photo Editor for Android – An In-Depth Look

by Skylum Software

4.3
ANDROIDPhotography
This app brings desktop-level photo editing capabilities to Android devices. Designed to help users enhance images with precision, it includes tools for color grading, filters, and layer-based adjustments. Perfect for on-the-go edits without sacrificing quality.

Detailed Review

Luminar: Photo Editor by Skylum Software positions itself as a robust mobile solution in the crowded photography app market, targeting users who seek advanced editing features outside of desktop environments. It integrates many tools found in Skylum's desktop versions, adapted for touchscreen use, making it a notable option for photographers needing flexibility. The app's interface is built around a modular approach, allowing access to various editing panels that can be customized based on user preference, which helps in maintaining workflow efficiency. Core functionality includes layer support for non-destructive edits, a wide array of filters such as dramatic skies and portrait enhancers, and manual controls for exposure, contrast, and color balance. Specific features like the Erase Tool for object removal and the Structure slider for detail enhancement provide practical solutions for common editing tasks. In real-world use, these tools enable quick fixes—for instance, adjusting a poorly lit landscape shot or retouching a portrait directly from a smartphone, which is ideal for social media content creators or travel bloggers. User experience is generally smooth, with gesture-based navigation and preset templates speeding up the editing process. However, some minor lag can occur when handling high-resolution images or applying multiple layers on older Android devices. Reviews indicate that the learning curve is manageable for intermediate users, though beginners might need time to explore all options. Practical scenarios, like editing event photos on the fly, demonstrate the app's utility in time-sensitive situations where desktop software isn't accessible. Feedback trends highlight appreciation for the app's depth of features compared to basic editors, with users noting the sky replacement and color grading tools as standouts. Common criticisms include occasional crashes during heavy editing sessions and the subscription model, which may not appeal to one-time purchasers. For example, some users report that while the app excels in creative control, it consumes significant battery life during prolonged use. Overall, Luminar: Photo Editor offers a compelling package for mobile photography enthusiasts, balancing powerful editing tools with accessibility. Its strengths lie in feature richness and customization, though limitations like performance on less powerful hardware and pricing structure should be considered before commitment.

Key Features

  • Layer support enables non-destructive editing, allowing users to stack adjustments and masks for complex compositions without altering original images.
  • Sky Replacement tool automatically detects and swaps skies in landscapes, providing realistic blends with adjustable lighting and perspective controls.
  • AI Enhance filter analyzes photos to suggest optimizations for clarity and vibrancy, streamlining quick improvements for busy users.
  • Portrait editing suite includes skin smoothing and eye enhancement features, tailored for refining human subjects in social media or professional shots.
  • Custom filter creation lets users save and reuse editing presets, ensuring consistent styling across multiple photos for branding or personal projects.
  • Manual adjustment sliders for exposure, contrast, and HSL give precise control over image elements, catering to photographers who prefer hands-on editing.

Why Users Love It

Comprehensive editing toolkit
Intuitive user interface

Perfect for: Ideal for mobile photographers and enthusiasts seeking advanced editing features without a desktop.

Screenshots

Luminar: Photo Editor screenshot 1Luminar: Photo Editor screenshot 2Luminar: Photo Editor screenshot 3Luminar: Photo Editor screenshot 4Luminar: Photo Editor screenshot 5Luminar: Photo Editor screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track Luminar: Photo Editor's performance in Photography over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#41

34 from last week

Best Rank

#7

All-time high

Average Rank

#22

30-day average

User Reviews

Christian Zaño
Oct 4, 2025

It would be beneficial if the iOS version's features were made available on Android as well. The current situation feels unfair to Android users who have to purchase the paid version to access these features, whereas they can typically obtain them more affordably on iOS. This approach appears slightly biased and slightly annoying to users. Both people are paying but not getting the other tools in android

Christian Zaño
Oct 4, 2025

It would be beneficial if the iOS version's features were made available on Android as well. The current situation feels unfair to Android users who have to purchase the paid version to access these features, whereas they can typically obtain them more affordably on iOS. This approach appears slightly biased and slightly annoying to users. Both people are paying but not getting the other tools in android

David Smith
Oct 9, 2025

great results with minimal effort. would be nice if more crop ratios or even the ability to set a custom ratio was available. I'd like to be able to do xpan style crops.

David Smith
Oct 9, 2025

great results with minimal effort. would be nice if more crop ratios or even the ability to set a custom ratio was available. I'd like to be able to do xpan style crops.

Preben Nielsen
Oct 30, 2025

This is definitely a step up from the competition. The interactivity is very refreshing. Will I buy it? Time will tell. Subscription is a no-go for me, but maybe one-time purchase.

App Details

Developer

Skylum Software

Platform

android

Rating

4.3

Last Updated

11/20/2025