Hasselblad’s Phocus Mobile finally lands on Android

Hasselblad’s Phocus Mobile app, a cornerstone of its medium-format camera workflow, has finally launched on Android after 16 years of iOS exclusivity. The app, which enables RAW editing, AI-powered noise reduction, and Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS) processing, now supports the X2D II 100C, X2D 100C, and 907X & CFV 100C cameras, according to Gsmarena and PTTL.gr. This marks a significant shift for Android users, who previously relied on Apple devices to access Hasselblad’s full mobile ecosystem.

Android Users Gain Full Hasselblad Workflow

The app’s Android debut eliminates a major barrier for photographers using non-iOS devices. Users can now review, edit, organize, and export images directly from their Android phones, with support for JPG, TIFF, HEIF, and 3FR RAW formats. Amateur Photographer highlighted that the app preserves “true-to-life colours, smooth tonal gradation, and rich highlight detail” through HNCS, a feature critical for professional and fine-art photographers.

Key tools include exposure adjustment, lens correction, and HDR highlight tuning, with two noise-reduction modes: Purity Mode for aggressive noise suppression and Detail Mode for preserving fine textures. “Cleaner, more natural-looking images while preserving fine image detail” is a core promise, as stated by Gsmarena, which noted the app’s AI-driven processing works best on devices with Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 or newer chips.

Supported Cameras and Features

The app is compatible with three Hasselblad medium-format cameras: the X2D II 100C, X2D 100C, and 907X & CFV 100C. These models, known for their 100MP sensors and LiDAR autofocus, have been favored by professionals like Annie Leibovitz and for museum-grade art documentation, as Amateur Photographer noted. The 907X & CFV 100C, dubbed “the world’s most beautiful camera” by the outlet, connects via USB-C, while others use Wi-Fi.

For HDR workflows, the app leverages Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution to maintain “intricate shadow detail, luminous highlights, and color gradations that closely match what the eye sees,” per Gsmarena. This aligns with the X2D II 100C’s reputation for dynamic range, as highlighted in Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World, which praised its ability to capture scenes with “very bright highlights and dim shadows” without losing detail.

AI-Powered Noise Reduction

Phocus Mobile’s AI noise reduction, termed “Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction,” is a standout feature. It aims to balance noise suppression with detail retention, a challenge for high-ISO shots. PTTL.gr noted that the tool works best on newer Android devices, with processing times for 100MP RAW images taking 15–20 seconds. This capability mirrors the X2D II 100C’s performance in low-light conditions, where its “film-like” noise characteristics have drawn praise from reviewers.

Users can also apply batch edits, rate images, and use keystone correction for perspective adjustments. The app is free on Google Play, a move PTTL.gr called “a game-changer” for expanding Hasselblad’s reach beyond iOS users.

Connectivity and Export Options

Connectivity options vary by camera model. The X2D II 100C and X2D 100C connect via Wi-Fi, while the 907X & CFV 100C supports USB-C for faster transfers. This flexibility addresses a common pain point for photographers, who often juggle multiple devices and workflows. Gsmarena emphasized that the app maintains color accuracy across formats, with TIFF and HEIF exports preserving “cleaner, more natural-looking images” compared to JPGs.

The app’s export versatility is critical for professionals who require precise color control. As Amateur Photographer noted, Hasselblad’s HNCS ensures color-accurate catalogues of artworks, a feature valued by museum curators and fine-art photographers.

Why This Matters for Photographers

The Android launch broadens Hasselblad’s appeal, particularly for users who prefer Android’s customization and hardware diversity. It also challenges competitors like Fujifilm, whose GFX100S II and GFX100RF models have similar high-resolution sensors but lack the same mobile workflow integration. Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World noted that the X2D II’s “film-like” noise at high ISOs, paired with Phocus Mobile’s tools, offers a unique blend of detail and naturalism.

For studios and museums, the app’s ability to maintain color accuracy across formats is a boon. As Amateur Photographer explained, Hasselblad’s HNCS provides a great base to work from in post-processing software, making it a staple for precision-driven workflows.

While the app is free, its value lies in the ecosystem it supports. Photographers using Hasselblad cameras now have a unified workflow across platforms, reducing reliance on third-party software. This move could signal a broader shift in Hasselblad’s strategy, as it seeks to compete in an increasingly Android-centric market.

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