Why the built-in camera usually can’t
Running two cameras at once needs the phone’s camera hardware and Android to allow it together. Many recent Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S and flagship Xiaomi phones can. Plenty of mid-range phones can’t, because the two sensors share one image processor.
Some phones have a “dual recording” mode for video in the stock camera. For a photo you want to send a friend, an app that does it in one tap is quicker.
Take one in DuoFrame
DuoFrame’s DUAL mode handles both kinds of phone.
- Open DuoFrame and go to the Camera tab.
- Swipe the mode under the shutter to DUAL.
- Tap the shutter once. You get the back camera full size with your selfie in the corner.
- Add a caption or a song if you want, then pick who gets it.
If your phone can’t run both together
DuoFrame takes the back photo, switches cameras, and takes the selfie straight after. It is a fraction of a second apart, so your reaction still matches the moment.
If the selfie comes out dark, turn on the screen flash: the screen lights your face for the front shot.
Make it a daily thing with one person
DuoShot sends you and your person the same prompt once a day. You both take a photo and they join into one frame on both widgets. Neither of you sees the other’s until you have both taken yours.