You’re not wrong. Phone apps struggle on busy scenes.
Try outsourcing. Use Fiverr or FixThePhoto. Expect $5 to $15 per image, 6 to 24 hour turnaround. Upload your sharpest shot. Circle the people to remove. Ask for clean edges, texture match, and color consistency. Share a second photo from the same spot if you have it. Approve a low-res proof, then recieve final. Most gigs include one or two revisions.
Saves time and avoids telltale smudges. I’ve seen solid results on beaches and city streets.