Google Camera 48 MP for Xiaomi: how to set the maximum resolution without loss of quality

Xiaomi’s 48-megapixel smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Mi 9T or POCO X3 NFC) often limit users to the standard 12MP resolution in the native camera app. Meanwhile, Google Camera (GCam) lets you unlock the full potential of the matrix — but only when set up correctly. Many owners face problems: photos are noisy, the app crashes, or the 48MP option is simply not on the menu. In this article, we’ll discuss how to activate maximum resolution, which versions of GCam are better to use for specific Xiaomi models, and why it’s better to stay at 12MP.

It's important to understand: 48 MPP ≠ High resolution is useful for framing or printing large formats, but in most cases, pixel binning algorithms (combinations) 4 pixel 1) They give a clearer picture when 12 MP: However, if you want to get a DSLR-like detail, follow our recommendations – with the nuances for each sensor in mind (Sony) IMX586, Samsung GM1/GM2 or OmniVision OV48B).

What Xiaomi models support 48 MP in Google Camera

Not all Xiaomi smartphones with 48MP cameras can use this resolution in GCam.

• 📱 Sensor: Option 48 The MP works only on models with Sony IMX586 (Like Mi. 9, Redmi K20 Pro) or Samsung GM1/GM2 (Redmi Note 8 Pro, POCO X3 NFC). OmniVision sensors (e.g. in Redmi Note) 9 Pro) not normally supported.
• 🔧 GCam Version: Requires modified builds with Pixel 4 support XL Pixel 5 (for example, from developers) BSG, Urnyx05 Wichaya).
• 🛠️ Firmware: On custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the odds are higher, but also on standard firmware. MIUI You can configure - provided the unlocked loader.

Below is a table of compatibility of popular models. If your smartphone is not on the list, check the sensor specifications in Settings → About phone → Full specifications:

Important: On the Redmi Note 10 Pro (sensor Samsung HM2 108 MP) to activate 48 MP you need to use special configs, since the native resolution is 108 MP, and 48 MP is emulated software.

Preparation of the smartphone before installing GCam

Before installing Google Camera, follow the steps to avoid errors:

1. Allow installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings (cogs) → Install unknown applications and enable an option for your browser or file manager.
2. Disable MIUI-optimization: In Settings → Additional → For developers, find the option Disable MIUI optimization (if not, activate Developer Mode by clicking 7 times on the MIUI version in the About Phone section).
3. Clear the cache of the standard camera: Go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage and click Clear Cache.

For models with a Samsung GM1/GM2 sensor (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) you will additionally need:

• 🔄 Install Magisk and Module GM1_GM2_Fix (You can download it on the forum XDA Developers).
• 📁 Download the correct.xml config for your model (e.g, Note8Pro_48MP.xml).

Install Magisk (for GM1/GM2)

Download GCam from a trusted developer

Prepare an xml config for the model

Disable MIUI optimization

Clear the cache of a standard camera-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 13+ GCam may not save photos to the gallery, in which case, check the storage permissions in the application settings or use the file manager to search for pictures in the folder. DCIM/GoogleCamera.

How to turn on 48 MP in Google Camera

The configuration algorithm depends on the version of GCam, but the general scheme looks like this:

1. Install. APK-GCam file: Download the appropriate version (e.g., from here). IMX586 fit Urnyx05 v2.5, Samsung GM1 — BSG 8.1. Start the installation and wait until it is completed (do not open the application immediately!).
2. Import Config: Create a folder GCam/Configs7 (or Configs8 for GCam 8.x) In the root of the internal memory, put a downloaded.xml file (e.g, Mi9T_48MP.xml). Open GCam, tap twice on the black field next to the down button and select your config.

Activate 48 MP:

• Go to Settings. → Photo resolution.
• Select 48MP or Max resolution (see spoiler below for some versions).
• Turn off HDR+ (it may not work at 48 MP) and activate Sabre or Sharpness for improved detail.

⚠️ Attention: POCO X3 NFC filming 48 MP can appear green in photos, due to improper processing of the Bayer matrix. Solution: in the GCam settings, turn on Fix green tint or use a config with a parameter awb_mode=1.

💡

If GCam crashes when shooting at 48 MP, try disabling the Motion Photos option and reducing the video frame rate to 30 FPS in the app settings.

12 MP vs 48 MP: when to use high resolution

Many users mistakenly believe that 48 MP is always better, and in practice it is not, so this is when you should switch to maximum resolution:

Technical explanation: When shooting at 12 MP, the sensor uses Tetracell (4-in-1) technology to combine data from four pixels, which increases light sensitivity and reduces noise. In 48 MP, each pixel is processed separately, which gives more detail but also more noise — especially on Samsung's low-end GM1 sensors.

📌 Expert advice: If you need photos for social media or viewing on a smartphone screen, 12 MP will be enough. 48 MP is justified only for professional processing or printing.

💡

The Mi 9T Pro and Redmi K20 Pro in the GCam 8.1+ can use a hybrid mode: shooting in 48 MP followed by software binning up to 12 MP (Super Res Zoom option), which gives better detail without loss of noise cancellation.

Common mistakes and their solutions

When setting up 48 MP in GCam, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 GCam does not save photos: Check the storage permissions in Settings → Annexes → Google Camera → Permissions: Set a save path in the GCam settings to internal memory (not to internal memory). SD-map).
• 🔴 App crashes when shooting: Turn off HDR+ and Night Sight, which conflict with 48 MP on most models. Install an alternative version of the GCam (for example, instead of the GCam). 8.x try 7.4).
• 🟢 Green in photos: For Samsung sensors GM1/GM2 download the patch GM1_Fix.zip In the GCam settings, turn on Fix green tint or Custom. AWB.
• 📱 Heating your phone: Remove the case and close the background apps before shooting. Reduce the video resolution to 1080p (4K heats up the processor).

⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro with Mediatek Helio processor G90T GCam can slow down due to poor driver optimization. Solution: Use the GCam version that is disabled ZSL (Zero Shutter Lag in the Developer Settings.

Additional settings to improve 48 MP quality

To maximize the potential of 48-megapixel photography, set these parameters in GCam:

1. Noise reduction: Enable Denoise at High level (but not Maximum - this will blur details). For Sony IMX586 sensors, use Sabre Denoise (in LibPatched settings).
2. Sharpness and detail: Activate Sharpness at 1.2-1.5 (above, artifacts will appear). Enable Detail Enhancer (if your version has GCam).
3. White balance: For natural colors, choose AWB Mode → Cloudy (even in sunny weather). Turn off Auto WB - it often gets Xiaomi wrong.

Focus:

• Turn on Macro Mode for close-up shooting (works better than a standard camera).
• Turn off the AF Scan, it will speed up focus.

📌 For 48 MP shooting and subsequent processing in Lightroom or Photoshop save the photo in format DNG (RAW). This will allow you to correct the white balance and exposure without loss of quality. RAW, Go to Settings. → Conservation → File format → RAW+JPEG.

Google Camera for 48 MP on Xiaomi

If the GCam doesn’t fit your model or crashes constantly, try these apps:

• 📸 FOV Camera: Supports 48MP on most Sony and Samsung sensors.There's manual tuning ISO, White balance and exposure. HDR night-time.
• 🔍 Manual Camera (Pro): Allows you to shoot in the RAW Full resolution. Supports Focus Peaking for precise focus (~300 ₽), without advertising.
• 🎯 Open Camera: Free, open source app. Supports 48 MP on some models (to be tested.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Footoj or Camera FV-5 Often not support 48 MP on Xiaomi due to closed camera drivers. check compatibility on forums before buying (for example, check compatibility on the platform, 4PDA or XDA).

FAQ: Frequent questions about 48 MP on Xiaomi