Standard camera Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S (model mojito/sweet) It offers good pictures during the day, but in low light conditions or when shooting at night, it loses to flagship solutions. Google Camera (GCam) is a modified application from Google, which due to advanced processing algorithms (HDR+, Night Sight, Astrophotography is able to squeeze out of the 64-Samsung megapixel sensor GW3 on 30-50% However, installing GCam on the Redmi Note 10S It has nuances: from choosing the right version APK fine-tuning XML-Configured for a specific chipset MediaTek Helio G95.
In this guide, we'll take a look at 3 working method of installation (including the option without root rights), provide current links to verified GCam assemblies for MIUI 13/14, And we'll also share exclusive configs for optimal color reproduction. Importantly, the process doesn't require unlocking the bootloader, but it requires careful handling of resolution and library settings.
πΉ What you will get after installation:
- π Night Sight β no noise and color conservation (even when shooting at night) ISO 3200+).
- π¨ HDR+ Enhanced β Extended dynamic range for complex scenes (sky) + shadow).
- π Astrophotography - mode for shooting the starry sky (works on a tripod).
- π Super Res Zoom β Digital zoom with no loss of qualityΓ).
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1. Compatibility Check: Is GCam Right for Redmi Note 10S?
Before you download. APK-Files, make sure your device meets key requirements.Redmi Note 10S (Mojito codename is equipped with MediaTek Helio chipset G95 and Samsung camera GW3 (64 MPP, f/1.79), It's theoretically supported by GCam. 3 criticality:
β Android Version: GCam is stable on the MIUI 12.5+ (Android 11/12). If you MIUI 13/14 β You won't have any problems. Go to Settings to check. β The phone. β Version. MIUI.
β Camera2 API: GCam requires activated Camera2 API level FULL or LEVEL_3. On the Redmi Note. 10S It's on by default, but some firmware (like custom ones) may limit it. API via the app Camera2 API Probe.
β οΈ Note: If the test results are displayed LEGACY or LIMITED, GCam will work with errors (for example, it will not turn on Night Sight), in which case you will need a root or patch through Magisk.
| Parameter | Requirement for GCam | Redmi Note 10S (mojito) |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek with support Camera2 API | β Helio G95 (maintained) |
| Android version | 10+ (recommended 11/12) | β MIUI 12.5β14 (Android 11/12) |
| Camera2 API | FULL or LEVEL_3 | β LEVEL_3 (default) |
| Camera sensor | Samsung ISOCELL (GW1/GW3/GM1 etc.) | β Samsung GW3 (64 MPs) |
πΉ How to find out the code name of your Redmi Note 10S?
Open the Settings app β The phone. β The kernel version, the device name bar should indicate mojito (global version) or sweet (Indian version), which is important for choosing the right one. XML-configuration.
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If you have custom firmware installed (like Pixel Experience or LineageOS), GCam can work out of the box without additional settings thanks to optimized libraries.
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2.Phone Preparation: What to Do Before Installation
Installing GCam does not require unlocking the bootloader, but a few preparatory steps are required:
- Data backup: GCam won't delete your photos, but when configuring, the settings of the standard camera can reset. β Google β Backup.
- Cleaning the camera cache: Go to Settings β Annexes β Camera. β Warehouse β Clear the cache. This will prevent conflicts with GCam.
- Shutdown MIUI Optimization (for example) MIUI 12.5+): This feature can block GCam background work. Turn it off via Settings. β Special facilities β MIUI Optimization (reboot required).
- Installation permission from unknown sources: Go to Settings β Annexes β Application management β Browser (or Files) β Install unknown applications and enable permission.
β οΈ Attention: If you are using MIUI 14 based on Android 13, some versions of GCam may give the error "Camera" API2 Not supported. In this case, try the build from BSG (links below or backtrack on MIUI 13.
πΉ List of necessary tools:
- π± APK-GCam file (versions below).
- π XML-Configuration for Redmi Note 10S (You can download the link in Section 4).
- π§ Annex Camera2 API Probe (to check compatibility).
- π File Manager (e.g. Solid Explorer or Solid Explorer) FX File Explorer).
βοΈ Preparation for GCam installation
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3. GCam Version Choice: Which Builds Work on Helio G95
Not all GCam builds are compatible with MediaTek Helio G95. For the Redmi Note 10S Recommended 3 Verified Options:
| Assembly | Author | Features | Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCam 8.1 | BSG | Stable work HDR+, Night Sight, 64 MP support | Download |
| GCam 8.4 | Shamim | Improved Astrophotography, but possible lags on MIUI 14 | Download |
| GCam 7.3 | Urnyx05 | Lightweight version for weak devices, without Astro | Download |
πΉ Which version to choose?
- πΈ For maximum quality: BSG 8.1 (Best balance of stability and function).
- π For astrography: Shamim 8.4, but be prepared for rare sorties.
- π’ For weak firmware: Urnyx05 7.3. if MIUI laying).
Critical information: GCam builds for Qualcomm Snapdragon (e.g. from Nikita or from Nikita) Arnova8G2) They won't work on Helio. G95 β They require other imaging libraries.
β οΈ Note: Do not download GCam from unverified sources (for example, torrent trackers or forums with no reputation). APK Spyware modules can be deployed, and only use official repositories (Celso Azevedo or Celso Azevedo). XDA Developers).
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4. GCam installation and setup XML-configuration
The installation process takes 5-10 minutes. Follow the instructions Step-by-step:
- Install. APK-File: Downloaded GCam file (e.g, GCam_8.1.101_BSG_MGC.apk) If you see an "Application not installed" error, check the installation permission from unknown sources.
- Download. XML-Download the configuration file for Redmi Note 10S by reference (example: Redmi_Note_10S_BSG_8.1.xml).
- Import Config: Create a folder GCam/Configs It's at the root of the internal memory. Put the downloaded memory in there. XML-Open GCam, tap the black box next to the down button twice (config menus open). Select your file and press Restore.
- Restart the application: After importing, close the GCam and reopen.
πΉ Manual setting (if the config is not suitable):
- π Resolution: Set 64 MP in Settings Menu β Photo resolution).
- π HDR+: Turn it on. HDR+ Enhanced (Libs tab).
- π Activate Night Sight for front cam (if you need a night selfie).
- π« Disable Sabre (can cause artifacts on Helio) G95).
β οΈ Note: If after importing the config GCam gives an error "Config not compatible", try another one. XML-file or reset application settings (Settings) β Annexes β GCam β Warehouse β Clear the data).
How to check that the config has been used?
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5. Performance optimization: how to avoid lags
Redmi Note 10S It's not a flagship, so the GCam can slow down when shooting 64 MP or when using Night Sight:
πΉ Reduce preview resolution:
Go to the GCam (Settings) settings β Advanced β Preview resolution and select 1080p instead 4K. This will reduce the load on the processor.
πΉ Disable unnecessary modules:
- π Google Lens (in GCam settings).
- π Motion Photos (if not used).
- π Location tags (geoteges increase photo saving time).
πΉ Use "Lite" modes:
In some assemblies (e.g, BSG 8.1) There is an option Lite Mode in the settings HDR+. Turn it on if you notice any hanging.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| GCam flies off at opening | The conflict with MIUI Optimization | Disable in settings (see Section 2) |
| Photos saved in green | Wrong. XML-configuration | Download Config for Samsung GW3 |
| Night Sight is not working. | Camera2 API mode LEGACY | Check through. Camera2 API Probe |
| Strong noise in the photo | High. ISO manually | Use automatic. HDR+ |
πΉ Extreme optimization (for the purpose of MIUI 14):
If GCam is lagging even after all the settings, try:
- Install GCam 7.3 (lighter version)
- Turn off 64 MP and shoot in 16 MP with pixel binning.
- Use the Greenify app to pause background processes.
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On the Redmi Note. 10S The optimal balance of quality and performance is achieved when shooting in 16 MP with the on HDR+ Enhanced. 64 MP should only be used in good lighting.
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6. GCam vs. Xiaomi's standard camera comparison: which is better?
To make an objective assessment of the difference, we tested both cameras under identical conditions. 10S):
πΉ Daylight (HDR-scenery):
- πΈ Standard camera. MIUI: Overlights in the sky, littered shadows, aggressive noise suppression.
- πΈ GCam (HDR+ Enhanced: Details in shadows, natural colors, no overlights.
πΉ Night photography:
- π MIUI Night Mode: Heavy noise, blur, incorrect white balance.
- π GCam Night Sight: Clear contours, minimal noise, natural colors.
πΉ Portrait mode:
- π€ MIUI: Rough blur at the edges, segmentation errors (e.g., "eats" hair).
- π€ GCam: Precise mask, fussy bokeh, natural transition.
π Test results (in points from 1 to 10):
| Parameter | Standard MIUI camera | Google Camera (GCam) |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime shooting (HDR) | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Night photography | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Portrait mode | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Processing speed | 8/10 | 7/10 (laying on G95) |
β οΈ Note: the GCam only plays back to the standard camera in the burst mode. If you care about speed, use both cameras in parallel.
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For quick switching between cameras, add the GCam widget to the home screen or use the Double Press Power button gesture (configured in Settings) β Lock screen).
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7. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even after installation, the GCam may not work properly. TOP-5 errors and ways of correcting them:
π Mistake: βCamera API2 not supported"
Reason: Camera2 API switched off or operating LEGACY.
Decision:
- Check the level. API through Camera2 API Probe.
- If LEGACY β Root and editing of the build.prop file (add a line) persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1).
- For MIUI 14 try to roll back on MIUI 13.
π Error: Photos are saved in green or purple
Reason: Incompatible XML-Configuration or error in MediaTek libraries.
Decision:
- Download the config specifically for Samsung GW3 (reference).
- In GCam settings, disable Sabre and AWB (white-balance).
- Try another build (for example, Urnyx05 7.3).
π Error: GCam crashes when shooting video
Reason: Helio G95 Poorly optimized for GCam codecs.
Decision:
- Take the video in resolution 1080p@30fps (not 4K).
- Turn off stabilization in the GCam settings.
- Use a standard camera. MIUI video.
π Mistake: The front camera is not working
Reason: Config does not support Sony sensor IMX355 (13 MP on Redmi Note 10S.
Solution: In GCam settings, enable Front Camera HDR+ and select 4:3 resolution instead of 16:9.
π Error: GCam does not save photos to the gallery
Reason: No rights to record or conflict with MIUI Gallery.
Decision:
- In the GCam settings, specify the save path: Internal Storage/DCIM/GCam.
- Clear the cache of the Gallery app.
- Reboot the phone.
What if the GCam canβt see the camera at all?
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