The Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, released in 2019, is still a popular device due to its price-performance balance.However, the built-in standard camera app often doesn't unlock the full potential of Samsung's 48MP GM1 sensor. Many users face noise in low light and insufficient detail in complex scenes.
The solution to this problem is the installation of Google Camera (GCam), a ported version of the app from the flagship Pixel, which uses advanced image processing algorithms that work wonders even on medium hardware. Unlike the standard camera, GCam offers an improved HDR+, Portrait mode with software side and Night Sight mode.
The installation process may seem difficult to a beginner due to the lack of an official APK-You have to find the right build, choose the right configuration file, and adjust the settings manually, but the result is that your photos will be noticeably cleaner, dynamic range will expand, and colors will become natural.
Why you should replace the standard camera with the Redmi Note 7
The main reason for the switch to Google Camera is because of HDR+ processing algorithms. Xiaomi’s standard app often redefines the sky or loses detail in the shadows. Google’s algorithms combine multiple frames with different exposures almost instantly, creating a snapshot with the widest dynamic range, which is especially important for daytime street shooting.
Another advantage is Portrait Mode. There is no telephoto lens on the Redmi Note 7, so software background blur works better in GCam ports. Artificial intelligence defines the boundaries of the object more accurately, separating the person from the background, which reduces the amount of defects when shooting portraits.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of third-party APK-There are always minimal risks to downloading files from trusted sources such as the forum. 4PDA or channels of well-known developers in Telegram to avoid malicious code.
In addition, GCam allows you to shoot in RAW (DNG) format, which provides a huge post-processing opportunity in Lightroom or Snapseed. You get a raw file from the sensor without aggressive noise reduction and sharpness, which are often “baked” in JPEG standard application.
Choosing the Right GCam Version for Redmi Note 7
There is no universal version of the Google Camera. Because the Redmi Note 7 is built on the Snapdragon 660 processor (SDM660 platform), it is not suitable for all modes. Most modern builds require Android 10 and higher, and support for the Camera2 API, which is not fully implemented.
The most stable ports are from the developer BSG. It's his assembly. MGC_8.1 or MGC_6.x Traditionally work well on Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets 600-Also worth noting are versions from Hasli or BigKaka, which often have built-in settings for older devices.
When choosing a version, pay attention to the processor architecture. The Redmi Note 7 requires an arm64-v8a version. Trying to install an arm32 version may result in an app crashing or some features, such as portrait mode, missing.
| Developer | Android version | Stability | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSG | 9.0 - 11.0 | Tall. | Best Compatibility with SDM660 |
| Hasli | 9.0 - 10.0 | Medium | Lots of manual settings. |
| BigKaka | 8.0 - 10.0 | Tall. | Built-in configs |
| Shamim | 9.0 - 11.0 | Medium | Good HDR+. |
It’s important to understand that newer versions of GCam (8.x and higher) may run slower on a Snapdragon 660 processor.If you notice severe shutter or interface lag delays, it makes sense to roll back to the lighter version of GCam 7.4 or even 6.1.
Preparation of the smartphone for installation
Before you start installing, you need to prepare the operating system. First of all, make sure that the device supports Camera2 API. On the Redmi Note 7 with global MIUI firmware, it is active by default, but on some custom builds or Chinese versions, it may need to be activated via build.prop.
You will need to allow the installation of applications from unknown sources. → Device protection → Confidentiality → Special permits → Install unknown applications. You need to give permission to the browser or file manager through which you will run. APK-file.
☑️ Preparation of Redmi Note 7 for installation
It is also recommended to remove or disable updates to the standard camera app if you plan to use GCam as your primary, which will prevent conflicts when you open a link to the camera from other apps, such as messengers.
⚠️ Warning: Always back up important data before installing new software. Although GCam is safe to install, any manipulation of system permissions requires caution.
Step-by-step instructions for installation and configuration
The installation process begins with a download APK-Once the installer is up and running, the system will request confirmation. Accept the installation and wait until it is done. When you first run the Google Camera, it will request permissions to access the camera, microphone, geolocation and storage. All permissions must be confirmed.
The next critical step is to install a configuration file (.xml) without which the application will work but not deliver the expected quality. The configuration file contains ready-made settings for a specific Samsung GM1 sensor. Download a file specially sharpened for the Redmi Note 7.
To apply the settings, perform the following actions:
- 📁 Create a folder at the root of internal memory called GCam (or use the developer folder name, for example). BSG).
- 📂 Inside, create a folder. Configs7 (version 7.x) or Configs8 (version 8.x).
- 💾 Place the downloaded.xml file in this folder.
- 📱 Launch GCam and double-click on the black area around the shutter button.
- ✅ Select your file from the list and click Restore.
Once you've reset the app, it'll restart. You can now take test shots. If the photo is black or the app crashes, try another version of GCam or another config. Finding the perfect version + config bundle is a normal practice for Redmi Note 7 owners.
What to do if the config is not used?
Recommended parameters for the perfect photo
Even with the config installed, manually fine-tuning the parameters can improve the result. Go to the GCam settings. In the Advanced section, find HDR+ Enhanced. Turn it on for maximum detail, but remember that it will take longer to shoot.
Night Sight is critical for night shooting, you can increase the shutter time in the settings. The Redmi Note 7 will be 4-8 seconds optimal. Longer shutter speed will cause noise due to the heat of the matrix, since the device does not have optical stabilization.
You'll find Noise Reduction sliders in the Lens or Advanced section, don't push them to the maximum, or they'll be plastic. 20-30% It usually gives you a better balance between cleanliness and texture.
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Use a tripod or wrap your phone around a stationary object when shooting in Night Sight, and even micro-shaking your hands will smear the shot because of the long shutter speed.
If you’re shooting moving objects, turn off HDR+ Enhanced and use regular HDR+.This will reduce processing time and reduce the risk of getting a blurred image.
Solving common problems and errors
One of the common problems with the Redmi Note 7 is the green screen or purple artifacts when shooting, which is due to the incorrect operation of the noise reduction algorithms on the sensor. GM1. The solution is to use older versions of GCam (e.g. 7.4) or to use patches that change the way you process it. RAW-data.
Another problem is the black screen at launch, which often happens if the Camera2 API requirements are not met, or if the Android version is too new for the old fashion: Try clearing the app data in the Android settings or reinstalling the APK of another build.
If the video is recorded without sound, check the microphone's resolutions. In rare cases, switching the sound source from the Camcorder to the Mic settings of the GCam itself or vice versa helps.
⚠️ Warning: Don't expect miracles from video shooting. GCam on the Redmi Note 7 is great for taking pictures, but video stabilization and sound recording quality are often inferior to the stock app due to Qualcomm driver limitations.
Comparison of results: Standard vs GCam
The difference between the stock camera and Google Camera on the Redmi Note 7 is colossal.The standard app often "washes" details in an attempt to hide noise, especially in the evening. GCam, by contrast, keeps textures, making the shot livelier and sharper.
In counterlight (sun after object), a standard camera often makes an object a black silhouette. The HDR+ mode in Google Camera aligns the exposure, leaving both the sky readable and the object well-lit.
But there are downsides: GCam's serial shooting speed is lower, and if you care about the speed of the interface and the instantaneous start of video recording, a stock app might be more convenient in everyday take-and-take scenarios.
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GCam makes the Redmi Note 7 a great photographer, but takes time to set up.The stock camera is simpler but delivers mediocre results in challenging conditions.
In the end, installing a Google Camera is the best way to extend the life of the Redmi Note 7 in an era where photo quality demands are growing, and by taking 15 minutes to set up, you’ll get a device level score higher.