Why GCam is better than the native camera on the Redmi Note 8 Pro and what you need to know before installing
Owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face disappointing low-light photo quality, over-lit frames or blurred details - despite the powerful Mediatek Helio chipset G90T and quadrocamera with the main module at 64 MP. MIUI 12 uses aggressive image processing that eats away at natural colors and textures. The solution is to install Google Camera (GCam), an application with advanced algorithms. HDR+ Night Sight, originally developed for Pixel smartphones.
But just download it. APK Redmi Note 8 Pro has a unique camera configuration (Samsung's main sensor) GW1 + auxiliary modules that require special configuration files (XML) And GCam versions that support Mediatek, without which the app will either not launch or work with artifacts, and this guide provides proven builds, step-by-step customization and solutions to typical problems that are relevant to the design of the app. MIUI 12 (including subversions 12.0.1 to 12.5.8).
Before you start, consider:
- 🔋 Battery charge should be at least 50% – installation and testing take 20-30 minutes.
- 📁 Backup of photos and camera settings (via Settings) → Google → Backup).
- 🛠️ Debugging by USB not required, but may be necessary to correct errors (included in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 taps by assembly number → For developers → Debugging by USB).
Importantly, GCam won’t replace the native camera completely—some features (like macro or Documents mode) will remain available only in the standard app, but you will get:
- 🌃 Night Sight – no noise and detail preservation (even when shooting at night) ISO 3200+).
- 🎨 Natural color reproduction without soap effect MIUI.
- 🔍 Improved autofocus in low contrast.
- 📸 RAW-format (DNG) manually adjusted for post-processing.
Which version of GCam to choose for Redmi Note 8 Pro MIUI 12
Not all GCam builds are compatible with the Redmi Note 8 Pro. G90T, It requires special libraries to make the camera work properly, and the official Google versions don't support this hardware, so you have to use modified ones. APK from the community (e.g. developers) BSG, Shamim or Wichaya).
Up-to-date versions for 2026 tested on MIUI 12:
| GCam version | Developer | Features | Download link |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCam 8.1 | BSG | Stable operation, support for all camera modules, night mode without bugs | Download |
| GCam 7.3 | Shamim | Best color reproduction, but possible lags when shooting video | Download |
| GCam 7.4 | Wichaya | Support 4K 60fps, but requires manual adjustment XML | Download |
For MIUI 12 is recommended to start with GCam 8.1 of BSG — If you need extra modes (like Astrophotography for shooting stars), try Wichaya 7.4, but be prepared to manually adjust.
⚠️ Attention: Don't download APK From unverified sources (e.g. torrent trackers or file sharing sites with no reputation), viruses or modified libraries are often found in such files that can permanently damage the camera (e.g., knock down the sensor calibration). Use only the official developer repositories listed above.
GCam installation on Redmi Note 8 Pro
The installation process consists of three stages: downloading APK, It's important to follow the order to avoid errors like Camera. API2 Not supported or App not responding.
Download and installation APK
Download the selected version of GCam from the link in the table above. The file will be in.apk format.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Installation of unknown applications.
- 🔓 Permission to install APK from your browser (such as Chrome or Mi Browser).
- 📁 Launch the downloaded file and confirm the installation.
Configuring permits
Do not start the GCam immediately after installation.
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management → Google Camera.
- 📸 Enable permissions for Camera, Microphone (for video) and Warehouse (for photo saving).
- 🔄 Reboot the phone – this will reset the camera cache and prevent initialization errors.
3. First start and basic setup
When you first run, GCam can freeze for 10 to 20 seconds, which is normal (libraries are set up) if the application closes immediately:
- 🛠️ Remove GCam and install another version (for example, instead of 8.1 try 7.3).
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of the standard Camera application through Settings → Annexes.
SHOWS official APK from BSG/Shamim/Wichaya|
Camera, microphone and storage permissions included|
The phone is restarted after installation|
Backup photo created-->
Configuring the configuration file (XML) for maximum quality
No XML-Config GCam will work in a "stripped" mode: incorrect color reproduction, no HDR+ Or errors when you switch cameras. A config is a file with settings optimized for Samsung. GW1 (The Redmi Note 8 Pro sensor).
Where to find it. XML:
- 📥 Download the finished config for your version of GCam from the Celso Azevedo repository (look for tagged files). Redmi_Note_8_Pro Begonia is the code name of the model).
- 📝 Or create your own through the GCam Configurator app (available in the Play Market).
How to install XML:
- Downloaded file (e.g, BSG_Redmi_Note_8_Pro_V3.xml) put it in a folder GCam/Configs8 storage.
- Open GCam, tap the black area next to the down button twice (the config menu will open).
- Choose yours. XML-file and confirm the download.
- Restart the app.
Recommended parameters for XML (if you set it up manually):
- 📷 HDR+ Control: Enable Auto or On for all modules.
- 🌓 Night Sight: Max Exposure Time is set to 1/4s (stable-staffed).
- 🔍 AF Tracking: Turn off if autofocus floats when shooting video.
- 📏 Resolution: For photo — 16:9 (4608×3456), video — 4K 30fps (60fps lay down).
⚠️ Attention: If after downloading XML The camera shows a green or purple screen, which means that the config is incompatible with your version of GCam. XML-file Configs8 And try another one. Some configs are designed for specific builds (e.g., just for the purpose of building a configurator). BSG 8.1).
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If GCam doesn't save a photo, check the storage permissions and the save path in the app settings. By default, the photos should go to the folder. DCIM/GCam.
Comparison of GCam and standard camera: what is better in what conditions
GCam is not always superior to the native camera MIUI 12 -- each solution has strengths and weaknesses. Below is a comparison in key scenarios:
| Parameter | GCam (BSG 8.1) | Standard camera (MIUI 12) |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime shooting | More natural colors, better shadows | Brighter, but with an inflated saturation ("soap" effect) |
| Night photography | Night Sight is superior to Night Mode MIUI detailing | Faster processing of personnel, but with noise |
| Portrait mode | More accurate background (side) blur | Better recognizes the edges of objects (such as hair) |
| Video | Stabilization is worse, possible lag in 4K | Smoother, but with artifacts in sharp movements |
| Macrograph | Not supported | It works, but with a lot of noise. |
The bottom line: GCam is definitely better for landscapes, night shots and portraits, and the standard camera is better for video and macro, and the best option is to use both applications depending on the task.
How do you check which camera is currently in use?
Solving Common GCam Errors on Redmi Note 8 Pro
Even with the right installation, GCam can produce errors. Below are the ways to fix them, tested for the best possible solution. MIUI 12:
1. Camera error API2 not supported"
Reason: There is no support Camera2 API Solution at the firmware level:
- 📋 Check the support API via Camera2 API Probe (available on Play Market).
- 🔧 If support is partial (LEGACY or LIMITED), Install the Magisk module Camera2API Enabler (requires an unlocked bootloader and Magisk).
2.The application is immediately closed
Possible causes and solutions:
- 🗃️ Cash conflicts: Clear GCam data into Settings → Annexes.
- 🔄 Incompatible version: Try GCam 7.3 instead of 8.1.
- 🛡️ MIUI Blocks: Turn off optimization MIUI for GCam in battery settings.
3. Green or purple stripes in the photo
These are artifacts of sensor malfunction.
- 📝 Set another one. XML-Config (for example, for Samsung) GW1 from this Telegram channel).
- 🔍 In the GCam settings, turn off HDR+ Enhanced and used HDR+ Auto.
4. Autofocus is not working.
Frequent issue at Mediatek Helio G90T. Helping:
- 🔄 Switching between camera modules (tap on the switch icon in the GCam interface).
- 📁 Remove the GCam folder in internal storage and reconfigure.
⚠️ Note: If your native camera stops working after installing GCam (Cannot connect to camera is an error), reset the Camera application settings via Settings → Annexes → Reset: In extreme cases, a factory reset will help (but it will delete all the data!).
Additional tweaks: how to make the most of GCam
After the basic setup, you can improve the quality of shooting with the help of hidden parameters and third-party tools.
1. Manual control of the exposure
GCam allows you to fine-tune the exposure even without manual mode:
- 📱 In the camera interface, tap on the screen and hold your finger – an exposure slider will appear.
- 🔄 Drag it up/down to correct the brightness before shooting (not after, as in Lightroom).
2. Shooting in RAW (DNG)
To save photos in format RAW post-processing:
- 📷 In GCam settings, turn on Save RAW files (usually in the Advanced section).
- 🖥️ Handle it. DNG Lightroom or Darktable for maximum detail.
3. Improvement of video
Videos in GCam often suffer from lags to stabilize the recording:
- 🎥 Set the permit. 1080p 60fps instead 4K (less processor load).
- 🔋 Turn on Air Mode during shooting – this will turn off background processes.
- 📱 Use a tripod or stabilizing grip (for example, DJI Osmo Mobile).
4. Automation of shooting
Scripts for Tasker or MacroDroid can make it easier to work with GCam:
- 🤖 Set up automatic GCam start when you connect the headset (convenient for selfies).
- 📡 Create a profile to quickly switch between GCam and the standard camera.
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For low-light shooting (such as indoors in the evening), always use Night Sight instead of the standard mode. Even if it seems that there is enough light, GCam algorithms are better at handling noise and preserving detail.