Why is Google Camera better than the standard camera on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is equipped with a powerful 64 MP main camera with a Samsung GW1 sensor, but the standard MIUI Camera application does not always reveal its potential. Many users face problems: over-lit shots, weak detail in dark scenes, poor color processing. Here comes the Google Camera (GCam), an application originally developed for Pixel smartphones, but adapted by enthusiasts for other devices.
On the Redmi Note 8, the GCam shows a 30-40% improvement in detail, a more natural color reproduction and better HDR performance than a stock app. Especially noticeable is the difference when shooting in low light or using Night Sight mode. However, the installation requires consideration of the specifics of the firmware and the application version – not all GCam builds are stable.
In this guide, we will discuss:
- 🔍 How to check the compatibility of your Redmi Note 8 Pro with GCam
- 📱 Step-by-step installation with the version MIUI and unlocked loader
- ⚙️ Optimal settings for shooting in different conditions
- ⚠️ Possible errors and ways to eliminate them
Requirements for installing Google Camera on Redmi Note 8 Pro
Before installing, make sure your device meets the minimum requirements. Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia) has features that affect compatibility:
- 📌 Version. MIUI: GCam is working on MIUI 10 and above, but best of all, on MIUI 12+ Or custom firmware like Pixel Experience.
- 🔓 Unlocked bootloader: Not required, but some versions of GCam require root access to work properly (e.g., to enable). Camera2API).
- 📸 Support Camera2API: By default, the Redmi Note 8 Pro is partially activated.
- 📥 Free space: Minimum 200 MB on internal storage for APK-file-cache.
If you have MIUI Global Stable, some GCam features (such as Astrophotography) may not work without additional manipulation, in which case it is recommended to use modified versions of the application adapted specifically for MediaTek Helio G90T.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Make sure Camera2API is enabled (use Manual Camera Compatibility)
Download the appropriate version of GCam (links below)
Turn off battery optimization for the camera in Settings → Apps → Permissions
Backup photos (in case of resetting settings)-->
⚠️ Attention: If you are using MIUI China ROM, Some versions of GCam may cause app crashes due to lack of Google services, in which case Google Play Services must be pre-installed via Magisk.
Which version of Google Camera to choose for Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Not all GCam builds work equally well on the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Due to the features of the MediaTek Helio G90T processor and custom core, some versions may give artifacts in the pictures or not run at all.
| GCam version | Author/Fashion/ | Support for HDR+ | Night Sight | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCam_7.3.018_Urnyx05-v2.1 | Urnyx05 | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (jelly) |
| GCam_8.1.101_Wichaya_V1.5 | Wichaya | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (with limitations) | ⭐⭐⭐ (possible lag) |
| GCam_7.4.104_Parrot043 | Parrot043 | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (stably) |
| GCam_6.1.013_MGC_6.1.013_V2a | MGC | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐ (obsolete) |
For most users, the best choice is Urnyx05 v2.1, which offers a balance between functionality and stability. If you need Astrophotography support, try the Wichaya V1.5, but be prepared for the possibility of hanging out during long shooting.
Where to download the verified GCam versions?
Step-by-step instructions for installing Google Camera
Installing GCam on the Redmi Note 8 Pro does not require root rights, but it is important to follow the instructions to avoid errors.
- Download. APK-file of the selected version of GCam (see table above). Urnyx05_v2.1.apk first.
- Allow installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → APK Installer. Activate the Allow Installation option.
Install APK.
Mi File Manager
Launch the application
Set up the parameters
If the error "App is not installed" is given by GCam, try:
- 🔄 Remove the previous version of GCam (if it was).
- 🧹 Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Google Camera → Warehouse.
- 📥 Download APK Re-inflicted (maybe the file is damaged).
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If GCam doesn’t start after installation, try disabling MIUI Optimization in the developer settings. Go to Settings → About Phone, tap 7 times on the MIUI Version, then turn off MIUI Optimization in the developer settings and restart the phone.
Google Camera Settings for Redmi Note 8 Pro
Even the most stable version of the GCam requires fine-tuning for the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Here are the recommended options for the Urnyx05 v2.1 version:
The main settings (Settings section):
- 📷 Resolution: Set 16:9 for the main camera (64 MP is not supported in the GCam, but 16MP gives better detail).
- 🌃 HDR+ parameters: Select Nexus 6P (Balance between quality and speed of photography).
- 🔄 Lib patcher: Activate Saber (improves processing on MediaTek).
- 📏 Viewfinder format: YUV_420_888 (Reduces the lags during preview).
HDR+ settings (Advanced section):
- 🔆 HDR+ Control: Turn on Auto (to automatically select mode).
- 📊 HDR+ frames: Install 7-9 (More frames - better detail, but slower shooting).
- 🌈 Base model: Pixel 3 XL (color-optimized).
For shooting in the dark (Night Sight):
- 🌙 Set the shutter speed to 3-5 Seconds (longer - risk of lubrication).
- 📳 Use a tripod or a stable surface.
- 🔋 The battery should be charged. >30% (long-term photography consumes a lot of energy).
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The Lib patcher = Saber setting is critical for the Redmi Note 8 Pro — without it, photos can have a green hue or artifacts in dark areas.
⚠️ Warning: If you see an option in GCam's "Auxiliary camera fix" settings, turn it off! on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this causes the app to crash when switching to the front camera.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even after installing the GCam correctly on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, errors can occur, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The app dyes when it starts | Incompatible GCam version or lack of Camera2API | Install another version (e.g. Parrot043) or activate Camera2API via Magisk. |
| The green tint in the photo | Incorrect Lib patcher or conflict with MIUI | Install Lib patcher = Saber and restart the application. |
| Night Sight's not working. | There is no support for this version of GCam. | Try out the Wichaya V1.5 version or upgrade to Google Play Services. |
| Lags for video shooting | Weak optimization for the Helio G90T | Limit your video resolution to 1080p 30fps in GCam settings. |
If none of these methods worked, try:
- Remove all versions of GCam and install it again.
- Clear the cache and data of the Camera application in the settings.
- Update MIUI to the latest stable version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds).
What if GCam doesn’t save a photo?
Google Camera vs MIUI Camera: Which is Better?
To make an objective assessment of the difference between the stock camera and the GCam, we ran test shots on the Redmi Note 8 Pro under the same conditions.
| Parameter | MIUI Camera | Google Camera (Urnyx05) |
|---|---|---|
| Detailing (daylight) | ⭐⭐⭐ (64 MP with software interpolation) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (16 MP with better processing) |
| HDR (contrast scenes) | ⭐⭐ (skylight) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (natural shadows and lights) |
| Night Mode (Dark Scenes) | ⭐⭐ (noise, loss of detail) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (clean-up 3-5 sack) |
| Color rendering | ⭐⭐⭐ (saturation) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (natural-colour) |
| Speed of shooting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (launch) | ⭐⭐ (delay HDR+) |
GCam definitely wins in quality and processing, but loses to the stock application in speed and convenience (for example, there is no Pro Mode mode with manual settings). MIUI Camera for video and quick shots.