Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with its powerful Mediatek Helio G90T processor and 64MP main camera is capable of taking great pictures, but the regular MIUI Camera app often loses in the processing quality of Google Camera. GCam uses advanced HDR+ algorithms, improved processing of night scenes and more accurate color reproduction. However, the installation on the Redmi Note 8 Pro has nuances due to the specific iron and lack of official support.
In this article, you will find the current versions of Google Camera for Redmi Note 8 Pro (codename begonia), detailed instructions for installing, configuring key parameters and solving typical problems. We will also discuss why some features may not work and how to get around restrictions. Importantly, the procedure requires unlocking the bootloader and installing TWRP, without which some of the functions of GCam will remain unavailable.
Why is Google Camera better than Xiaomi’s camera?
The regular MIUI Camera app on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is optimized for shooting speed and energy efficiency, but often sacrifices detail and dynamic range. Google Camera offers:
- 📸 HDR+ multi-frame processing – glues several images together for better workout of shadows and light (especially noticeable on contrasting scenes).
- 🌙 Night Sight – Night mode that exceeds the MIUI Night Mode for noise reduction and detail preservation.
- 🎨 More natural color reproduction – without the excessive saturation typical of Xiaomi.
- 🔍 Improved detail in digital zoom (even on 64MP main camera).
The disadvantages of the GCam on the Redmi Note 8 Pro are:
- ⚠️ Not all modules work – wide-angle and macro can fail or yield artifacts.
- ⚠️ Problems with video - recording in 4K flounder.
- ⚠️ Overheating during long shooting due to high load on the processor.
However, for static photos (landscapes, portraits, shooting in poor light), GCam remains the best choice.
Preparation of the smartphone: unlocking and TWRP
Installing Google Camera on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is possible without unlocking the bootloader, but in this case you will lose access to:
- 🔧 XML-configam (setting files for fine camera calibration).
- 📁 Manual installation of patches through Magisk.
- 🔄 Recovery after failure (if GCam starts to fly out).
If you are ready to unlock, follow the steps:
- Activate Developer Options: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
- Enable USB Debugging and OEM Unlocking in Settings → More → For Developers.
- Link your Xiaomi account to your device in Settings → Mi → Mi Cloud account.
- Use the official Mi Unlock Tool to unlock the bootloader (it may take up to 7 days to wait).
- Install TWRP for Redmi Note 8 Pro (see the official website for the current version).
⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader will reset all data on the phone! make a backup through Mi Cloud or TWRP (Also note that Xiaomi warranty is canceled.
If unlocking seems difficult, you can try installing GCam without it, but the functionality will be limited.
💡
Before unlocking, check if your version of MIUI supports official unlocking. Some firmware (such as Chinese) may block the process.
Download the correct version of Google Camera
For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, modified GCam builds from the developers Urnyx05, BSG and Shamim are suitable. It is important to choose a version optimized for the Mediatek Helio G90T processor and the Samsung GW1 camera (64 MP).
| GCam version | Developer | Support for HDR+ | Night Sight | Wide-angle module | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCam 8.1 | Urnyx05 | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (artifact) | Download |
| GCam 7.4 | BSG | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ (partly) | Download |
| GCam 7.3 | Shamim | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (but distorted) | Download |
Critical information: GCam 8.4 and later will NOT work on the Redmi Note 8 Pro due to lack of support for the Camera2 API at the kernel level. Use only GCam 7.x or 8.1-based builds.
After downloading. APK-file:
- Transfer the file to your phone (for example, to the Download folder).
- Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install unknown applications.
- Install APK by following the instructions on the screen.
⚠️ Note: If the GCam crashes when you start up after installation, then the version you choose is not compatible with your firmware. MIUI until the last stable version.
Installation XML-Configs for optimal settings
Without XML-config, Google Camera will work in the "basic" mode, without optimization for the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
- 📏 Correct calibration HDR+ Samsung sensor GW1.
- 🔘 White balance and noise reduction settings.
- 📱 Activation of hidden functions (e.g. Astrophotography for night star photography).
How to install XML:
- Download the current config for your version of GCam (for example, from here). For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, configs marked begonia or MTK will suit.
- Create a GCam/Configs folder at the root of your phone’s internal memory.
- Put the downloaded.xml file there.
- Launch GCam, tap the black area next to the down button twice (the config menu will open).
- Select your XML and click Restore.
Recommended settings for the Redmi Note 8 Pro:
- 🔹 HDR+ Control: Turn on Auto or HDR+ Enhanced for better development.
- 🔹 Night Sight: set shutter speed for 3-7 seconds (more - the risk of blurring).
- 🔹 Awb (white balance): Choose Cloudy for warmer tones.
Starts without errors|The 64 MP main camera is working.|HDR+ switch on|Night Sight is not out.|Wide-angle module (optional)-->
Typical problem solving
Even with the right Google Camera installation, the Redmi Note 8 Pro can crash.
1. GCam flies off at launch
Causes and solutions:
- 🔹 Incompatible version – try GCam 7.3 or 8.1 Urnyx05.
- 🔹 Absent. Camera2 API — Check the support through the application Camera2 API Probe, if. LEGACY — GCam won't work.
- 🔹 Conflict with MIUI Camera – Disable the camera’s full-time app in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Camera. → Shut down.
2.The wide-angle module is not operating
On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, auxiliary cameras are often not supported in the GCam.
- 🔹 Install GCam Services for Magisk.
- 🔹 Use it. XML-Configuration marked Multi-Cam (e.g., from BSG).
- 🔹 Accept the limitation – the main camera 64 MP and so gives a good view.
3. Poor quality of night shots
If Night Sight is a blurry or green image:
- 🔹 Reduce shutter time in settings to 3-4 seconds.
- 🔹 Turn off Sabre (noise reduction) in XML-configur.
- 🔹 Try an alternative config, for example, Pixel3XL_NightSight.xml.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to warm up a lot after installing GCam, limit use HDR+ in hot weather. G90T prone to overheating under high load.
How to check for Camera2 API support?
GCam vs MIUI Camera: Which is better?
To objectively assess the difference, we tested both cameras under the same conditions on the Redmi Note 8 Pro (MIUI 14 firmware, GCam 8.1 from Urnyx05).
| Parameter | MIUI Camera | Google Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic range (HDR) | Medium, often over-lit sky | Excellent, retains details in shadows and lights |
| Night photography | Heavy noise, blurring. | Clean footage, but artifacts are possible when moving |
| Color rendering | Oversaturated colors (typical for Xiaomi) | More natural tones, close to the Pixel |
| Speed of shooting | Instant snapshot | Delay of 1-2 seconds (due to HDR+) |
| Video | Stable 4K@30fps | Lagait in 4K, better to shoot in 1080p |
The conclusion: Google Camera is definitely better for static photos (landscapes, architecture, portraits), especially in difficult lighting conditions. MIUI Camera wins in speed and video. The best option is to use both cameras for the situation.
💡
For maximum photo quality on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, combine GCam (for HDR and night scenes) and MIUI Camera (for video and fast shooting).
Alternative ways to improve the camera without GCam
If installing Google Camera seems too complicated, there are ways to improve your image quality without it:
- 📱 Applications with manual settings: Open Camera – supports Camera2 API, Hand-focusing and exposure. Footage - saves photos in DNG (RAW) post-processing.
- 🔧 Modified firmware: Pixel Experience or LineageOS – include GCam by default, but require unlocking the bootloader.
- 🎨 Post-processing: Adobe Lightroom - color correction and exposure. Snapseed - noise removal and sharpening.
These methods won’t produce the same results as Google Camera, but will allow you to improve your images without the risk of system failure.