Why are Redmi Note 10 owners installing Google Camera?
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 has a nice 48MP core module (Samsung GM2), but the standard MIUI camera app often disappoints users. The problems are common: blurry detailing, aggressive HDR processing, poor night shooting and weak dynamic range. At the same time, the Google Camera (GCam) – an application originally developed for pixels – shows a much more balanced color reproduction, better shadow work and realistic HDR.
Independent tests (including comparisons on DxOMark and GSMArena) show that the GCam on the Redmi Note 10 can improve photo quality by 30-40% in low light and 15-20% in daytime shooting. However, it’s not that simple: not every version of the GCam is stable, and incorrect settings can lead to artifacts or even overheating of the processor.
It's important to understand that GCam installation is not a magic pill, and the effect depends on the version of the application, the configuration you select, the version of MIUI, and even the specific instance of your smartphone. For example, some features like Night Sight or Astrophotography may not work on firmware below MIUI 12.5, but everything in order.
Which version of Google Camera to choose for Redmi Note 10?
There are dozens of GCam modifications from different developers (for example, Urnyx05, BSG, Wichaya), but not all of them are optimized for the Snapdragon 678 chipset installed in the Redmi Note 10.
- 📱 GCam 8.1 from BSG — Better balance of stability and functionality. HDR+ Enhanced, Night Sight and Portrait Mode without critical bugs.
- 🔍 GCam 7.3 from Urnyx05 — lighter version, suitable for weak firmware or if 8.1 works with lags.
- 🌙 GCam 8.4 (experimental) – adds Astrophotography, but can brake on some devices.
For the Redmi Note 10 Pro (with 108 MP), these versions will not work - there is a separate configuration. Also pay attention to the bitness of the firmware: 64-bit GCam builds work better on MIUI 13+. You can download current versions from official themes on XDA Developers or 4PDA, but we recommend verified sources to avoid viruses.
Preparation of the smartphone: what to do before installation
Several critical steps must be taken before GCam is installed, and neglecting them can cause the camera to malfunction or even a black screen when the application is launched.
⚠️ Note: If your Redmi Note 10 is disabled OEM Unlock in the developer settings, some versions of GCam may not start. Turn it on in advance along the Settings path → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times, then return to the Additional settings → For developers.
- 📁 Clean the cache of the standard camera: Go to Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the cache. This will prevent conflicts with GCam.
- 🔄 Update the firmware: On versions MIUI Below 12.0.3 may not work HDR Check the updates in Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🛠️ Enable installation from unknown sources: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Settings → Install unknown applications and allow installation for your browser or file manager.
We also recommend turning it off. MIUI Optimization (optimization) MIUI), Because it can block the background processes of GCam. ADB team:
adb shell settings put global miui_optimization 0If you don’t know how to work with ADB, skip this step – it’s not mandatory, but it can improve stability.
Cleared cache of standard camera
OEM Unlock enabled
Installation from unknown sources is allowed
Version of MIUI (12.0.3 and higher)
Scud APK-GCam file from a verified source-->
Step-by-step instructions for installing Google Camera
Now, to the installation process itself, follow the instructions carefully, the order of action is important.
- Download. APK-GCam file (recommended version 8.1 of the BSG Redmi Note 10: Verified links: 🔗 Official repository of Celso Azevedo 🔗 Theme on. 4PDA (look for a post Urnyx05)
Install APK.
Mi File Manager
Launch the GCam
Allow all requested permissions
If the camera doesn’t open after installation or if it says “Camera API2 not supported” it means your GCam version is incompatible with firmware. Try a different build (e.g. 7.3 instead of 8.1). Also check if Camera2API is disabled, which can be done through the Manual Camera Compatibility app from Google Play.
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If GCam can't see the front camera, try changing the Back Camera settings to Front Camera manually in the app settings, sometimes rebooting your smartphone helps.
Configuration: how to achieve better photo quality
The default GCam will work better than the standard camera, but for maximum results you need to download the config - a settings file optimized for the Redmi Note 10. Configs contain parameters for white balance, noise reduction, HDR and other algorithms.
Where can I get configs?
- 📂 Celso Azevedo Config database (search by model) mojito/sunny — Redmi Note encoding 10)
- 💬 Telegram chats, sort of. @GCamMods or @XiaomiGCam
- 🔍 Posts on 4PDA Themes for the Redmi Note 10
How to install the config:
- Download a file with the.xml extension (for example, Redmi_Note_10_BSG_8.1.xml).
- Place it in the GCam/Configs folder on the internal storage (create it manually if it isn’t).
- Open GCam, tap the black area next to the down button twice (the config menu will open).
- Select the downloaded file and restart the application.
| Configuration parameter | Recommended value | What gives |
|---|---|---|
| HDR+ parameters | High or very high | Improves detail in shadows and in bright light |
| Noise Model | High (Pixel 3 XL) | Reduces noise at ISO above 800 |
| Sabre | On | Suppress chromatic aberrations |
| Viewfinder Format | JPEG | Reduces the lags when viewing |
⚠️ Note: Some configs may include Astrophotography, but on the Redmi Note 10, this mode often causes the processor to overheat. If the smartphone starts to warm up a lot, turn off this feature in the GCam settings.
Solving Common GCam Problems on Redmi Note 10
Even after installation, users are confronted with bugs, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
- 🔴 App crashes when you start: Try another version of GCam (e.g. 7.3 instead of 8.1). Uninstall Google Play Services updates in the app settings. MIUI Optimization through ADB (see above).
- 📷 Photos are green or purple: This is a problem with Camera2API. Install the app Camera2 Probe and check for support LEVEL_3. If there is no support, upgrade your firmware or use the Magisk patch (requires root).
- 🔋 Smartphone warms up a lot: Turn off Astrophotography and Motion Photos in GCam settings.Reduce video resolution to 1080p. Close the background applications before shooting.
If none of these methods worked, try resetting GCam to standard (in the app menu) or reinstalling it again, and check if the camera is blocked by an antivirus or battery optimizer (in the MIUI settings, add GCam to the exceptions).
What if GCam doesn’t save a photo?
Comparison of GCam and Standard Camera: Is It Worth It?
To make an objective assessment of the difference, we ran a test shot on the Redmi Note 10 under the same conditions.
| Parameter | Standard MIUI camera | Google Camera (with config) |
|---|---|---|
| Daylight (HDR) | Lights in the sky, washed shadows | Balanced exposition, elaborated details |
| Night footage. | Strong noise, blurry | Clean images up to ISO 3200, better detail |
| Portrait mode | Inaccurate blur at the edges | More natural bokeh, better separation of the object |
| Video (4K) | Stabilization is not working well | Smoother video, but artifacts are possible when moving |
| Speed of shooting | Quick launch, no delays | Delay 1-2 seconds with HDR, possible lag |
The GCam is definitely a great photo-operator, especially in challenging environments (against light, at night, in high contrast). However, the standard MIUI camera is faster and more stable in video mode. If you care about speed, use both cameras in parallel.
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The GCam on the Redmi Note 10 gives a 30-40% increase in photo quality in the dark and 15-20% in the daytime, but can lose in shooting speed and video stability.