Owners of the smartphone Redmi Note 8 Pro often face a situation when the regular camera is not able to unlock the full potential of the matrix 64 MP Standard application MIUI 12 sometimes sins excessive sharpness and unnatural noise cancellation, especially in low light conditions. It is here to help Google Camera (GCam), which is famous for its advanced HDR+ algorithm and smart post-processing.
The process of implementing third-party software on Xiaomi’s shell requires some preparation, but the result is worth it. You will get images with the best dynamic range and color reproduction available for this device. It is important to understand that the installation requires manual intervention and follow the sequence of actions to avoid system conflicts.
In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right modification, configure and fix common errors. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the most stable builds are the 8.x version from developer BigKaka (Arnova8G2) or Urnyx05. Follow the steps carefully to turn your smartphone into a full-fledged photo tool.
Preparing the device and searching for a compatible version
Before starting the procedure, you need to make sure that your Redmi Note 8 Pro is ready to install third-party applications from unknown sources. MIUI 12 has strict security settings that can block downloads APK-File settings. → Password and security → Confidentiality → Special permits → Installation of unknown applications.
Choose a browser or file manager that you run the installer through, and activate the switch. This is a basic but critical step. Without it, the system will simply not let the installation package run no matter how much you try.
Next, find the right one. APK-Because there's no official version for all devices, the community of enthusiasts is creating modified builds. G90T, Not all versions of the Note 8 Pro are suitable. MTK".
- 📱 Download. APK-Google Camera file version 8.1 or 8.4, adapted for MediaTek chipsets.
- 📁 Save the file to internal memory so it can be easily found through the conductor.
- 🔒 Make sure that there is no lock for installers in the antivirus or application protector.
⚠️ Note: Do not install GCam versions that are exclusively for Snapdragon processors unless the description explicitly states that they support MediaTek.This may result in application crashes or black screens when launched.
It's also worth checking the memory space. Although the installer itself weighs a little, it takes space to run the cache and save the photos in high resolution. Clear the gallery basket if the storage is more than 90% full.
Installation process and initial setup
After downloading the file, go to the direct installation. APK-file through the file manager. MIUI 12 can warn you several times about potential dangers, requiring confirmation of actions. This is a standard protection procedure that should not be ignored if you are sure about the source of the file.
Click "Install" and wait until the process is complete. The Google Camera icon will appear on the desktop. When you first start up, the app will ask for a number of permissions: access to the camera, microphone, memory and geolocation. Allow all requests, otherwise the functionality will be limited.
☑️ Installation control
The first run may take longer than usual, as the initialization of libraries for your particular model takes place. If the application closed immediately after opening, try running it again. In some cases, double run is required for proper operation.
The interface will be different from the standard Xiaomi camera, with fewer manual out-of-the-box settings, but more automatic processing options, with the main focus on HDR+ mode, which is activated by default.
Import configuration for maximum quality
Just having the camera installed is only half the success. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, it is critical to use a special configuration file (.xml), which contains tuned options for the Samsung GW1 matrix. Without this file, colors can be faded and focusing slow.
Create a folder called GCam at the root of your internal memory, and create another Configs8 folder inside it (for 8.x versions). Copy the downloaded configuration file that way. The file should have the.xml extension.
Once you have a file, launch Google Camera. Tap twice in the empty area around the shutter button. A list of available configurations will appear. Select the file that matches your model and click Restore.
Where do I get the verified configs?
Once you've reset the camera, the camera will restart, and the processing algorithms will now take into account the optics and sensor features of your device, and you'll notice improved detail in the shadows and a more natural white balance.
| Parameter | Standard MIUI 12 | Google Camera (with config) | Influence on photo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise suppression | Aggressive, "washing" details | Smart, retains textures | High detail |
| Dynamic range | Medium, often overlights | Wide (HDR+) | Details in lights and shadows |
| Color rendering | Saturated, sometimes unnatural | Natural, close to reality | The right skin colours |
| Night mode. | It takes a tripod, long exposure. | Night Sight (from the hands) | Light photos without lubrication |
Setup of the main shooting modes
Once you've got the base, you'll go to fine-tuning. Go to the settings via the menu (three dots or swipe). You can change the resolution of the shots here. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the best way to use 16MP (binning pixels) for everyday shooting is to get the best result in low light.
In the HDR+ section, we recommend you turn on "Enhanced," which takes multiple frames with different exposures and combines them to dramatically improve dynamic range, and it takes a fraction of a second longer to shoot, but it's a much better shot.
For portrait photography, adjust the background blur force. Google algorithms often make it softer and more realistic than MIUI. You can adjust the intensity of the effect after shooting if you save the photo in a depth-supporting format (although GCam often retains the final JPEG).
Remember to activate the framing grid and horizon level in the interface settings, which will help kompon frames evenly, especially when shooting architecture or landscapes, and enable geotag saving if you plan to sort photos by location.
Solving Typical Problems and Bugs
Despite the stability of the builds, there can be specific errors, and one of the common problems with MIUI 12 is the green screen or the crash when switching to a wide-angle camera, which is due to the peculiarities of the MediaTek drivers.
If you encounter a green screen, try changing the Camera API to Camera2 or CameraX in GCam settings.Clean the app cache through Settings → Apps → Google Camera → Memory → Clear the cache.
⚠️ Attention: Video recording in 4K On Google Camera for Redmi Note 8 Pro, it may not work at all or it may not work at all. MIUI.
Another problem is blurring in the portrait mode in the background, so make sure you use the main camera, not the telephoto lens or the width, because the bokeh algorithms are sharpened to the main sensor, and check if the lens is contaminated.
If the app is slow, try turning off live previews of effects in the settings, which will reduce the load on the Helio G90T processor and remove delays when getting stuck on the object, stability is more important than the beauty of preview.
Secrets of Night Sight Shooting
The main feature of Google Camera is Night Sight, which allows you to take bright and clear pictures in almost complete darkness without using a tripod. The algorithm takes a series of long exposure frames and glues them together to remove noise.
To activate, select Night Sight mode from the menu below. Point the camera at the subject and hold the phone still for 1-3 seconds (or longer if tripod mode is on).
💡
For the best night shots, use a 3-second timer, which will allow you to remove your hands from your phone before exposure starts, eliminating micro-shaking.
In Night Sight settings, you can adjust shutter speed manually. If the automating makes the frame too light (“like day”), reduce the shutter speed value. For atmospheric night photos, it is better to keep some darkness and contrast.
Remember, Night Sight doesn't do wonders with moving objects. People or cars in the frame can be blurred or with ghosts. Use this mode for static scenes: urban landscapes, architecture, static interior objects.
Final recommendations on the use of
Using Google Camera on the Redmi Note 8 Pro running MIUI 12 is a great way to pump up photo capabilities without replacing your smartphone.A properly configured app gives a result comparable to devices in the higher price segment.
Don't be afraid to experiment with settings and configurations. The community is constantly updating files to improve compatibility and quality. APK or XML-file.
💡
The secret to success is not just to set APK, Find and implement the right XML-Configuration designed specifically for Samsung sensor GW1 Redmi Note 8 Pro.
Keep the original camera. MIUI for quick snapshots, scanning QR-Use Google Camera for art and landscape photography, and this separation of tasks will ensure maximum efficiency.
Make regular backups of your GCam settings through the built-in configuration export function, which will save you time when reinstalling the app or resetting your smartphone to factory settings.