Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro
MIUI Camera
Google Camera (GCam)
Mediatek Helio G90T
In this guide you will find relevant 2026 year of GCam version with verified configurations, detailed installation steps (including circumvention of restrictions) MIUI), And also the solution to typical problems, from Camera. API2 Not supported" to artifacts on the ultra-wide-angle module.We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with firmware MIUI 14/15 (Android 12/13), But the instruction is suitable for custom firmware such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS.
Why is Google Camera better than the standard camera on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Comparison of images taken on MIUI Camera and Google Camera, which shows the difference in processing even with the naked eye, are the key advantages of the GCam for this model:
- 📸 Night Sight vs Night Mode MIUI: Google uses multi-frame gyro-aligned processing, which produces 30-40% less noise when shooting in the dark. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the difference is especially noticeable on objects with movement (for example, night streets with cars).
- 🌄 HDR+ Google algorithms keep details in shadows and lights – on a standard camera, the sky often “knocks out” in white, and faces in the shade lose texture.
- 🔍 Super Res Zoom: With digital zoom up to 2× GCam uses super-resolution technology, recovering parts through a combination of multiple frames. MIUI Camera zoom gives a blurred "porridge" already at 1.5×.
- 🎭 Portrait Mode: Boke on GCam looks more natural thanks to the precise definition of object boundaries (even with hair or complex contours).
There are also disadvantages: GCam may not work correctly with a 2 MP macro module (it is simply ignored by most versions), and video in the video is not available. 4K Sometimes it's recorded with artifacts because of the Mediatek codec, but for photography, the benefits outweigh the benefits.
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 8 Pro Refuses to Launch Due to Lack of Official Support Camera2 API The solution is to use modified builds to bypass this restriction (see Select GCam version»).
Pre-installation requirements and preparation
Before installing Google Camera, check the following points:
- 📱 Version. MIUI Android: The instructions are working on MIUI 12-15 (Android 10–13) Older versions (Android 9) will require manual activation Camera2 API through ADB.
- 🔧 Unlocked bootloader: Not required, but if you plan to use Magisk for the module Camera2API Enabler, you will need to unlock (see spoiler below).
- 📁 Free space: Minimum 200 MB on internal storage – GCam caches temporary files for HDR+.
- 🔄 Backup: Save important photos/video – when testing different versions of the GCam, there may be failures in the work of the standard camera.
How to unlock the bootloader on Redmi Note 8 Pro?
If your Redmi Note 8 Pro already has an unlocked bootloader and Magisk installed, you can skip the steps with the new model. ADB and immediately proceed to install the module Camera2API Enabler. for other users will require manual activation Camera2 API team:
adb shell setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1This command must be entered in the terminal. ADB with the connected phone (with debugging enabled by USB). After performing, restart the device.
Selecting the version of Google Camera for Redmi Note 8 Pro
Not all GCam builds work equally well on Mediatek Helio G90T. We tested more. 20 versions and selected top-3 with better stability and functionality:
| GCam version | Author/Fashion/ | Pluses | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCam 8.1(Urnyx05 v2.5) | Urnyx05 | ✅ Stable employment for MIUI 14/15 ✅ Support for Night Sight and Astrophotography ✅ Minimum artifacts on a wide-angle module | ❌ No support for macro-module 2 MP ❌ Video in the video 4K lay down | Download |
| GCam 7.4(Nikita v11) | Nikita | ✅ Best detail in the HDR+ Enhanced ✅ Supports XML-fine-tuning ✅ Less heats up the processor | ❌ No Astrophotography. ❌ Sometimes falls in the middle of a shooting. RAW | Download |
| GCam 8.4(BSG v9.1) | BSG | ✅ Modern interface ✅ Support 8K Video (but with artifacts) ✅ Best Portrait Mode Processing | ❌ It warms up strongly during long shooting ❌ Frequently slashed on MIUI 12 | Download |
For most users, we recommend GCam 8.1. Urnyx05 — It's offre the best balance between stability and functionality. HDR, Try Nikita. v11, But be prepared for manual adjustment. XML.
⚠️ Attention: Download APK-files only from trusted sources (e.g. celsoazevedo.com) Versions from unknown forums may contain malicious code or ads.
Google Camera Installation Step-by-step
The installation process depends on whether your Redmi Note 8 Pro is activated. Camera2 API. If you've followed the command ADB Or install the Magisk module, you can start the installation APK. If not, follow the instructions below.
🔹 Check the version. MIUI Android
🔹 Activate Camera2 API (through ADB magisk)
🔹 Download the appropriate version of GCam (see table above)
🔹 Backup of photo/video
🔹 Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->
Method 1: Installation without root rights (through ADB)
If you do not have the boot loader unlocked, but debugging is enabled USB:
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm access via USB.
- Open the terminal (or cmd in Windows) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device is defined.
- Run the activation command. Camera2 API: adb shell setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1
- Reboot the phone.
- Set up the downloaded one. APK-GCam file (allow installation from unknown sources in Settings) → Annexes → Special rights).
Method 2: Installation with Magisk (for rooted devices)
If you have Magisk installed:
- Download the module. Camera2API Enabler.
- Install the module through Magisk Manager (Modules → Install from storage).
- Reboot the phone.
- Install. APK GCam and check the camera's performance.
Once installed, launch Google Camera and provide all the permissions requested. The first launch may result in a Camera error. API2 It is not supported, in which case restart the phone again.
💡
If GCam falls during shooting, try turning off the Save to Map option. SD» Some versions don't work well with external storage.
Setting up XML-Configuration for maximum quality
Without the right one. XML-Google Camera configures on Redmi Note 8 Pro will run at 50% of its capabilities.Config is responsible for:
- 📊 White balance and color profile
- 🔧 Noise reduction and sharpness parameters
- 🌙 Settings Night Sight and Astrophotography
- 📐 Correction of distortions on a wide-angle module
We have prepared an optimized configuration for GCam 8.1 (Urnyx05), It takes into account the features of the camera Redmi Note 8 Pro:
Download XML-Configuration for Redmi Note 8 Pro
After using the config, we recommend making the following changes manually:
- Open the Settings. → Limit FPS and pick 30. FPS (This will reduce the heat of the processor).
- In the section HDR+ Control set up HDR+ Enhanced for the main module and HDR+ Auto for frontal.
- Turn off “Save Location” if you don’t use geotags (saves battery power).
- In Advanced. → Lib Patcher, select AWB Fix (corrects automatic white balance).
⚠️ Note: If the photos are too dark after using the config, reduce the value of “Shadow Boost” in the settings. HDR+ For night photography, increase Night Sight Brightness to 1.2-1.4.
Typical problem solving
Even with the correct version of the GCam and the config on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, errors can occur.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| «Camera API2 unsupported» | No activation. HAL3 or the wrong version of GCam | 1. Repeat the command. ADB: adb shell setprop persist.camera.HAL3.enabled 1 2.Reboot your phone. 3. Try another version of the GCam (e.g. Nikita) v11). |
| The green tint in the photo | Incompatible XML-fault AWB | 1. In the GCam settings, turn on «AWB Fix.” 2. Install a config for the Redmi Note 8 Pro (see spoiler above). 3. If it doesn’t help, reset the GCam settings to factory-based ones. |
| The app flies out when you're shooting. | Conflict with MIUI Camera or lack of memory | 1. Close all background applications. 2. disable "Save on" SD» In the GCam 3 settings, install the Magisk module Disable MIUI Camera (if it interferes with it). |
| Artifacts on a wide-angle module | Incorrect correction of distortions | 1. V XML-Configue find a line <AuxCameraLensDistortion> and set the value 0.8. 2. Or disable the wide-angle module in the GCam settings ("More") → Turn on AUX»). |
| Night Sight's not working. | No support for the selected version of GCam | 1. Install GCam 8.1 (Urnyx05) 2. Enable "Night Sight" manually in the settings (Section "More»). |
If none of the solutions worked, try removing the GCam cache (Settings). → Annexes → Google Camera → Warehouse → Clear the cache) or reinstall the application.
💡
Redmi Note 8 Pro offers the best results with a combination: GCam 8.1 (Urnyx05) + XML-Configuration for Mediatek Helio G90T + switched-off.
Photos from MIUI Camera vs Google Camera
To illustrate the difference, we did a test shoot on the Redmi Note 8 Pro in different conditions, all of which were hand-held, no tripod, in a format. JPEG (without RAW).
Daylight (HDR):
- MIUI Camera: The sky is overlit, the shadows on the building merge into black, details on the leaves of the trees blurred.
- Google Camera (HDR+ Enhanced: Keeping both clouds and wall texture, clear foliage, more natural colors, without too much saturation.
Night Mode (Night Mode):
- MIUI Camera: Heavy noise, loss of parts on asphalt, lights 'smeared».
- Google Camera (Night Sight): Noise is 3 times less, the inscriptions on the signs are read, the light sources are spotlight, without halos.
Portrait mode:
- MIUI Camera: Blurring boundaries are uneven (especially around hair), facial skin is too smoothed.
- Google Camera: Boque is natural, preserved skin and hair textures, no artifacts on the contours.
For objectivity, we also tested the video in the 4K:
- Nana MIUI Camera video is more stable (best work) EIS), but the colours are dull.
On the GCam 8.1, the colors are juicier, but when moving, there are “tremblings” due to weak stabilization.
Conclusion: for photos Google Camera is out of competition, and for video it is better to use a standard application or Open Camera with manual settings.