Owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro often face the limitations of a regular app for shooting, especially in low-light conditions. While Samsung’s 64MP sensor can work wonders, Google’s image processing algorithms work magic by pulling details out of shadows and improving dynamic range. That’s why installing a ported version of Google Camera (GCam) has become a must-have ritual for mobile photography enthusiasts in 2020.
The installation process does not require root rights and takes only a few minutes to follow a proven algorithm. However, the MIUI 12 shell has its own security and permission management nuances that can confuse a beginner. In this article, we will discuss in detail where to find a stable build, how to set up the configuration correctly and avoid typical startup errors.
It is worth noting that not all versions of the application work equally well on the MediaTek Helio G90T processor. Some builds may fly out when you try to turn on Portrait mode or work incorrectly with the ultra-wide-angle camera module. Our task is to find a middle ground between functionality and stability so that your smartphone will reach its full photo potential.
Why you should replace the regular camera with the Redmi Note 8 Pro
Xiaomi’s regular app often uses excessive noise reduction and aggressive facial smoothing to turn photos into soap. Google’s HDR+ algorithms use the processing power of the processor to create a series of images and then combine them, allowing images with natural colors, clear boundaries of objects and minimal digital noise, even at dusk.
In addition, GCam ports offer advanced manual tuning capabilities. You get access to parameters that are hidden in standard firmware: noise level, sharpness, chromatic aberrations and white balance can be adjusted to within tenths of a fraction. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, this is especially true, since the main sensor has high detail that just needs to be handled properly.
⚠️ Attention: Installation of third-party APK-You can only download files from trusted sources, such as the official developer channel or authoritative forums like 4PDA, to avoid the introduction of malicious code.
Another advantage is Night Sight, which often works better than MIUI's built-in Night Mode. It doesn't require a tripod and takes multiple shots with different exposures, creating a light and clear image where the eye already barely distinguishes anything, making the phone a versatile tool for street photography at any time of the day.
Choosing the right version of GCam for MediaTek Helio G90T
The Helio G90T processor installed in the Redmi Note 8 Pro is based on the ARM architecture, but does not have full support for the Camera2 camera API at the level of Xiaomi proprietary drivers. Because of this, many standard Google Camera builds simply won’t run or will show a black screen. It is critical to choose versions marked as MediaTek compatible or with the MTK prefix.
In 2020, the most stable ports were considered to be from the developers BSG, Arnova8G2 and Shamim. BSG versions are generally more versatile and have built-in settings for various sensors. For MIUI 12, it is recommended to use the APK versions of Android 10 (v10) or Android 11 (v11), as they are better optimized for the new system of resolutions and background processes.
When choosing a specific build, pay attention to the release date. Newer versions often contain bug fixes specific to MIUI 12, such as focus or file retention issues. However, sometimes the "fresh" version may be less stable than the time-tested build from a month ago, so always have a backup option on hand.
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Use a file manager with access to system folders to quickly find downloaded APKs and.xml configuration files, hiding them from the gallery to avoid debris in the album.
You don't want to chase the maximum-feature versions if you prioritize stability. Basic functionality like the core module and wide-angle works almost everywhere, whereas macro camera and depth sensors may require specific patches. Start with the base version, make sure it works, and then experiment with more complex modifications.
Preparation of MIUI 12 for installation
Before you start the installer, you need to make sure that the system is ready to accept a third-party application. In MIUI 12, the security policy has become stricter, and simple consent during installation may not be enough.
Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on MIUI Version. After the message “You became a developer” return to the main settings menu, select Additional → For developers. Here you need to find and enable the option to Enable MIUI Optimization (sometimes you need to turn it off and turn it on again) and allow installation via USB if you plan to transfer files from your PC.
It is also important to check for system updates. Although GCam is not directly dependent on the version of the security patch, some camera system libraries can only be updated through an official update. Make sure you have free space in memory and a battery charge above 20% so that the process does not interrupt at a critical stage.
☑️ Preparation of Redmi Note 8 Pro
In MIUI 12, the application may not automatically request access to the file system when it first starts, but you will have to manually go to Settings → Applications → All Applications → GCam → Permissions and issue all requested rights, including access to storage and microphone.
Step-by-step instructions for installing an APK file
The installation process itself is technically simple, but requires careful handling of system dialogs. APK-Open the file manager and find the downloaded document, usually in the Download or Download folder.
When you try to open a file, MIUI 12 will give you a security alert. Click "OK" or "Continue", then in the window that appears, select your browser or file manager as the source and switch the "Allow Installation" switch toggle, only after that the "Install" button at the bottom of the screen will be active.
Wait until the progress bar is over. If the installation is successful, you will see the Open button. Don't rush to launch the app right away. It's recommended that you clear the application data first to reset any conflicts with previous installation attempts.
⚠️ Warning: If you install an error that says "Packet not installed" or "App not installed", don't panic. Most often, this means you're trying to install the Android version on top of a newer version, or the file is corrupted when you download it.
To clean up your data, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, search the Google Camera list (or the developer name, such as BSG), click Clean and select Clear All. After that, you can try to run the app again.
Configuring and applying a configuration file
On his own. APK-To make the camera see all the modules of your Redmi Note 8 Pro (main, wide, macro) and work consistently, you need a configuration file with the.xml extension. Without it, the application will work in base mode, often with focus errors or without a wide-angle.
The process of implementing the configuration is to create a folder at the root of the internal memory called GCam (or the developer name, for example, BSG). Inside it, create a folder Configs8 (the number can vary depending on the version, for v7.x it is Configs7).
Start Google Camera. On the black screen of the viewfinder, double or triple, quickly tap in the empty area (usually between the downhill button and zoom). A menu will appear with the name of your configuration file. Select it and press Restore. The camera will restart with new settings.
What to do if the configuration menu does not appear?
Once you've successfully used the config, check all the lenses. Switch between 0.6x, 1x and 2x. If the switch is off and the focus is quickly turned on, you've done it right. You can now move on to fine-tuning the shooting parameters in the settings menu of the GCam itself.
Compatibility table of camera modules
Not all Redmi Note 8 Pro camera modules can work properly through Google Camera due to the features of MediaTek drivers. Below is a table showing the expected performance of various sensors in popular GCam builds 2020.
| Camera module | Permission | Status at GCam | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main (Wide) | 64 MP (Samsung GW1) | Full support | HDR+, Night Sight, 4K video |
| Ultra-wide. | 8 MP | It's working. | Color distortions are possible, there is no 4K |
| Macro | 2 MP | Partial/No | Often requires a separate config, low quality |
| Depth sensor | 2 MP | It's not working. | Only a program portrait is used. |
It's important to understand that even with "Works" status, quality can be different from the standard one. For example, the macro camera in GCam may not have autofocus or take blurry pictures because Google hasn't optimized its algorithms for such sensors.
For video, the situation is similar: the core module writes great video with a good stabilizer (EIS), but switching to a wide-angle while recording can lead to jerks or stop recording, a platform limitation that is difficult to bypass software.
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The main priority when installing the GCam on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is stable operation of the main 64 MP module and night mode, the rest of the cameras are secondary.
Solving problems and start errors
One of the most common problems on MIUI 12 is the black screen when you start or the app crashes out instantly. This is often associated with aggressive energy saving. Go to Settings → Battery → Problem Search (or similar) and make sure Google Cameras selects “No Limits.” Also add the app to autoboot.
If the camera focuses endlessly or “soaps” the image, try in the GCam settings (Advanced section) to find the AWB (Auto White Balance) and change the phone model to the Pixel 3 or Pixel 4. Sometimes it helps to reset the settings of the GCam itself through the menu inside the application (cogs → Reset settings).
If photos are saved but not visible in the gallery, check the save path. In the GCam settings, specify the /DCIM/Camera path so that the MIUI system correctly indexes new files. Also make sure that the application has permission to write to storage.
⚠️ Warning: If the camera started to work incorrectly after installing the GCam (focus was lost, stripes appeared), clean the data of the regular Camera application.
Remember that Google Camera is a third-party product. It may not automatically update through the Play Market. Keep an eye on forum news to get current versions with bug fixes specific to your device.