A good camera app for your phone is more important than ever. But while manufacturers are constantly fighting to provide the best cameras, it doesn’t simply come down to hardware … software is massively important too. That’s where GCam, the Google camera app is popular for improving photo quality, even on non Pixels devices.
What is GCam?
The modified camera app was created by Google for use in it’s Pixel phones, but it has now become known as GCam. The secret is to advanced image processing algorithms that generate surprisingly good photos in low light or with HDR. The good news? Most of you have probably realized that on a wide range of phones developers have created ‘mods’ of GCam that work, so you don’t need a Pixel to get great results.
GCam requires the Camera2 API as its main requirement and to run inside either Android 10 or higher. Newer phones tend to meet these requirements, but the developers have made versions of GCam compatible with old phones as well.
Download and Install GCam
The latest release GCam 9.2 Version 14 is one BMG, BSG who have contributed quite a lot to the GCam community. Additionally, it brings major improvements in image processing and new characteristics which enhance the phone’s performance across other phones.
To install GCam:
- Click developer’s link and download the APK.
- Go down to ‘Security Setting’ and enable allow thrid-party apps.
- Install the app and open it.
Remember, this is a modified app so minor bugs might occur. But there is an active GCam community on other platforms like Telegram to help you resolve the issues.
Whats the Best Phones to Use in GCam?
Xiaomi
GCam works remarkably well with Xiaomi phones, particularly mid and high-end models. GCam processes features like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 incredibly, thanks to its powerful processing and Camera2 API compatibility. The Xiaomi 12X, 13T, 14, POCO F5 Pro are among the top performers.
Samsung
It works wonders on Samsung Galaxy models particularly low light and HDR. You’d think GCam could make a perfectly acceptable Galaxy S22, S23 or even S24 Ultra a capable shooter.
OnePlus
With GCam, OnePlus 11 users benefit from being able to improve the white balance and remove noise the most in low light photos.
Realme
With GCam, night shots and portrait photography on Realme 10, battery drain is also reduced substantially.
Advanced Features of GCam
What makes GCam stand out is the range of advanced settings that let you fine-tune your photography experience:
- White balance: Light better with color temperature adjustment.
- RAW format: Save photos in RAW so you can edit them more easily.
- HDR+: By controlling HDR+ intensity you can capture more detail in your bright or dark areas.
- Manual focus control: UB94 is especially useful for portraits and macro shots, you can achieve the precise focus.
Along with those advanced options, these options help you change your camera settings to ensure professional results no matter how you shoot.
Conclusion
Anyone who’s looking to upgrade their mobile photography should definitely get GCam. It also features substantial improvements — even on phones outside the Pixel family — thanks to its advanced image processing. Installing GCam will take a little setup, but the photos have paid off, so it’s more than worth it.
Go ahead and try it out with your phone and see the difference!