Google Camera for android – latest GCam mods

Are you searching for the Google Camera APK file for your Android smartphone on the internet? If yes, then you are in the right place. Here, comprehensive information about this camera application is provided, along with various modified versions (ports) from well-known developers.

Why do you need all this?

The technologies used in standard camera applications of almost all well-known phone brands do not provide the quality and clarity of photos that you can actually get from the camera module of your device. Everyone wants to achieve the right exposure, detailing, and color. But how? Most third-party apps from the Google Play Store will give you roughly the same result, and, moreover, they will lack some unique additional features that are only available in the stock camera apps of the device manufacturer. However, there is a solution to this situation – you need to install the Google Camera port.

If you’re not familiar with what GCam Port APK is and want to learn more about what makes it so unique compared to other photo enhancement apps on the market, read on!

Every smartphone is designed to provide a unique photography experience and deliver flawless features, and each company embeds a stock camera for better images and videos. However, in practice, these applications are not as good as you might think. They have shortcomings, especially in terms of image processing, which significantly degrades image quality as the algorithms are very primitive. Photos turn out blurry with low detailing, oversaturated colors (while the number of color shades ruthlessly decreases with noise reduction, color transitions become rough and unnatural), excessively high contrast, and shadows plunging into complete blackness. Haven’t noticed that? Take a closer look and analyze the above. To confirm this, try taking a photo in RAW format and develop it, for example, in Lightroom Mobile or any other developer. The difference between a JPEG photo from your stock camera and the result obtained from the RAW format will be simply colossal.

To cut to the chase, with the Google Camera for Android phones, you can create photos with a wide dynamic range even if you don’t have a Pixel phone, which is quite fascinating. And, most importantly, with very high quality because this software originally shoots in RAW format, develops it, and performs post-processing. Moreover, to reduce noise levels in your photos, shooting is done in several frames, which are subsequently merged.

What is Google Camera APK?

Fundamentally, Google Camera is a unique software application, as mentioned earlier, primarily designed for Google smartphones, such as the Pixel series. Like most smartphone shooting apps, it is created to provide a more reliable process for recording video and taking photos.

In practice, it contains various software algorithms carefully optimized for each Google smartphone so that you can get HDR images with outstanding clarity, as well as exceptionally high-quality portraits and panoramic shots.

Furthermore, you can get amazing images with a background blur effect, bright and expressive photos with impressive night shooting that conveys every detail with high accuracy.

The functionality of video shooting has not been overlooked and is also impressive. The app offers impressive settings that allow you to enable video stabilization, switch resolution, frames per second, and much more, so users can customize settings to their liking and be satisfied with the video shooting process and the result obtained. Additionally, built-in Google Lens features for scanning various objects await you.

All these features and settings are available exclusively on Google devices, which may disappoint Android users who do not own Pixel phones. But, don’t be sad; you have the opportunity to install this amazing app even on phones like Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, and many others, with just a few simple clicks.

What is the Google Camera Port?

As mentioned earlier, the application was developed for Pixel phones, so the functionality and performance of the original software do not extend to other smartphones. Despite this, savvy developers always find ways to overcome such limitations and provide working solutions.

If you are familiar with the world of application modifications (MOD), you will better understand that Google Camera ports are essentially modified versions of the original application. Moreover, these are versions with extended settings and functionality, available for download on various Android device models.

The term APK port is widely used in the community providing various versions of GCam port compatible with different smartphones. Additionally, if your phone is equipped with a Snapdragon or Exynos processor, it is recommended not to delay and download the Port, as tests have shown its excellent compatibility with these processors on many devices. However, first, you need to check Camera2 API support to understand whether Google Camera ports are available for you or not.

Port versions of Google Camera retain the look and functionality of the original but add new features and numerous new settings for users. In the community, several developers provide a large set of GCam settings. Below are some of the most popular Google Camera ports that are actively developing.

If you are looking for Google Camera for specific Android devices, there is already a usage guide for all supported phones. This GCam Hub (ApkW.ru) provides special instructions for Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, Redmi, Oppo, and Vivo smartphones.

Popular Google Camera Ports

With the release of Android 11, updates for the Google Camera APK have also emerged, and our dedicated and hardworking developers have introduced fresh versions of GCam. Simultaneously, new contributors have joined the team, and their ports have also been posted on the site. You can check the latest available version in the GCam Hub right on this page or on the pages of specific developers.

The primary advantage of the new version of Google Camera is that now you have an abundance of user functions and parameters to create high-quality photos.

Why is Google Camera so popular?

It’s simple: it elevates the quality of images and videos to an entirely new level, using some of the most advanced features and photo processing algorithms that are truly impressive.

At the same time, the camera software is ten times richer in functionality and customization compared to the standard smartphone camera. Moreover, it provides a full-fledged experience due to the careful tuning of software algorithms and their operation in the background.

Some technology enthusiasts claim that GCam mods for Android can process photos with such a wide dynamic range and detail that makes them exceptionally effective. With the use of advanced artificial intelligence features, in some cases, it can even surpass digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs). All of this becomes possible thanks to outstanding processor computing power, the photosensor, and unique software algorithms.

There is an opinion that when the first Pixel smartphone was introduced, no one expected Google to make such a significant contribution to the development of this software. We remember the times when Samsung introduced its first smartphone with four camera modules.

Even at that time, the single Pixel camera module noticeably outperformed the Samsung phone with four modules, thanks to Google Camera support. Since then, it has gained immense popularity and become an undisputed leader among phone camera apps.

Features

Pixel Visual/Neural Core

Image processing at the hardware level was introduced in Pixel phones to achieve outstanding camera results without unnecessary complexity while maintaining user convenience. This feature usually integrates well with Qualcomm chipsets, accelerating image processing with Adreno graphics core support.

This capability was in demand during the Pixel 1 and 2 era, leading to the creation of the Pixel Visual Core to elevate image processing quality to a new level. Later, an improved version called Pixel Neural Core was released with the launch of new Pixel 4 models, providing even better results than before.

In simpler terms, this feature was designed to enhance photo processing with the addition of specialized software in the system on a chip (SoC). All of this allowed for obtaining more vibrant colors with good contrast during photography.

HDR+

This feature helps the camera software enhance the brightness of dark areas in photos and expand the dynamic range, making the shots more detailed. The Zero Shutter Lag (ZSL) feature is also very useful – you don’t have to wait to capture the moment of your life. Although ZSL may not deliver as impressive results as Enhanced HDR+, the overall photo quality is significantly improved.

Enhanced HDR+ (Extended)

HDR+ Enhanced features an improved version of HDR+, typical for old Pixel and Nexus phones. This function usually uses multiple frames when pressing the shutter button, with the number of frames varying from 5 to 15. Artificial intelligence software analyzes the photos, enhances color saturation, and reduces contrast.

Additionally, various types of noise reduction are used, allowing to reduce noise levels in low-light conditions. It’s important to note that this disables zero shutter lag, providing slightly slower shooting but improving dynamic range, delivering excellent results in various conditions.

Double Exposure Control

This feature yields excellent results when capturing photos or videos using Live HDR+. It increases image brightness and enhances low dynamic range photos, transforming them into images with a wide dynamic range, which is beneficial for shadow rendering. Unfortunately, on old Pixel phones, these benefits are not available due to hardware limitations.

However, if you have a Pixel 4 or newer, this feature will work seamlessly on your phone, providing more possibilities. Additionally, this feature also works in many Google Camera ports, so you can try taking advantage of this on your smartphone.

Portrait Mode

Portrait shooting mode is one of the stunning features offered in modern smartphones. Previously, not many brands provided this capability, and even now, the quality of portrait images in Google Camera Ports apps is significantly higher and more detailed. The background blur effect is expertly executed, while the subject remains clear and detailed.

Bokeh effects greatly enhance the quality of selfies, and the natural color palette makes the images more attractive. Machine learning contributes to precise object isolation, keeping it in focus, while the background is elegantly blurred, yielding amazing results.

Motion Photos

GCam on Android features a Motion Photos feature that captures a short video without sound while you take a photo. This option brings static images to life, allowing you to capture moments before and after shooting. A similar feature exists in iOS called Live Photo.

Note that Motion Photos mode differs from Motion Mode. You have the ability to export moving photos in video clip format.

Similar to other brands offering real-time shooting capabilities, motion photos work similarly. In simple terms, with this feature, you can create GIF animations.

Top Shot

Top Shot is a feature first introduced in Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones. Top Shot utilizes computer vision technology and takes on the task of selecting the best frame from a series of shots taken moments before and after the user presses the shutter button.

When you take a shot, the Google Camera app effectively records several frames over a short period before and after the moment of capture. Then, using artificial intelligence algorithms, it analyzes each frame and selects the one where the scene looks best.

The Top Shot feature brings more flexibility to the shooting process, as it allows users not to worry about precisely pressing the shutter button at the right moment. Instead, the app offers several frame options from which you can choose the best shot.

Video Stabilization

As known, video recording is one of the key features of camera applications. However, many phone models encounter issues with effective video stabilization, typically affecting budget phones with weak hardware (and often software). Despite this, Google Camera software enables the use of video stabilization, usually implemented using technologies known as “OIS” (optical image stabilization) and/or “EIS” (electronic image stabilization). These technologies are designed to reduce vibrations and shaking when shooting videos, making video recordings clearer and more stable. Additionally, autofocus features are implemented, simplifying the video recording process.

Smart Burst

This feature is designed for those who are not professional photographers but rather for us, ordinary users. With Smart Burst, you simply hold down the shutter button, and the Google Camera captures 10 shots at once. Unlike other brands, the photos here are automatically sorted, providing the best images.

This feature also includes capabilities such as moving GIFs (Motion Photos) and the use of artificial intelligence to highlight the best shots or create a photo collage. All these possibilities become available thanks to this innovative function.

Super Res Zoom

This technology, used in Google Pixel cameras, aims to enhance digital zoom in photos. It combines hardware and software methods to create more detailed and clear images during digital zoom than traditional digital zoom methods (which typically crop and scale a single image).

Here’s how Super Res Zoom works:

• Serial Shooting: When using the zoom mode, the Pixel camera takes a series of frames with slight framing changes.
• Data Processing: After shooting, these frames are combined and processed by a special algorithm that uses information from each frame to increase detail and create a high-quality image.
• Combination with Machine Learning: During data processing, machine learning methods may also be used to improve results, considering various factors such as noise, sharpness, and color information.

Super Res Zoom technology allows improving image quality during digital zoom, reducing the loss of detail often associated with digital zoom. It was introduced to provide better quality when using zoom in Google Pixel cameras, leveraging computational capabilities and algorithms developed by Google. Even on older phones, you can enjoy zooming through this feature without any issues.

Additional Features

Google Lens

Google Lens is an image recognition and artificial intelligence technology provided by Google. This technology allows using the smartphone camera for real-time recognition and analysis of objects. Google Lens provides information and interacts with the surrounding world, making the mobile experience more informative and convenient.

Key features of Google Lens include:

1. Object Recognition: Google Lens can recognize objects and provide information about them. This may include recognizing plants, animals, buildings, products, etc.
2. Interactive Actions: Lens can perform various interactive actions based on object recognition. For example, you can point the camera at text in another language, and Lens will offer a translation. You can also point the camera at a product, and Lens will provide product information and offer links for purchase.
3. Text Recognition: Lens can recognize text in photos and provide additional information or take actions with the text, such as copying, translating, or adding to the calendar.
4. QR Code and Barcode Recognition: Google Lens can scan QR codes and barcodes, providing relevant information or performing related actions.

Google Lens is available as a standalone app on Android and iOS devices and is also integrated into several other Google products, including Google Camera, Google Photos, and Google Assistant.

Night Sight

Night Sight is a feature provided by the Google Pixel camera in the Google Camera app. This mode is designed to enhance the quality of shooting in low-light conditions, such as night scenes. It allows capturing clearer and brighter photos in low light, which is especially useful for evening or indoor photography with minimal lighting.

How Night Sight works:

1. Long Exposure: When Night Sight mode is enabled, the camera takes a series of shots with long exposures over several seconds. This allows the camera to capture more light, which is crucial in low-light conditions.
2. Data Processing: Captured images are combined and processed by a special algorithm that takes into account camera and object movement on the scene. This enables creating a final image with maximum brightness and detail.
3. Noise Reduction: The algorithm also includes noise reduction methods to decrease noise in the photo, which is often a challenge with long exposures.

Night Sight mode is quite effective and often leads to impressive results, allowing users to capture good photos in low-light conditions where regular modes might result in dark and blurry shots.

Photo Sphere

Photo Sphere is a feature provided by the Google Camera, allowing users to create interactive spherical photos. Instead of capturing only one frame, as in regular photography, Photo Sphere prompts the user to create a composition from multiple frames, which are then stitched together into a spherical image.

How to use Photo Sphere:

1. Launch the Google Camera app.
2. Select the Photo Sphere mode. This mode is usually found among other camera modes.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you to move the camera around to capture all sides of the scene.
4. Take a photo of each individual frame. The app will provide instructions on when to take the next shot.
5. Photo Processing. After completing the capture, the app will merge the shots into a unified spherical image.

The created Photo Sphere can be viewed on the device using built-in image viewing tools or published in an online gallery for others to interact with this unique form of photography.

This feature is particularly useful for creating interesting and visually appealing photos that allow viewers to explore the scene around them.

AR Stickers (Augmented Reality Stickers) and Playground

These are features provided in the Google Pixel camera that allow users to add virtual objects, characters, and effects to photos and videos using augmented reality (AR) technologies.

AR Stickers:

1. Adding Virtual Objects: With AR Stickers, you can choose from various virtual objects, such as characters from popular movies, cartoons, anime, etc.
2. Integration with the Environment: These objects can interact with the real environment, such as moving in space, reacting to movements, and changes around them.
3. Photos and Videos: AR Stickers can be added to both photos and videos, creating fun and creative moments.

Playground:

1. Interactive AR Effects: Playground provides a wide range of interactive AR effects that can be added to photos and videos.
2. Emotions and Text: In Playground, you can add emotions, text, animated effects, and other elements to give your photos and videos a unique style and mood.
3. Object Recognition: Playground can recognize objects and faces in photos, offering corresponding AR effects and stickers.

These features give the Google Pixel camera additional capabilities for creativity and creating unique content. They excellently demonstrate the potential of AR technology in the realm of entertainment and visual arts.

Astrophotography

Astrophotography is a feature provided in Google Pixel cameras designed for capturing high-quality photos of the night sky and stars. This feature is used for photographing the night sky, galaxies, and other astronomical objects in low-light conditions, such as the night sky over a city or in remote areas with minimal light pollution.

How Astrophotography works:

1. Long Exposure: Astrophotography mode uses long exposures, ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. This allows the camera to gather more light and details from celestial objects.
2. Nighttime Processing: After capturing, a specially designed image processing algorithm processes the frames to reduce noise and enhance contrast, making stars more expressive.
3. Motion Compensation: During long exposures, the camera compensates for even slight movements, such as those that can occur when holding the device by hand, to prevent image blur.

To use Astrophotography on Google Pixel devices, you likely need to select the corresponding camera mode, which is usually activated automatically when suitable conditions are detected. The camera will typically prompt you to use Astrophotography when you are focused on the sky in low-light conditions. It’s best to stabilize the phone in a steady position or use a tripod.

How to Find Google Camera APK for Your Android Phone?

Finding the perfect version of Google Camera that won’t crash after installation is a challenging task, as you have to choose from various ported versions and hope that at least one of them will be functional.

This process can be confusing and time-consuming. However, dear user, you don’t necessarily have to aimlessly explore and test all the options yourself.

To simplify the search, the GCam Ports Hub has a list of devices compatible with these software ports. Check it out and download the appropriate version now to enjoy captivating photos on your phone.

Getting high-quality photos and videos, even with a flagship smartphone, can often be problematic. Stock camera apps always have drawbacks such as overly aggressive noise reduction (or conversely, excessive noise), oversharpening, and unpleasant color rendition that photo enthusiasts are unlikely to appreciate, and most likely, your device produces the unsatisfactory result described above.

Even after numerous attempts, you are likely to fail to get a high-quality photo. But don’t worry: this Google Camera app port will give you the opportunity to capture high-quality photos and videos.

Which Google Camera is better

While Google’s camera app can theoretically be installed on most Android smartphones, the key features that make it great for photography often don’t work on devices from other manufacturers. For example, Google’s HDR+ technology, which provides an advantage in photo quality, is not always available.

To unlock these features on devices not manufactured by Google, modifications and ports have been created. Several developers and modders are currently working on integrating all the capabilities and fixing issues on various mobile devices. This is a significant amount of work, as Google restricts the app from working on devices other than the Pixel.

Which Google Camera is better to install

This software is not a typical app that you can find on the Google Play Store. To install it, you need to download the .apk file (the format used for Android applications) and then open it using a file manager. Don’t worry; this process is very easy to do.

Note: Before installing, I recommend checking for Camera2 API support on your Android device.

It is impossible to definitively answer which Google Camera version is the best. You can start by using recommended versions that are considered compatible with many devices.

It is also helpful to explore forums (e.g., XDA Developers, 4PDA) and Telegram groups to find a suitable GCam port for Android phones.

Browsing developer pages can also be useful. In the descriptions of the developer or modder, you can find information about the devices they support. If a developer owns a similar device to yours, it increases the likelihood of compatibility between his versions and your smartphone.

Important: The developer’s page or the description of a specific mod version may not list all compatible phone models. Many models are listed on the configuration pages, if available.

After finding a working version, it is recommended to keep an eye out for updates from the same developer, as they may be compatible with your device.

Why are there so many versions?

First and foremost, if the current version works fine on your device, there’s no need to experiment with new versions. However, if you encounter issues or want to try out new features, you can consider testing newer versions.

Developers regularly release new versions of modifications to improve photo quality, unlock new features, fix issues on various smartphone models, support new devices, and make other improvements. These versions may be more optimized or offer additional capabilities. Some of them may work better on specific devices, so it’s important to keep an eye on updates and community feedback.

I strive to provide all available versions on the GCam Hub download page because it’s impossible to conduct comprehensive testing of new versions on all possible smartphones. Sometimes, a test version may have problems on one device but work flawlessly on another.

Please don’t blame Google Camera mod developers if something doesn’t work, because this is an unofficial application. Keep in mind that Google Camera is not an open source app, so it is sometimes difficult or even impossible to add new features.

Stable versions of Google Camera

I hope you find the suitable version of Google Camera for your mobile device model and capture many masterpieces.