Gcam Port Hub (all device list): Best Google camera for your Android

Gcam Port APK Hub is your ultimate source to download the Google Camera port on all the supported Android devices. Although Celsoazevedo.com is the largest source for Google Camera ports, it’s very difficult to find device wise GCam. So, to find the appropriate download link for your device, you can go through the table as per the OEM name given below.

Google Camera (GCam) is a camera application developed by Google for its Pixel smartphones. Initially, it was developed by X (company), which was supported on all devices running Android 4.4 KitKat and higher. But now, GCAm is specific to the Pixel devices only.

Android smartphones have not been traditionally known for their excellent cameras. But that all changed after the lunch of Google’s Pixel lineup. The quality of the Google Pixel camera is so high; everyone is trying to match the same level. There are several high-ended flagship smartphones in the market from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Samsung, etc. But their cameras are not in the same line as Pixel. It is because of the specialty of the GCam application. That’s why users have been working on porting GCam to other devices.

You can get a better result on picture quality with the Google Camera application than the stock one. All the Pixel features like HDR+, Portrait Mode, Night Vision, Photo-sphere, Photobooth, Lens, Focus Effect, and Panorama will be functional on your device using GCam port.

Why does GCam Module perform better than other OEM’s camera app?

The reason is that the GCam uses some Google libraries that other manufactures aren’t allowed to use. They are bound to develop their own libraries to use the camera module. Fortunately, there are many developers from the XDA community who have been working on porting the GCam app for other devices. You will find the list of devices along with the download link for GCam ports; read ahead!

GCam ports are device-specific. You can not use a random GCam app on your phone. It depends on the port of the application and also on the compatibility with your smartphone.

Features of Google Camera app

Gcam is loaded with many features that can be activated either in the Settings page or on the row of icons at the top of the app.

1. Pixel Visual/Neural Core

The Google camera is aided with hardware accelerators to perform its image processing. It makes the camera module to perform better in a more efficient way. Pixel Visual Core is a series of ARM-based SiP image processors designed by Google, which enhances the quality of a camera module.

2. HDR+

HDR+ on Gcam is to achieve a higher dynamic range using computational photography techniques to take continuous burst shots with short exposures. It also reduces noise and improves color while eliminating blowing out highlights and motion blur.

3. HDR+ enhanced

HDR+ enhanced mode features positive-shutter-lag (PSL), which captures images after the shutter is pressed. It increases the dynamic range and uses the learning-based AWB algorithm from Night Sight.

4. Live HDR+

Live HDR+ features WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get), with a realtime preview of HDR+ mode. It also uses the learning-based AWB algorithm from Night Sight .

5. Dual Exposure Controls

The Live HDR+ mode uses double Exposure Control for brightness (capture exposure) and shadows (tone mapping). This feature is available only on high-ended devices.

6. Motion Photos

Google Camera Motion Photos perform a similar function to iOS’ Live Photo. When it is enabled, a short, silent, video clip of relatively low resolution is paired with the original photo. But it is not functional on HDR+ enhanced mode.

7. Video Stabilization

For a significantly smoother video, Google Camera uses a technique called Fused Video Stabilization that combines Optical Image Stabilization and Electronic/Digital image stabilization. This technique also rectifies other problems like Rolling shutter distortion and Focus breathing.

8. Super Res Zoom

This feature is only for high-ended devices. Multi-frame super-resolution technique is used to achieve higher resolution, equivalent to 2-3x optical zoom. This feature may not be available in many ports, depending on the device and its hardware. 

9. Smartburst

Smartbrust feature can be activated by holding the shutter button for a while. It will capture ten photos per second. Once released, the best picture will get highlighted automatically.

Not only the best picture, but it can also create different media using the snaps:

• Moving GIF: You can create an animated GIF from the image having a high amount of movement to capture your action.
• All-smile: This is a fantastic feature. A group photo can be captured with everyone smiling and not blinking by taking different parts of every picture in the burst.
• Collage: while taking ‘selfies,’ a collage similar to that of a Photobooth is created.

10. Top Shot

The Top shot is a feature from the Google Pixel 3. This mode is available only on the high-ended device, depending on the type of port by the developer. It analyzes up to 90 additional frames from 1.5 seconds before and after the shutter is pressed, while Motion Photos is enabled.

11. Other features

• Computational Raw: This feature allows you to capture JPEG and DNG files simultaneously.
• Motion Auto Focus: It maintains the focus on any object in the frame.
• Frequent Faces: Google camera can remember your face. This feature helps Gcam to try to capture your smiling face without blinking.
• Location: Location can be added to your picture if the GPS is on while capturing the moments.

Gcam modes (functions)

Google camera is loaded with different functions, allowing the users to take different types of photos or videos. Following are the Gcam modes that you can utilise on your phone:

1. Slow Motion
2. Panorama
3. Photo Sphere
4. Portrait
5. Playground
6. Google Lens
7. Photobooth
8. Night Sight
9. Astrophotography mode

Like this Google Camera app? We like it too, and we know you are looking forward to installing it right away on your phone. So, before heading to the download section, make sure to read the critical pre-requisite below!

Pre-requisite

Before downloading and installing the Gcam port on your phone, you need to confirm a couple of things. Check out the list below:

• Your device must have Camera2API. Otherwise, the Gcam port is not for you. (No idea on Camera2API? Read ahead!)
• If your device has Camera2API, but not enabled yet, you need to do that first. (There are tons of tutorial on enabling Camera2API on the internet)
• Check compatibility and status (enabled/disabled) of Camera2API. (Don’t know how to check? Read ahead!)

What is Camera2API?

Camera2 API is a framework by Google which allows the developer to give more control in the Camera module like ISO, Focus, Exposure, etc. It was introduced from Android 5.0 Lollipop. Before that, there was a standard API for every device. But now, Google limits the level of implementation of the API. Every device is not given full access to the feature using the Camera2 API. Implementation is taken in four different stages.

So, if you want to use the Google Camera port on your device, it must have Camera2 API enabled. Some Xiaomi devices like Mi 9T Pro comes with Camera2API enabled by default. But if you are not sure about your device, check out the steps below on how to see that.

How to check Camera2API support

Download QR-Code

Camera2 API Probe

Developer: March Media Lab

Price: Free

You can quickly check the Camera2API status of your device using the Camera2 API Probe app (Free) from the Play Store. Install it and check the hardware support level, as shown below!

The left screenshot is from the ASUS Zenfone Max Pro M1, having no Camera2 API support (LEGACY). While, in the right side, the screenshot is taken from Mi 9T Pro having full support (LEVEL_3) of Camera2 API. Followings are the meaning of each Camera levels (as per Google’s official source):

• LEGACY: These devices expose capabilities to apps through the Camera API2 interfaces that are approximately the same capabilities as those exposed to apps through the Camera API1 interfaces. The legacy frameworks code conceptually translates Camera API2 calls into Camera API1 calls; legacy devices don’t support Camera API2 features such as per-frame controls.
• LIMITED: These devices support some Camera API2 capabilities (but not all) and must use Camera HAL 3.2 or higher.
• FULLL: These devices support all of the major capabilities of Camera API2 and must use Camera HAL 3.2 or higher and Android 5.0 or higher.
• LEVEL_3: These devices support YUV reprocessing and RAW image capture, along with additional output stream configurations.

That’s about the Camera2 API hardware levels.

How to enable Camera2 API on your Android device?

If your device supports Camera2 API, you are pretty much set. Go ahead to the download section and enjoy. If not, do follow the steps below on how to enable Camera2 API. But make sure your device is rooted with Magisk. We have two methods:

1. Enable Camera2 API by editing build.prop
2. Enable Camera2 API using Magisk Module

For both methods, your device must be rooted. Whichever you choose is up to you!

NOTE: Rooting is not that much tough task if you follow the guide on Droidfeats correctly. If your device is still not rooted, you can check out this guide on how to root Android using Magisk.

Enable Camera2 API by Editing build.prop

1. Download the BuildProp Editor app from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the app and GRANT full root access.
3. At the end of the build.prop file, add the following line, and then tap on the save icon.

   persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1

4. Exit the app and restart your phone.
5. That’s all!

Enable Camera2 API using Magisk Module

There is a Magisk Module that can do the job for you. You can install Camera2 API enabler on your phone using the Magisk Manager. If you don’t know how to install a Magisk Module, do follow the below guide:

• Download: Camera2 API Magisk Module (ZIP)
• Guide: How to install Magisk Module on Android!

Download Google Camera PORT

So, once you are sure that you have Camera2 API enabled, you can head over to the download section below. Find your device and grab the APK. We have listed the ports in the table below (OEM wise).

Asus

Essential

HTC

Huawei

LeEco

Lenovo

LG

Motorola

Nextbit

Nokia

OnePlus

LG

Samsung

Samsung smartphones having Exynos chipset can download the ZGCam port for better compatibility:

• Google Camera port (ZGcam) for Samsung Galaxy phones (Exynos models)

Razer

Motorola

Xiaomi

How to install Google Camera Port APK

1. At first, download Google Camera port APK on your computer (as per your device).
2. Now, connect the phone to the PC by using a USB cable.
3. Next, you need to enable MTP/Transfer Files mode on your Android device.
4. Then transfer the downloaded APK file to the storage of your phone.
5. Now, disconnect the phone.
6. Then, open the file manager app on your phone.
7. Now, you need to navigate to the location where you transferred the APK.
8. Next, tap on the “<Google-Camera-file-name.apk>” file.
9. Now, you must follow the on-screen instructions and install the Google Camera app, allowing all the required permissions.

• Recommended: If you had installed the GCam port, you must try out the Playground (AR) feature on your Google Camera module. You can download it here!

How to Use Google Camera App?

Once the installation process is over, then open the app drawer and launch the new camera app. As you launch the app for the first time, you see prompts to seek required permissions. Then, you would see a few infographics. This would help you can get accustomed with the Google camera app with HDR+ / ZSL mode.

Credits

Many developers port Google Camera from Pixel devices to other devices. But not all the ports work perfectly on random smartphone. Like, some of the ports may work on Xiaomi devices, and some may not. So, users often get confused to choose the right one. That’s why Gcam Port Hub is made and is right here for you. We have researched and verified the compatibility of all the devices mentioned on our site. But the credit goes to the following developers behind each port:

AdamB, Alexey070315, alone_in_dark, Arnova8G2, arthur, BaaDNwZ, back.rider, boxer198615, BSG, burial, Charles_l, cstark, Dieflix, dpstar7582, Fractal, fu24, greatness, harysviewty, hass31, HomerSp, IDan, ivanich, jairo_rossi, jean-luc, johngalt, kokroo, MarcAnt01, Marco, miniuser, namok, Nikita, nullbytepl, oJoseHenrick, onFire, overwhelmer, Parrot043, PitbulL, raznoptid, rz_end, Sam, san1ty, saneklic, savitar, scrubber, SerJo87, sipollo, skulshady, the_dise tigr, Tolyan009, UltraM8, UriKill, Urnyx05, Wichaya, wyroczen, xenius9, xtrme