Realme is "reconsidering" Camera2API for the Realme 2 Pro!

The Realme 2 Pro is currently the company’s top-tier handset. It’s powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 AE SoC, with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It also has a beautiful 6.3-inch Full HD+ display with waterdrop notch on top. Software-wise, the phone ships with ColorOS 5.2 out of the box which is based on Android 8.1 Oreo.

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Finishing the list is the 16MP selfie shooter, and the 16MP (f/1.7)+2MP dual camera at the back with PDAF. It is also worth mentioning that the primary camera at the back is a Sony IMX 398 which is the same camera sensor used in OnePlus 5T. It is a custom sensor developed by OPPO in partnership with Sony a few years ago.

With all these specifications in mind, we can really say that it’s a very capable device, also considering its price. And it is.

Unfortunately, the phone lacks in some certain area related to software. First of all, it doesn’t support Widevine L1 which a very important component for paid video streaming websites. Without the Widevine L1, users will not be able to stream high-definition contents from Netflix and Amazon.

Another area where the Realme 2 Pro fall short is in the camera department. Hardware-wise, it is a very capable device. To my experience, the Realme 2 Pro takes really good photos in daylight. But to be honest, most of the time, the phone tends to oversharpen its images. It also comes with an expert mode similar to that of the old Nokia Lumia handsets which let you take really good low-light photos. That if you know how it works.

Unfortunately, it’s not really helpful without a tripod. And you really need a very stable arm (which most of us doesn’t) when using lower shutter speed. Expert mode also features the “Ultra HD” mode which uses an image stacking technique to create large 63.7MP photos. I tend to use this a lot for a more workable photo in the post.

One thing that could’ve stopped this frustration is to use Google Camera. Unfortunately, the ColorOS 5.2 on the Realme 2 Pro doesn’t come with Camera2 API. This is a very important software component should we need to use Google Camera. Most especially if we want to use third-party camera applications with manual controls such as FilMic Pro.

Users of the device have been asking the company to enable the Camera2 API for the Realme 2 Pro since the release. However, in the recent “Ask Madhav” episode, Realme CEO Madhav Sheth said that it won’t be made available for the device. Realme 2 won’t also be getting Camera2 API. Sheth, however, confirmed that Nightscape mode and Chroma Boost will be made available for the Realme 2 Pro first half of 2019.

Enable 2Pro's camera api2
If you want to try it now, you can use this video for help: https://t.co/ZYZhmt09Qj .
We are considering a no-root-needed way in the coming months.
— Madhav Sheth (@MadhavSheth1) March 15, 2019

Fortunately, due to popular demands, the company is now again reconsidering the feature. The announcement was made via his official Twitter account yesterday. Whilst Sheth didn’t give a definite time, we really hope this comes alongside the ColorOS 6 update.