Google Camera is probably the most advanced mobile application Google has ever made for commercial use. Since its release with the first generation of Google Pixel devices, Gcam has been the topic of interest for a majority of tech enthusiasts out there.
Well, Google Camera is different from any other app made by Google. It can be only used in Google’s flagship device series – Google Pixel. But, there are ways by which it can be used on other smartphones too. Here, we will be mentioning the ways by which you can try out various Google Camera features on your device. We will include the links for the best OnePlus 12 Pro. Stay tuned.
What is Gcam Port
The first Google Camera app appeared with the Nexus phone, around 2014. It comes along with numerous impeccable modes such as portrait, HDR contrast, proper night mode, etc. Those features were ahead of their time.
Not to forget, the Nexus and Pixel phones have dominated because of their top-notch camera quality for many years. Even now, there aren’t many alternative smartphone options that provide the same quality, except flagship-tier phones.
To put it in a simple way, the Google Camera app for Android, also known as the GCam APK, is a dedicated software, that is designed to boost the colors, contrast, and saturation of photos via advanced AI.
Generally, you will find this camera software on Google phones exclusively. But since Android is an open-source platform, the source codes of this apk are available to third-party developers.
In that way, those developers perform a few modifications so that the other Android users can also utilize those incredible attributes and take the camera quality to the next level without any hassle.
At the same time, various groups develop those apk files, which we will cover in the upcoming part.
Advantages
- Improved Image Processing: GCam is renowned for its superior image processing algorithms, particularly in HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode. It often produces images with better dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance compared to the stock camera app.
- Advanced Features: Features like Night Sight for low-light photography, Astrophotography mode, and Portrait mode with advanced depth-of-field effects are some of the highlights of GCam. These features can significantly enhance the capabilities of your device’s camera.
- Free to Use: GCam ports are generally available for free, making them an affordable option for enhancing your smartphone’s photography capabilities.
Disadvantages
- Compatibility Issues: Not all features of GCam work perfectly on all devices. Certain modes or settings might crash or not function as intended, depending on the specific hardware and software configuration of the device.
- Complex Installation Process: Installing a GCam port isn’t always straightforward. It often requires downloading APKs from third-party websites and adjusting settings to get the app working correctly, which might be daunting for less tech-savvy users.
- Potential Security Risks: Downloading and installing software from unofficial sources always carries a risk. There’s a possibility of downloading malicious software disguised as a GCam port.
- No Official Support: Since these ports are not officially supported by Google, users cannot rely on consistent updates or fixes for bugs specific to their devices.
- Battery and Performance Impact: GCam ports can sometimes be more resource-intensive than the stock camera app, potentially leading to increased battery consumption and slower performance on some devices.
Google Camera for OnePlus 12/12R
The OnePlus 12, launched in December 2023, boasts a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED screen, Android 14, and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It offers up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, with a 50MP primary camera among its triple rear setup, a 32MP selfie camera, and 8K video capabilities. The device includes a 5400mAh battery and is IP65 rated but lacks a 3.5mm audio jack.
The OnePlus 12R, expected in February 2024, features a 6.78-inch LTPO4 AMOLED display, Android 14, powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, with up to 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. It has a 50MP main camera in its triple rear setup, a 16MP front camera, 4K video recording, and a 5500mAh battery. Like its sibling, it eschews the 3.5mm jack.
Both models emphasize high-resolution displays, advanced processing power, and robust camera systems, tailored for users seeking high-performance smartphones.
With the Gcam port, you will be getting a long list of software-enhanced features –
- HDR Plus
- Night Sight
- Astrophotography
- Zero Shutter Lag (ZSL)
- Super Res Zoom
- Zoom Enhance
- Portrait Mode
- Real Tone
- Dual Exposure Controls
- Color Temperature Control
- Computational RAW
- Macro Focus
- Long Exposure Mode
- Motion Photos
- Top Shot
- Frequent Faces
- Long Shot
- Palm Timer
- Guided Frame
- Panorama
- Photo Sphere
OnePlus 12/12R Gcam Port Links
How to install Gcam Port on OnePlus 12/12R
First of all, you have to check if your device is eligible to run a Google Camera port on it. Not all Android devices, especially entry-level phones, can run the GCam port apk smoothly. The device might lag while running the app or won’t run at all.
So, it is best to check your device’s compatibility to support the apk.
- Check Android Version Compatibility
- Check Processor Compatibility
- Check Camera2 API Support
- Check Processor Architecture Compatibility
- Check the Mod APK version
Once you have checked the compatibility of your device, it is time to proceed with the guide to install the Google Camera port on your phone.
Follow the steps provided below to install Gcam without root on any Android device.
- Find a Suitable GCam Port
- Download the GCam APK File
- Find the downloaded file on your device
- Enable Installation from Unknown Sources
- Install the GCam APK
- Open the app and import the Configuration
Fix: OnePlus 12/12R Gcam Port not Working
There can be many reasons why your Gcam port is not working on your device. Here, we have mentioned all the possible reasons along with the methods to fix them. If you really want to use Gcam on your device make sure you go through our detailed guide.
Reasons –
- Incompatible Version:
- Solution: Ensure the GCam port is compatible with your device and Android version. Look for a version specifically modified for your device model.
- Camera2API Not Enabled:
- Solution: GCam ports typically require Camera2API support. Use an app like Camera2 API Probe to check if it’s enabled. If not, you might need to enable it, which could require root access.
- Installation Issues:
- Solution: Ensure you have allowed installation from unknown sources. Go to Settings > Security or Privacy, and enable ‘Install unknown apps’ or a similar option.
- Insufficient Permissions:
- Solution: Make sure you’ve granted all necessary permissions to the GCam app, such as camera, storage, and microphone access.
- Configuration File Issues:
- Solution: Some GCam ports need specific configuration files (XML files) for optimal performance. Find and load the appropriate configuration for your device.
- App Crashes or Freezes:
- Solution: Clear the app’s cache and data from your device’s settings, or try reinstalling the GCam port. If the problem persists, try a different version of the port.
- Feature-Specific Issues:
- Solution: Not all features of GCam ports work on every device due to hardware or software limitations. If a specific feature is problematic, try disabling it in the app settings or switch to a different version.
- Corrupted APK File:
- Solution: Redownload the APK file from a reliable source to ensure it’s not corrupted.
- Outdated Software:
- Solution: Make sure your Android operating system is updated to a version that’s compatible with the GCam port.
- Hardware Limitations:
- Solution: Some older or less powerful devices may not support all GCam features. In such cases, using a simpler or older version of the port might help.
- Custom ROMs Conflicts:
- Solution: If you’re using a custom ROM, ensure it’s compatible with GCam ports. Sometimes, specific ROMs may require additional tweaks to work with GCam.
If none of these solutions work, seeking advice on device-specific forums or communities where experienced users share their insights can be very helpful.
Methods to fix –
- Install a Compatible GCam Version: Choose a GCam port that is specifically tailored for your device model and Android version.
- Enable Camera2API: If Camera2API is not enabled on your device, enable it. This might require root access for some devices.
- Allow Installation from Unknown Sources: Ensure your device settings permit the installation of apps from sources other than the Google Play Store.
- Grant Necessary App Permissions: Make sure the GCam app has all the required permissions, such as camera, storage, and microphone.
- Load Appropriate Configuration File: For optimal performance, load the correct configuration file (XML) for your specific device model.
- Clear App Cache and Data: If the GCam app crashes or freezes, try clearing its cache and data in your device settings.
- Try a Different GCam Version: If a particular feature doesn’t work, install a different version of the GCam port that might be more compatible with your device.
- Redownload APK File: If the installed GCam APK might be corrupted, redownload it from a trusted source.
- Update Android Version: Ensure your device’s Android version is updated and compatible with the GCam port you’re trying to use.
- Use Simpler GCam Version for Older Devices: If you have an older or less powerful device, opt for a simpler or older version of the GCam port.
- Check Custom ROM Compatibility: For devices running custom ROMs, ensure the ROM is compatible with GCam ports and make necessary adjustments.
An electrical engineer by education and a blogger by profession. Loves to be surrounded by new technology, software and gadgets.