The most sophisticated Google app, Google Camera, was originally made available in 2016 along with the Pixel 1 series of smartphones. Furthermore, the introduction of Google Camera to the market encouraged leading smartphone manufacturers, such as Samsung and Apple, to leverage sophisticated machine-learning techniques to optimize their camera sensors.
That was Google’s action in 2016. The Pixel 1’s single camera sensor was good enough to outperform Apple’s and Samsung’s top models in every way.
The renowned photography software, however, was only released for Google Pixel smartphones. However, there are ways for other users’ owners to utilize its benefits. Additionally, we will discuss how to use some of Google Camera’s capabilities on your device now. We will include the links for the best Gcam for OnePlus Nord 2.
What is Gcam Port
The inaugural release of the Google Camera application coincided with the launch of the Nexus phone, approximately in 2014. This app was equipped with a multitude of exceptional features, including modes for portrait photography, high dynamic range (HDR) contrast enhancement, and an effective night mode. These capabilities were considered innovative for their time.
It is noteworthy that the Nexus and Pixel phones have consistently been distinguished by their superior camera quality, maintaining a leading position in the market for several years. To this day, there are few smartphones that can match their quality, with the exception of those in the flagship category.
To describe it succinctly, the Google Camera application for Android, also known as GCam APK, is a specialized software crafted to enhance photo quality by improving colors, contrast, and saturation through the use of advanced artificial intelligence.
Typically, this camera software is exclusive to Google’s own smartphones. However, given that Android is an open-source platform, the source codes of this application are accessible to third-party developers, allowing for broader availability.
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 Nord 2
With the Google Camera port on OnePlus Nord 2, you will be able to enhance its camera hardware capabilities. The device comes with a triple camera setup with 50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 8 MP, f/2.3, 120˚ (ultrawide), and 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth).
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 Nord 2 Gcam Port Links
How to install Gcam Port on OnePlus Nord 2
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 Nord 2 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.