How to Download and Install GCam 8.1 Mod on any Android Smartphone

Smartphone photography has come a long way in recent years, and even budget phones now offer decent camera capabilities. However, if you’re using a non-Pixel device, you may have noticed that the picture quality doesn’t quite match up to that of Google Pixel smartphones, which are known for their exceptional camera performance. Luckily, there’s a solution – the Google Camera Mod, also known as GCam Mod or GCam port. This mod can significantly improve the image output of your smartphone camera and bring Pixel-like features to your device.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of installing the GCam 8.1 Mod on any Android smartphone. We’ll cover the pre-requisites, explain the Camera2 API, show you how to check if your phone supports it, and guide you through the installation process. So, let’s get started!

Pre-Requisites

Before you proceed with the installation of the GCam Mod, there are a few things you need to check:

1. Camera2 API Support: The Camera2 API is a framework that allows developers to access advanced camera controls on Android devices. To use the GCam Mod, your phone must support the Camera2 API. We’ll explain how to check for this support later in the article.
2. Camera2 API Enablement: If your phone doesn’t have Camera2 API enabled by default, you’ll need to enable it manually. We’ll discuss different methods to enable Camera2 API later on.
3. GCam Mod APK: You’ll need to download the GCam 8.1 Mod APK file compatible with your device. We’ll provide the download link and guide you on how to choose the right mod for your phone.

Once you have these pre-requisites in place, you’ll be ready to install the GCam Mod and enhance your smartphone photography experience.

What is Camera2 API?

The Camera2 API is a framework introduced by Google in 2014 as a successor to the original camera API. It allows developers to access advanced camera controls such as exposure, focus, and ISO, enabling them to create third-party apps with enhanced features and improved picture quality. By utilizing the Camera2 API, developers can offer users a better photo-taking experience by leveraging manual controls, RAW capture support, HDR+ controls, and other smart features.

However, not all Android devices come with Camera2 API support out of the box. While many flagship and mid-range smartphones now have Camera2 API capabilities, some phone makers may not have implemented it on their devices or have only partially implemented it. To determine if your phone supports the Camera2 API, you can use a third-party app called “Camera2 API Probe” available on the Play Store.

How to Check if Your Phone Supports Camera2 API

To check if your Android smartphone supports the Camera2 API, follow these steps:

1. Install the “Camera2 API Probe” app from the Play Store.
2. Launch the app and grant it the necessary permissions.
3. The app will display information about the Camera2 API support level for your rear and front cameras.
4. The support level can be “LEGACY,” “LIMITED,” “FULL,” or “LEVEL_3.” Each level indicates the extent of Camera2 API capabilities supported by your device.

The Camera2 API support level determines whether you can install the GCam Mod directly or if you need to enable Camera2 API on your phone first. If your phone is “LEVEL_3” compliant, you can proceed with the installation of the GCam Mod without any additional steps. However, if your phone has “LEGACY” or “LIMITED” support, you’ll need to enable Camera2 API before installing the mod.

How to Enable Camera2 API

If your phone doesn’t have Camera2 API support or has limited support, you can still enable it manually. There are two common methods to enable Camera2 API: editing the “build.prop” file or using a Magisk module. We’ll explain both methods below.

Method 1: Editing build.prop

1. Download and install the “BuildProp Editor” app from the Play Store.
2. Launch the app and grant it root permissions.
3. Tap on the edit icon and add the following line at the end of the build.prop file:
   persist.camera.HAL3.enabled=1

4. Save the changes and restart your phone.
5. After the restart, Camera2 API should be enabled on your device.

Method 2: Using a Magisk Module

1. If you have Magisk installed on your rooted device, you can use a Magisk module to enable Camera2 API.
2. Search for the “Camera2API enabler” module on XDA or the Magisk Manager.
3. Download and install the module using Magisk Manager.
4. Once installed, the module will enable Camera2 API on your phone.

Choose the method that suits your preferences and requirements to enable Camera2 API on your device.

How to Install Google Camera 8.1 Mod on Your Android Phone

Now that you have enabled Camera2 API on your phone, it’s time to install the GCam 8.1 Mod and enjoy its features. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Visit the GCam Mods website to find the compatible GCam 8.1 Mod for your phone. The website provides a list of mods developed by various developers, so choose the one that matches your device. If your device is on Android 9.0 or below, then you can try the previous version on GCam like 7.4. With every Android update, developers also update the Mod to give users new features and optimization. You can also check the GCam repository and give your support and feedback to the developer.
2. Download the GCam 8.1 Mod APK file for your device from the website.
3. Once the download is complete, locate the APK file on your phone and tap on it to start the installation process.
4. If prompted, allow installation from unknown sources in your device settings.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
6. After the installation is complete, you can launch the GCam Mod and start capturing photos with enhanced features.

It’s worth noting that not all GCam mods are created equal. Some developers, like Arnova8G2, are known for their exceptional mods. If you’re unsure which mod is best for your device, feel free to ask for guidance in the comments section, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

What Difference Does the GCam Mod Make?

You might be wondering how the GCam Mod can improve your smartphone photography experience. The mod brings several advantages to your camera app, including:

1. Enhanced Image Quality: The GCam Mod leverages Google’s advanced algorithms and AI functions to capture stunning photos. It can significantly improve the image quality of your device, even in challenging lighting conditions.
2. Night Sight: One of the standout features of the GCam Mod is Night Sight, which allows you to capture detailed and well-exposed photos in low-light environments. This feature can transform your nighttime photography.
3. Astrophotography: Some GCam mods also include astrophotography mode, enabling you to capture breathtaking shots of the night sky and celestial objects.
4. Additional Features: Depending on the mod you choose, you may have access to additional features such as portrait mode, HDR+, and more.

The GCam Mod can make a noticeable difference in the overall image quality and capabilities of your smartphone camera. It’s a must-have for photography enthusiasts who want to enhance their mobile photography experience.

Conclusion

With the GCam 8.1 Mod, you can elevate your smartphone photography to a whole new level. By installing this mod, you’ll gain access to advanced features and improved image quality, even on non-Pixel devices. Whether it’s capturing stunning low-light shots with Night Sight or experimenting with astrophotography, the GCam Mod offers a wide range of possibilities.

Remember to check if your phone supports the Camera2 API and enable it if necessary before proceeding with the installation. Choose the right GCam 8.1 Mod for your device, follow the installation steps, and start capturing incredible photos with your Android smartphone.

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.