The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most feature-packed camera phones in the Philippines, launched with a starting price of P7,990 (around $158) in early October.
It has five cameras in total — four on the back and one in front. The main camera is a 48-megapixel unit with f/1.8 aperture lens, while the secondary cameras have dedicated ultra-wide, portrait, and macro lenses. It really is one of the best all-around options out there if you’re into taking pictures and you don’t want to blow a hole in your budget.
SEE ALSO: Redmi Note 8 series smashes record, sells 10M units in 3 months and Redmi Note 8 Pro with 64MP camera: Sample pictures
And although the Redmi Note 8’s native camera app packs a ton of functionality as well, did you know you can take even better photos by using a different software? Google’s, in particular.
That’s right. You can install the internet giant’s own Google Camera or GCam app on the Redmi Note 8. Not officially, of course, but this GCam trick works without hitches and isn’t a pain to set up. More importantly, it will allow you to use Google’s excellent Night Sight mode for low-light photography.
How to install GCam on the Redmi Note 8
Download the app from this link.
Install the downloaded APK file. If prompted, allow installations from unknown sources.
Once installed, the camera app should appear on your device’s home screen. It’s the one with a paw print on the icon.
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The only caveat here — and it’s a pretty big one — is that you can’t switch to any of the Redmi Note 8’s auxiliary rear cameras when in the app. For wide, portrait, and macro shots, you can still use Xiaomi’s own camera app. It will coexist with GCam just fine.
Which is better? GCam vs stock cam: Picture-quality comparison
And now for some images we took using the Google camera software side by side with those captured using the first-party app.
12 sets of comparison photos, from those shot in normal and Night (in the case of Google Camera, Night Sight) modes to images captured in Portrait mode. Pictures taken using the stock camera — or still with watermarks — always come first
It’s pretty clear this GCam port produces generally much better results compared to Xiaomi’s camera app. Selfies look more realistic, too, if you want that. In the end, it’s really up to you which app best suits your taste.
Again, do note that the GCam app doesn’t let you take control of the Redmi Note 8’s secondary cameras. But for everyday photography, we prefer Google’s software.
Enjoy, and don’t forget to let us know if you find another GCam port that works well with the Redmi Note 8.
Thanks to this group for the tip!
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