How to install Google Camera on Android devices

When it comes to taking pictures on a phone, most people recognize that software is very important. The leading software in this area is the Google Camera designed for Pixel phones. However, Google Camera can now be installed on most Android devices, taking advantage of all its features.

What is Google Camera?

Google Camera is the camera app launched in 2014 on the first Google Pixel phone. While it doesn't have as many hardware advantages as flagship phones, the Pixel has always been one of the best photography devices on a phone.

It proves that the image quality doesn't depend too much on the hardware. By replacing your phone's built-in app, Google Camera gives you access to premium features, for the best quality photos.

Why is Google Camera so good?

Why could Google Camera be superior to Android's source app? Here are the great features that Google Camera has:

1. Slow Motion : Shoot video at 120 or 240 fps, depending on the capabilities of the camera. This is the ideal resolution to create videos that show every detail of movement.
2. Motion Photos : Combines the movements of a 3-second video with optical image stabilization, your phone's gyroscope to create quick and blur-free video snapshots.
3. Lens Blur : Primarily designed for portrait photography, this feature blurs the background, emphasizes and enhances the front and center of the subject.
4. HDR + : By cleverly utilizing the short exposure time when taking a series of photos, HDR + reduces blur, image noise and increases dynamic range. Effectively, in addition to a set of images, the app will take the sharpest photo, up it algorithmically by processing each single pixel and choosing the color that matches the average color across the set. Among the many benefits, HDR + enhances photos taken in low light the most.
5. Smart Burst : With Google Camera installed, your phone will be able to take about ten photos per second by holding down the shutter button. After releasing the button, the application will automatically select the best photo among the photos. This is a great feature to have when you want to get rid of photos of people with closed eyes!
6. Video Stabilization : Utilizing both OIS and digital video stabilization, the app processes video clips to eliminate shutter distortion and correct focus. Therefore, you can create smooth videos that are pleasingly smooth and do not disturb people when you share them on social networks.
7. Panorama : Most cameras have panorama feature, but Google Camera is better than most. Furthermore, the Google Camera isn't limited by degrees or angles. With it, you can capture vertical, horizontal and wide-angle panoramas over a full approximately 360 degrees.

Many phones already have some of these features, but Google Camera delivers top notch results in almost any case. It upscales even basic shots, thanks to HDR and low-light performance.

How to install Google Camera on an Android device

To see if your device is compatible with Google Camera, first go to Google Camera Port Hub and check if it's available on your device. Supported manufacturers will be in alphabetical order, from Asus to Xiaomi.

To make it easier, follow these steps:

1. Click the ellipsis icon in the right corner of the web browser.
2. Select Find in page .
3. Type in the phone model you are using. If it is supported then the hostname will be highlighted in the list.

Alternatively, you can use GCam Hub instead. You will be presented with a list of APK files to download to your phone. When you tap on the APK download file, you will see a warning screen and need to confirm.

Next, press OK . In Settings> Security and enable applications to be installed from Unknown Sources .

Finally, select the APK file you downloaded to begin the installation process.

Samuel Daniel

Update 01 January 2021