Xiaomi launched about a year ago a phone somewhat different from what we were used to: the Pocophone F1This phone stood out for some plastic construction materials in favor of a Snapdragon 845, 8GB of RAM and an excellent 4.000mAh batteryAll of this is accompanied by more than decent multimedia features, both screen and camera. But if you still want to get the most out of your camera, installing the GCAM It is a good option, and we recommend the best ports to do it.
Many users have decided to use GCam, the Google camera APK, on their Pocophone F1. This is because of its... post-processing software, exponentially improves the image quality which you can achieve with your phone. Especially on this popular Xiaomi model, where the results have been incredible. If you're interested in installing the Google Camera on your device and don't have a Pocophone, don't worry, we've already discussed how. download the Google camera APK for any terminal.
Why does GCam improve the Pocophone F1 camera so much?
The Pocophone F1 offers very capable hardware, but its native camera doesn't fully utilize the potential of the sensor and processor. The key to GCam lies in its computational image processing, developed by Google for the Pixel family and later ported to other devices, such as the Poco.
Compared to MIUI's stock app, GCam stands out for:
- Advanced HDR+: combines multiple frames to offer better Dynamic rangeMore detail in shadows and highlights and less noise.
- Night Sight (Night mode): Captures long combined exposures for very low light scenes, resulting in more detailed photos bright and clear without the need for a tripod in most cases.
- Intelligent White Balance (AWB)GCam usually nails the skin colors and tones, something especially useful in portraits.
- Noise reduction algorithms very polished, allowing you to increase the ISO without the photo becoming grainy.
- Portrait mode with very precise subject cropping even with a single lens, improving the bokeh regarding the native app.
In addition, many GCam ports incorporate advanced settings not present in the original Pocophone F1 app, such as control of sharpness, noise reduction, saturation and exposure through sliders or specific configuration sections for users who want to fine-tune the photographic performance.
The best GCam ports for the Pocophone F1
There are many ports and APKs of GCam floating around the international network. But we've selected two for their... popularity and for the good user reviewsThese are the selected ports.
Port Gcam 6.2.024 by BSG
The first port is that of BSGThe developer who popularized the GCam modsThis version is based on the version 6.2so it's fairly new. It works well on the version of MIUI 10.2.2 or higherNot all features work perfectly. But we can find the following.
- Night mode
- High resolution zoom
- ZSL HDR +
- HDR + enhancement
- Portrait mode on the front and rear cameras
- 4K video recording at 30 frames per second
- Photosphere
- Slow motion at 240 frames per second in Full HD (1080p)
This mod doesn't work. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). The panoramic mode It's also unavailable. This means that, although the still photo quality is very high, for users who prioritize stabilizing video recording, it might be worthwhile to combine this port with another one more geared towards video.
You can download it from hereAfter installation, it is highly recommended delete GCam app data From Settings > Applications > GCam > Storage, to avoid conflicts with old settings.
GCam mod by Sannn111ty
The other port we recommend is from another of the most popular developers, sannn111ty. This developer has made a mod for the Pocophone F1 that is also based on the GCam 6.2, and it is a good choice, especially if you use your phone to record a video. This is what we can find in this mod.
- Camera (HDR+, RAW, ZSL, Flash, etc.).
- Portrait mode (in front and rear camera).
- High resolution zoom.
- Slow motion (with some occasional bugs).
- Video recording at 1080@60fps and 4K@60fps.
- EIS (stabilization) in 30fps modes.
This mod stands out because, in addition to offering good photo quality, it prioritizes a smooth and stable video recordingThe possibility of recording 4K is 60 fps And 1080p at 60 fps with good stabilization is highly valued by those who use the Poco to record action scenes, travel, or vlogs.
Then download it hereRemember this in this case as well. delete the data of the application after installation so that all parameters are applied correctly.
Other recommended ports and popular versions of GCam for Pocophone F1
In addition to the main ports from BSG and Sannn111ty, the community has been testing other very complete versions designed for users who want a simple interfacewithout the need to create complex configurations, but with very good image qualityBelow are two popular and highly recommended options:
Parrot043 GCam 7.0.009 – geared towards photography
Parrot043 is another well-known developer within the GCam ecosystem. One of the most recommended versions for the Poco F1 is theirs. GCam 7.0.009 finalwhich combines a relatively clear interface with many internal improvements. A key point is that, once installed, it's advisable delete app data to start from scratch with the default settings.
In this version, the following basic settings are usually recommended from the camera interface itself:
- On the camera's main screen:
HDR+ Enhanced: enabled for best dynamic range.
Flash: by car, taking advantage only when strictly necessary.
Aspect ratio 4:3: activated to achieve the maximum resolution of the sensor.
En Settings > Advanced It is common to adjust key parameters to balance quality and speed:
- HDR+ control: enabled, to easily switch between HDR+ and HDR+ enhanced.
- Store videos efficiently: disabled if maximum compatibility is preferred over HEVC.
- Quality HDR+: around 25, seeking a balance between detail y processing time (lower values like 15 prioritize speed).
- Pixel AWB Mod: Pixel 4 XL (default), very reliable in skin tones and mixed scenes.
- Exposure Compensation+0,6 for slightly brighter photos. If you want a darker photo, you can lower it to +0,4, or raise it to +0,8 for more light.
Within the section of Binary settings / Libraries Library parameters can be adjusted to fine-tune the result:
- Use manual binary control «Libraries»: enabled to allow customization.
- Sharpness: 1.375 for an extra point of sharpness without over-focusing.
- Brightness noise suppression: 1.375 to control noise in bright areas.
- Color noise reduction: 1.375 to refine the grain in color tones.
- Dehaze: 1.0 (default value) to maintain natural contrast.
- Saturation: 1.375 for slightly more vivid but controlled colors.
- Noise reduction with sharpness in shadows: 0.625 to balance detail in shadows and cleanliness.
- ISO limit: 500 (approximate equivalent to effective ISO 200) to contain noise in dark scenes.
In the panel Saturation This configuration usually works very well:
- Back camera Highlight Saturation: 1.1 to slightly enhance highlights.
- Back camera Shadow Saturation: 1.7, giving more life to the shaded areas.
- Front camera Highlight Saturation: 1.0 (default).
- Front camera Shadow Saturation: 1.6 (default).
In the section About Modification > Advanced Settings There are some specific changes for the Pocophone F1:
- camcorder.enable_ois: unchecked, because the Poco F1 does not have optical stabilization (only electronic).
- camera.ois_api_supported: unmarked for the same reason.
- camera.enable_facebeauty: Checked if you want a slight beauty effect on selfies.
- camera.face_boxes: Checked if you want to see face detection boxes in the preview.
- ucamera.use_immersive_rounded_corners: unchecked if preferred straight corners in the viewfinder instead of rounded.
This combination of settings makes the Parrot043 port very accessible for those who don't want to waste time testing dozens of parameters, but still want to enjoy very detailed photos and with an appearance similar to the Google Pixel.
onFire 7.2.014 (based on Camera PX) – geared towards Night Sight and Astrophotography
Another port highly appreciated in the community is the one for onFire 7.2.014, based on Camera PX 4.1 From cstark27. Again, it is recommended delete app data Just install it to avoid errors.
The camera's main screen advises:
- HDR+ Enhanced: enabled to prioritize quality in almost all scenes.
- Auto flash: enabled so that it is only used when the scene requires it.
- Ratio 4: 3: activated to take full advantage of the sensor's resolution.
Within Settings General aspects of speed and exposure can be adjusted:
- Photo Resolution: full resolution, guaranteeing the maximum possible detail.
- Correction auto exposure: 1/2 s, a balanced value between shooting speed and quality; for very fast shots, 1/15 or 1/20 can be used.
- Correction NightSight: 1/2 s, a good compromise for night scenes with good sharpness without lengthening the capture too much.
The menu PX Mod Settings It incorporates advanced options that make a difference:
- AWB Calculation: Neutral Color Point, for a natural white balance in almost any environment.
- Disable Dynamic Black Level: enabled, because if it is left disabled, problems may appear artifacts in shadows.
- Non-ZSL Frame Count30, prioritizing quality; to increase speed it can be lowered to 20.
- Maximum Zoom Level: 50, significantly expanding the available digital zoom range.
- Super Res Zoom Always On: activated, taking full advantage of computational zoom.
- Force Sabre Merge MethodAlways-on mode improves detail in the rear camera; however, in some cases it can cause closures when using the front camera.
- Portrait Zoom: disabled if portraits without additional cropping are preferred.
- Disabled Face Shape Correction: disabled, allowing the algorithm to slightly improve the shape of the face.
- AI AWB For ZSL, HDR+ Enhanced and NightSight: enabled for more consistent color reproduction across all modes.
- Automatic Maximum Exposure Time: at default value, maintaining a balance in long exposures.
- Show Astro Buttons: enabled, because if it is disabled, quick access to the mode is lost Astrophotography.
On Lib Patcher The image can be fine-tuned with great precision:
- Enable Lib Patcher: activated.
- Tone Curves: deactivated to avoid aggressively altering the contrast.
- Sharpness: 1.875 to maximize detail without looking too artificial.
- Saturation: 1.0 (default), maintaining a natural color.
- Global Luma Denoise: 1.0 (default) as neutral base.
- Global Chroma Denoise: 0, to preserve color and fine texture.
- Wavelet Chroma Denoise Levels:
Level 1 (fine details): 0.125
Level 2 (rough surfaces): 0
Level 3 (edges): 0.125
Level 4 (smooth surfaces): 0
With these parameters, the onFire port becomes especially powerful in night photography and in high-contrast scenes, and it's ideal for users who want to get the most out of it. Night Sight and Astrophotography in the Pocophone F1, while maintaining a relatively simple interface.
Community recommendations: BSG and san1ty as a base
A consensus has been consolidating in the main forums and specialized communities: the developers BSG y san1ty / Sannn111ty They are the benchmark when it comes to GCam ports for Pocophone F1Most other cooks' APKs are based on their work, and they are the ones that have proven successful. greater stability and compatibility with Xiaomi devices with Snapdragon 845.
BSG typically works with a Mi 8, a model very similar to the Poco F1 in terms of hardware, which explains why their versions perform so well. San1ty, on the other hand, has... a real Pocophone F1 as a test device, which allows you to further fine-tune the specific settings for this phone.
Many community compilations highlight the following as key versions:
- Latest version of san1ty: MGC_6.1.021_F1_V1.7
Main changelog:
– New custom libraries and removal of unnecessary libraries to achieve a lighter APK.
– Improved compatibility with any Mi device with Snapdragon 845 and, in general, with almost any device with that processor.
– The exposure slider has been fine-tuned so as not to conflict with the manual focus slider. - Latest featured version of BSG: MGC_6.1.021_MI8_V2e
– Focused primarily on error correction and greater stability.
These versions introduce what are called manual controls (sliders)A slider appears on either side of the viewfinder:
- El left slider controls the long exposure and it only works with certain libraries such as Savitar V5 (custom library and HDR+ enhanced).
- El right slider manage the manual focusIt works with any library and allows you to select options such as infinity, 10 cm, etc. For the adjustment to take effect, you must tap the viewfinder once before shooting.
These controls are especially useful if you're interested in experimenting with creative photography, controlling the exact focus point or extending the exposure time to capture more light and movement.
Many reference threads list these versions along with hidden recommended settings (often in drop-down blocks) and users are invited to share their own settings and experiences. All information and download links typically come from sources such as HTCmania, XDA, Telegram channels and Celso Azevedo's websiteand is always encouraged to donate to developers to support the continuation of these projects.
Compatibility, requirements, and common problems
Most of the GCam ports we've mentioned work correctly on the Pocophone F1, but it's worth noting a few points. compatibility y limitations that frequently appear in user queries:
- MIUI and Android versionMany mods require at least one ROM based on Android 9 and MIUI versions such as 10.2.2.0 or higherIt is always advisable to check the system version before installing.
- EIS at high resolutionsIn some ports from BSG and other developers, the electronic stabilization It may fail at high resolutions such as 4KIn these cases, if EIS is a priority, it is recommended to use a video-oriented port (such as Sannn111ty versions) or lower the recording resolution.
- Panoramas and special modesPanoramic mode and other experimental features may be unavailable or crash. If you rely heavily on these modes, it's best to compare user experiences before choosing a specific APK.
- Need to delete data after each installation or updateTo avoid errors or closures when opening the camera, it is very important clear cache and data from GCam right after installing a new port.
- Absence of OISThe Pocophone F1 doesn't have optical stabilizationelectronics only. Therefore, in the advanced menus, it is advisable to disable any options related to OIS to avoid abnormal behavior.
Several users who have started rooting their Poco F1 and are already trying out GCam are wondering which version to download. photography of people and landscapesIn these cases, the following is usually recommended:
- A stable port of BSG or san1ty Based on 6.1/6.2 for portraits and landscapes with natural colors and good dynamic range.
- A 7.x version (like Parrot043 or onFire) to squeeze Night Sight and Astrophotography if night photography is a priority.
How to install GCam on your Xiaomi smartphones
How to install GCAM in your Xiaomi smartphonesSo, today we bring you a simple tutorialWith this, in just a few steps you can enjoy one of the best camera applications available.
"It's worth noting that the Google app became famous a while ago, and everyone wants it on their phone. That's why today we're telling you how to install GCam safely."
How to install GCam on your Xiaomi smartphones
First of all, GCam is undoubtedly one of the most famous camera apps for our mobile phone. That's why they usually have it built in. Google PixelAnd since its release, everyone wanted to have this app on their smartphone.
On the other handregardless of the brand, and since then many Cooks ROMs and apps have brought it with us.
Secondly, it's worth mentioning that it's not available on Google Play as such, since it's a native Pixel app, as we said. Consequently, You need to find the correct third-party APK..
“Perhaps the app stands out for having a simple and useful navigation system. And, thanks in part to the good software optimization, we can take spectacular photos.”
Clearly, Xiaomi is one of the brands they work on the most and place the most importance on. camera softwareTherefore, as a result of developing this app, there are many people working on the specific models. And many Mi Fans are keeping an eye on it.
It's a really good camera app with almost no bugs. That's why it's a great one. alternative to the Xiaomi camera app that comes pre-installed.
We invite you to try it, and compare the results Take a photo with both apps. The results might surprise you.
It may interest you: Best deals on refurbished mobile phones
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How to install GCam on your Xiaomi smartphones – Installation steps Google Camera:
- First, We downloaded the APK of our specific model. Here's a list of smartphones and the link to download the APK, thanks to the folks at XDA.
- Secondly, once the corresponding application has been downloaded, it will only be necessary install the APK executable file on our smartphone.
It's worth noting that if we can't install the APK, it's because we have the download of third-party applications disabled For security reasons. (“Applications from unknown sources”).
And to do this, we will have to go to: Settings / Additional settings / Privacy / Enable Unknown Sources.
If you use one of the Xiaomi smartphones with Android OneYou need to go to: Settings / Apps & notifications / Special app access / and select the option: "Install unknown applications".
- Finally, once this is resolved, and the APK is downloaded, we will go to downloads and install it like a normal app.
- And that's it, we can now enjoy our GCAM on our Xiaomi.
NOTE: With all this, many times, if we don't have unknown sources enabled, when we try to install the app it will tell us that it is not possible.
Likewise, if we want to cancel or go to the settings to enable unknown sources, it will take us directly to the corresponding section. No need to navigate and search through the settings. Much simpler.
Similarly, if we notice that it is not as well optimized as we would like for our model, We have the option to uninstall it again. Just like any other app. And this way we can return to our original Xiaomi camera app.
Finally, we leave you with a small List of Xiaomi smartphones with the GCAM app for that model:
And we'll keep expanding the list as more models become available!
MIUI's Always-On Display: Customize it to your liking
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Official 2-year warranty and After-Sales Service in Spain.
Thus, all our articles They are sent from Spain via express courier service 24-48 hAnd with all the taxes included in the price and these are the versions ORIGINALThey are not clones or copies.
Maximizing the Pocophone F1 camera with GCam
The Pocophone F1 was one of the biggest surprises of last year. A smartphone that offers undeniable power and battery life at a price few brands can—or dare—to match. However, to achieve such a low cost, two components have been particularly "sacrificed": the screen and the... Pocophone F1 camera.
With all these GCam options, the Pocophone F1 goes from having a decent camera to becoming a a very competitive device in mobile photography, capable of performing well in portrait, landscapes and nightThe choice of the ideal port will depend on whether you prioritize still photo, video, ease of use or advanced settingsBut in all cases the leap compared to the native camera app is very noticeable.
As this phone has been updated, it has gained new features like 960fps slow motion or 4K@60fps, but if you want to improve the camera quality, it's an option.
Which one do you like the most?