El Xiaomi Mi A1 It was undoubtedly one of the most popular devices in its catalog and, to this day, remains a very useful phone thanks to the huge community that keeps its development alive. Among the most valued improvements is the ability to install the Google Pixel camera, specifically the app of the Pixel 3 camera on Xiaomi Mi A1This allows for a huge leap in photographic quality without changing phones.
Thanks to Google Camera (GCam) mods Created by the community, it is possible to enjoy advanced features such as Enhanced HDR+, Night Sight (night mode), portrait mode with processing far superior to the native app and better dynamic range handling, all taking advantage of the Snapdragon processor from the Mi A1 and the Android One optimizations.
Xiaomi Mi A1: the most popular device that continues to be a force to be reckoned with thanks to the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite
El Xiaomi Mi A1 has been one of the greatest successes of Xiaomi in the West. This device, with a very reliable dual camera and a battery more than adequateIt became popular thanks to using Android One, the almost pure version of Google's operating system that ensures a long update cycle and a very clean experience, with hardly any customization layers.
Although updates haven't always been as smooth as many users hoped, the Mi A1 established itself as a device of great value for moneySo much so that it had two clear successors: on the one hand, the Xiaomi Mi A2which increased power and improved key aspects, and on the other hand the Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite, which maintained the essence of the Mi A1 but adapted to the format of 18: 9 screen predominant and with a more modern design.
One of the most interesting aspects of this family is that Xiaomi decided to repeat the Snapdragon 625 as the main processor in several of these models. Although at the time it generated criticism for seeming like an unambitious move, in practice this has had a very positive effect: it has created a homogeneous hardware base which has allowed many developers to work more comfortably, generating Custom ROMs, kernels, and application ports compatible with each other.
Being two devices so similar, The developments for the Mi A2 Lite directly benefit the Mi A1And the same is true in reverse. The best proof of this is the popular ports of Google CameraWith the Pixel 3 as a benchmark, its camera app has become one of the most sought-after in the Android ecosystem. Community advancements, especially those stemming from models like the Mi A2 Lite, have made it available. Pixel 3 camera on Xiaomi Mi A1 with a very polished operation.
La GCAM It became famous because Google integrates it natively into its pixelAnd since then, many users have wanted to have it on their mobile phones. Community developers, often known as ROM and app "cooks"They have worked for years to port this app to a multitude of devices, creating specific versions and adjusting internal parameters to get the most out of each device's hardware.
What does the Pixel 3 camera offer in the Xiaomi Mi A1?
The Google application known as Google Camera o GCAM It is considered one of the best photography apps which we can find, especially for its image processing. Although initially available for many Android devices, time has turned it into an exclusive app for Nexus and Pixelwhich has prompted the community to create unofficial ports for other compatible mobile phones, including the Xiaomi Mi A1.
On the Mi A1, the Pixel 3-based GCam allows you to take advantage of key features that are not present, or not to the same extent, in Xiaomi's native camera app. For example, HDR+ with exposure controls It noticeably improves scenes with high contrast or low light’s most emblematic landmarks, the portrait mode It offers a more natural background blur and the Night Sight mode It manages to capture detail and color in very dark situations without overusing the flash.
In addition, many versions of GCam add extras such as super resolution zoom, different video stabilization modes or specific configurations via XML files that adjust the processing for optimal results on the Xiaomi Mi A1. All of this makes GCam a a very powerful alternative to the factory camera app, ideal for those looking to take a leap in quality without changing phones.
It is important to keep in mind that, since it is a port, Not all functions behave exactly the same. than on a Google Pixel. Some builds may show minor bugs, such as occasional focus issues, problems with slow-motion video, or limitations in certain modes. That's precisely why the community is constantly posting updates. new, more polished versionsAnd for the Mi A1 there are very stable builds that take advantage of almost all the camera's potential.
We recommend that, once GCam is installed, Try taking photos comparing the Xiaomi app with the Google appIn low-light scenes, portraits, or strong backlighting, the difference in processing is most noticeable, with a greater dynamic range and less noise in the Pixel app.
You can now easily get the Pixel 3 camera on the Xiaomi Mi A1
To have the Pixel 3 camera on Xiaomi Mi A1 In this specific case, you will need have your device rootedYou can learn how to do it with our Android rooting tutorials, which explain the unlocking process step by step. bootloader, the installation of Magisk and obtaining permissions root in a controlled way.
Once you have rooted it, you will need download the package which we linked at the end of the text. In principle, all functions should be active except for the slow motionThis feature, which is disabled or faulty in some builds, is usually fixed in later versions of the port. You can keep an eye on upcoming versions via the link in the Sourcewhere the community publishes new builds and change notes.
If you prefer a port without needing rootYou can choose to install the camera of the Pixel 2 or use one of the alternative methods where Camera2 API compatibility is enabled through other procedures, such as combining Magisk Temporary Manager and internal settings without permanently rooting the device. These methods are usually a bit longer but allow you to maintain the OTA reception and have the mobile phone in a state closer to its original condition.
In any case, it's very important that you always download the Correct APK for your model and Android version. GCam isn't available on Google Play as a generic app, so you'll need to use trusted sources like developer-specific repositories or specialized websites that list compatible versions for each device. If the system tells you it's not possible when you try to install the APK, you probably have the option disabled. "Unknown origins" o “Installing unknown applications”You can activate it from the system settings, in the security section or in the applications section, depending on the version of Android One you have on the Mi A1.
Download GCam_Pixel3Mod_1.3beta_build.6.1.0210 for the Xiaomi Mi A1.
The great advantage of these ports is that, if at any point you notice that the app isn't as well optimized for your specific configuration as you'd like, you can always... uninstall it like any other application and go back to using the original Xiaomi camera. You can also try different versions of GCam until you find the one that offers the best balance between stability, image quality and active functions on your Mi A1.
With all of the above, the Xiaomi Mi A1 demonstrates that, with the right combination of good hardware, Android One and the Pixel 3 cameraIt can still offer a photographic experience on par with many newer devices, making it a very interesting option for those who want to get the most out of their current mobile phone before upgrading to a new model.