Google Camera for Redmi 9a – Download & Installation Guide
The Redmi 9a is an affordable smartphone launched by Xiaomi in 2020. It comes with a single 13MP rear camera which delivers decent photos and videos. However, the camera performance can be significantly improved by installing a ported version of the Google Camera or GCam. In this post, I will provide a download link for the GCam port for Redmi 9a and discuss how to install it for the best camera experience.
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Google Camera ( GCam ) Overview
The Google Camera or GCam is the stock camera application developed by Google for their Pixel smartphones. It utilizes the computational photography and machine learning expertise of Google to deliver stunning images and videos, even with basic camera hardware. While the GCam is exclusive to Pixel phones, developers have been able to port its features and capabilities to other Android devices through modded versions called GCam ports.
Benefits of using GCam on Redmi 9a
Here are some benefits of using GCam on the Redmi 9a over the stock camera app:
- Superior HDR+: GCam brings Google’s acclaimed HDR+ technology to boost dynamic range and bring out more details in photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
- Better low light photos: The Night Sight mode in GCam can capture much brighter and detailed low light photos compared to the stock camera app.
- Portrait mode: The bokeh effect and subject separation in portrait shots are more accurate and natural looking.
- Additional camera modes: GCam offers modes like Photosphere, Lens Blur, Playground (AR Stickers), etc which are missing in the stock camera.
- Frequent updates and new features: The GCam ports see frequent updates from developers bringing new features and optimizations regularly.
How to Install GCam on Redmi 9a
Installing the GCam port on Redmi 9a is easy if you follow these steps:
- Download the recommended GCam port from the link given below. This is optimized for the Redmi 9a.
- Turn on the ‘Install from Unknown Sources’ option in your phone settings. You can turn it off again after installing GCam.
- Open the downloaded GCam APK file and tap Install. Allow permission to install the app.
- After installation, open the GCam app and allow the required permissions when prompted.
- Optionally, you can set GCam as your default camera app for quick access.
Recommended GCam Port for Redmi 9a
I recommend using the following GCam port which works very well on the Redmi 9a:
This port is based on Google Camera 7.3 and optimized for the Redmi 9a’s camera2API. All the major features like HDR+, Night Sight, Portrait mode etc. work nicely. The developer urnyx05 is well known in the GCam modding community for his stable ports.
Read Also: Redmi 9 GCam Port Installation Guide
Make sure to go through the port’s description page on the website for any specific instructions. I recommend allowing the app access to storage, camera, microphone permissions for full functionality.
Conclusion
Installing the Google Camera port significantly improves the photo and video shooting experience on the budget Redmi 9a smartphone. It brings the computational photography prowess of Google’s camera algorithms to the device. From regular daytime shots to low light photos, the improvement in quality is visible. Thanks to the active development community, new capabilities and optimizations are being added to the GCam ports regularly. So go ahead and try out the suggested GCam mod on your Redmi 9a! Let me know your experience in the comments.
