Download GCam APK for Samsung Devices (Compatible)

Google Camera (GCam) is renowned for its exceptional image processing capabilities and advanced photography features. While officially available only on Google Pixel devices, talented developers have created modified versions (ports) that work on many Samsung smartphones.

This guide will help you download, install, and configure the right GCam APK for your Samsung device.

Samsung Device Compatibility List

Important Notes for Samsung Users

For Samsung devices with Exynos processors, compatibility can be more challenging. Special GCam Mods are available that work with these smartphones, but you may need to look for specific versions designed for Exynos chips.

If you have a Samsung device with Snapdragon or Exynos chipset, it’s highly recommended to try GCam ports as they can work excellently on these processors with the right version.

gcam samsung

While most flagship Samsung phones have great GCam port compatibility, mid-range and budget models may face more compatibility issues. Additionally, carrier-branded devices or those with custom firmware may have problems installing or running GCam.

For optimal results, consider:

  • Using the recommended ports for your specific Samsung model
  • Installing the Google Photos app to avoid issues viewing pictures from GCam
  • Disabling battery optimizations for the GCam app
  • Regularly checking for updated GCam versions and configurations

Why Use GCam on Your Samsung Device?

Samsung phones already offer good camera performance, but with Google Camera, you can take your photography to the next level. GCam provides features like Night Sight for stunning low-light photos and Portrait mode with advanced background blur algorithms. Here are some key benefits:

  • Enhanced low-light photography
  • Improved HDR processing
  • Better portrait mode with edge detection
  • Astrophotography capabilities on supported devices
  • More natural-looking colors and details

Compatibility Check

Before downloading any GCam APK, you need to ensure your Samsung device is compatible:

  • Check Camera2 API Support: GCam requires the Camera2 API to function properly. Without it, most GCam ports won’t work on your Samsung device.
  • Android Version: For Android 12 and above, GCam versions 8.1 and newer are recommended. For older Android versions (Android 8-11), use GCam 8 or older versions.
  • Processor Type: Different GCam ports work better with different processors. Samsung devices typically use either Exynos or Snapdragon processors, and this affects which port you should choose.

Recommended GCam Ports for Samsung Devices

Here are the best GCam ports for Samsung devices based on processor type:

For Samsung Exynos Devices

Zoran’s GCam ports are specifically optimized for Exynos processors. Look for “ZGCAM” versions, as they’re compatible with Exynos-powered Samsung phones.

Recommended versions:

  • Zoran GCam 7.4 (for newer devices)
  • Zoran GCam 6.1 (for older devices)

For Samsung Snapdragon Devices

BSG’s GCam port is widely acclaimed and compatible with various Android devices, including Snapdragon-powered Samsung phones. Other good options include:

BigKaka ports are specifically developed to work well with Samsung devices. They focus on creating stable and reliable mods that enhance photo quality without slowing down the device.

Arnova8G2 GCam versions are compatible with Samsung Galaxy Flagship devices. These ports offer good stability and feature support.

How to Download and Install GCam on Samsung Devices

Follow these steps to install GCam on your Samsung smartphone:

Step 1: Enable Installation from Unknown Sources

By default, Android doesn’t allow the installation of apps from outside the Google Play Store. To install GCam, you need to:

enable unknown source installation

  • Go to “Settings” on your Samsung device
  • Navigate to “Security” or “Biometrics and security”
  • Find “Install unknown apps” or “Install unknown sources”
  • Select your browser and toggle “Allow from this source” to ON

Step 2: Download the Appropriate GCam APK

Choose the correct GCam version based on your:

  • Samsung device model
  • Processor type (Exynos or Snapdragon)
  • Android version

You can download Google Camera Port APK files from trusted sources, like GCam-Ports.com.

Step 3: Install the GCam APK

install google camera apk

  • Open your File Manager and navigate to the downloaded APK file
  • Tap on the APK file to begin installation
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation

Step 4: Configure GCam for Optimal Performance

Some GCam versions come with configuration files (XML) specifically tuned for different Samsung models. If there’s a “config” link next to the GCam version, check if a configuration is available for your specific Samsung device.

To load a config file:

  • Download the config file for your device
  • Create a new folder in your internal storage: GCam/Configs
  • Place the config file in this folder
  • Open GCam, double-tap the black area next to the shutter button
  • Select “Restore” and choose your config file

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you experience problems with GCam on your Samsung device, try these solutions:

Camera Crashes on Launch

  • Try a different GCam version compatible with your device
  • Clear the app cache and data
  • Ensure Camera2 API is enabled on your device

Poor Photo Quality

  • Load a config file specific to your Samsung model
  • Try adjusting HDR+ parameters
  • Check if your lens is clean

Features Not Working

Some GCam features may not be available on all Samsung devices due to hardware limitations, but you can still enjoy the improved image processing capabilities.

Best GCam Features to Try on Your Samsung Device

Once installed, explore these powerful features:

  • Night Sight: Take stunning photos in low-light conditions
  • Portrait Mode: Create professional-looking photos with background blur
  • Astrophotography: Capture the night sky with enhanced detail (supported devices only)
  • HDR+ Enhanced: For better dynamic range in challenging lighting
  • Super Res Zoom: Better digital zoom quality compared to standard cameras

Conclusion

Installing Google Camera on your Samsung device can significantly enhance your photography experience. While the stock Samsung camera app offers excellent features, GCam provides unique image processing algorithms that can produce stunning results in various conditions.

Remember that GCam is an unofficial port, so some features may not work perfectly on all Samsung devices. Try different versions to find the one that works best for your specific model.

Happy shooting with your enhanced Samsung camera!