Welcome to our guide on checking Camera2 API status on your Android smartphone! If you’re exploring Google Camera ports (GCam) to enhance your phone’s photography, understanding your device’s Camera2 API support is essential.
Camera2 API determines which advanced camera features your phone can access. Knowing your API level helps you find compatible GCam versions and understand which features your device supports.
In this guide, we’ll show you simple methods to check your Camera2 API status and help you use this information to get the best camera experience on your Android phone.
Understanding Camera2 API Levels
Camera2 API comes in different levels that determine what your phone’s camera can do with advanced apps like GCam. Let’s break down these levels in simple terms:
- Limited Support: This is the basic level. Phones with Limited support can use GCam, but might miss some advanced features. Think of it as having access to the basics but missing some of the special effects.
- Full Support: With Full support, your phone can use most GCam features, including HDR+, Night Sight, and portrait mode. This level gives you access to the features that make GCam popular.
- Level 3 Support: This is the highest level. Phones with Level 3 support can use all GCam features, including the most advanced ones like RAW photo capture and manual controls. If your phone has this level, you’ll get the complete GCam experience.
Knowing your phone’s support level helps you choose the right GCam version and understand which features will work. Don’t worry about the technical details, what matters is finding the version that works best with your phone’s capabilities.
Method 1: Using Free Apps
Checking your Camera2 API level is easiest with free apps designed specifically for this purpose. Here’s how to do it:
There are several free apps that can quickly check your Camera2 API level. One of the most popular options is “Camera2 API Probe”, it’s simple to use and gives clear results.
- Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone
- Search for “Camera2 API Probe” or a similar camera info app
- Download and install the app (they’re usually very small)
- Open the app, no special permissions are needed
- The app will automatically check your phone and display your Camera2 API level
When you open the app, you’ll see information about your camera capabilities. Look for:
- Hardware Level Support: This shows whether you have Limited, Full, or Level 3 support
- Camera Features: A list of specific camera features your phone supports
The app displays this information in a straightforward way, often using color coding (green for supported features, red for unsupported ones).
Method 2: Using Developer Options
If you prefer not to download additional apps, you can check your Camera2 API level using your phone’s built-in Developer Options. Here’s how:
Step 1: Enable Developer Options
- Open your phone’s Settings
- Scroll down to “About Phone” or “About Device”
- Find “Build Number” and tap it 7 times in a row
- You’ll see a message saying “You are now a developer!”
Step 2: Access Camera Information
- Go back to Settings
- Look for the newly appeared “Developer Options” (usually near the bottom)
- Open Developer Options
- Scroll down to find “Camera HAL HDR+” or “Camera API Support”
- Tap on it to see your Camera2 API information
Understanding What You See
The information displayed will show whether your phone supports:
- Camera2 API: Enabled or Disabled
- Hardware Level: Limited, Full, or Level 3
Some phones may display this information differently, but you’ll generally see which features are supported.
This built-in method gives you the same information as the apps but uses tools already on your phone. If you can’t find the camera settings in Developer Options, it might be labeled differently on your specific Android version, or your phone manufacturer might have placed it in a different location.
What to Do With Your Results
Now that you know your Camera2 API level, here’s how to use this information:
For Limited Support
If your phone shows Limited support, you’ll need to look for older or modified GCam versions specifically designed for Limited API devices. These versions won’t have all the features but can still improve your photos compared to the stock camera app.
For Full Support
With Full support, you can use most GCam versions and enjoy features like HDR+, Night Sight, and portrait mode. Look for versions that mention compatibility with your specific phone model for best results.
For Level 3 Support
Level 3 support means your phone can handle the latest GCam versions with all advanced features. You’ll have access to the complete range of capabilities, including RAW photography and manual controls.
Conclusion
Checking your Camera2 API level is an important first step before installing GCam ports on your Android phone. The level determines which versions will work best with your device and which features you’ll be able to use.
Whether you used an app or your phone’s Developer Options, you now have valuable information to help you choose the right GCam version. Remember to look for ports specifically tested on your phone model or devices with similar Camera2 API support.
Our website features compatible GCam versions for different API levels, so use your new knowledge to find the perfect match for your phone. With the right version installed, you’ll be taking better photos in no time!