The camera in the Google Pixel and Pixel XL is often referenced as being one of the best in all of smartphones. Part of that is because of the hardware that Google uses, but a good chunk of the excellence comes from the Google Camera app and its HDR+ capabilities. You see, a number of phones use the same camera module that the Pixel phones have (like the Blackberry KEYone), but it’s Google’s extra software butter than bring out the magic.
Up until now, the Google Camera app hasn’t been openly available for download. However, at the end of last week a developer managed to get the app working on almost any device running a Snapdragon 820, 821, and 835. Yep, the Google Camera is here for you to sideload onto your Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8+, LG G6, OnePlus 5, etc.
The version available is Google Camera v4.4.012 and it does indeed install on my Galaxy S8. I haven’t tried it on other phones, but XDA says it should work and so we’ll take their word for it. With this installed, you can take advantage of the Google Pixel camera experience (with HDR+) on your phone of choice.
Want to give it a look? You can grab it at the link below. Feel free to let us know how it goes. So far, it’s running a bit slow on my Galaxy S8.
Google Camera v4.4 Download Link
// XDA
Comments
83 responses to “Google’s Camera App With Working HDR+ Gets Ported to Galaxy S8, Others”
I tested it on my LG V20 and found that it really shined in low light conditions whereas I would have to use the V20’s manual mode to get close to the same results.
Power162s
slow motion still crashes the app on the gs8+
Does not work on S7 edge.
It’s a nice option to have…but my S8+ is already full time beastmode…only played with the GoogleCam for a couple of days…
Yeah, I’m not sure what this brings to the table my S8+ doesn’t already rock. Takes killer pics already.
FWIW, per this site: https://www.xda-developers.com/google-camera-hdr-ported/ :: This is ONLY for SnapDragon 820 and up. No joy on Note 4.
https://media.giphy.com/media/11fpbdcbnBd5tu/source.gif
I downloaded it on my S8+ but I barely see a difference and there’s no manual mode. The Galaxy devices actually increased my interest in photography so I use manual mode much more now. I can’t go back to software that doesn’t offer it.
Yeah I feel exactly the same way, maybe its the hacked way the software was made available, but this made absolutely no visible difference to me over the stock S8+ camera app, and it actually is considerably less feature packed. No Manual mode, not 4K video, not 1080P60 video.
I still have it on my device. My thinking is maybe I haven’t yet captured that perfect image that would show me how great this app is. But yeah, so far, I’m underwhelmed.
I just found the difference. I took 2 photos using both the S8 camera app (top) and Google’s (bottom). Samsung’s is warmer but in Google’s, you see a rainbow ring on the bottom wall. I took other pictures with the Google camera and the rings appear in each one.
The S8 camera is the winner for me. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/35834dfc04d3625358d4d4df913a45fbdec7f731eca5b7457c7693c507291c57.jpg https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/65610ad3d92ee6f3117f18ce9d0c05133ac45cc3e190213c44f34b3f75c452d4.jpg
That’s a horrible sample, you would never need HDR shot for that. Try again outside with a bright sky but you have some shady foreground subjects, like buildings, people, etc. That’s where it shines.
I don’t have to try anything. The S8 camera didn’t produce the rainbow with the same setting. And what you’re telling me is that with the Pixel camera, I’m limited to only using it outside with a bright sky because in any other setting the pictures wouldn’t be that great? Why do I want to use a camera app that works better in some settings and not others when my stock app takes great pictures everywhere and offers more features? I’ve already deleted the Pixel camera.
But guize, this is from the Pixel…the PIXEL!!! It must be the best thing ever! It has teh pure experience!
Runs very slow on the S8+. And I like the stock camera software that Samsung provides better. We’ve got to wait and see if they optimize it for other devices.
Totally agree. Very slow for everything. No manual mode which I absolutely love on my s8 too! Probably not laggy like this on the actual pixel though.
Why would I want this n my S8?
You don’t. I just tried it. Slow to shoot, slow to focus, and I honestly like the pics from the Samsung camera better.
Power162s
It produces better photos on my S8 outdoors. The S8 camera will have blown out highlights while the Google Camera keeps them all in check, and has brighter colors.
Not working on international S8 (sm-950f)
Because you don’t have a Snapdragon processor.
Why is it coming up as risk were on my galaxy S8+??? Is anyone else getting this once it is installed?
Lookout is bouncing it (as it’s not from the Play store)?
Runs very slow on the S8+. And I like the stock camera software that Samsung provides better. We’ve got to wait and see if they optimize it for other devices.
Agreed but it’s great to have more quality cam software to play with..
I tried this camera out on my S8+ and it is definitely not as good as the camera that comes with the pixel or the camera that comes with the S8.
Just loaded On my OG Droid running Launcher Pro…
#FedericoCarnalesFTW
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/4c92ff971b19d172a09847fac3d5ebb8012dfb509cb682336f5bea3673cba52e.png
You have a virus, telling you that you may have a virus. Comical.
No lookout was saying that this camera download has one. Just trying to tell people as everyone is downloading it
But lookout is the virus
How so? They are responsible for finding a majority of the viruses on Android
If that’s what you want to believe.. That’s not the case though. They are responsible for spreading fear mongering, which in turn sells their product.
Using Avast Mobile and Malwarebytes….better to be on the safe side….
Why are you using antivirus software? LOL
Well if you think android is fully secure you’d be wrong. And the number one way of getting malware or a virus is by downloading side loaded apps. I scan them after I download apks outside of the app market. I don’t need some random person gaining access to my phone.
What are the advantages of this over the S8’s software? Seriously, I’m ignorant.
I tried it, it makes zero difference compared to the stock S8 camera app. Plus like Kellen said it’s slow also you loser the ability to shoot in anything other than 1080P. I wouldn’t bother with it.
Why would I want this n my S8?
You wouldn’t. I tried it and it’s not very good.
If you want better dynamic range outdoors.
It does indeed load on the Moto Z Force.. just doesnt record video in 60fps
Live73s
Plus144s
Does your slow motion video also crash the app?
It’s giving me an error when trying to install on my OP3T. “There was a problem parsing the package”. Just me?
Works on HTC U11, not that it needs as it already has best camera around.
That was my question. Is it worth it?
U11? Sure.
HAHA! I see what you did there. #FUNWITHENGLISH
Anyone know how this compares to Lightroom Camera??
I’ve been blown away by how good Lightroom’s software works
Not sure if the stock OP3 one is better than this or not. This one seems nice but takes longer
Remind me why anyone would want this when most phones have their own (better) HDR?
Not sure if the stock OP3 one is better than this or not. This one seems nice but takes longer
The delay absolutely kills it for me.
Because they don’t have HDR this good. A year later and the Pixel with HDR+ takes better photos than new flagships.
1 DxO point! Nice. I’ll take an instant snap on my S8 over a 1 second delay (on G Cam) every single day.
What are you talking about? The Pixels and Nexuses have always had better HDR than any other phone.
HDR is nasty anyways, any real photographer will be sick even thinking about it. Blown out colors aren’t necessary for every damn image.
There’s a difference between someone going overboard with HDR in Photoshop and what a smartphone camera does. The dynamic range of smartphone cameras are crap, so HDR allows you to get better dynamic range out of them. No “real photographer” would be sick to think about HDR on a smartphone. It also has nothing to do with blown out colors.
The pixel is only bested by the U11.. So all those chinaphones and samsung users would benefit with their crap cameras.
You do know HTC built the Pixels right? In Taiwan? And that the S8/S8+ are 1 DxO point away from Pixel? “Crap cameras.” Lol.
Call it like I see it
What about your China phone? How’s that working out? Did you just learn it’s from Taiwan? Lol.
You know Taiwan isn’t China right?
https://media.giphy.com/media/Yt3aZ6wj8AXJK/giphy.gif
Taiwan’s official title is the Republic of China. Further, the sentiment behind the original comment about “China phones” remains ironic.
Because HDR+ is one, if not the best, HDR algorithms out there. It’s much better than the HDR mode on my S8.
Force close on my Verizon Galaxy note 5. Uninstall
Doesn’t your N5 has a Exynos 7420 processor….?
Wrong chipset for install – not surprised you had problems.
If you read the article, you’d know it only works with phones that have a Snapdragon processor
Just tried it on my S7 Edge, just kept force closing.