How to Install Google Camera in Sony Xperia R1

The Sony Xperia R1, like any other smartphone, is equipped with a camera. To interact with it, a camera app of the same name is installed on the phone, which is used to take pictures and record videos. However, you can also install Google Camera in your Sony Xperia R1 for several reasons.

Why Google Camera is Needed

It would seem that if the Sony Xperia R1 already has a camera app, why would you need additional software? That question will be answered by anyone who's ever held a Pixel phone in their hands. On it, GCam port is installed by default and is used as a stock app.

Despite the fact that the photographic sensors on Google phones don't boast great resolution, size or aperture, the device takes much better pictures than the Sony Xperia R1. It's all about the algorithms responsible for image processing. Google has reached unprecedented heights in this area, which is why the photos come out brighter and more contrasty when using the American company's camera app.

Setting up a Google camera

The creators of the app are deliberately restricting owners of other devices so that people will buy the Google Pixel because of GCam. You won't find the app on your Sony Xperia R1 via the Google Play Store, so you'll have to go trickier.

№1. Check Compatibility

The quality gains with GCam port are only available on devices with Camera 2 API support. Therefore, you should first check your Sony Xperia R1 for compatibility:

1. Install the Camera2 API Prob app via Play Store and then open it.
   

2. Examine the information provided opposite "Hardware Support Level".
   
3. Here you should see "FULL" or "LEVEL_3" highlighted in green.

If these settings are highlighted in red, then Google Camera will either not provide sufficient quality enhancement or will not start at all. But it's still worth a try.

№2. Download a Suitable GCam Port Build

Once you've verified that your phone supports GCam, you can move on to downloading the distribution. It can be found on various resources, but we recommend downloading GCam port on Sony Xperia R1 using celsoazevedo.com, which offers a huge number of GCam builds and mods. To download, you'll need:

1. Open the page located at www.celsoazevedo.com/files/android/google-camera/.
2. Go to "Suggested Versions".
   
3. Expand the tab corresponding to the Android version as well as the latest GCam version.
   
4. Tap on the name of the build you like and confirm the download.
   

Now all that's left is to install the app on your smartphone. If you've never installed an app without Play Store, read the rest of this article.

№3. Install Google Camera

You might have some difficulties with the installation, as Sony Xperia R1 by default blocks the installation of apps from unknown sources. Follow the instructions to complete the operation without any hassle:

1. In the security settings, activate the "Unknown sources" item.
   
2. Open the previously downloaded APK file.
3. Press the "Install" button.
   

Within seconds the port will be installed and you'll be able to check how Google Camera works on your Sony Xperia R1. You may need to try several builds of the app to get a good result, as they are all unofficial and therefore not always GCam is better than the stock camera app.

See also: