[Update] OnePlus 7 Pro Google Camera (Gcam) port: Download, current status and more!

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

With the release of the OnePlus 7 series, the Chinese OEM is trying hard to secure a place in the high table of the camera centric phones. Smartphone makers like Google, Samsung and Huawei are the veteran names there, thus the fight is really challenging.

Unlike Huawei or Google, OnePlus did not want to emphasise on the usage of dedicated AI infused image processors. While we have seen a vast improvement of camera performance using computational photography techniques, OnePlus decided to stick with the traditional path.

We slightly change the tuning but OnePlus users shouldn’t expect too much difference on the surface. If you’re trying to shoot a plant and the camera tells you it’s a dog, that’s not useful.

– Simon Liu (OnePlus imaging director)

Although DxOMark gave a very positive review to the OnePlus 7 Pro, regular users are not happy with the real life photography performance of the flagship offering from OnePlus. Moreover, a recent controversy around outdated camera firmware is making the situation a lot more complicated.

Sony camera sensors are the integral part of OnePlus phones, and the OnePlus 7 Pro is not an exception. Moreover, OxygenOS 9.5 on the phone does support Camera2 API out of the box. Based on these facts, OnePlus fans are hoping to substitute the stock camera with a proper Google Camera port.

Modded Google Camera (also known as GCam port) app from the Pixel series of phones are known for enhancing the image quality by incorporating advanced post processing. However, the Sony IMX586 48 MP sensor has not been used in any Google phones yet.

On the other hand, the Pro variant of OnePlus 7 is the first OnePlus phone to sport a triple camera layout. As a consequence, one can’t directly use the previous GCam ports for OnePlus 6 or 6T.

Interestingly, Xiaomi’s yearly flagship, i.e. the Mi 9, also featured a similar rear camera components. Both Mi 9 and OnePlus 7 Pro use the Sony IMX586 sensor as their primary imaging module.

1. Use Mi 9 Google Camera ports

Community modders such as Urnyx05 and xtrme are working on the optimized Google Camera port for Mi 9, which can also be used for the OnePlus 7 Pro. There are some known limitations, such as:

– You may have to change Viewfinder to YUV if screen freezes –
– Slow Motion Mode doesn’t work yet –
– Doesn’t Support all 3 lens –
– Doesn’t use XML files, just point and shoot –

Detailed discussion and configs can be found in this thread.

2. Arnova8G2’s generic mod

Users have successfully tested the generic mod of the legendary modder Arnova8G2. The latest available version is 6.2.024_Advanced version 2.0 with the following changelog:

– Based on the new Google Camera 6.2.024.239729896
– Adding new settings
– Add to 2.4f/1.5f aperture in viewfinder (for samsung by zoran)
– Two-in-one version (simple or advanced). Go to About > Advanced to unlock advanced settings
– Works without google services (Gapps)
– All features work well
– Version does not work with XML files
– Top Shot now works with Google Photos

Manual configurations are still needed, such as the front camera model has to be changed to Nexus 6P and the image format should be YUV.

3. Arnova8G2’s OnePlus 7 Pro specific mod

And here we go! Arnova8G2 is already working on a dedicated GCam port for the OnePlus 7 Pro itself. Users having the phone are requested to participate in the beta testing by joining the Telegram group.

Image source: Google Camera [OP7/7PRO] Telegram group

The latest public beta version is 6.2.030_Advanced_V2.1beta8.190522.0335, which can be downloaded from this link. Things like HDR+ and portrait mode are working fine, but the mod still requires extra polishing regarding color saturation and night mode.

Image source: Google Camera [OP7/7PRO] Telegram group

At this moment, the improvements are not vast, but low light enhancements are noticeable. OnePlus is going to deliver updated camera firmware in upcoming OTA updates, which will be beneficial for the Google Camera ports as well.

Once again I like to remember our readers that the development of these GCam ports will not be possible without thorough user feedback and logs. It’s a continuous process, thus finding a ‘true’ stable version may not be possible in near future.

Are you planning to use Google Camera port(s) as your primary camera app on the OnePlus 7 Pro? Comment below.

Feature image source: OnePlus forums

The regular OnePlus 7 is now available, and the day-one patch for it is currently rolling out.

Existing Gcam ports for OnePlus 7 Pro should work on the non-Pro model as well. If you haev stumbled on an issue, do contact the developers.

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