Grainy images, dull colors, and poor low-light shots are common problems with older camera software; you can change all that without upgrading your phone.

The solution? Download GCam APK for Android 8, a lightweight and powerful Google Camera port that can bring Pixel-like photo quality to your device.

GCam 5 (specifically version 5.1.018) is a stable and popular build made for Android 8, with great results even on older phones like the Redmi 4, Moto G5, or Samsung Galaxy J7. It’s fast, smooth, and gives your camera a serious upgrade.

🌟 Why GCam 5 is a Big Upgrade for Android 8 Phones

You don’t need to be a tech expert to enjoy better photos. GCam 5 brings smart image processing straight from Google’s Pixel devices — here’s what makes it worth a try:

📷 Better Photos with HDR+

This feature improves every shot by blending multiple exposures. The result? Sharper details, balanced highlights, and less noise — even in tricky lighting situations.

🌙 Improved Low-Light Performance

Even without Night Sight, this version captures more detail in dark environments. You’ll get brighter, cleaner photos than most stock apps can manage.

🚀 Lightweight & Stable on Android 8

Newer GCam versions don’t always work well on older systems. But GCam 5 is optimised for Android 8, which means it runs smoothly even on mid-range phones.

🔓 No Root Required

You don’t need to unlock your phone or install any custom ROMs. Just download the APK, install it, and you’re good to go.

⬇️ Download GCam APK 5 + Config (Android 8 Only)

These APKs are developed by Arnova8G2, one of the most trusted names in the GCam community. They are designed specifically for Android 8 devices and work with both 32-bit and 64-bit processors.

🔗 Download Links: All versions of Gcam 5.x for Android 8

• Version: GCam-5.1.018-Pixel2Mod-Arnova8G2-V8.3b1.apk
  • Release: August 25, 2018
  • Compatibility: Android 8+, 32 & 64-bit
  • 📥 Download Here

• Version: GoogleCamera-Pixel2Mod-Arnova8G2-V8.2.apk
  • Release: August 13, 2018
  • Compatibility: Android 8+, 32 & 64-bit
  • 📥 Download Here

• Version: GoogleCamera-Pixel2Mod-Arnova8G2-V8.1.apk
  • Release: July 22, 2018
  • Compatibility: Android 8+, 32 & 64-bit
  • 📥 Download Here

• Version: GoogleCamera-Pixel2Mod-Arnova8G2-V8.apk
  • Release: June 19, 2018
  • Compatibility: Android 8+, 32 & 64-bit
  • 📥 Download Here

• Version: GoogleCamera-Pixel2Mod-Arnova8G2-V7.9.9.apk
  • Release: June 5, 2018
  • Compatibility: Android 8+, 32 & 64-bit
  • 📥 Download Here

• Version: GoogleCamera-Pixel2Mod-Arnova8G2-V7beta-test-9.apk
  • Release: March 25, 2018
  • Compatibility: Android 8+, 32 & 64-bit
  • 📥 Download Here

• Version: GCam5.1.018-Arnova8G2-V1.2.apk
  • Release: December 11, 2017
  • Compatibility: Android 8+, 32 & 64-bit
  • 📥 Download Here

Note: These are older versions made only for Android Oreo. If they don’t work for your device, try one of the GCam Go or Camera Go mods as a lightweight alternative.

⚙️ How to Install GCam 5 on Android 8

You don’t need any special tools to install this. Just follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Enable Unknown Sources
   Open Settings > Security, and turn on the option for “Unknown sources”. This allows you to install apps outside the Play Store.
2. Install the APK File
   Locate the downloaded file in your file manager and tap to install it. Follow the normal on-screen instructions.
3. (Optional) Load Config File
   If you have a config (.xml) file for GCam, move it to:
   Internal Storage > GCam > Configs
   Then open the app, double-tap the black area beside the shutter button, and load the config.

Advertisements

📝 Changelog – The Journey of Gcam 5 from Gcam 3.x

If you’ve used GCam v3.x or v4.x on your older Android phones, you already know the kind of boost they gave over stock cameras. But GCam 5 takes things a step further, especially for Android 8 users.

• GCam v3.x (for Android 6) was lightweight and stable, but lacked key features like Portrait mode and had limited HDR+ capabilities. It was a good starter version but basic by today’s standards.
• GCam v4.x brought a smoother UI and better HDR+ performance, with minor support for slow motion and better handling of daylight shots — great for Android 7 users.

👉 Now with GCam v5, you get a major step up:

• Portrait Mode from the Pixel 2 is now ported and functional
• HDR+ is more refined and balanced
• Image detail is sharper, even in mixed lighting
• And it still runs smoothly on phones with Android 8 and 2–3GB RAM

Basically, GCam 5 is where the Pixel magic really started to feel real for budget phones. It’s the version where things became not just better, but smart.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips – If Things Don’t Work

Running into problems? Here are some quick fixes:

• App crashes on startup
  Double-check that you’re using a GCam 5 version (not GCam 7 or newer). If yes, clear app data or reinstall the APK.
• Black screen after opening the camera
  Try switching between front/rear cameras. If that fails, go to GCam settings > Advanced and change the camera API mode.
• Photos not saving
  Make sure GCam has permission to access storage and the camera. Check this in Settings > Apps > Permissions.
• Can’t find the Config folder
  You can create one manually in your internal storage: GCam > Configs and place the config file inside it.

📸 Photos Worth Sharing

Many users with older phones have reported a night-and-day difference after switching to GCam 5. Whether you’re using a Redmi Note 4, Moto G5 Plus, or a Galaxy J7, this camera mod gives you a chance to take clearer, brighter, and more social-media-ready photos.

Snap a few shots and compare them with your old camera app — the improvement will surprise you.

✅ Final Thoughts

If you’re still rocking a phone with Android 8, there’s no need to miss out on better photos. GCam APK 5 brings a powerful upgrade, especially when stock apps just don’t cut it anymore.

It’s free, fast, and doesn’t require root or complex setup. Just install, shoot, and enjoy your upgraded camera experience.