Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW is already a flagship powerhouse, no doubt about it. However, in terms of photography, the stock camera app tends to underperform when compared to Google’s Pixel line. This is exactly where the Google Camera (GCam) APK comes to the rescue. With the appropriate GCam port installed, the Galaxy S20 5G UW users are not only to take better pictures but also to access a completely new photography mode of sharp details, balanced contrast, brightness boost in low light, and more intelligent AI-based features.
In this tutorial, find out Google Camera for Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW. You will be introduced to its features, reasons for use over the stock app, suggested versions, installation method, and troubleshooting tips here.
What is Google Camera (GCam) APK?
Google Camera or GCam for short was launched with the Nexus line back in 2014. Now, it has become one of the most sophisticated mobile camera applications. HDR+, Portrait Mode, Night Sight, and Astrophotography are the features that GCam introduces to be a winner against many stock apps irrespective of hardware.
The Pixel line is the gold standard in computational photography, and the open-source nature of Android has allowed developers to port GCam to other Android devices — including the Samsung Galaxy series quite a few times.
Why Use GCam on Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW?
The camera that comes with The Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW is a powerhouse of possibilities, but its software processing leaves room for improvement. Users have often pointed out issues such as noise in images, excessive sharpening, or a complete lack of the light a scene in dark environment.
For the most part, users prefer GCam to the Samsung camera stock app for the following reasons:
- Superior HDR+ Processing – More impressive dynamic range with balanced highlights and shadows.
- Enhanced Night Sight – Significantly better night photography with almost no noise.
- Realistic Colors – Colors closer to reality with less oversaturation coming from Samsung.
- Astrophotography Mode – Detailed photos of the stars and space.
- Improved Edge Detection in Portraits – AI-powered technology that helps natural-looking bokeh effects.
In a way, GCam lets you use the camera on the Galaxy S20 or S20 Ultra to its fullest potential.
Google Camera vs. Samsung Stock Camera
Although Samsung’s stock camera app includes features such as filters and fun modes as well as AI scene optimization, it might sometimes make images that are more “eye-catching” than natural in terms of detail. Conversely, Google Camera takes the route of computational photography which entails realizing pictures that are ground, rich in detail, and consistent with one another.
- Stock Camera Strengths: Rich in features, versatile lenses, performs well in daylight.
- GCam Strengths: Crisp details, correct skin tones, great night photography, colors that match nature.
The GCam is the obvious choice if you want pro-grade photos.
Best Google Camera Ports for Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW
Some builds of GCam do not work well with Samsung devices. The GCam ports for the Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW that are most stable and recommended are listed below:
- BSG GCam Port (v9.6)
- The best compatibility with Android 15 and below.
- Regular updates and stable performance.
- Arnova8G2 GCam Port (v8.7)
- One of the most GCam community favorites.
- Allows you to customize and receive frequent updates.
- Greatness GCam Port (v8.4)
- Smooth RAW recording.
- Reliable camera for both pictures and videos.
Google Camera
Download Google Camera for Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW
👉 Recommended: Start with BSG or Arnova8G2 as these two are the most stable versions for the Galaxy S20 5G UW.
How to Install Google Camera APK on Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW
There’s no doubt that GCam installation is very easy on the user’s device, but it is performed manually through the APK installation. Just do the following:
- Download the GCam APK file (choose from the recommended versions) to your phone.
- You should then open the File Manager app.
- Go to the Downloads folder.
- Click on the APK file → Install.
- Provide the required permissions (camera, storage, etc.) that you have been asked for.
- When the app is successfully installed, launch it and have fun capturing your moments.
📌 Tip: To enjoy complete compatibility, make sure that Camera2API is turned on for your Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW.
Loading XML Configuration Files
So, some GCam mod are open to receiving XML config files to adjust the settings perfectly according to the device and for the best performance.
Steps for loading XML configs:
- On your internal storage, create a GCam > Configs folder.
- Drop the XML file into the folder you just created.
- GCam → Double-tap near the shutter button → Select config → Restore.
From now on, you’re using the settings previously optimized for the Galaxy S20 5G UW.
Troubleshooting GCam Issues
At times, GCam may not function as intended right from the first attempt. Exhaustive troubleshooting below presents top problems and solutions:
- App Not Installed Error: Uninstall old GCam versions prior to installing a new one.
- App Crashes on Launch: Clear cache & storage → Reinstall with a compatible version.
- Photos/Videos Not Saving: First of all, check if the storage permissions are allowed and if there is any free space.Astrophotography Not Working: Try to use a tripod for stability, turn on Night Sight, and keep the phone still.
- Photos/Videos Not Saving: First of all, check if the storage permissions are allowed and if there is any free space.
- Astrophotography Not Working: Try to use a tripod for stability, turn on Night Sight, and keep the phone still.
Benefits of Using GCam on Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW
- ✔ Significantly improved low light camera with Night Sight.
- ✔ Amplified dynamic range and sharpness along with HDR+.
- ✔ Completely natural skin tones and colors that are close to the nature.
- ✔ Playful AR stickers and a variety of extra modes.
- ✔ High-quality results at professional levels without any additional hardware.
Drawbacks:
- Quite a while to find the right one.
- Firstly, app & features malfunctioning is a big issue.
- Limited app crashes may occur with different versioning of the app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the best GCam version for Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW?
A: The most stable and popular versions are BSG and Arnova8G2.
Q2. Why am I unable to install GCam on my Galaxy S20 5G UW?
A: It might be that you have another GCam installed or that the APK is not compatible with your Android version.
Q3. Will GCam make video recording better as well?
A: Yes, many ports make video stabilization and quality better than the stock app.
Q4. What is the method to switch on Astrophotography mode?
A: Nighy Sight is the mode to go for → Check if the Astrophotography toggle is there → Leave the phone as steady as possible on a tripod.
Conclusion
One of the most straightforward methods to have the most of your Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW camera using Google Camera (GCam) is an installation.
You will have the opportunity to enjoy brilliant smartphone photography with the inclusion of features like HDR+, Night Sight, Astrophotography, and more.
Don’t matter if you would like to photograph with your smartphone just for fun or you are a professional, the right GCam port will always let your Samsung Galaxy S20 5G UW be at your service.
👉 Download the ports that are recommended, follow the installation guide, and elevate your photography.