How to Check Camera2 API Support on Android Phones?

I know you’re excited to try the Google Camera App on your smartphone but there is a big hurdle in your way named “Camera2 API”. But don’t be worried, this is a complete guide where you can find in-depth information about enabling Camera2 API on all Android phones.

If you’re looking to elevate your photography using Gcam APK then it is important to understand that you must have a device that comes with Camera 2 API enabled. It is easy to check whether Camera2 API is enabled on your phone or not. We have shared various methods in this article so that you can choose anyone as per your choice and easily check for the Camera2 API.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast seeking sharper images or a developer aiming to create custom camera functionalities, Camera2 API offers the tools and flexibility you need. Additionally, we’ll walk you through the setup process, ensuring you can seamlessly integrate Camera2 API into your device or application.

Join us as we delve into the world of Camera2 API, uncovering its benefits and possibilities. Don’t forget to read this article in its entirety to unlock the full potential of Camera2 API and we’ll explore the myriad advantages of Camera2 API, from improving camera quality to providing fine-grained control over essential features like autofocus and ISO.

What is the Camera2 API?

Camera2 API is a vital tool empowering Android developers to harness the full potential of smartphone cameras. Introduced by Google in Android 5.0 (Lollipop), it offers enhanced control over important camera functions such as shutter speed, ISO, autofocus, and RAW capture. With Camera2 API, developers can access advanced features like HDR, maximizing the capabilities of both native and third-party camera apps.

for those who don’t know what an API is, it stands for Application programming interface and makes it very easy to connect two or more computer programmers to communicate and work together. To make it easy for you to understand, let me give you an example. Recently, you have seen many apps that use ChatGPT and it happens because ChatGPT gives API that other developers can use to add more features using the API of an already developed computer program.

By facilitating precise control over sensor, lens, and flash settings on a per-frame basis, Camera2 API ensures optimal image quality and customization options. Whether it’s improving low-light performance or enabling advanced photography techniques, this API serves as a bridge between software and hardware, elevating the photography experience on Android devices. Embrace the power of the Camera2 API to unlock new creative possibilities and capture stunning moments with your smartphone camera.

How to Check Camera2 API Support on Your Android Phone?

Ensuring Camera2 API compatibility is essential for maximizing the performance of camera apps on Android devices. Here’s a detailed guide on how to check Camera2 API support using various methods:

Method 1: Camera2 API Probe App

The Camera2 API Probe App is a reliable tool available on the Play Store to verify Camera2 API support on your device. So, download and install this app on your device from the Play Store then launch it to initiate the verification process. The app will automatically determine whether your device supports Camera2 API.

How to Know Whether Camera2 API is Enabled or Not?

Once the verification is completed, it will show the full report that consists of many technical things that might be difficult to understand to a normal person. So, here we have explained to you what you need to check in the report. Firstly, check the camera facing. On the top of the list, the reports are shown for the back camera and as you scroll down, you can see the report for the front camera.

All you need to look at the report is the “Hardware Support Level”. If all the checkboxes are in green color then your device supports camera2 API but if there are only 1 or 2 green checks then most likely you can use Gcam APK on your device but some of the features may not work at full potential. If there is a red cross sign in hardware support then your device does not support camera2 API.

Hardware Support Leve displays detailed information about your device’s camera and its hardware capabilities. This includes several levels such as “Level_3” which offers advanced features like RAW images and YUV reprocessing, “Full” which indicates the majority of Camera2 API functions are accessible, “Limited” which provides limited resources from Camera2 API, “Legacy” which Indicates support for outdated Camera1 API, and last but not the least, there is “External” which allows external cameras as USB webcams.

Method 2: Manual Camera Compatibility App

The Manual Camera Compatibility App offers another straightforward approach to checking Camera2 API support:

• Download: Search for the Manual Camera Compatibility App on the Play Store and download it to your device.
• Test Initiation: Open the app and start the compatibility test.
• Result Analysis: After a few seconds, the app will display the test results. Look for a green tick in all sections, indicating Camera2 API compatibility.

Method 3: Confirming Via ADB Commands

Tech-savvy and Advanced users can confirm Camera2 API support using ADB commands.

Step 1. Enable Developer Options: Open your device’s Settings and scroll to the end then tap on “About Device”. Click on “Version” then tap on Build Number multiple times then it may ask you to enter the password to enable the developer mode.

Step 2. Enable USB Debugging: Open the Developer option and make sure the USB Debugging is turned on.

Strep 3. Connect to Computer: Connect your phone to a computer via a USB cable.

Command Execution:

i. For Windows: Open Command Prompt.

ii. For macOS: Open Terminal Window.

Step 4. Execute Command: Enter the following command:

getprop | grep HAL3

Step 5. Result Analysis: Check the results. If you see

[persist.camera.HAL3.enabled]: [1]

[persist.vendor.camera.HAL3.enabled]: [1]

it indicates that Camera HAL3 with full Camera2 API support is enabled.

By utilizing these methods, users can verify Camera2 API support on their Android devices. This ensures compatibility with advanced camera features and applications like Google Camera, enhancing the photography experience on Android smartphones.

Advantages of Using Camera2 API on Android Phones

Here are the advantages of using the Camera2 API on Android devices:

• Improved Camera Quality: Enabling Camera2 API enhances the overall quality of your device’s camera, resulting in sharper images and better color reproduction.
• Control Over Features: Gain fine-grained control over essential camera features such as autofocus, ISO, RAW capture, and more, allowing for precise adjustments to suit your photography needs.
• Maximize Android Camera Benefits: Camera2 API enables you to unlock the full potential of your Android device’s camera, ensuring you make the most out of its capabilities.
• Wide Compatibility: Available for Android devices running version 9 and above, Camera2 API offers compatibility across a broad range of smartphones, ensuring widespread access to its benefits.
• Customization: As a low-level API, Camera2 provides developers with extensive customization options, allowing them to create custom camera features or fine-tune settings according to specific requirements.
• In-depth Controls: Camera2 API offers in-depth controls for complex use cases, providing developers with the tools needed to create innovative camera applications with advanced functionality.

By leveraging the advantages of Camera2 API, users can elevate their photography experience on Android devices, achieving superior image quality and enhanced control over camera settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Camera2 API stands as a powerful tool for both photography enthusiasts and developers alike, offering enhanced camera functionality and fine-grained control. With its ability to improve image quality and provide customizable features, Camera2 API opens up a world of possibilities for Android users. We’ve only scratched the surface of its potential in this guide, so be sure to share this article with friends, colleagues, and fellow enthusiasts to spread the word about the benefits of Camera2 API. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of Android cameras and revolutionize the way we capture moments. Share this article with all!