Relevant changes
You want these processing controls and can build or source an R2-specific configuration.
LMC 8.8 vs LMC 8.4: Compare Branches Before Switching
LMC 8.8 is a separate camera branch, not the next numbered release of LMC 8.4. Choose according to a working device configuration and documented changes.
| Question | LMC 8.4 | LMC 8.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Latest listing in researched branch | R18, currently R18F1 files | Release 2 |
| Hub date | 2023-06-14 | 2025-01-06 |
| Configuration evidence here | R15 and R16+ device indexes | Separate release notes; no equivalent device catalog here |
| Preset transfer | R18 notes accept earlier configs; device testing still needed | Release 2 warns of incompatible keys in previous-version configs |
| Image-quality comparison | No controlled captures or device test establish a winner | |
What 8.8 Release 2 documents
- The libpatcher menu was reorganized, with LUT and watermark features and additional processing controls.
- Color transformation, noise smoothing, AWB, Shasta, clean-install behavior, and HDRNet exposure control received updates.
Before switching branches
Export the working 8.4 settings and keep the original APK filename recorded. Do not assume the 8.4 XML directory or key mapping is valid for 8.8. Read the source’s configuration warning and establish default operation before transferring any settings.
If your phone already has a reliable 8.4 setup, a new base version alone is not evidence that every lens or video mode will improve. Compare the same scene, firmware and capture settings yourself. Review 8.4 releases or read the separate 9.6 Release 1 guide.
When does Release 2 make sense?
Your current setup
Your 8.4 XML already works and you do not want a fresh tuning process.
What to check when you switch
- Preserve the working 8.4 installation and XML.
- Start R2 with fresh settings.
- Use an R2-appropriate device config and test every lens.
Before importing your XML
Hasli warns against configs from all earlier versions because most keys are unsuitable for R2.
Release 2 questions answered
Can I import an old 8.8 beta XML?
The R2 warning includes all previous versions, not only 8.4.
Is 8.8 automatically better than 8.4?
The feature list does not prove better results on your phone; compare capture reliability and output.
Where do R2 config files go?
The branch's config index specifies /LMC8.8/ at internal-storage root.
Release facts: developer notes ↗. See the APK testing disclosure.
Sources & editorial responsibility
Release and setup references are listed below. Read the testing and evidence policy for the scope of Muzamil Ahad’s reported APK testing.
Founder & APK reviewer: Muzamil Ahad. How the guide was researched · Report a correction.