When Xiaomi first introduced smartphones with a 48-megapixel camera Ultra HD, This has been a hot topic for debate, with some calling the technology a revolution, others a marketing ploy. Today, in 2026, 48MP modules have become the standard for the mid- and flagship segments of the brand, but questions remain: Do these sensors really give you an advantage over 12-megapixels? How does pixel binning work, and why are photos at full resolution often worse than 12-megapixels? In this article, we will understand what is hidden behind the number “48” in the characteristics of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro cameras.+, POCO F5 Pro or Xiaomi 13T, How to use this potential properly.
The controversy surrounding megapixels has been raging since the 2010s, when manufacturers began the race for a number on paper, but Xiaomi has gone further: instead of simply increasing the resolution, the brand has integrated technologies like Tetra-cell binning (combining 4 pixels into 1), dual-use devices into its smartphones. ISO And the Remosaic algorithms, which are designed to compensate for the physical limitations of small sensors. But does that work in practice.
What is 48 MP in Xiaomi smartphones: the technical basis
48-Xiaomi’s megapixel sensor isn’t just a marketing ploy; it’s based on a physical matrix with resolution. 8000 × 6000 pixels, but there are a few nuances here:
- 📱 Pixel size: In most cases, it is 0.8 microns (for example, in Sony). IMX586 Samsung GM1). For comparison, 12-MP sensors often have a larger pixel, 1.2-1.6 μm, which is better for light absorption.
- 🔍 Pixel binning: The technology of combining 4 neighboring pixels into one "superpixel" of 1.6 microns. This improves light absorption in the dark, but reduces the real resolution to 12 MP.
- 🎯 Dynamic range: Sensors with duality ISO (Like Sony. IMX766 Xiaomi 12T Pro) allow simultaneous high- and low-sensitivity shooting and then combining the frames to better work out shadows and lights.
Key point: 48 MP is not always better. In most scenarios, the smartphone defaults to 12MP binning, and full resolution only comes on in manual mode or in good lighting. MIUI Camera option "48 MP" is often hidden behind settings → Ultra HD.
⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi 2020-2022 models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) 48-MP Samsung sensor GM1 It used interpolation, which is an artificial increase in resolution from 12 MP to 48 MP. This is not the same as the “native” 48 MP in the new models!
48 MP vs 108 MP vs 200 MP: Which is better in Xiaomi smartphones?
Megapixel comparison is a favorite topic of debate, and let's look at the real differences in Xiaomi's current models:
| Model | Sensor | Permission (MP) | Pixel size (μm) | Technology | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Sony IMX766 | 50 MP (binning up to 12.5 MP) | 1.0 μm (2.0 μm after binning) | Dual ISO, OIS | Excellent detail in good light, stabilization | Overheating during long shooting |
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | Sony IMX989 | 50 MP (binning up to 12.5 MP) | 1.6 μm (3.2 μm after binning) | 1-inch sensor, Leica optics | Best Dynamic Range, Night Shooting | High price, high weight. |
| POCO F5 Pro | Sony IMX766 | 64 MP (binning up to 16 MP) | 0.7 μm (1.4 μm after binning) | 9-in-1 binning, OIS | Good zoom, bright colors. | Noise in dark scenes |
| Xiaomi 12S Ultra | Sony IMX989 | 50 MP | 1.6 μm | 1-inch sensor, Leica | Professional quality, 8K-video | Outdated processor (Snapdragon 8)+ Gen 1) |
Critical detail: sensors at 108 and 200 MP (for example, in Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) They use non-binning (combining 9 pixels into 1), which gives a superpixel size of up to 2.4 μm. This improves night photography, but the real resolution drops to 12 MP. Thus, 48-MP sensors with tetra binning (4 in 1) often turn out to be a more balanced solution.
Conclusion: 48 MT is the optimal balance for most users. 108/200 The MT only gives an advantage in two cases:
- You print photos larger than that. A3.
- Your work involves framing (for example, shooting wildlife, where you need to cut the frame).
In all other scenarios, the difference between 48 and 108 MP will be imperceptible.
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To check if your smartphone is actually shooting at 48 MP, open up. EXIF-Photo data (for example, through the application) EXIF Look for Image Width and Image Height options — they should be available for full resolution. 8000×6000 or close to it.
How to turn on shooting in 48 MP on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
Many Xiaomi owners don’t even know that their smartphone supports 48 MP – because the default camera shoots in binning mode (12 MP).
Open the Camera app
Go to Settings (⚙) → Photo resolution
Choose Ultra. HD (48 MP) or 50 MP (depending on model)
Turn it off. AI-chamber
Check the result in the gallery (the file should weigh 15-25 MB)-->
Important: in some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) 48 MP is only available in Pro Mode, where you can manually adjust shutter speeds, ISO White balance for maximum quality.
Also, pay attention to the format of the preservation:
- 📸 JPEG: Compression reduces file size, but it loses detail.
- 📁 RAW (DNG): Stores all data from the sensor (file size) ~50MB) Requires post-processing in Lightroom or Snapseed.
- 🔄 HEIF: Modern format with good compression, but not all devices support it.
⚠️ Attention: When shooting in 48 Xiaomi MP can automatically disable certain functions, for example: 🌙 Night mode (only working until the end) 12 MPP). 🎥 Video 4K/8K (maximum HD upon 48 MPP). 🤖 AI retouch (face and scene processing only works in binning mode).
When to shoot in 48 MP, and when not: practical tips
Full 48MP resolution is not always justified, but here are the specific scenarios when it will come in handy:
- 🌄 Landscapes: Many small details (folios, texture of mountains) that you want to consider when increasing.
- 🏙️ Architecture: Long-distance shooting of buildings (you can later cut the frame without loss of quality).
- 🎨 Macro: Smallest objects (insects, flowers) where detail is important.
- 🖼️ Print: If you plan to print a larger photo A4.
When 48 MP is not needed (and even harmful):
- 🌃 Night shooting: Small pixels don't collect light well → noise and blur.
- 👥 Portraits: The face takes up little space on the frame and the background blurs (binning gives the best bokeh).
- 📱 Social media: Instagram, VK Telegram and compress the photo to 1080p — The difference from 12 MP will be unnoticed.
- 🎞️ Video: 48 MP in video not used (maximum — 8K, But it's a separate technology).
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For 90% of users, the optimal mode is 12 MP with binning, and the full 48 MP is only needed for specific tasks (printing, framing, professional processing).
Interesting fact: in Xiaomi 13T Pro and POCO F5 Pro, when shooting at 48 MP, automatically turns on the Remosaic algorithm, which recovers details due to AI. This partially compensates for the losses from small pixels, but requires a powerful processor (for example, the Snapdragon 8).+ Gen 1).
48MP cameras in different Xiaomi smartphones: who is better?
Not all 48-megapixel sensors are the same. Even within Xiaomi's lineup, the difference can be huge. Here's a comparison of current models (2026 data):
| Parameter | Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | POCO F5 Pro | Xiaomi 13T | Xiaomi Civi 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Sony IMX766 (50 MP) | Sony IMX766 (64 MPs) | Sony IMX707 (50 MP) | Sony IMX800 (50 MP) |
| Sensor size | 1/1.56" | 1/1.7" | 1/1.28" | 1/1.56" |
| Optical Stabilization (OIS) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. |
| Night mode (48 MP) | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (with limitations) | ❌ No. |
| Price (2026, Russia) | ~35 000 ₽ | ~45 000 ₽ | ~60 000 ₽ | ~30 000 ₽ |
The leader in the ratio of price / quality – Redmi Note 12 Pro+. Despite the more modest processor (MediaTek Dimensity 1080), its camera is designed to be a very simple one. IMX766 and OIS The Xiaomi Civi 3, despite its fashionable design, loses due to the lack of stabilization.
Why Xiaomi 13T used IMX707, not IMX800?
How to improve photos at 48 MP: post-processing and settings
Even with a 48MP sensor, raw photos often need to be reworked, and here are proven ways to improve quality:
- Turn off the watermarks. MIUI: Go to Camera Settings → Watermark → They're spoiling the shot and taking up space.
- Take it down. RAW (DNG): In Professional mode, select the format RAW+JPEG. This will give more data to process.
- Use Lightroom Mobile: Open up RAW-File in Lightroom Increase the exposure to +0.5–1.0 Reduce Contrast to -10 Raise the Shadows to +30 Add Sharpness (mask on edges)
- Try alternative cameras: Apps like GCam (Google Camera) or ProCam X often provide better processing than standard cameras. MIUI Camera.
For video on 48-MP smartphones Xiaomi recommend:
- 🎥 Take off 4K@30fps bitrate 50 Mbps (configure to Video Resolution) → Quality).
- 🔊 Use an external microphone (e.g., Boya) BY-M1) purely.
- 📱 Put your smartphone on the stabilizer (even with the OIS shaking).
⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW Xiaomi may overheat (especially on Snapdragon) 8 Gen 1/2). If the camera shuts down with a warning “Temperature is high”, let the device cool down. 5–10 minutes or lower the resolution to 12 MPP.
Frequent issues with Xiaomi’s 48MP cameras and how to fix them
Despite the advanced technologies, users often encounter bugs, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Photo blurred at 48 MP | Hand trembling + slow-cloth | Use a tripod or turn on Night Mode (if available) |
| Green/purple shade in the photo | Sensor defect or poor calibration | Update the software or reset the camera settings (Settings) → Reset) |
| The camera does not save 48 MP | Lack of memory or software bug | Clear the camera cache (Settings → Apps → Camera → Memory) |
| Noise in good lighting | Aggressive processing MIUI | Turn it off. AI-camera and shoot in Pro mode |
If the problems don’t go away, try:
- Install GCam with support for your model (look for config to support your model) IMX766/IMX800).
- Remove the camera update (if the bugs appeared after the update).
- Reset your smartphone to factory settings (pre-save data!).
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If your Xiaomi doesn’t save 48MP photos, check the file system format of the memory card. For larger files (20).+ MB) it must be formatted in exFAT or NTFS, not FAT32.