Recently, smartphone makers including Xiaomi have been using numbers like 48MP, 64MP or even 200MP in advertising, positioning them as a key advantage of cameras. But what really lurks behind these megapixels? Why is it a 48MP Redmi Note 12 Pro camera?+ Do they always look 4 times better than the 12-megapixel iPhone 13?
In this article, we will break down the technical side of the 48-megapixel sensors in Xiaomi smartphones, compare them with alternatives (12 MP, 108 MP, 200 MP), and explain how to use high resolution correctly to get the most out of it.
If you've ever wondered why photos from Xiaomi's flagship sometimes lose in detail to more modestly-defined devices, the answer isn't just megapixels. Let's get it straight.
What is 48 MP in Xiaomi camera: Physics vs Marketing
To start with, 48 MP is the number of light-sensitive elements (pixels) on a camera array. Theoretically, the more of them, the greater the potential detail of the image, but in reality, it's more complicated because of physical limitations.
The sensor of the smartphone has a fixed physical size (usually a fixed size). 1/1.56"β1/2" Xiaomi, to fit in. 48 A million pixels in such a small area, each pixel must be extremely small. 0.8β1.2 For comparison, in 12-Megapixel cameras iPhone or Google Pixel pixel size is 1.4β1.8 micron.
This leads to a key problem: small pixels are less likely to collect light, which degrades the quality of images in poor lighting conditions, and manufacturers use pixel binning technology to compensate for this.
πΉ Pixel binning is the combination of data from multiple physical pixels into one βsuperpixel.β For example, in default mode, Xiaomiβs camera can combine 4 pixels into 1, giving the final photo with a resolution of 12 MP, but with better light sensitivity.
48 MP technology in Xiaomi: Sony IMX582, IMX766 others
Xiaomi uses sensors from different manufacturers, but the most common 48-megapixel arrays are Sony. IMX582, IMX586 and IMX766. Each of them has its own characteristics:
- π· Sony IMX582 β Budget version, found in the Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro. Pixel size: 0.8 micro, supports binning 4-into-1 before 12 MPP.
- π· Sony IMX586 β More advanced version with improved processing HDR. Used in Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro, Poco F2 Pro. Pixel size: 0.8 ΞΌm, but with better light transmission.
- π· Sony IMX766 β Flagship sensor with pixels 1.0 ΞΌm and support for Dual Pixel Pro (improved autofocus). 12T, Redmi K50 Pro.
- π· Samsung GM1/GM2 β An alternative from Samsung, used in some Poco models: 0.8 ΞΌm, but with Tetra Cell technology for binning.
It is important to understand that the sensor resolution β For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra has a 50MP main camera (Sony) IMX989) with 1.6 ΞΌm pixels, which are physically larger than 48-megapixel sensors, and give better light transmission.
Critical detail: Most Xiaomi smartphones only enable 48-megapixel mode manually in the camera settings. By default, photos are saved to 12 MP with binning.
Why Xiaomi doesnβt use 48 MP by default?
48 MP vs 12 MP vs 108 MP: Which is better for a photo?
To understand the real benefits of 48MP cameras, compare them to alternative solutions.
| Parameter | 12 MP (for example, iPhone 14) | 48 MP (Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) | 108 MP (Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra) | 200 MP (Xiaomi) 13T Pro) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel size | 1.4β1.9 ΞΌm | 0.8β1.0 ΞΌm | 0.8 ΞΌm (with binning) 9-into-1) | 0.64 ΞΌm (with binning) 16-into-1) |
| Details in good lighting | Good (enough to print) A4) | Very high (can be sprinkled) | Extreme (crop up to 25% without losses) | Record (up to 10% for macro) |
| Quality in the dark | Excellent (large pixels) | Medium (needs binning) | Good (binning) 9-into-1) | Satisfactory (binning) 16-into-1) |
| File size (JPEG) | 3-5 MB | 10β15 MB (48 MP) | 15β25 MB (108 MP) | 30β50 MB (200 MP) |
| Feasibility | Optimal for 90% of users | Good for crop and printing. | For professionals and enthusiasts | Marketing > utility |
πΉ When 48 MPs are justified?
- πΌοΈ You often sprinkle photos (for example, photographing birds or architecture from afar).
- π You need to print pictures in large format (A3 and above).
- π You are doing macro photography without a specialized lens.
πΉ When 12 MP is better?
- π You often shoot in poor lighting (evening, rooms).
- π± You need the speed of shooting and processing (serial pictures, video).
- βοΈ You store your photos in a limited volume cloud.
π‘
48 MPs are only useful when you have enough light and if you really use high detail, otherwise 12 MPs with large pixels will give you the best result.
How to Enable 48 MP on Xiaomi and When to Do It
By default, most Xiaomi smartphones shoot in 12 MP binning mode. To activate full resolution, follow the following steps:
π Instructions for MIUI 14/15:
- Open the Camera app.
- Touch the badge. βοΈ (Settings) in upper right corner.
- Select Photo Resolution.
- Set the value of 48 MP (or Max. resolution).
- In some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) You need to add a save in Pro format for RAW.
β οΈ
Note: When shooting at 48 MP, some functions are turned off, for example, HDR+, Night mode and Portrait mode, and the time to save photos increases.
πΉ When to use 48 MPs?
Photography of landscapes followed by crop|Photography of small objects (insects, jewelry)|Printing a photo in large format|Shooting in RAW post-processing
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πΉ When 48 MPs are useless?
- π Night shooting β it is better to use 12 MP with night mode.
- π₯ Video β Video resolution does not depend on megapixels.
- π² Fast shooting (children, sports) β 48 MP slows down processing.
- π§ Sending to messengers - photos will still shrink to 2-5 MP.
π‘
If you want a balance between detail and quality in the dark, try 12MP mode. HDR+ β It often gives a better result than a forced 48 MP.
48 MP comparisons in different Xiaomi models: who is better?
Not all 48MP cameras are the same. Even within Xiaomi's lineup, the difference can be significant.
π± Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (Sony IMX766):
π± Poco X5 Pro (Sony IMX582):
π± Xiaomi 12T (Sony IMX766):
π± Xiaomi 13 Lite (Sony IMX586):
- β Pros: light weight, good balance of price and quality.
- β Cons: 48 MP only work in Pro mode, no optical stabilization.
πΉ The leader in the ratio of price / quality: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ β Optical stabilization and sensor IMX766.
πΉ Best processing: Xiaomi 12T β More advanced noise reduction algorithms.
πΉ The weakest option: Poco X5 Pro β 48 MP is more of a marketing move.
Why Xiaomi 13 Ultra has 50 MPs instead of 48 or 200 MPs?
Xiaomiβs 48MP Problems and How to Solve Them
Users often face problems when shooting in high resolution, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:
π§ Problem 1: Photos in 48 MP are noisy
- π Reason: Small pixels do not cope well with noise at high ISO.
- π οΈ Solution: Shoot in good lighting or use a tripod + manual (ISO β€ 800).
π§ Problem 2: Long-term preservation of photos
- π Reason: 48-megapixel image processing requires more resources.
- π οΈ Solution: Turn off Save in RAW, unless post-processing is required.
π§ Problem 3: Cannot be removed in 48 MPs HDR
- π Reason: Algorithms HDR Not optimized for high resolution.
- π οΈ Solution: Remove in 12 MP with HDR, and then scale up if necessary.
π§ Problem 4: Photos take up too much space
- π Reason: One 48 MP shot can weigh 15-20MB.
- π οΈ Solution: Use Photo Compression in the camera settings or convert to JPEG 80-quality%.
β οΈ
Note: If you are shooting in a format RAW (files with the.dng extension, one frame can take up to 50-70 MB. Make sure that the device has enough free space, otherwise the camera will start to "hang".
48 MP alternatives: when is the best time to choose another?
If youβre disappointed with the 48MP results, it may be worth considering alternatives β both among Xiaomiβs other smartphones and beyond.
πΉ 1.12 MP with large pixels
- π± Examples: Xiaomi 13 (Sony) IMX800, 1.22 ΞΌm), Google Pixel 7.
- β Pros: better light sensitivity, fast shooting, reliable HDR.
- β Cons: Less opportunities for cropping.
πΉ 2. 108β200 MP with advanced binning
- π± Examples: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra (108 MP), Xiaomi 13T Pro (200 MP).
- β Pros: extreme detailing when cropping, flexible settings.
- β Cons: huge files, overheating during long shooting.
πΉ 3.Smartphones with optical zoom
- π± Examples: Xiaomi 13 Ultra (periscope 5)Γ), Poco F5 Pro (2Γ telephotophoto).
- β Pros: real zoom without loss of quality.
- β Cons: more expensive, more dimensions.
π‘ Conclusion: If you want a universal camera without compromise, it is better to choose a model with 12-50 MP and large pixels (1.2-1.6 microns). 48 MP are justified only for specific tasks.