AL-Xiaomi’s camera in smartphones: a complete guide to technology

If you have ever encountered the term AL-camera in the characteristics of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, But they didn't understand what it meant -- this article is for you. Manufacturers often use acronyms that don't fully disclose, leaving users confused. AL-Camera (from English Artificial Light - "artificial light") - is not just a marketing move, but a real technological feature that can radically change the quality of your photos and videos in low light conditions.

Unlike standard cameras, which fight darkness by increasing the amount of time it takes to get out. ISO or prolonged exposure (which leads to noise or blurring), AL-The cameras use auxiliary LEDs or infrared backlights integrated into the module, a technology that is particularly relevant for Xiaomi’s budget and mid-budget smartphones, where the physical limitations of the array do not allow for perfect light sensitivity. But how exactly does it work? And what models does Xiaomi have? AL-Let's take a look at this in order.

What is it? AL-camera and how it is arranged

AL-An Artificial Light Camera is a module with additional illumination that activates automatically when shooting in low light conditions, unlike a normal flash that illuminates a scene pulsed (only when shooting), AL-The camera uses constant or modulated light, which allows for the use of:

• 🔦 Improve autofocus in the dark by illuminating the object with infrared or white light.
• 📸 Reduce the noise level in the photo, as the camera does not have to increase ISO critically.
• 🎥 Stabilize the video during night shooting, as the backlight compensates for the trembling of the hands.
• 👤 Improve the quality of portraits in low light without the effect of red eyes".

Technically. AL-chamber:

• 📷 Basic matrix (usually with a resolution of 8-48 MP).
• 💡 Auxiliary LED (white or IR spectrum) located next to the lens.
• 🤖 Processing algorithms that analyze the level of illumination and turn on the backlight if necessary.

It is important to understand that AL-The camera is not the same as the night mode, the latter is run by software processing (combining several frames), whereas the latter is run by a computer. AL-The camera physically illuminates the scene. In some Xiaomi models, these technologies are combined to maximize the effect.

In which smartphones Xiaomi is AL-camera

Technology AL-The first models to support the camera came out in 2020-2021, and today it is found mainly in budget and mid-budget devices, where the manufacturer seeks to compensate for the weak light strength of the main camera:

It's important: AL-The camera is most often implemented as an additional module (e.g., macro or depth sensor) rather than as a primary camera, which means that it may need to switch to the appropriate shooting mode (e.g., Macro or Portrait) to activate it").

If you're not sure if there is AL-Check the specifications on Xiaomi’s official website or look at the physical location of the modules: the presence of a small round window next to the main camera (often backlit) is a sure sign.

💡

To check the job AL-Close the main camera with your finger and switch to "Macro" or "Portrait" mode - if you see a faint glow, then the technology is active.

How to Include and Use AL-camera

Most of the Xiaomi smartphones AL-The camera activates automatically when shooting in dark conditions, but sometimes you have to turn it on manually:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to the mode where it is used AL-module: 🔍 Macro – for shooting small objects. 👥 Portrait - for photos of people with a blurred background. 🌙 Night mode - in some models AL-lighting is turned on here.

Bring the phone to the object at a distance of 2-10 cm (for macro).

Take a picture.

Redmi Note 11S

Close the main camera (for example, with your finger)|Switch to "Portrait" or "Macro" mode"|See if the LED lights up next to the lens|Take a test shot in the dark-->

If AL-camera out:

• ⚙️ Check the camera settings: go to Settings → Additionally. → Auxiliary lighting (the name of the item may differ).
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes camera failures are solved this way.
• 📱 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI Could be bugs from AL-module.

AL-Camera vs Night Mode: What’s Best for Shooting in the Dark

Many users are confused AL-Night Mode, but these are fundamentally different technologies:

🔹 When to use AL-camera:

• 📦 For shooting small objects (coins, insects, textures).
• 👩✨ For portraits in a room with poor lighting.
• 🎥 For video in the dark (backlighting stabilizes the picture).

🔹 When to choose night mode:

• 🌆 For landscapes or street scenes at dusk.
• 📸 If you need a minimum amount of noise in the photo.
• 🚫 If AL-The camera is not able to handle (for example, the object is too far away).

💡

Combine for maximum effect in the dark AL-Camera and Night Mode: Turn on the backlight in Macro mode first, then manually activate Night Mode.

Common problems with AL-camera and how to solve them

Despite the obvious advantages, AL-Xiaomi's cameras sometimes don't work properly. Here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

⚠️ If you have a phone drop after a phone drop AL-The camera stopped turning on, and the LED didn't light up -- it's likely that the module's flexible plume has been damaged.

Problem 1: AL-The camera does not turn on in "Macro" mode".

• 🛠 Solution: Clean the lens of dirt (often sensors fail due to dust).
• 📱 Restart your phone or reset your camera settings (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data).

Problem 2: The lighting works, but the photos are blurry.

• 🖐 Solution: Keep your phone as still as possible — AL-camera sensitive to hand tremors.
• 🔄 Try to enable Ultrastabilization in the video settings.

Problem 3: The LED flashes, but does not burn constantly.

• 🔋 Check the battery power - on some models, the backlight turns off at levels below 20%.
• 📌 Update. MIUI: In the old versions of the firmware were bugs with control AL-module.

Problem 4: AL-camera overheats during long shooting.

⚠️ Warning: If the body of the phone near the camera gets hot, stop shooting immediately. Overheating can damage the matrix or LED. Let the device cool for 10-15 minutes.

Hidden chips AL-cameras you didn't know about

Most users use the majority of AL-The camera is only for macro photography, but it has other useful features:

• 🔦 Improvised flashlight: Turn on Macro mode and point the camera at a dark object, and the LED will shine continuously while you hold your finger on the screen.
• 📄 Scanning documents in the dark: AL-The backlight illuminates the paper perfectly, allowing you to take clear photos of your passport or receipts even in low light.
• 🎭 Effects for video: In some models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) backlight can be used as a softbox for shooting videos with uniform lighting of the face.
• 🔍 Search for small objects: Point the camera to the floor or sofa – backlighting will help find lost earrings, cogs or buttons.

💡 Developer bonus: In some firmware Xiaomi can be activated AL-lighting ADB. For example, the team:

adb shell am start -a android.media.action.IMAGE_CAPTURE --ez android.intent.extras.LENS_FACING_FRONT false --ez android.intent.extras.USE_FRONT_CAMERA false

It allows you to force the auxiliary camera (developer rights are required).

The future AL-cameras in Xiaomi smartphones

Technology AL-The latest Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro) continue to evolve.+) Improved versions of the C:

• 🌈 Multicolor backlighting (not only white, but also warm/cold light to correct white balance).
• 🤖 AI optimization that automatically picks up the intensity of light depending on the scene.
• 🎬 Support 4K-Videos with backlit (previously only for photos).

According to leaks, Xiaomi 14 and Redmi Note 13 are planned to introduce AL-Laser AF cameras, which will allow you to instantly sharpen even in complete darkness, are also expected to be dual-focused. AL-Backlighting (front and back) to improve selfies in dark rooms.

However, there are risks: some experts note that excessive use of LEDs can accelerate battery discharge and lead to overheating of the module. MIUI There will probably be restrictions on long-term work. AL-camera.

FAQ: Frequent questions about AL-camera