Modern smartphones Xiaomi is equipped with advanced image processing algorithms, which are often denoted by the acronym AI. For many users, the appearance of the icon “AI” on the viewfinder screen becomes an occasion to think about whether to leave this feature active or better switch to manual mode. Artificial intelligence in the camera is not just a marketing move, but a complex software complex that analyzes the scene in real time.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how the neural network in the MIUI and HyperOS shell works, what parameters it changes automatically, and how this affects the final image quality, and understanding these processes will allow you to make more informed choices when shooting in different light conditions.
Machine learning technology allows a smartphone to recognize objects and adjust exposure, white balance and color saturation to a specific story. Automatic optimization can work wonders, but in some situations it can also harm the naturalness of the frame, making colors unnaturally bright.
How does artificial intelligence work in the camera Xiaomi
The AI Scene Detect is based on analyzing millions of photos that the algorithm has learned to identify different objects. When you hover the lens over a subject, the image processor (ISP) paired with the neural module (NPU) instantly classifies the image, so if the system sees green, for example, it increases the saturation of green and lightens the shadows slightly to make the leaves look juicier.
Unlike standard filters, which are applied after the fact, AI works proactively, changing the shooting parameters even before you hit the downhill button. This includes adjusting shutter speed, ISO and even focal length in models with telephoto lenses. Xiaomi uses this technology to compensate for the physical limitations of the small matrix of the smartphone.
The algorithm can distinguish between more than 200 different scenarios, including food, pets, sunsets, documents and macros, each using a unique processing profile, such as a food shoot that increases the heat of the frame, and a document shoots sharper edges of text for better readability.
The main scenarios of recognition and their impact on the photo
When the feature is activated, the smartphone tries to guess what exactly you are shooting and offers a corresponding correction. Below are the main types of scenes that are best defined by the MIUI Camera algorithms, and how they change:
- 🌿 Nature and plants: Green spectrum increases, contrast of leaf textures increases, sky can become deeper blue.
- 🍔 Food: Colors become more saturated and "appetite", often with a bias in warm colors, local sharpness increases.
- 🐶 Animals: The algorithm focuses on the pet's eyes, increases the detailing of the coat and slightly blurs the background for the bokeh effect.
- 🌃 Night and City: Activated night shooting mode, reduced noise, pulling out lights in windows and street lights, preventing overlights.
It's worth noting that the processing aggressiveness depends on the smartphone model. - Xiaomi's flagship series 13/14 Ultra uses more delicate settings, while maintaining naturalness, while budget models can sin overly digitalized images. HDR-The effect is also often switched on automatically at high dynamic range of the scene.
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If you are filming for subsequent professional processing, it is better to turn off. AI, To get as neutral as possible RAW-file without imposed color profiles.
Pros and cons of using AI-mode
The use of artificial intelligence has its obvious advantages, especially for users who want to get the finished result without editing, but there is a downside to the coin that is worth knowing.
The main advantage is speed and versatility. You don't have to be a professional photographer to get a decent shot in difficult conditions. The smartphone will decide how to best expose a person's face against a bright window or how to shoot a fast-moving object.
⚠️ Attention: In some situations AI For example, when shooting a sunset in a city, the algorithm may overdo it with an orange tint, making the photo unnaturally red, or smear the texture of the skin when taking a portrait, mistaking it for noise.
On the other hand, the constant operation of the neural network consumes additional CPU resources, which can lead to faster heating of the device during prolonged shooting in 4K. Also, there is sometimes a delay in the shutter lag while the system analyzes the scene.
Quality Comparison: AI is on and off
To better understand the difference, consider a comparative table of parameters that vary depending on the state of the AI switch in the viewfinder.
| Parameter | AI's off. | AI Included |
|---|---|---|
| Saturation | Natural, standard. | Elevated, bright. |
| Dynamic range | Standard. | Extended (auto-HDR) |
| Sharpness | Basic | Reinforced (Sharpening) |
| White balance | Automatic (basic) | Scenario (under the object) |
| Noise suppression | Minimum | Aggressive. |
As you can see from the table, the AI mode tends to make the picture more “selling” and brighter out of the box, which is great for social networks, where visual appeal is important, not technical accuracy of color reproduction.
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AI-The mode is ideal for fast shooting in social networks, but for art or documentary photography it is better to turn off.
How to turn on or off AI in the Camera app
Managing AI in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones is as simple as possible and is available right in the viewfinder interface. You don't have to go into deep system settings.
To activate or deactivate, open the Camera app and look at the top of the screen (in horizontal mode, on the right or left side, depending on the version of the shell), there should be an icon that says "AI" or "Scenes".
Clicking on this icon changes its state. When the function is active, the icon is usually highlighted with a blue or color indicator, and if the icon is not on the home screen, it may be hidden in the additional settings menu.
☑️ Checking camera settings
In some versions of the HyperOS shell, settings can be made in the "More" menu (three dots or stripes), where you can find "Improving AI Scenes" and switch it to the desired position, and there you can also set up hints when the phone recognizes the scene.
Fine tuning and hidden opportunities
For advanced users who want more control but are not ready to upgrade to the fully manual Pro mode, there are intermediate options.The standard Xiaomi camera app allows you to adjust some settings even in automatic mode if you activate additional settings.
Click three bars in the corner of the screen, select Settings, and find the section related to quality or watermarks, sometimes you can turn off "portrait enhancement" or "texture optimization" while leaving general scenario recognition, which removes the effect of "plastic skin" on faces, while retaining smart exposure work.
Also worth mentioning is the Google Camera (GCam) mode, which is often installed on Xiaomi by enthusiasts. In GCam ports, AI algorithms work differently, often giving a more realistic picture and better HDR+ than a stock app.
⚠️ Warning: Installing modified versions of the camera (GCam) from unverified sources can lead to unstable system operation or data leakage. 4PDA or XDA Developers.