In recent years, smartphone manufacturers have been actively implementing artificial intelligence in photo modules, promising a revolutionary improvement in the quality of images. Xiaomi was no exception, in its flagship and some mid-budget models, the so-called “Smart” model has appeared. AL-The camera (artificial light or AI But what's behind this acronym? Is it really a breakthrough or just a marketing ploy?
Users are often confused AL-In fact, the technology is deeper: it affects both the hardware (specialized lenses and sensors) and processing algorithms optimized for specific scenes. For example, in models Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ AL-The camera is responsible for improving detail in low light conditions, correcting the color balance when shooting against light and even recognizing objects to automatically adjust exposure.
But it's not that clear. Some experts say that the effect of this is not that simple. AL-The camera is very dependent on the firmware version and even the region of sale of the device. In this article, we will understand how the technology works, in which models Xiaomi implements it, and whether to overpay for it when choosing a smartphone.
What does the abbreviation mean? AL Xiaomi cameras
term AL-The camera in Xiaomi’s context has a double interpretation, which is often misleading, and the company officially decodes it as Artificial Light, emphasizing the camera’s ability to adapt to complex lighting conditions. However, in the technical documentation of some models (for example, Mi 11 Ultra) there is an alternative explanation — AI Lens (Lens with Artificial Intelligence) that is closer to reality.
⚠️ Note: In Chinese versions of firmware Xiaomi function AL-It can be called a super-night camera algorithm, but it's not the same thing. One is hardware, one is software processing.
What's the key difference? AL-camera-on-a-module?
- Hardware optimization. Sensor and lenses. AL-The cameras have a special coating that reduces light scattering and increases light transmission. 12S Ultra is used by Sony sensor IMX989 pixelated (1/1.28"), paired AL-Technology shows the best results when shooting at dusk.
Hybrid processing: AI algorithms analyze the scene before the shooting, not after, as in most smartphones, allowing you to adjust exposure, white balance and focus settings in real time.
- Dynamic HDR. Unlike static. HDR, where the frame is collected from several pictures with different exposure, AL-The camera uses an adaptive algorithm that adjusts the number and parameters of sub-frames to a specific scene.
What models Xiaomi has AL-camera
Technology AL-The camera is not exclusive to the flagship lineups, and can be found even in some mid-range devices, but full-scale hardware-enabled implementations are only available in the top-end models. Below is a table with the current Xiaomi smartphones (for 2026), equipped with AL-camera:
| Model | Type AL-camera | Primary sensor | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Ultra | AI Lens + Artificial Light | Sony IMX989 (1") | Four-layer filter for night shooting, support 8K Dolby Vision |
| Xiaomi 13T Pro | Artificial Light | Sony IMX707 (1/1.28") | Improved color reproduction when shooting against the sun |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | AI Lens (simplified) | Samsung ISOCELL HPX (1/1.67") | Optimized for portrait photography with background blur |
| POCO F5 Pro | Artificial Light | Sony IMX766 (1/1.56") | Stabilization algorithms for video 4K@60fps |
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Check if your smartphone supports you. AL-camera, go to Settings → The phone. → Full specifications → If there's a item on the list"AI Lens or Artificial Light is present.
It is important to understand that not all models are marked"AI-The camera in the description is equipped with a full AL-For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro uses AI-enabled software processing, but without hardware improvements:
- Availability of a specialized sensor (e.g, IMX989 or HPX).
- Mention of Artificial Light in official specifications (not to be confused with Artificial Light) AI Scene Detection).
- Ability to manually adjust parameters AL-cameras in the Camera app (in the menu Additional).
How it works AL-camera
Mechanism of work AL-And you can divide these cameras into three stages: pre-analysis, pre-shooting, post-processing.
1. Preliminary analysis of the scene
Before you press the down button, AL-The camera scans the scene with the help of:
- Multispectral sensor, which assesses illumination in different ranges (visible light, infrared, ultraviolet).
An object segmentation algorithm that recognizes up to 30 types of scenes (portrait, landscape, food, documents, etc.).
- A gyroscope and accelerometer that detect hand tremors and correct stabilization.
For example, if you are photographing a sunset, the camera automatically activates Sunset Enhance mode, which enhances warm tones and reduces the sun’s illumination.
2. Shooting with adaptive settings
Here comes the hardware features:
- Dynamic diaphragm, in models with AL-camera (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra) the diaphragm may vary from f/1.9 before f/4.0 depending on the lighting.
- Multi-frame HDR. Instead of the standard 3-4 frames, the camera takes up to 12 pictures with different exposures, and then combines them with the movement of objects.
Laser autofocus that works in tandem with AI for precise focusing even in complete darkness.
3. Post-processing with AI
At this stage, the algorithms:
Remove noise without loss of parts (Xiaomi Pro Noise Reduction technology).
Color correction based on a database of more than 2,000 reference scenes.
- Apply 3D LUT-Profiles for cinematic view (available in Xiaomi 14 Pro and newer).
Than. AL-The camera is different from Google Night Sight?
Advantages and disadvantages AL-camera
Like any technology, AL-The camera has its pros and cons. Let's take a look at them in concrete terms.
Advantages
📸 Night photography without flashing. Thanks to increased sensor light throughput and adaptive algorithms, photos in the dark are brighter and more detailed. For example, the Xiaomi 13 Pro in Night Mode mode shows 40% less noise compared to the iPhone 14 Pro (according to DXOMark data).
🌈 Natural color reproduction. AL-The camera analyzes the lighting and adjusts the white balance so that the colors look natural, and this is especially noticeable when shooting sunsets or in rooms with artificial light.
🎥 Improved video stabilization in models with AL-The camera uses hybrid stabilization (optical) + electronic + AI), which allows you to shoot smooth video even when moving.
🔍 Real-time scene recognition: The camera automatically detects objects (faces, animals, textures) and optimizes settings for them. For example, when shooting documents, Doc Mode is activated to improve the clarity of text.
Deficiencies
⚠️ Increased power consumption: AI algorithms and multi-frame shooting consume up to 15% of battery power per hour of active camera use (tests on Xiaomi) 12T Pro).
📱 Dependence on firmware: In some regions (e.g. Europe) functions AL-Cameras can be restricted due to local regulations, such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ Moon Mode is now offline for the EU.
💰 Price, full-fledged smartphones AL-It's 20 to 30 percent more expensive than a camera without it. 13T (without AL) Xiaomi 13T Pro (c) AL) price ~15,000 rubles with similar characteristics.
🔧 Difficulty with manual settings: Users who are used to manual control (Pro mode) may find that AL-The camera ignores certain parameters (e.g. fixed shutter speed) in favor of automatic optimization.
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AL-The camera is most effective in low or contrast lighting, and in daytime, its advantages over standard modules are minimal.
How to turn on and set up AL-camera
By default. AL-The camera is activated in most supported models, but you can optimize it to suit your needs:
Activation of Artificial Light mode:
- Open the Camera app.
- Go to the Supplementary → Camera settings → AI-camera.
- Turn on the Artificial Light switch (or AI Lens, depending on the model).
2. Set up shooting priorities:
In the same menu, select Scene Priorities.
Check the types of shooting you use more often (for example, Night, Portrait, Sports).
For professional photography, turn off Auto-Optimization to manually control exposure.
Optimization of night mode:
- Enable Ultra Night Mode (available in Xiaomi) 13/14 series).
- Set a shooting timer for 3-5 seconds for better detail (in the Night Mode menu). → Additionally).
Update of firmware:
- AL-Algorithms are regularly improved. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
Enable Artificial Light in the camera settings|Calibrate white balance manually for studio photography|Use a timer 3 sec. night-time|Disable Auto-HDR" moving-object-->
⚠️ Note: In the Redmi models and POCO simplified AL-The camera may not manually set scene priorities, in which case use third-party apps like GCam (with LibPatch support for Xiaomi).
Comparison AL-Competitive camera technology
Xiaomi
| Technology | Manufacturer | Key features | Advantages over AL-camera | Deficiencies |
|---------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Night Sight | Google | Multi-frame shooting with AI processing | Best Details in Total Darkness | No hardware optimization |
| ProVisual Engine| Oppo | Double processing chip (Marius) + NPU) | Processing video faster 4K | High energy consumption |
| Space Zoom | Samsung | 100x zoom with AI stabilization | Best zoom among competitors | Distortions at the edges of the frame |
| Cinematic Mode | Apple | Long-term exposure with AI | Natural colors without relighting | It only works on the iPhone 13.+ |
Than. AL-camera is advantageous?
A combination of hardware improvements (sensors, lenses) and software algorithms yields more stable results than purely software solutions (e.g. Night Sight).
- Setting flexibility: Unlike Apple or Samsung, Xiaomi allows you to fine-tune settings AL-cameras even in a standard app.
- Price: flagship models of Xiaomi with AL-The camera is cheaper than analogues from Samsung or Apple by 15-25%.
Where AL-camera loses?
- In high dynamic range video shooting (for example, the iPhone 15 Pro performs better thanks to the chip). A17 Pro).
- In processing speed: Oppo Find X6 Pro with Marius chip handles RAW-files 1.5 times faster.
Frequent problems with AL-camera and their decisions
Even the most advanced technologies are not immune to failure. Here are the typical problems that users face. AL-Xiaomi cameras and ways to eliminate them:
🔴 Problem: The camera overheats during long shooting
Reason:
Xiaomi 13 Lite
Decision:
- Take off the case during the shoot.
Activate Energy Saving mode in the camera settings (limits the AI operation).
Use an external fan or cooling stand for long sessions.
🔴 Problem: Nighttime photos are blurred
Reason:
Decision:
Use a tripod or support|Set the timer for 3-5 seconds|Turn off the digital zoom|Enable Ultra Night mode manually-->
🔴 Problem: The colors in the photo do not match reality
Reason:
Decision:
- Turn it off. AI-Optimizing colors in camera settings.
Manually select the shooting mode (for example, Landscape instead of Auto).
- Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Corrected color errors for AL-camera.
🔴 Problem: AL-The camera does not turn on or makes an error.
Reason:
Decision:
1. Reboot the smartphone.
2. Clear the Camera app cache in Settings → Annexes.
3. If the error persists, reset the camera settings:
adb shell pm clear com.android.camera(Developer rights are required).
⚠️ Note: If after a fall or impact AL-The camera stopped focusing, don't try to disassemble the module yourself! 12/13/14 The camera is connected to the motherboard with a flexible plume that is easily damaged.