Introduction: Why Codecs H.264 and H.265 It is important for your Xiaomi?
Have you ever wondered why you’re using the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro?+ It takes up so little space, but it looks almost like a professional shot, or why is it when you're recording in a video? 4K And the battery goes down twice as fast? It's all about video codecs, invisible translators, which compress video to keep quality. H.264 (AVC) and H.265 (HEVC).
On Xiaomi smartphones (from budget Redmi to Xiaomi 14 Ultra flagships), these codecs determine how effectively video will be recorded: from resolution to resolution. 1080p before 8K. But how are they different? H.264, when — H.265? Why some Xiaomi models don’t have support HEVC Let's get this straight for the front camera.
In this article you will learn:
- 🔍 How different H.264 and H.265 Technically and how it affects the video.
- 📱 What Xiaomi models support HEVC, And which ones are AVC.
- ⚡ How codec affects the battery and heating of the phone when shooting.
- ⚙️ Where in the settings of the Xiaomi camera to enable H.265 (if available).
- 💾 How to convert video between formats without losing quality.
H.264 vs H.265: Technical differences in simple language
Let's start with the basics. H.264 (Advanced Video Coding, AVC) — It's a video compression standard that was introduced back in 2003, and it's still used everywhere, from YouTube to streaming video on Netflix. H.265 (High Efficiency Video Coding, HEVC) — its successor, released in 2013.The main difference — HEVC Video compression is 2 times more efficient at the same quality.
How does this work in practice? Imagine you're shooting a minute video in a video. 4K@30fps:
- 📹 V H.264 file will take ~350-400 MB.
- 📹 V H.265 same roller will weigh ~180–220 MB.
Why not all Xiaomi smartphones support the same? HEVC? It's about hardware acceleration. H.265 You need a special chip (like Qualcomm Hexagon in Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), which is not in all processors, HEVC requires more computing resources, which can lead to overheating in budget models.
| Parameter | H.264 (AVC) | H.265 (HEVC) |
|---|---|---|
| Year of release | 2003 | 2013 |
| Compression (with the same quality) | Basic | 2 times more efficient |
| Support for 4K/8K | Yes (but big files) | Yes (optimized) |
| Processor load | Low. | High (needs hardware codec) |
| Compatibility | Universal (all devices) | Limited (older devices do not support) |
⚠️ Note: If you are shooting videos for Instagram or TikTok, use H.264. These platforms are automatically recoded HEVC into AVC, which may impair the quality.
What Xiaomi smartphones support H.265 (HEVC)?
Not all Xiaomi phones can record video in the video H.265. Here are the key criteria for support:
- 📱 Flagships with Snapdragon 8 series processors (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 14, Black Shark 5 Pro) - support HEVC main and front camera.
- 📱 Mid-segment on Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, POCO F5 Pro) - main camera only.
- 📱 Budget models on Snapdragon 4/6 series (e.g. Redmi) 12, POCO M6 Pro - only H.264.
- 📱 Older models (until 2020) – even flagships like Xiaomi Mi 9 do not support HEVC.
To check if it is available H.265 on your Xiaomi:
- Open the Camera app.
- Go to Settings. → Video resolution.
- If there's an option HEVC or H.265 — Your phone supports the format.
Exceptions: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra allows you to choose H.265 Only in Manual Camera Mode (Pro Mode) and Automotive is used by default H.264.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek Dimensity processors (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro) 5G) support HEVC It may be limited due to software limitations MIUI. Check in the settings!
The effect of codecs on battery, heating and performance
The choice of codec directly affects how fast your Xiaomi will discharge when shooting a video.
H.264 (AVC):
- ⚡ Less processor load → battery goes down slower.
- 🔥 Less heat (important for long-term shooting).
- ⚠️ But files take up 2 times more space.
H.265 (HEVC):
- ⚡ A lot of pressure. CPU/GPU → battery 20–30% faster.
- 🔥 Heat is very high (especially in the 4K/60fps).
- ✅ But files are more compact, which saves memory.
Example: Xiaomi 13 Ultra on record 4K@60fps into H.265 processor temperature can reach 45–50°C, and the battery loses ~1% in a minute. H.264 these are lower than 15–20%.
💡
If you are shooting a long video (wedding, concert), choose the following: H.264 And you can take powerbank. 4K/8K better H.265 — save space.
| Parameter | H.264 (4K@30fps) | H.265 (4K@30fps) |
|---|---|---|
| File size (1 min) | ~380MB | ~190 MB |
| Battery consumption (in 10 minutes) | ~8–10% | ~12–15% |
| Processor temperature | ~38–42°C | ~45–50°C |
| Recording time before overheating | ~40-50 minutes | ~25-30 minutes |
How to turn on or off H.265 Xiaomi?
If your smartphone supports you HEVC, You can change the codec in the camera settings. MIUI 14/15:
- Open the Camera app.
- Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings (or swipe up for additional options).
- Select Video Resolution.
- If available H.265, You will see a switch or a separate mode (for example, a switch, 4K HEVC).
On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro) option hidden in Pro Mode:
- Switch to Manual Mode (Pro).
- Press the badge. ⚙️ → Video format.
- Choose. HEVC (H.265).
☑️ Setting up H.265 Xiaomi
⚠️ Attention: POCO F4 GT and some other models when included H.265 You can lose the stabilization of the video. If the videos are "shaking", go back to the video. H.264.
What to do if H.265 doesn't save video?
Conversion between H.264 and H.265: whenever?
Sometimes you have to convert a video from one format to another.
- 📤 You took a video in H.265, You need to upload it to YouTube (which works best with you). H.264).
- 📥 You've been sent a file in HEVC, But it's not playing on the old TV.
- 💾 You want to save space by moving old videos from AVC into HEVC.
For conversion to Xiaomi, you can use:
- Annexes: 📱 Video Converter Android (free, supports hardware acceleration). 📱 HandBrake (more flexible settings, but slower).
- Online services: 🌐 CloudConvert (supports) H.265, but a file size limitation). 🌐 Online-Convert (Simple Interface).
Important settings for conversion:
- 🔧 For H.265 → H.264: select a bitrate not lower than 15-20 Mbit / s for 4K, Otherwise, you lose quality.
- 🔧 For H.264 → H.265: Use Medium or Slow Preset for better compression.
- ⚠️ Do not change the resolution and frame rate – it will worsen the quality.
💡
Conversion with H.265 on H.264 It increases the file size by 1.5 to 2 times. Make sure your phone has enough memory!
Frequent problems with H.264/H.265 Xiaomi and their solutions
Xiaomi users often face the following problems:
- Video in the video H.265 It is not played on PC or TV. 🔹 Solution: Install the codec HEVC Video Extensions from Microsoft Store (for Windows) or use a player VLC, supportive HEVC "box".
- When you write H.265 video slows down". 🔹 Solution: Lower the permit to 1080p or frame rate before 30fps. Also check if the phone is overheating (use it). CPU Monitor from Google Play).
- H.265 It is not available in the settings, although the processor supports it. 🔹 Solution: Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI Or install custom software (e.g. Pixel Experience) where support is available. HEVC may be enabled by default.
- Video in the video H.264 takes up too much space. 🔹 Solution: Lower bitrate in the manual settings of the camera (if there is such an option) or convert the videos to HEVC post-film.
If the problem is not solved, check if the Battery Saving mode is enabled in Settings. → Battery. It can limit processor performance, leading to malfunctions in video encoding.