AL-Xiaomi camera: Discussing the technology that changes the rules of mobile photography

Have you ever noticed that some Xiaomi smartphones in the camera characteristics mentioned a mysterious acronym AL? It's not a typo or a marketing ploy, and behind those two letters lies a revolutionary technology that dramatically improves the quality of images in challenging environments. If you think it's just another nighttime mode or artificial intelligence, you're wrong.

Technology AL (Artificial Light is a unique solution from Xiaomi that combines hardware innovation with software optimization. Unlike traditional cameras, where the main focus is on the size of the matrix or the number of megapixels, dynamic light control at the physical level plays a key role. This is not just software that “draws” details – it is a comprehensive solution that changes the very principle of the camera in real time.

In this article we will discuss in detail what is AL-The camera, how it works, what models Xiaomi is available on, and most importantly - how to use it correctly to get professional shots even on budget smartphones. AL-The module looks more natural than conventional cameras, and how this technology bypasses the limitations of physics that even flagship devices of other brands face.

What is it? AL-The camera and how it works

abbreviation AL It stands for Artificial Light, but that name only partially reflects the essence of the technology. It's actually a multi-layered exposure management system that works on three levels:

• 🔹 Hardware level: a special sensor with a unique pixel architecture, capable of capturing light at different intensities in one frame
• 🔹 Software layer: machine learning algorithms that analyze the scene in real time and correct shooting parameters
• 🔹 System layer: Integration with Qualcomm or MediaTek processor for instant data processing without delay

The main difference from traditional cameras is the dynamic range. 14+ stops (against) 10-12 This means that the competition is AL-The camera can simultaneously correctly expose brightly lit areas (for example, the sky) and dark areas (shadow areas). 20 The slack, and the usual smartphones are nothing more. 10. Technology AL narrows the gap by 40%.

The key element of the system is a dual-sensitivity sensor, and each pixel uses two photodiodes, one optimized for bright light and one for weak light, and combines information at the hardware level to avoid the characteristic artifacts. HDR-shooting (such as "ghost" contours or blurring).

Differences AL-camera-based

To understand the revolutionary nature of technology AL, Compare it to the classic approaches to mobile photography:

The most notable advantage is the naturalness of color reproduction, and traditional cameras often clamping down on complex scenes, such as the sunset sky being too bright and the faces in the foreground too dark. AL-The camera maintains its balance thanks to real-time scene analysis (up to 1000 exposure measurements per second).

Another important thing is working with moving objects. HDR-Modes require multiple shots with different exposures, leading to "ghosts" when shooting dynamic scenes. AL-The technology takes one shot with full dynamic range, so there are no problems with the movement artifacts.

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If you are taking a picture of a moving object (such as a child or animal) in contrast lighting, AL-The camera will give a much better result than the standard one. HDR. Try comparing the pictures in the "Professional" mode with the option on and off AL.

Xiaomi models with support AL-camera

Technology AL It's only available in some Xiaomi models starting in 2022, and here's a full list of devices with this feature:

• 📱 Xiaomi 12S Ultra (first model with a AL-camera, flagship 2022)
• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Ultra (enhanced version with Sony sensor) IMX989)
• 📱 Xiaomi 14 Ultra (the current flagship of 2026 with the AL 2.0)
• 📱 Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 (folding smartphone with a folding smartphone) AL-module)
• 📱 Redmi K60 Ultra (the only Redmi series with this technology)

Interestingly, Xiaomi does not advertise the presence of AL-It's a budget camera, like the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ A simplified version of the technology called AL Lite, which only works in night shooting mode. Full implementation is available only in top devices.

Distinguish AL-The camera can be used for several reasons:

1. Specifications include Sony sensor IMX7xx or newer
2. There is a separate switch in the camera settings "AL Mode"
3. In Pro mode, the extended dynamic range is displayed (14).+ EV)

How to turn on and set up AL-camera

By default. AL-It activates automatically in difficult lighting conditions, but you can manually control it:

1. Open the standard Camera app
2. Go to the Additional section (three dots or swipe to the left)
3. Select Camera Settings → Modes of shooting
4. Find the option. AL Mode (may be called "Extended Dynamic Range")
5. Choose one of the options: The camera decides when to use it. AL Always on – maximum quality, but more power consumption Only at night – optimizing for low light

For professional shooting, it is recommended to use the Pro mode with manual settings, in which case you can control how to shoot. AL-The technology interacts with other parameters:

• 📸 ISO: AL It allows higher values to be used without noise.
• ⏱️ Shutter speed: automatically adjusted for moving objects
• 🎯 White Balance: More Accurate Color Rendering in Mixed Lighting

Important nuance: when shooting in format RAW AL-So the technology works differently, and in this case, the hardware processing is minimal, and the major correction is in post-processing. If you're not planning on editing a photo, you better use it. JPEG s AL — So the pictures will look better out of the box".

Secrets of shooting with AL-camera: advice from professionals

Even with the most advanced technology, the result depends on the skill of the photographer. Here are some unique techniques that will help unlock the potential of the photographer. AL-camera:

• 🌅 Landscapes against light: Film sunsets or sunrises with the sun on AL — The camera stores detail in the sky and in the shadows. Try the angle of the shooting, when the sun is partially covered by objects (trees, buildings).
• 👤 Portraits with illumination: If a person stands with his back to a bright light source (window, lamp), AL-The camera will correctly expose both the face and the background.
• 🌃 Night shooting without a tripod: Unlike night mode, AL It allows you to remove from your hands when you are holding up to 1/4 Hold your smartphone with both hands and hold your breath.
• 🏙️ City lights: To capture neon signs or car headlights, turn on AL and reduce the exposure to -0.7 EV It's manual, it'll prevent the light from coming back.

One of the most effective tricks is shooting through glass, and conventional cameras give you a lot of glare and a lot of contrast, but it's not that hard. AL-And you can do that with a multi-layered analysis of light, and you can take a picture of a storefront or a landscape from a car window, and you'll be surprised.

For the video. AL-It doesn't have the same dynamic range because of the limitations of the processor, but it still has a noticeable improvement. 4K turn on AL And set the bitrate to maximum in the camera settings, which will reduce compression artifacts in complex scenes.

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AL-The camera is better at shooting static objects in high-contrast lighting. For dynamic scenes (sports, animals) it is better to combine the camera. AL high-frequency (60)+ FPS).

Common problems and solutions

Despite all the advantages, users sometimes face difficulties when working with the Internet. AL-Here are the typical situations and the ways to solve them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update AL-The mode stopped working, check the firmware version. In some regional builds (e.g. Europe), the function may be disabled due to certification. Solution: Install global firmware via Mi Flash Tool.

Special attention should be paid to compatibility with third-party applications. Many popular cameras (such as GCam) do not support AL-Full power technology. Use the standard Camera app for maximum quality. MIUI Xiaomi Camera Pro (Available in GetApps).

If you notice that the quality AL-The photos deteriorated after the update, try to clear the camera cache:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Camera → Storage → Clear the cache

AL-Camera vs. Competitors: Who is the Best?

Comparison AL-And the technology with other manufacturers' solutions is not quite right, because each brand has a different approach:

• 🍎 Apple (Deep Fusion): Uses multiple shooting and software pooling. Minus - artifacts when moving.
• 🤖 Google (HDR+): It's like Apple, but with better noise processing. It requires a static scene.
• 📱 Samsung (Bright Night): Good for night shooting, but loses in daytime scenes with high contrast.
• 🔹 Xiaomi AL: The only technology with a hardware solution to the dynamic range problem.

Main advantage AL — It's natural. Competitors often recycle images to make them too bright or contrasting. Xiaomi keeps the balance, bringing the result closer to what the human eye sees. This is especially noticeable when shooting skin — AL-The camera transmits shades without the characteristic “plastic” effect that is often found in other brands.

One disadvantage is the limited availability, and so far, technology is only available in the top models, while competitors offer solutions even in the middle segment. AL-It's worth the camera.

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AL-Xiaomi technology is the only solution on the market that solves the problem of dynamic range at the hardware level, not software crutches".

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions