Regime. AL Xiaomi camera: decryption, principles of work and practical tips

Have you ever noticed a mysterious acronym? AL And they were wondering what it means, and this little label can change the quality of your images, but most people don't even know it exists. AL, But we also show how this mode works at the hardware and software level, which Xiaomi models support it, and in which situations it should be turned on (or vice versa – disable).

Let me warn you right away: AL — It's not just another marketing trick, but behind it lies a complex image optimization system that uses both the physical components of the camera (like the aperture or sensor) and Xiaomi's processing algorithms. Whether you want to learn how to take more vivid night shots, detailed portraits, or just understand why sometimes the camera behaves “not as usual” – this material is for you.

We analyzed the technical documentation, tested modes on different models (from the budget Redmi to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and collected answers to the most common questions, and prepared practical tips to help avoid typical mistakes when shooting with a camera. AL.

What does it mean? AL Xiaomi camera: decoding and history of appearance

abbreviation AL It stands for Aperture Lens (translated as “adjustable aperture lens”). In the context of Xiaomi smartphones, this means that the camera is equipped with a mechanical aperture that can automatically or manually change the size of the lens hole that transmits light. This technology has come to mobile photography from professional SLR and mirrorless cameras, where the aperture is one of the key elements of exposure control.

For once. AL appeared in the smartphones Xiaomi in 2018 The year with the release of the Xiaomi Mi model 8 Explorer Edition. back then it was a revolutionary feature: previously adjustable aperture was the prerogative of only flagships Samsung Galaxy S9+ (variable-diaphragm f/1.5–f/2.4). Xiaomi went further and integrated a mechanical aperture with a stepper motor, which allowed smoothly adjusting the value of the engine. f/1.4 before f/2.8.

Since then, the technology has evolved. in modern models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Xiaomi 14) AL paired:

• 🔹 Multilayer lenses to reduce chromatic aberrations;
• 🔹 New generation light sensors (e.g. Sony) IMX989);
• 🔹 AI algorithms that analyze the scene in real time;
• 🔹 Stabilization system (OIS + EIS) quiver.

It is interesting that in some models (for example, Redmi). K60 Ultra) AL It's software-based, without a physical aperture, and there's algorithms that mimic the effect of changing the aperture by processing the image.

How the regime works AL: physics and software processing

To understand how AL affects the photos, we will understand two key aspects: physical (diaphragm mechanics) and software (image processing).

1. Physical principle: The lens aperture is a kind of pupil that regulates the amount of light that hits the sensor, f/1.4), The more light passes, but the less depth of field (the background blurs more, f/2.8), less light, but the sharpness extends to a larger portion of the frame.

2. Software optimization: In Xiaomi smartphones for work AL responds to the image processing (ISP) And neural networks, and algorithms analyze the scene and automatically select the optimal aperture value:

• 🌃 Night shooting: The aperture opens to the maximum (f/1.4), to catch more light;
• 👤 Portrait: Average value is selected (f/1.8–f/2.2) balance between face sharpness and background blur;
• 🌄 Landscape: Diaphragm covers (f/2.8), So that the shot is in focus.

Important: In Manual Mode, you can manually set the aperture value, but not in all models. 13 Pro values available f/1.9, f/2.2, f/2.5, And in Redmi Note. 12 Pro+ — automatic only.

In some models (for example, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3) AL It's paired with variable focal length (zoom lens), which allows you to achieve a professional level of control over the image, but requires more complex calibration.

What models Xiaomi has a mode AL?

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with AL — This technology is found mainly in flagships and some mid-range models. Below is a table with current devices (as of 2026):

Please note that even if your model is AL, For example, in Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the aperture is adjustable smoothly, and in Xiaomi, the aperture is adjustable smoothly. 12T Pro – only in three fixed positions.

If your model is not in the table, but the characteristics are AL, check:

• 📄 Official website – sometimes the manufacturer updates the firmware, adding support;
• 🔧 Camera settings - possibly hidden in additional → Laboratory;
• 📱 Software updates - in new versions MIUI Previously unavailable functions may appear.

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If your smartphone doesn't have a physical aperture, but you want to achieve a similar effect, try using Portrait mode with manual background blur settings. IMX707 (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) It works almost as well.

When to include AL, When to turn off: practical advice

Regime. AL It's not universal -- in some scenes, it improves the quality of the shots, and in others, it can even hurt:

✅ Turn it on. AL, when:

• 🌙 Shooting in the dark - wide diaphragm (f/1.4–f/1.8) It lets more light through, reducing noise;
• 👗 Portrait photography – blurred background (boke) looks more professional;
• 🎭 Low contrast — AL It helps to highlight an object on a homogeneous background (for example, a white cup on a white table).

❌ Turn it off. AL, when:

• 🌅 Bright sunlight – too wide aperture can cause overlights;
• 🏞️ Landscapes or architecture – maximum depth of field (better to use) f/2.8+ regime HDR);
• 🎥 Videotaped in 4K/60fps — Mechanical diaphragm can create artifacts when moving fast.

Enable Pro mode|Install ISO manually (maximum) 1600)|Select a diaphragm f/1.8 portrait|Turn off the digital zoom|Use a tripod or stabilization

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Important: in models with a software aperture (for example, POCO X5 Pro) AL It can artificially obscure the edges of a frame when you're blurring too much. To avoid this, reduce the intensity of the effect in the camera settings.

⚠️ Attention: In some firmware MIUI (especially global regime AL If you notice that photos have become dull or with artifacts, try resetting the camera settings to factory settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting camera settings).

Comparison AL With other Xiaomi camera modes: which is better?

To understand how much AL effective, compare it with other popular modes in Xiaomi smartphones:

For example, if you photograph a person in front of city lights at night, AL It's a more natural blur than a standard Portrait, but it can be a little bit less bright than Night Mode. AL + Night mode. + manual ISO.

In models with multiple cameras (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) AL Telephoto and ultra-wide lens use a fixed aperture, so settings are for them. AL irrelevant.

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Regime. AL It is most effective when paired with manual settings (Pro Mode). MIUI often underestimates the potential of the diaphragm, especially in difficult lighting conditions.

Typical problems with AL And how to solve them.

Even in the top models Xiaomi mode AL It can malfunction. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:

1. The diaphragm "gets stuck" on one value

⚠️ Note: If the aperture does not change in Manual mode (Pro Mode) when selecting different values, this may be caused by a contamination of the mechanism or a software failure: 🔄 Reboot your smartphone; 🧹 Clean the camera lens with a soft brush (do not use alcohol!); 📲 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI. If the problem persists, it is a hardware malfunction (a service center is required).

2. The pictures are too dark or over-lit

This is what happens when algorithms AL I'm not evaluating light correctly:

• 🔘 Manually set the exposure (swipe up/down in the camera app);
• 📏 Use it. AE/AF Lock (hold your finger on the screen until the lock appears);
• 🌓 Turn it off. HDR — It may conflict with the diaphragm settings.

3. Video with artifacts when changing the aperture

In physical aperture models (Xiaomi 13 Ultra), you can see how exposure changes when you shoot a video.

• 🎬 Record the aperture value manually before shooting;
• 📹 Use external lighting (such as an annular lamp);
• 🔧 Turn it off. AI-The camera in settings (it can forcefully change the parameters).

4. AL does not save settings between sessions

In some firmware MIUI The aperture settings are reset when the camera is closed:

• 📱 Install alternative camera software (e.g. GCam with support) AL);
• 🔧 Enable the option to Save Settings in Camera Settings → Additionally.

AL Xiaomi camera: myths and reality

Around the regime AL There are many myths. Let's look at the most popular ones:

Myth 1: "AL Makes the photos professional, reality: AL It gives you more control over the image, but it doesn't guarantee quality in itself. It also means sensors, optical lenses, and photographer skills. 12T Pro AL Google Pixel 7 will play without aperture in color processing.

Myth 2: “Physical aperture is better than software” Reality: The physical aperture gives a more natural blur, but software (like in Redmi) K60 Ultra can be more accurate in object segmentation thanks to AI. It depends on the scenario.

Myth 3: "AL Reality: In older models (Xiaomi Mi 9), the aperture could indeed create noticeable exposure transitions. In newer ones (such as Xiaomi 14), algorithms smooth these effects out, but when shooting in the imagery, the apertures can be very different. 8K Or with fast movement artifacts are still possible.

Myth 4: "AL It only works in Pro Mode" Reality: Most models AL It's also active in automatic mode, but it's limited in settings. For example, in Xiaomi 13 Pro in Photo mode, the aperture adjusts to the stage, but does not give manual control.

Myth 5: "AL Increases the shooting time" Reality: In night mode with AL Shutter speed can actually increase (up to 1-2 seconds), but in the daytime there is no difference with the usual shooting.

If you are in doubt, do you need to AL, Try to run a test: take 10 shots automatically and 10 with manual aperture adjustment. Compare results on a large screen (like a monitor), most often the difference is seen in the details of shadows and the transition of field.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about the Regime AL Xiaomi