Xiaomi’s smartphone frame format is not just an aesthetic choice, but a strategic decision that affects the quality of the shot, social media compatibility and even post-processing capabilities. With the development of cameras in the Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi’s flagship 14/13 Ultra range, the number of available formats has grown: classic 4:3 and 16:9, square 1:1, cinematic 21:9, and in some models even 18:9 or 2.35:1.
In this article, we’ll look at the unique features of each format using specific Xiaomi models, including the impact on resolution, viewing angle, and artifacts when shooting. You’ll learn why 4:3 remains the standard for photographers when 16:9 loses 21:9 in video, and how to circumvent format restrictions through manual settings. And also a compatibility test with Instagram, TikTok and YouTube to help avoid clipping when posting.
What is the format of the frame and how it affects the shooting
The format of the frame determines the ratio of width to height of the image. For example, 4:3 means that for every 4 units of width there are 3 units of height.
- 📏 End file resolution: With the same number of megapixels, 16:9 will give you less pixels in height than 4:3.
- 👁️ Viewing angle: wide formats (21:9) can crop the top/bottom of the frame, narrowing the vertical view.
- 🎬 Platform Compatibility: Instagram Stories requires 9:16, YouTube recommends 16:9.
- 🖼️ Post-processing: 1-1 square is easier to fram, but limits the composition.
On Xiaomi smartphones, the format is selected from the camera menu – usually in the Settings → Photo / Video format. However, in models with Leica optics (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), additional profiles are available, where the format may depend on the chosen shooting style (Leica Authentic or Leica Vibrant).
⚠️ Note: In Pro mode, some devices will lock the format to 4:3, even if the main menu is different, due to the limitations of processing algorithms. RAW.
Comparison of frame formats on Xiaomi: pros and cons
To choose the best format, compare them by key criteria: Below is a table with characteristics for popular Xiaomi models (data is relevant for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS firmware):
| Format | Permission (photo) | Viewing angle | Better for you. | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:3 | Maximum (e.g. 8000×6000 on Xiaomi 14) | Full (no pruning) | Printing, post-processing, professional shooting | Not suitable for Instagram Stories without cropping |
| 16:9 | Cut in height (e.g. 8000×4500) | Cuts the top/bottom (~10-15%) | YouTube videos, landscapes | Less detail in printing |
| 1:1 | Square (e.g. 6000×6000) | Cutting edges (~20%) | Instagram, portraits with symmetry | Limited composition |
| 21:9 | Wide (e.g. 8000×3400) | Cuts the top/bottom (~30%) | Cinematic video, panoramas | Hard to frame, few pixels in height |
For example, on the Redmi Note. 12 Pro+ filming 4:3 You'll get it. 9248×6936 pixels, and in 16:9 — only 9248×5208. The difference 20% pixel height is critical if you plan to crop the photo later or print it in large format.
Which format is best for photos on Xiaomi
4:3 is the gold standard for three reasons:
- Maximum resolution: Xiaomi sensors are optimized for this ratio. For example, 8192×6144 is available on the POCO F5 Pro at 4:3, and 8192×4608 is available at 16:9.
- Frame flexibility: You can always trim 4:3 to 16:9 or 1:1, but not vice versa.
- Fewer artifacts: When shooting at 16:9 or 21:9, the camera programmatically crops the frame, which can increase noise in dark areas.
The exception is social media, and if you only post photos on Instagram, a square 1:1 will eliminate the need to cut the shot manually, but remember, on Xiaomi 12S Ultra, up to 35% of pixels are lost in this format, compared to 4:3.
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In the models with 108 MR sensor (e.g. Redmi Note) 11 Pro+) shoot 4:3 real 12000×9000 pixels, and in 16:9 — only 12000×6750. The difference is noticeable when the photo is increased by 200% more.
The best format for video on Xiaomi
For video, the format choice depends on the publishing platform:
- 📺 YouTube/VK Video: 16:9 (full-standard HD/4K). Xiaomi. 13T Pro, it's in compliance with the permit. 3840×2160 (4K).
- 📱 TikTok/Instagram Reels: 9:16 (Vertical video. This format is often hidden in the Xiaomi camera menu – you need to enable it through Settings. → Video format → Vertical.
- 🎥 Cinematic video: 21:9 (For example, for black stripes, but keep in mind that the POCO X5 Pro in this format video is recorded with permission 3840×1648 — It's not real. 21:9, circumcised 16:9.
Critical detail: when shooting at 21:9 on most Xiaomi smartphones, stabilization is disabled (except for flagships with OIS), this is due to the fact that the stabilization algorithms are not optimized for ultra-wide formats.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi 12 Lite and other models with Mediatek Helio when shooting video in the video 4K 21:9 can appear greenish in dark scenes. This is a processor bug, fixed only in the MIUI 14.0.5+.
Check out the MIUI version (update if necessary)
Turn off HDR (it can amplify artifacts at 21:9)
Use a tripod (stabilization works worse in wide formats)
Test the exposure manually (automatics may be wrong)-->
Hidden format settings on Xiaomi: how to unlock additional options
Some Xiaomi models have undocumented formats available, such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro, which can be activated 18:9 (for older monitors) or 2.35:1 (anamorphic cinematic standard).
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
- Turn on USB debugging and connect the phone to the PC.
- Use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global camera_hal3_enabled 1 This will unlock advanced camera settings, including additional formats.
After the reboot, the camera menu will see the option “Additional formats”, but be careful: on Redmi devices with Snapdragon 6xx, these formats can work unstable, causing the processor to overheat during long shooting.
What happens if you reset your camera settings after activating hidden formats?
How the format of the frame affects night shooting and HDR
When shooting in the dark or with HDR on, the frame format plays a critical role. In wide formats (16:9, 21:9), Xiaomi algorithms can:
- 🌙 Increase noise: Due to frame trimming, the sensor uses fewer pixels for exposure.
- 🎨 Color distortion: at 21:9, white balance can shift to the cold side (especially on the Redmi Note 10 Pro).
- ⚡ Reduce brightness: in HDR-mode 4:3 grant 0.5-1 EV more dynamic range than 16:9.
Tests on the Xiaomi 13 Pro showed that when shooting nightscapes at 4:3, details in the shadows are 20-30% better than in 16:9. This is due to the fact that the Sony IMX707 sensor in this model is physically optimized for a ratio of 4:3.
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For night photography, always choose 4:3, which minimizes noise and keeps details in the shadows. At the very least, use 16:9, but turn off HDR if the shot is too dark.