Regime. AL Xiaomi camera: hidden features of your smartphone

Have you ever noticed a mysterious inscription? AL And they were thinking about what it means, and it's not as widely covered in the official instructions, but it's a key part of image processing. HDR or Night Mode, function AL It works at a deeper level, influencing machine learning algorithms that analyze a scene before shooting.

In this article, we will not just explain what is AL (spoiler: it's not autofocus, as many people think, but also show how this technology transforms your shots. POCO It's available, how to turn it on or off, and why it's sometimes better to do without it, and then we'll look at myths, like, is it true that you don't have it? AL "Destroys photos in low light?

Prepare your smartphone: after reading it, you can consciously choose when to use this mode and when to rely on the classic settings. And yes, we did tests -- comparative shots of the game. AL And without it, it's attached!

What is it? AL Xiaomi camera: decoding and working principle

abbreviation AL It stands for Artificial Light, which is proprietary Xiaomi technology that uses machine learning algorithms to dynamically correct exposure and white balance in real time, as opposed to static presets like Cloud or Incandescent Lamp"), AL Analyzes the pixel-by-pixel scene and adjusts the shooting parameters for specific conditions.

How does it work in practice? Let's say you're taking a picture of the sunset. AL The camera can illuminate the sky or darken the foreground, and when the mode is on, the algorithm recognizes that the main source of light is the sun, and automatically balances the brightness so that the details are preserved in the clouds and in the shadows. AL Not only does it increase exposure, but it simulates lighting as if you were using an external flash with a softbox.

• 🔍 Scene analysis: The algorithm identifies key objects (faces, sky, light sources) and their relative locations.
• 🎛️ Dynamic setting: Adjustments ISO, Exposure and color profile for each section of the frame.
• 🖼️ Post-processing: Uses local filters to improve detail (e.g. textures).

It is important to understand that AL — It's not the same as AI Scene Detection: The latter simply selects the setup from the database (e.g., "Portrait" or "Food"), whereas the latter selects the setup from the database. AL It creates a unique light profile for each frame, which is why sometimes the images are taken from the AL They appear more “live” but may appear over-processed.

What models Xiaomi has a mode AL?

Technology AL It debuted in Xiaomi’s flagship models and gradually infiltrated the mid-range segment, but not all of the brand’s smartphones support it – it all depends on the version of the processor. ISP (Image Signal Processor) and proprietary software, below is a table with models where AL available out of the box or after firmware update:

Please note that even if your model is on the list, the AL It can be hidden in settings. For example, in the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ You need to turn it on manually through the camera settings. → Additionally. → Improved lighting (AL). In budget models (e.g. Redmi) 10A or POCO M5) Technology not implemented due to hardware limitations.

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Check if your Xiaomi system supports the AL, Open the camera, go to Professional Mode and look for the icon "AL" Next to the exposure settings. If it's not there, it's not there.

Interesting fact: Xiaomi 13 Ultra mode AL Integrated with the Leica Authentic Look, which allows you to choose the processing style (for example, "Leica Vivid" or "Leica Natural"), taking into account artificial lighting) AL It only works automatically without the possibility of fine tuning.

How to turn on or off AL Xiaomi

Management of the regime AL depends on the firmware version MIUI And most of the time, the algorithm is activated by default, but it can be deactivated or customized to suit your needs:

Go to the Camera app

Put it on the gear (⚙️) Or swipe left for additional settings.

Find the item Improved lighting (AL) Artificial Light.

Turn the switch to the on/off position.

If necessary, select the intensity of the effect (if available)

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In some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Pro regime AL scene-bound:

• 📸 Photo: Activated automatically in Auto, Portrait and Night modes.
• 🎥 Video: Works only with permission 4K 30fps lower.
• 🔦 Lantern + Camera: Forced to be turned on when shooting with backlight.

If your model does not have a clear switch for AL, but you suspect it works (e.g. photos look too smooth), try resetting the camera to factory settings: → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data. After that, the mode can appear on the menu.

Pros and cons of using AL: when to turn off?

Like any post-processing technology, AL It has its strengths and its weaknesses, and let's look at where it works and when it's best to do without it.

Advantages AL:

• ✨ Natural lighting: Eliminates hard shadows and lights, mimicking studio light.
• 👤 Portrait photography: Illuminates faces while preserving the texture of the skin (as opposed to aggressive smoothing in Beauty Mode).
• 🌃 Night scenes: Increases detail in shadows without much noise (coupled with Night Mode).

Deficiencies AL:

• 🎨 Over-processing: Sometimes the colors look unnatural (e.g., green grass becomes acidic").
• ⚡ Increased energy consumption: Algorithms AL load the processor, which reduces battery life by 10-15%.
• 📏 Artifacts: Halos or blur may appear at the boundaries of objects (especially in the Redmi Note 11).

When it is necessary to disconnect AL:

⚠️ Note: If you are shooting for professional processing (e.g. Lightroom), the mode AL It's better to deactivate. It applies irreversible changes to the RAW-And so it's the same thing with document or scanning, because artificial light can distort colors and contrast.

For clarity, compare two frames taken on Xiaomi 13 Pro with on and off AL:

No AL: Shadows are deeper, colors are natural, but details are lost in lights (e.g. clouds in the sky merge).

S AL: The sky is worked out, faces are illuminated, but the grass looks too bright, and the contours of objects are slightly blurred.

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AL It is ideal for fast shooting in difficult conditions (for example, contrast light or moving objects), but not suitable for professional tasks where natural appearance is important.

AL vs HDR vs Night Mode: What is best and when to use it?

Many users are confused AL with other image enhancement modes, such as HDR Or Night Mode. These technologies actually solve different problems, and they can even conflict with each other:

How to choose the optimal mode?

• 🌅 Landscapes by day: HDR + AL (if you want to light up the shadows).
• 🌃 Night streets: Night mode (AL switch on).
• 👥 Group photos: Only AL (to avoid "cutting" persons in HDR).
• 📄 Documents/screens: All modes off (to avoid distortion).

Interesting nuance: Xiaomi 13 Ultra can be combined AL But in budget models like the Redmi Note 10, using these modes simultaneously causes the camera to overheat and automatically shut down.

Hidden chips AL: How to use the regime to the maximum

Regime. AL It's capable of more than just "shadow highlighting." Here are some life hacks that will help unlock its potential:

1. Filming against the light

If you are photographing an object against a bright window or sun, turn on the photo. AL And you can tap the face/object screen, and the algorithm automatically exposes the foreground without over-lighting the background. HDR, When the contrast is too strong.

2. Macrophotography

In Macro mode (if you have it in your model) AL It helps to highlight small details without creating hard shadows, like when shooting flowers or insects, and the main thing is to keep the camera 3-5 cm away from the object.

3. Video calls

In apps like Zoom or Google Meet AL You can use it through camera settings (if supported), which will improve your image in poorly lit rooms:

Settings → Applications → Permissions → Camera → Select Xiaomi Camera as a Source

4. Food shooting

In Food Mode (or Pro with manual settings) AL Adds volume to dishes with soft lighting. Tip: Turn off Beauty to avoid blurring textures.

Frequent problems with AL And how to solve them.

Despite the benefits, users often encounter bugs or unexpected mode behavior. AL. Here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

The camera "hangs" when it's on AL

This is typical for models with a Snapdragon processor. 7xx (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro, the reason is power shortage. ISP So, we can use real-time algorithms:

• ⚙️ Reduce the shooting permission to 12 MP (instead of MP) 48/108 MPP).
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone and clear the camera cache.
• 📱 Turn it off. AL for video (save only for photos).

2.The colors look unnatural

After inclusion AL The photos are green or blue, try it:

• 🎨 Manually set white balance in professional mode.
• 📲 Update the camera firmware through Settings → The phone. → Update of the PO.
• 🔍 Check if there is conflict. AL switched-on AI Scene Detection.

3. AL It does not work in some modes.

In models POCO F4 GT redmi K50 The mode may be turned off when shooting in 4K 60fps Or when you use a wide-angle module. That's a hardware limitation — ISP It doesn't have time to process the data stream. 1080p Or use the main camera.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI regime AL missing from the menu, don't try to return it via the engineering menu (#4636##.) This could cause the camera to crash.

To diagnose problems with AL You can use the Camera Test app (available on Google Play) to show which camera modules and algorithms are involved in real time.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the regime AL