HDR and HDR+ Xiaomi: What it is, what is the difference and how to use it

If you’ve ever tried to figure out the camera settings of your Xiaomi, you’ve probably come across acronyms. HDR and HDR+. At first glance, they seem the same — both modes promise to improve the quality of photos by making them brighter and more detailed — but in practice, the difference between them is fundamental: from processing algorithms to the final result. In this article, we will discuss in detail what lies behind these technologies, what Xiaomi models support them, and in what situations you should give preference to a particular mode.

It is important to understand that HDR (High Dynamic Range is not just a “mode for beautiful photos”, but a complex process of combining several images with different exposures. HDR+ — It's a Google-branded design that Xiaomi has adapted for its smartphones. Why then do both options sometimes appear on the camera menu? POCO only HDR, And on flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra — and HDR+? The answers lie in hardware capabilities and software optimization.

We're not going to just go with a dry theory, but in this article you'll find practical customization tips, comparative examples of photos, and also look at the common mistakes that users make when shooting in these modes. HDR+ Can you slow down the process if you don't set the resolution right? Or what in some cases is classic? HDR It will give you a better result than your “advanced” counterpart?

What is it? HDR In smartphones Xiaomi: the principle of operation

HDR (High Dynamic Range is a technology that allows a smartphone camera to capture a wider range of brightness than a normal shot. In the real world, our eyes are able to discern detail in both the darkest and brightest parts of a scene. But the camera matrix often "loses" either shadows (turning them into black spots) or light areas (shine them to white). HDR solves this problem by combining several frames with different exposures.

How does it work in practice? When do you turn it on? HDR In the Xiaomi camera, the smartphone takes several pictures in a row (usually 3-5) with different exposure settings:

• 📸 Normal frame – basic exposure, as in a normal shooting.
• 🌑 Understood frame – darkened to keep details in bright areas (such as the sky or the sun).
• 💡 Overexposed frame – lightened to “pull” details out of the shadows.

The smartphone's processor then analyzes all of these images and glues them together into one image, taking the best parts from each, and the result is that the images show both clouds in the sky and people's faces in the shadows, without losing detail.

But the classic HDR limitations:

• ⏳ Slow motion: As the camera needs to take multiple shots, the capture time increases, and this can lead to lubrication of moving objects.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: Processing multiple images requires more CPU resources.
• 📱 Not all scenes benefit from HDR: For example, in conditions of uniform lighting (for example, in cloudy weather), the effect may be invisible or even degrade the quality of the product.

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If you are taking pictures of a moving object (such as children or pets), it is best to turn off the camera. HDR — Otherwise, you risk getting a blurred picture.

HDR+ Xiaomi: What is it and what is better than usual HDR

HDR+ — It's an advanced version of the technology originally developed by Google for its Pixel smartphones, and Xiaomi has licensed this technology and incorporated it into its flagship models, starting with the Mi 10 and Redmi series. K30 Pro. The main difference from the classical HDR — It is not only the number of frames, but also the algorithms of their processing.

Here are the key features HDR+ on Xiaomi smartphones:

• 📊 More frames for analysis: instead of 3-5 pictures, as in the usual HDR, Up to 10-15 frames can be used here, which allows you to more accurately restore the dynamic range.
• 🤖 Artificial intelligence: Google algorithms analyze the scene and automatically adjust white balance, contrast and saturation based on the content of the frame.
• 👁️ Improved detail: Multilayered processing makes photos clearer, especially in low light conditions.
• ⚡ Faster than it seems: despite the large number of personnel, HDR+ optimized so that the delay of shooting is minimal (although still noticeable when compared with the off mode).

But HDR+ there are flaws:

• 📵 Hardware Requirement: only works on smartphones with powerful processors (such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or later). On Xiaomi's budget models, this mode may be absent or work with lags.
• 📁 Increased file size: photos in HDR+ weigh more than usual HDR, Due to additional data for processing.
• 🔄 Not always better: in some scenes (for example, when shooting at night with manual exposure settings) the classic is the most popular. HDR It can give a more natural result.

Comparison HDR and HDR+ Xiaomi: the difference table

To illustrate the difference between the two technologies, we have compiled a comparative table. Please note that some parameters may vary depending on the smartphone model and firmware version. MIUI.

On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) regime "HDR+" The camera menu may be called "Super". HDR" or "HDR Functionally it’s the same, but with branded improvements from Xiaomi.

What Xiaomi models support HDR and HDR+

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with mode HDR+ — It depends on the hardware platform and version. MIUI. Below we have a list of models with the technologies supported. If your device is not on the list, check for mode manually: open the camera, go to Settings. → Plus, and look for options. HDR or HDR+.

Supported models HDR+ (analogue):

• 📱 Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13
• 📱 Xiaomi 12S Ultra, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Xiaomi 12
• 📱 POCO F4 GT, POCO F5 Pro
• 📱 Redmi K60 Pro, Redmi K50 Ultra
• 📱 Xiaomi Mix Fold 2, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3

Models with classic only HDR:

• 📱 Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi Note 11 Pro+
• 📱 POCO X5 Pro, POCO M5
• 📱 Xiaomi 11 Lite NE, Xiaomi 11T
• 📱 Budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO C50 etc.)

If your model is not on the list, it does not mean that HDR+ It's definitely missing, like after the update. MIUI Some devices are getting support for new features. To make sure, check the firmware version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI.

How to turn it on HDR or HDR+ Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Activate regimes HDR or HDR+ There are several ways to use Xiaomi smartphones. Consider the most universal method that works on most models with a high-performance model. MIUI 12 and newer.

Detailed instructions:

1. Open the standard Camera app on your Xiaomi.
2. In the upper right corner, find the icon. ⚙️ Settings and tapping on it.
3. Scroll down to the Additional section (or Shooting Modes on some models).
4. Find the option. HDR or HDR+. Some devices may have a switch with options: Off. Auto (recommended mode) On (forced on)

Select the desired mode. For most scenarios, the Auto is the right one - the smartphone will decide when to use it. HDR.

Some flagship models (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) have additional settings for the new model. HDR+:

• 🔄 Adaptive HDR+: automatically adjust to lighting conditions.
• 🌙 Nighttime HDR+: Optimized for shooting in the dark.

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If you're optional HDR+ No menu, but your model should support it – update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Also pay attention to Pro mode in the camera - there you can manually configure the settings HDR, If the automatic system is not satisfactory.

When to use HDR, when HDR+ Xiaomi

Even though you know the technical differences between the modes, it’s not always easy to know which one to choose in a particular situation. Below we’ll give you recommendations based on tests and feedback from Xiaomi users.

Use the classic. HDR, if:

• ☀️ Bright sun and high contrast: for example, landscapes with sky and dark objects in the foreground. HDR It is good at balancing the exposure.
• 🏙️ Architecture and urban scenes: buildings, bridges, streets - here the clarity of lines is important. HDR+ may over-smooth details.
• 👥 Group photos on the street: if people stand still, classic HDR give off natural skin colours.

Choose. HDR+, when:

• 🌃 Lighting or night: Algorithms HDR+ They can better handle noise and keep details in the shadows.
• 🌅 Sunsets and dawns: here is important smooth elaboration of sky gradients, which is just the strength HDR+.
• 📸 Portrait with Bokeh Effect: HDR+ It separates the object from the background, maintaining realism.
• 🏞️ Complex light conditions: for example, shooting against the sun or in a room with windows.

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If you are taking a picture of a moving object (such as a waterfall or a running person), try to take a picture without the need to take it. HDR — So you will avoid "ghost" artifacts from overlaying frames.

When is it best to disable both modes:

• 🎭 Studio shooting with uniform lighting: if the light is soft and there are no sharp contrasts, HDR It can only spoil the colors.
• 💃 Dynamic scenes: dancing, sports, children's games - here the speed of shooting, not detail is important.
• 🖼️ Documents or texts: HDR It can distort the clarity of letters and lines.

Don't be afraid to experiment! Take a few shots in different modes and compare them on the big screen. Often, the difference only becomes noticeable when you zoom in.

Typical mistakes in the shooting of HDR/HDR+ and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when working with the Internet. HDR and HDR+ Here are the most common ones and ways to avoid them:

Mistake 1: Use HDR moving-object

⚠️ Warning: If there are fast-moving people, cars or animals in the frame, HDR It's going to cause ghost takes or blurs, and in those cases, you'd better shoot without them. HDR, Then manually adjust the exposition in the editor.

Mistake 2: Shooting in HDR+ low-resolution

• 📉 Problem: If you set the camera resolution below the maximum (e.g. 9) MP 48 MP), HDR+ It will work worse because it will not have enough data to process it properly.
• 🔧 Solution: Go to Camera Settings → Select the maximum resolution (e.g. 48) MP 200 MP flagship).

Mistake 3: Ignoring manual settings in Pro mode

• 🎛️ Problem: Many users include HDR+ And they think that's enough for a perfect shot, but in Pro mode, you can manually adjust it. ISO, White balance and exposure to improve results.
• 📊 Solution: Experiment with parameters. For example, when you're shooting a sunset, reduce the number of parameters. ISO 100 to 200 to reduce noise levels.

Mistake 4: Shooting in HDR digital zoom enabled

⚠️ Note: When using digital zoom (e.g, 5x or 10x on smartphones without a telephoto lens) HDR It'll make artifacts and noise, and in those cases, it's best to take a picture without it. HDR, And then cut it and zoom in on the editor.

Mistake 5: Unverified results on the big screen

• 🖥️ Problem: On a small smartphone screen, photos in HDR+ may look great, but when viewed on a monitor or printed become overly processed (oversaturated colors, inflated contrast).
• 🔍 Solution: Always check your pictures on the big screen or in a photo viewer program (e.g. Google Photos in Original Quality mode").

FAQ: Frequent questions about HDR and HDR+ Xiaomi