Have you ever noticed how in some photos or videos the sky looks too bright and shadows look completely black, with no details? or how in Xiaomi TV movies some scenes seem unnaturally contrasting? These are all the consequences of the malfunctioning (or lack of) HDR technology. In Xiaomi devices — whether smartphones, TVs or action cameras — HDR support can dramatically change the perception of content, but not all users understand how to use it.
In this article, we’ll look at what HDR is in Xiaomi in practice, from basics to hidden settings in MIUI and PatchWall. You’ll learn which smartphone and TV models support real HDR (rather than marketing simulation), how to turn it on manually, and why it’s sometimes best to disable it. We’ll also test the difference between HDR10, Dolby Vision, and HLG – and explain which standard is best for your device.
What is HDR and how does it work in Xiaomi devices
HDR (High Dynamic Range is a technology that extends the range between the darkest and brightest areas of an image. SDR (Standard Dynamic Range, where details are lost in the shadows or overlights, HDR It saves them by making the picture more realistic. HDR-You can see the texture of clouds in the bright sky and the faces of people in a dark room at the same time.
In Xiaomi devices, HDR works on two levels:
- 📱 Hardware level: displays with support HDR (for example, AMOLED Xiaomi 13 Ultra or QLED mi TV Q2) physically capable of displaying an extended range of brightness.
- 🎞️ Software layer: Image processing algorithms in a camera or video player “stretch” the dynamic range, even if the original content was not captured in the video. HDR.
It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi devices support real-world HDR. For example, budget smartphones like the Redmi Note 12 may have an option "HDR" It's just a software emulation, not hardware support, and it's the same for TVs, just models labeled Dolby Vision, or HDR10+ (for example, Xiaomi TV A Pro) capable of reproducing full-fledged HDR-content.
HDR in Xiaomi smartphones: what models support and how to turn on
Xiaomi's HDR technology is used in two scenarios: photo/video and content playback. Let's deal with each one individually.
1. HDR when filmed on camera
Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with the Redmi Note 10 Pro and up) support shooting in HDR.
- Open the Camera app.
- Tap the HDR icon in the top panel (or go to Settings → HDR).
- Select a mode: 🔘 The camera decides when to use it. HDR. 🔘 Incl. – forced inclusion (useful for landscapes). 🔘 Off. — HDR turned off (needed for shooting in low light conditions with a flashlight).
Note: When shooting 4K HDR video on the Xiaomi 12T Pro or 13 Pro, you may experience overheating – this is normal, but it’s best to take breaks every 10-15 minutes.
Turn on HDR manually for landscapes
Turn off HDR when shooting in dark rooms
Use the Auto mode for portraits
Check for updates to the camera software-->
2.HDR when watching videos and games
For reproduction HDR-Content on a smartphone is necessary:
- Have an HDR-enabled display (e.g. AMOLED in Xiaomi 12S Ultra or POCO F5 Pro).
- Enable the option in settings: Settings → Display → Advanced settings → HDR
- Use compatible apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+).
2.A test on Xiaomi TV
To check HDR on TV:
- Launch the built-in Netflix or Disney+ app.
- Find a movie that supports Dolby Vision (e.g. Blade Runner 2049).
- During playback, press the Info button on the remote – the Dolby Vision or HDR icon should appear.
If there is no icon, but you are sure that the content in HDR:
- Check the settings. HDMI-Port (must be enabled by Enhanced Format).
- Update your TV firmware to the latest version.
- Try another cable (e.g., Ultra High Speed HDMI certified cable).
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If your Xiaomi TV is too dark in HDR, try increasing the HDR Brightness setting in the image settings, and you can also turn on Dynamic Contrast to improve detail.
Common HDR Issues in Xiaomi and How to Fix Them
Even if your device supports HDR, you may encounter problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
1. HDR does not turn on on a smartphone
If the HDR option in the camera settings is inactive or gray:
- 🔋 Check battery power – at levels below 15%, some models turn off HDR energy-saving.
- 📸 Make sure you don’t use Pro Mode (Pro Mode) mode. HDR shutdown.
- 🔄 Restart your smartphone – sometimes software glitches block access to the function.
2.HDR on Xiaomi TV works with artifacts
If, in viewing, HDR-content:
- 🖼️ Stripes or flickering – try to reduce screen brightness or turn off Local Dimming in the settings.
- 🎭 Unnatural colors – reset your image settings to factory (Settings) → Image: → Reset).
- 🔊 Stuttering sound - turn on the game mode for HDMI-port to which the source is connected.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with a matrix VA (Like Mi. TV 4A) viewing HDR And you can have a color fading effect at big angles, and that's a technology feature, not a marriage. If you're annoyed by that, you can reduce the contrast setting. HDR up to 80-90%.
3.HDR doesn't work in games
Many games (like Call of Duty Mobile or Genshin Impact) support HDR, but Xiaomi smartphones may not include it.
- 🎮 In the game settings, find the option HDR or dynamic range and turn it on.
- 📱 In the settings of the smartphone, turn on Forced HDR (if any) or extended color gamut.
- 🔄 Reinstall the game – sometimes shader files get corrupted.
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If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t support hardware HDR, but you want to improve the picture, try turning on Contrast or Saturated mode in the display settings. This is not real HDR, but visually makes the image brighter.
Xiaomi and other brands HDR comparison: who is better?
HDR technology is not only implemented in Xiaomi, but also in the competition. Let's compare how things are at different manufacturers:
| Brand | Strengths of HDR | Weaknesses | Example of model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi | Good price/quality ratio, support for Dolby Vision in top models | In budget models, often software-HDR, problems with default settings | Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mi TV Q2 |
| Samsung | The best. AMOLED-High-brightness screens, support HDR10+ | Dear ones, often overheat with prolonged HDR | Galaxy S23 Ultra, QN90C |
| Apple | Excellent color reproduction, smooth HDR work in iOS | Closed ecosystem, few settings for manual adjustment | iPhone 15 Pro, Apple TV 4K |
| Sony | Best video processing, support for all HDR standards | Very expensive, complex settings for beginners | Xperia 1 V, Bravia XR-65A95K |
🔹 Xiaomi offers one of the best options in terms of price/quality, especially in the TV segment. HDR, And then you replace it with software emulation, if you care about the real thing. HDR, Look for models with Dolby Vision certification or HDR10+.
Xiaomi’s HDR Future: What to Expect in New Models
In 2026-2026, Xiaomi plans to introduce several innovations related to HDR:
- 🌟 Mini.-LED TVs (for example, in Xiaomi) TV S Pro) for better local dimming.
- 📱 Adaptive HDR in smartphones that will adapt to the lighting in the room.
- 🎮 Support HDR In cloud gaming (for example, in Xiaomi Game Turbo).
- 📺 8K HDR In the flagship TV (so far only in Mi). TV Master Series).
Xiaomi is also expected to expand support for Dolby Vision IQ, a technology that automatically optimizes HDR based on scene content and room lighting, which should address the problem of too dark or over-lit footage that many users face.
🔮 Prediction: In the coming years HDR It will become the standard even for budget Xiaomi devices, but the real breakthrough will happen with the introduction of MicroLED screens that can provide even higher contrast and brightness.