How to set up a camera on Xiaomi for iPhone quality: a complete guide with examples

Photos from iPhones have long been a benchmark for many users: natural color reproduction, balanced exposure and a “branded” style of processing. Xiaomi smartphone owners often wonder: can you achieve the same result on an Android device? The answer is yes, but it will require not only the correct configuration of the standard camera application, but also the use of third-party tools, and understanding the key differences in image processing.

In this article, we will discuss 7 Practical ways to approximate the quality of photos on Xiaomi (including Redmi Note models) 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 and others to the level of the iPhone 14/15 Pro. you will learn how to set up HDR, Night Mode and Portrait, similar to Apple, which apps will help emulate processing algorithms, and why it is sometimes better to abandon standard software MIUI. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden parameters of the engineering menu, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which radically change the result.

Important: Results will depend on the hardware of your smartphone. Xiaomi's flagship models (e.g., with Sony's sensor) IMX766 or IMX800) It is capable of more than budget devices with Samsung modules ISOCELL Or OmniVision, but even on the Redmi 10 or POCO M5 We can make a significant improvement by following our recommendations.

1.Why iPhone and Xiaomi camera shoot differently: key differences

Before trying to fit Xiaomi’s camera into an iPhone, you need to understand the fundamental difference between their approaches to shooting.

• 🔹 Processing HDR: Apple uses Smart technology HDR 4/5, It's a real-time scene analysis that adjusts the exposure to different parts of the frame. AI HDR, which often twitches light or darkens shadows.
• 🔹 Color profile: iPhone by default shoots in extended color P3 D65, Xiaomi uses sRGB or its own Mi Color profile, which often adds excess saturation.
• 🔹 Noise reduction: Apple's algorithms retain more detail in low light, while Xiaomi often "smears" fine textures to fight noise.
• 🔹 Portrait mode: iPhone uses Depth Control with smooth transitions between the background and the object, and Xiaomi often leaves artifacts at the edges.

Apple also uses machine learning to recognize scenes (sky, face, textures), while Xiaomi relies more on presets, which means that to achieve a similar result on Android, you will have to manually adjust your settings or use third-party apps that emulate iOS logic.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), the image processing algorithms differ from the models on MediaTek Dimensity. ISP-Image Signal Processor, so some settings can work differently.

2. Set up a standard camera app MIUI iPhone-style

The first step is to optimize the built-in Camera app from Xiaomi. Despite the limited features compared to iOS, there are a few key options that should be changed:

Disabling unnecessary “improvements» AI

By default. MIUI aggressively AI-To get closer to the style of the iPhone, do the following:

1. Open the Camera app → press on ⚙️ Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
2. Go to section. AI camera and turn off options: 🔘 AI scene (object recognition) 🔘 AI HDR (replace it with a standard HDR) 🔘 AI Beauty (even in the "Photo" mode»)

Color style

Standard.

Portrait

These changes will reduce the plastic effect that is common with many Xiaomi photos and make the colors more natural, like on the iPhone.

Correction of exposure and white balance

The iPhone is known for its ability to properly expose itself even in challenging environments, and on Xiaomi, this setting often requires manual adjustment:

• 📱 On the camera screen, tap the subject to capture the focus.
• 🔄 Swipe up/down the screen adjust the exposure level (seek value) -0.3...-0.7 For daytime scenes, this will prevent overlighting).
• 🌡️ For white balance, manually select Preset Daylight or Cloud (automatic mode) AWB Xiaomi is often wrong).

For convenience, add the exposure widget to the Quick Access Panel: go to Camera Settings → Toolbar and activate the option Expocorrect.

Setting up the mode HDR

HDR The iPhone works differently than Xiaomi: it doesn't just overlay a few frames, it analyzes the dynamic range of the scene:

1. In the camera settings, turn on HDR (not AI HDR!).
2. For static scenes (landscapes, architecture) use the mode HDR Auto.
3. When you're shooting people, turn them off. HDR It is very common on Xiaomi, it often spoils skin color.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) switched on HDR There's a delay between clicking on the spasm and saving the photo. That's normal, that's how multi-frame processing works.

3. Hidden settings of the engineering menu for advanced users

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu (MTK Engineering Mode or Qualcomm Diag, where you can fine-tune camera settings that are not available in the standard interface:

• 🔧 Change the noise reduction algorithms;
• 🎨 Adjust the color profile;
• 📸 Disable software stabilization (if it spoils quality);
• 🔍 Set up sharpness and contrast.

To get into the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information → Scroll down and tap 5 times on the Software Version to unlock additional options.
3. Go back and select the Engineering Mode (MTK) Qualcomm Settings (depending on the processor).
4. Go to the Hardware Testing → Camera section.

In this menu, pay attention to the following parameters (values are given for emulating the style of the iPhone):

Warning: Not all parameters on the engineering menu are safe. ISP Tuning or Sensor Calibration can cause the camera to malfunction.Before experimenting, back up your settings via Backup & Reset.

4.The best iPhone camera emulation apps on Xiaomi

The standard Xiaomi Camera app, even after all the settings, will not be able to completely replicate the iPhone algorithms. 20 Apps and selected top-5 decision-making:

Focos (for portrait mode)

Focos is an application that uses depth algorithms similar to the iPhone.

• 📸 Shoot in Portrait Mode with Natural Bokeh;
• 🎨 Adjust the background blur (Blurry Level);
• 🔄 Apply lighting effects (similar to Portrait Lighting on iPhone).

Download to Google Play. Use the main camera (not a telephoto lens) and shoot from a distance for the best result. 1-2 yard.

4.2. Halide Mark II (manually)

Halide is a professional application with an interface resembling the iPhone, and its key features are:

• 📊 Manual control ISO, Exposure and Focus;
• 🌓 Smart mode RAW shootable DNG post-processing;
• 🔍 Focus Peaking for Accurate Focusing.

App for a fee (about 1000) ₽), But there's a free trial, and it's suitable for users who want full control of the shoot.

Google Camera (GCam) for Xiaomi

The GCam is a modified version of the camera from Google Pixel, which often gives better results than standard Xiaomi software.

1. download the GCam version for your model (e.g, BSG Or Wichaya for Snapdragon)

2. Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings) → Annexes → Special access → Installation of unknown applications)

3. Open GCam and give all permissions (camera, storage, microphone)

4. In GCam settings, select a config for your smartphone (for example, Xiaomi_13_Ultra.xml)

5. Activate HDR+ Enhanced and disable Sabre (if any)

-->

GCam works particularly well on Xiaomi flagships with Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 1/2. MediaTek models may have launch problems.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the GCam do not support an ultra-wide module or telephoto lens. Check compatibility on Celso Azevedo forums before installing.

4.4. VSCO (post-processing)

If you want to not only shoot, but also process photos in the style of iPhone, VSCO — One of the best options:

• 🎨 Presets that simulate the color reproduction of the iPhone (for example, HB1 or SE3);
• 📊 Tools for correction of shadows, lights and color balance;
• 🖼️ Ability to save your styles for quick processing.

You can download it here. First, try using a preset. HB2 customized:

• 🔘 Exposure: +0.5
• 🔘 Contrast: -1
• 🔘 Saturation: -2

ProCam X (for video)

If you care not only about photos, but also about iPhone-style videos, ProCam X offers:

• 🎥 Shooting in Dolby Vision HDR (Cinematic Mode analogue on iPhone);
• 🎚️ Manual control of bitrate and permission;
• 🎬 HyperSmooth Stabilization (similar to Apple’s Cinematic Stabilization).

The app is paid, but there is a free trial period. 4K 30fps bitrate.

5. Guide to shooting in different conditions (with examples)

Even with the right settings and apps, the result will depend on the conditions of the shooting, and let's figure out how to shoot in the most common scenes, so that the photos look like an iPhone.

5.1. Portrait photography (people, animals)

For portraits on Xiaomi, there are often problems with:

• 🔴 Unnatural skin (because of the AI Beauty);
• 🔴 Sharp boundaries of background blur;
• 🔴 Incorrect exposure on the faces.

To avoid this:

1. Use the Focos or GCam app in Portrait mode.
2. Turn off all beauty options and AI Retouch.
3. Take pictures in natural light (avoid contrasting light).
4. Manually reduce exposure to -0.7, to keep details on the faces.

Example of settings for Xiaomi 13 Pro:

• 📸 Mode: Portrait (2x zoom);
• 🔄 Exposition: -0.7;
• 🌡️ White Balance: Cloudy;
• 🎨 Profile: Natural.

💡

If your smartphone has a telephoto lens (for example, 2x or 3x zoom, always use it for portraits – this will reduce distortion at the edges and improve bokeh.

5.2 Landscapes and architecture

Dynamic range is key to landscape photography, and on the iPhone, it's wider thanks to Smart. HDR, But Xiaomi can achieve a similar result:

• 🌄 Use GCam with it on HDR+ Enhanced.
• 📏 Take it down. RAW+JPEG, To adjust the light and shadows in Lightroom.
• 🔍 For architecture, disable the Ultra-Wide Corner - it often distorts straight lines.

Example: shooting a sunset on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+:

1. Open up GCam. → Choose Photo.
2. Activate. HDR+ Enhanced and Night Sight (Even in the Daytime!).
3. Set the exposure to -1.0, to keep the details in the sky.
4. Take a picture and process it in Snapseed: 🔘 Increase the Shadows on +50; 🔘 Reduce High Lights by -30; 🔘 Apply the Tune Image filter → Warmth +5.

5.3 Night Mode (Night Mode)

The night mode on the iPhone is famous for its natural colors and minimal noise.

• 🌙 Use GCam with Night Sight (it’s better than the standard Night Mode) MIUI).
• 🕯️ Take off from a tripod or stable surface – exposure can reach 4-6 seconds.
• 🔘 Turn off Flash and AI Scene Detection.

Comparison of night photos on Xiaomi 12T Pro:

Important: In night mode, Xiaomi often smears small details (such as foliage on trees). RAW and hand-craft it.

5.4 Food and macro photography

Macro and food photos on the iPhone are characterized by high detail and natural colors.

• 🍎 Use the main camera (not a macro lens, if it has one - it has the worst quality).
• 🔍 Bring your smartphone to a distance 10-15 Cm from the object and wait for the focus.
• 🌡️ Set white balance manually on the incandescent lamp (for warm light).
• 📸 Shoot in Pro Mode with parameters: 🔘 ISO: 100-200 🔘 Excerpt: 1/100s 🔘 Focus: Manual (MF)

For post-processing, preset Foodie in VSCO customized:

• 🔘 Exposure: +0.3
• 🔘 Clarity: +2
• 🔘 Saturation: -1

6. Post-processing: how to make photos with Xiaomi indistinguishable from the iPhone

Even the perfect settings don't guarantee the results of the iPhone, and the final touch is the processing, and let's look at the tools and techniques that you can use.

Basic correction in Lightroom Mobile

Adobe Lightroom is the best tool for fine-tuning photos. To bring a Xiaomi image closer to the style of the iPhone, follow this algorithm:

1. Import your photo to Lightroom and select the Light tool:
2. Go to Colour:

Details

• 🔘 Increase Sharpness by +20;
• 🔘 Add the Field Mask (Radius: 1.0, Detail: 25);
• 🔘 Reduce noise reduction to 0.

Critical: Xiaomi often overdoses noise cancellation, making photos look “plastic.” In Lightroom, always reduce Noise Reduction to a minimum and compensate for noise with increased sharpness.

6.2 Presets for a single click

If you don't want to manually adjust each setting, you can use presets that mimic the style of the iPhone.

• 🎨 iPhone 14 Pro Preset (for Lightroom) – adds natural shades and a slightly warm hue.
• 🎨 Apple Natural Look (for Apple) VSCO) — Reduces saturation and increases dynamic range.
• 🎨 Cinematic Color (for Snapseed) – simulates the color reproduction of the iPhone in movie mode.

To install the preset in Lightroom:

1. Download a file with the.dng extension or