Mid-range smartphones have made a leap in mobile photography in recent years, with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro, which has a 108MP main camera, typically coming from flagships, so expectations have been incredibly high, and many users are wondering how effectively this powerful module works with a mid-range processor.
In this review, we will take a closer look at how the Xiaomi Redmi 10 Pro camera captures in different lighting conditions. We will analyze software processing, autofocus speed and video capabilities. Understanding the software will help you make the most of your gadget’s technical features.
It's worth noting that Xiaomi has traditionally used its own MIUI shell, which makes significant adjustments to the final image. Noise reduction algorithms and HDR play no less a role here than the physical size of the matrix. Let's find out whether the device copes with its tasks and whether it is worth the attention of the amateur.
Technical characteristics of photomodules
The Redmi Note 10 Pro’s main focus is on the 108MP main module. Unlike many of its competitors, it uses Samsung’s ISOCELL HM2 array. It supports 9-in-1 pixel binning technology that combines nine pixels into one large one, which greatly improves light sensitivity in standard shooting mode.
The second module is a wide-angle lens with a resolution of 8 MP and a viewing angle of 118 degrees. Although the detail here is inferior to the main module, it is great for landscape shooting and group photos in a limited space. A 5 MP macro lens is also worth considering, as it is equipped with autofocus, which is rare for the budget segment.
Notable is the lack of optical stabilization (OIS) in the main camera, which is offset by electronic stabilization and software algorithms, but when shooting video or in low light conditions, this can be noticeable. However, the f/1.9 aperture allows enough light to pass through for most scenarios.
Why 108 MP is not always better than 12 MP?
Below is a table with the main characteristics of all smartphone cameras for ease of comparison:
| Module | Permission | Aperture | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 108 MP | f/1.9 | PDAF, 9-in-1 binning |
| Wide-angle | 8 MP | f/2.2 | Angle 118° |
| Macro | 5 MP | f/2.4 | Autofocus. |
| Frontal | 16 MP | f/2.4 | AI-portrait |
Quality of photo in daylight
Daytime shooting is a Redmi Note 10 Pro element. In good light, the main module produces images with excellent detail and natural dynamic range. The colors are rich, but do not go into acidity, which is often the case with other smartphones from Chinese manufacturers.
If you activate 108MP in your settings, you can look at the smallest textures: villi on your clothes, foliage structure or brickwork. However, remember that these files weigh much more (about 25-30 MB), and they take longer to process. For social networks, a standard mode is enough, which gives a more balanced result.
⚠️ Attention: When shooting in mode 108 Try to keep your smartphone as still as possible during the 1-2 The slightest shaking can cause parts to lubricate, because the shutter speed in this mode is longer than normal.
The wide-angle camera works well during the day, but there's a certain amount of soapiness and distortion around the edges of the frame. That's a fee for a wide viewing angle. However, for Instagram stories or quick reports of this quality, HDR algorithms automatically turn on in contrasting scenes, aligning the sky and shadows.
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For maximum detail of landscapes, use a tripod and a timer of 3 seconds, which will eliminate micro-shaking of the hands and allow noise reduction algorithms to work as efficiently as possible.
Shooting in low light and at night
Night photography has always been a weak spot for the mid-range, but Xiaomi has introduced advanced Night Mode, which takes multiple shots of different exposures and glues them together into one bright snapshot. The result is impressive: city lights don't turn into mush, and dark areas retain details.
Without a special mode at night, the smartphone also tries to pull the frame, increasing the sensitivity of ISO, which leads to digital noise, which is software "washed" and as a result, small details can be lost, creating a watercolor effect. Therefore, for high-quality evening photos, manually running the night mode is mandatory.
The wide-angle module is almost powerless at night without good lighting, giving a very noisy picture. The main module does better, but the lack of optical stabilization affects: if you don't freeze for a few seconds, the frame will be blurred. It is critical when shooting at night to lean your elbows against the body or use a stationary support.
- 🌙 Night mode automatically detects the scene and suggests activation, but it is better to turn it on forcefully for better results.
- 🚫 Avoid zooming at night, as the digital zoom on this matrix catastrophically reduces quality.
- ⏱ Shutter speed in night mode can reach several seconds, so the stabilization of the smartphone is critical.
Video shooting capabilities and stabilization
The Redmi Note 10 Pro is shooting at maximum 4K resolution at 30 frames per second. Unfortunately, 60 FPS is only available when the resolution is reduced to Full HD. The 4K image quality is high, with good detail, but the dynamic range is narrower when recording video than when shooting photos.
Video stabilization is software-based. When walking, the picture can float a little, especially if you're shooting on the run. Electronic stabilization cuts the edges of the frame to compensate for the shaking, but in extreme conditions it doesn't save you from jerks. For vlogs, it's better to use a gimbal stabilizer or shoot static scenes.
Sound is recorded through a built-in stereo microphone, which is good at cutting off wind noise, but in a noisy room, you can see an echo effect. For professional recording of sound, it is recommended to use an external microphone through a Type-C adapter.
☑️ Settings for better video shooting
Macrographing and Portrait Mode
And the macro camera deserves a special attention. Unlike the useless 2 megapixel stubs, there's a full 5 megapixel AF module that allows you to bring your smartphone to the subject at a distance of 3-7 cm. The detail is great, you can take the texture of the skin, the eyes of insects or the structure of products.
Portrait mode on the main camera works well, but sometimes it gets wrong with complex hair contour or glasses. Boke (background blur) looks natural, without a sharp cropping. Artificial intelligence does a good job of defining the boundaries of an object, but artifacts can arise when moving.
⚠️ Attention: Indoor macro photography, an automatic flash often triggers to illuminate the subject. Force the flash to turn off in settings to preserve natural shadows and volume.
The 16MP front camera takes selfies with pleasing skin color reproduction.The beauty mode is on by default, but its intensity can be customized. Frontal video is only written in 1080p, which is the standard for this class of devices.
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The Redmi Note 10 Pro is one of the best in its class thanks to its autofocus, which allows you to take really sharp pictures of small objects from close range.