How to make photos on Xiaomi 9 clear and bright: from settings to post-processing

Xiaomi 9 (or Mi 9) is still a popular smartphone among amateur photographers thanks to the triple main camera with a Sony IMX586 sensor at 48 MP. However, even with such a “stuffing” many users face problems: blurry images in low light, sunrise, noise on zoom photos or faded colors. In this article, we will analyze practical ways to improve the quality of photos – from hidden camera settings to professional processing and selection of accessories.

It's important to understand that the quality of your photo depends not only on hardware, but also on how you use it. For example, the automatic HDR mode on Xiaomi 9 often tweaks colors in sunny weather — it's better to turn it off manually or use alternative applications. And night shots require not only stabilization, but also proper exposure. We tested all methods on Mi 9 (version of MIUI 14) and selected only those that give visible results.

The article will suit the owners of all versions of the series: Xiaomi Mi 9, Mi 9T (with a retractable camera), Mi 9 SE and Mi 9 Lite. Some tips are universal for new models (for example, Xiaomi 12 or Redmi Note 11), but the emphasis is on the features of the firmware and cameras Mi 9.

1. Optimal camera settings Xiaomi 9: what to turn on and what to turn off

The standard camera app on the Mi 9 hides a lot of parameters that directly affect the quality of the images. AI-A mode that guesses the scene and automatically adjusts the colors. This is convenient for beginners, but often leads to unnatural shades (especially in portraits:

• 🔍 Turn it off. AI-Mode: Go to Camera Settings → AI-This will prevent artificial "blurring" of the background in the portraits and excessive saturation of colors.
• 🌓 Set up. HDR: In the same settings, select HDR → Car, but in sunny weather, force it to turn off (long press on the icon) HDR It's going to save you from the lights.
• 📏 Aspect ratio: for maximum resolution, choose 4:3 (48 MP). 16:9 format cuts the frame and reduces detail.
• 🎯 Focus: Activate Continuous Autofocus in the settings if you are shooting moving objects (children, animals).

Pay special attention to night mode. On the Mi 9, it only works when manually turned on (the moon icon is on the top menu). Unlike the new models, there is no automatic switching here, so at dusk the camera can take dark pictures. Night mode on Xiaomi 9 is only effective in static objects - if you move or film people, it is better to use a tripod and lower shutter speed manually.

2. Alternative camera applications: when a standard camera fails

Xiaomi's stock Camera app is limited in features, especially for advanced users, for example, it doesn't allow you to manually adjust white balance or curves, which is critical for professional shooting. We tested 5 alternative apps and selected the two best ones for the Mi 9:

To install GCam on Xiaomi 9, follow the steps:

1. Download. APK-file version 7.3 or 8.1 (e.g., from a developer) BSG).
2. Install the configuration file Mi9_XML folder GCam/Configs.
3. In GCam settings, select Model: Pixel 4 and activate HDR+ Enhanced.

Download APK proven-source|Allow installation from unknown sources|Copy the config to the Configs folder|Set up the Pixel 4 model and HDR+-->

Open Camera is suitable for those who shoot in the RAW. In the settings, turn on Save RAW (DNG) And it's also Manual Controls, which allows the user to process the photos in Lightroom or Darktable without losing quality: RAW-file ~20 MB each, so keep your memory in check.

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Before shooting in RAW, turn off the digital zoom, which cuts the frame and reduces the detail. Use optical lenses (2x on Mi 9) or approach physically.

3 Post-processing: how to "squeeze" the most from Xiaomi 9 photos

Even a perfectly made photo can be improved with processing, and the key is not to overdo it with filters that destroy details.

• 🖼️ Snapseed (Google): Free Editor with Support RAW. Use Selective Correction (for Shadow Lightening) and Detailing (for Sharpness) tools).
• 🎨 Lightroom Mobile: Suitable for color correction. In the Light section, reduce Black by 10-15 units, which will add details in the shadows.
• 🤖 Topaz Gigapixel AI (PC: Increases resolution without loss of quality, useful for zoom shots 2x on Mi 9.

Snapseed processing example for night photos:

1. Open the photo and use the Auto (magic wand icon).
2. In the Tools → Curves section, raise the average tones (for brightness).
3. Add 10-20% noise to smooth out the artifacts.
4. Save it in JPEG format 100%.

For RAW-Use Darktable, the free version of Lightroom for PC. In Basic Curves, reduce contrast by 10%, making the transitions between colors smoother. On Mi 9 RAW-The images often have a green hue in the shadows; this is corrected in the white balance module (increase the temperature by 500-1000 K).

4. Accessories to improve photos: what really works

Software settings are good, but sometimes the hardware itself interferes with quality. For example, the Xiaomi 9 has no optical stabilization (except for a wide-angle lens), so in low light, photos are blurred.

• 📸 Tripod: Even a small pocket tripod (like the Joby GorillaPod) will reduce camera jitter. For the Mi 9, a model with a load of up to 1 kg will suit.
• 🔦 External flash: built-in flash on Mi 9 gives hard light. alternative - Godox Litemons LED16 (magnetized).
• 🔍 Lens nozzles: Xenvo Pro Lens (includes wide-angle and macro lens) is good for macro photography. Importantly, avoid cheap plastic nozzles, they add chromatic aberrations.
• 🎤 External microphone: if you are shooting video, Boya BY-M1 improve sound without noise.

When choosing a tripod, pay attention to the quick-removal plate - it will allow you to quickly move from horizontal to vertical shooting (relevant to Instagram stories). For the Mi 9, the optimal height of the tripod is 30-50 cm. If you shoot landscapes, use a delay timer (3-10 seconds) in the camera application to avoid shaking when you press the button.

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Outer flash is only useful for portraits. For landscapes or night photography, it is better to use a tripod + night mode without flash.

5 Mistakes That Ruin Photos on Xiaomi 9 (and How to Avoid Them)

Many of the problems with photo quality are caused by common user errors, and here are the most common ones:

• 📱 Dirty lens: even a thin layer of dust or fingerprints reduce clarity.
• 🌡️ Overheating of the smartphone: at a temperature above 40°The C camera Mi 9 automatically reduces performance, which leads to soap shots.
• 🔋 Low battery power: At a charge level below 15%, the camera can turn off HDR Always check the charge before taking a responsible shot.
• 📶 Filming in format HEIF: This format saves space, but many editors don't support it. JPEG camera-setting.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI the camera started to “brake” or the photos are turned green, reset the settings of the camera application in Settings → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → It often solves color reproduction problems.

Another common mistake is using digital zoom. On the Mi 9, the optical lenses only give 2x zoom (telephoto lens), and everything higher is software zoom with loss of quality. If you want to zoom in, you better get closer or crop the photo later in the editor.

Xiaomi 9 comparison with other smartphones: what is missing the camera

To objectively assess the capabilities of Xiaomi 9, compare it with competitors 2019-2020 and new models Xiaomi. for the test, we used the same conditions: daylight, HDR turned off, focus on a static object.

The main weaknesses of the Xiaomi 9 camera:

1. No optical stabilization on the main and telephoto lenses.
2. Night mode is inferior to the flagships of 2020+ years (for example, Google Pixel 4 or Huawei P30 Pro).
3. Automatic HDR processing often spoils colors (especially green shades).

But the Mi 9 has advantages: a wide dynamic range in daytime shots (thanks to the Sony IMX586) and good detail in ample light.For its time (2019), it was one of the best cameras in the segment, and even today it is able to compete with budget smartphones of 2023.

7. Updating firmware and fashion: risky but effective ways

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, you can improve the Xiaomi 9 camera with custom firmware or mods. For example, Pixel Experience replaces the stock camera with Google Camera with improved HDR and night mode. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and may be unwarranted.

A safer option is to install a Magisk mod (like the Mi9 Camera Mod).

• 4K 60 FPS support (only 30 FPS in stock firmware).
• Manual ISO setting and shutter speeds in a standard application.
• Disable the restriction on recording video longer than 5 minutes in 4K.

⚠️ Note: Mod installation requires root rights. on Xiaomi 9, this can lead to problems with Widevine L1 (Netflix will not be working on Netflix. HD) and malfunction NFC. Before installation, make a backup through TWRP.

If you are a beginner, start with less risky methods:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update.
2. Install GCam without root (instruction in section 2).
3. Use Xiaomi Camera Enhancer (a community-based app that improves processing without hacking the system).

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Custom firmware gives you a 15-20% increase in photo quality, but the risk of bricking the phone is ~5%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving photos on Xiaomi 9