How to improve the camera on Xiaomi: from settings to hardware tricks

The camera in Xiaomi smartphones is one of the key arguments when choosing a device. But even flagship models like Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Redmi Note 13 Pro+ do not always give perfect shots out of the box. Problems with noise in the dark, blurry parts when zooming or unnatural color processing are familiar to many users. Fortunately, you can improve the quality of the camera on Xiaomi without buying a new phone – just know the right settings, firmware secrets and a few hardware tricks.

In this article, we’ll look at 12 proven ways to optimize your camera, from basic settings in the Camera app to manually controlling parameters through GCam and fine-tuning the CPU core. We’ll focus on models on the Qualcomm Snapdragon platform (like the Poco F5 or Xiaomi 13T), where advanced customization options are available. If you’re willing to spend 10-15 minutes experimenting, the result will exceed expectations: clarity, color reproduction and detail will grow by 30-50% even on budget devices.

Important: all methods have been tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS (2026). For older models (before the Redmi Note 10), some features may not be available - check compatibility before changing settings.

1. Optimization of Xiaomi’s standard camera settings

Before you look for third-party solutions, make sure you use the full power of the native Camera app. Xiaomi hides many useful features in the depth of the menu, and activating them can immediately improve the quality of images by 15-20%.

Go to Camera Settings → Photo resolution and select the maximum value available. For most modern models, it is 50MP/64MP/200MP (depending on the sensor).

• 📸 HEIF/HEIC — Save space, but may not open on PC without additional codecs.
• 🖼️ JPEG — universal format, but with loss of quality in compression.
• 🎞️ RAW (DNG) — It retains maximum detail, but takes up 3-5 more room.

For video, activate HDR10+ (if supported) and set the bitrate to maximum in Settings → Video → Bitrate. On Xiaomi 13 Pro and later, Dolby Vision mode is available - it significantly improves dynamic range, but requires a powerful processor.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW Turn off all automatic filters and enhancements (e.g, AI-Beauty or Skin Magic. These functions only work with the JPEG and may conflict with manual settings.

2. Set up AI and processing algorithms

The AI in Xiaomi cameras is a double-edged sword, on the one hand, it automatically improves color and contrast, on the other hand, it often over-substantiates or blurs details. To find balance, go to Settings. → AI-camera and turn off:

• 🎨 AI-scene (if shooting in automatic mode gives unnatural colors).
• 👤 AI-portrait (blurring the background even where it is not necessary).
• 🌃 AI-night mode (can add noise instead of reducing it).

For advanced users, fine-tuning AI is available through the engineering menu. Enter the Phone app code:

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Go to Testing → Camera and find the AI Scene Detection and AI Beauty Level settings. Set your values to a minimum (0-20%) if you want a natural picture without overworking.

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If after the AI shutdown photos became dull, try manually increase the Contrast and Saturation in the camera settings by +10-15%.

3.Using GCam (Google Camera) for Xiaomi

The GCam is a modified version of the camera from Google Pixel, which often gives better results on Xiaomi smartphones thanks to advanced processing algorithms HDR+ and Night Sight. Especially noticeable difference on budget models (for example, Redmi 10C or Poco M5).

To install the GCam:

1. Download the current version for your model from the forum 4PDA or XDA Developers (e.g., developers, GCam_8.1.101_by_BSG.apk for Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
2. Install. APK-file by allowing installation from unknown sources.
3. Launch the application and import XML-Configuration for your model (settings optimized for specific sensors).

Recommended GCam settings for Xiaomi:

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 with MediaTek processor), the GCam may not start or work with artifacts.

4 Manual control of shooting parameters (Pro Mode)

Xiaomi’s Pro (or Manual) mode allows you to control shutter speed, ISO, white balance and focus, which is especially useful in challenging environments such as shooting at night or in artificially lit areas.

• 🌓 Extract: Use static objects 1/10–1/30c (hold your phone steady or use a tripod — 1/250c and shorter.
• 📊 ISO: Keep it in the 100-800 range. There's going to be a lot of noise above 1600.
• 🎯 Focus: Manually adjust the focal length for macro or portraits (especially relevant for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra with variable aperture).
• 🔄 White Balance: Select for incandescent lamps 3200K, daylight — 5500K.

To shoot in RAW format in manual mode, activate the option Save RAW+JPEG. This will allow you to edit the photo in Lightroom or Snapseed later without loss of quality. On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and later, RAW 10-bit mode is available - it gives more data for post-processing.

5. Optimization of firmware and core for the camera

The camera quality on Xiaomi is largely dependent on firmware and sensor drivers. Official MIUI/HyperOS updates are not always optimized for photography, so experienced users resort to custom firmware or modified cores.

The most popular solutions:

• 📱 Pixel Experience — Android-based firmware with Google Pixel camera. Supports GCam without crutches.
• 🔧 KernelSU – core with support for root rights, allowing you to fine-tune the camera settings (for example, increase the bitrate of video).
• 🛠️ Magisk modules, sort of. MIUI Camera Patch or ANX Camera – Improves processing at the system level.

For custom firmware installation:

1. Unlock the bootloader through Mi Unlock Tool (requires a Xiaomi account binding).
2. Install TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
3. Sweep through firmware and GApps (if you need Google services).

⚠️ Warning: Unlocking the bootloader resets the phone to factory settings and may take away warranties. On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), locking the bootloader after unlocking is not possible!

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Custom firmware gives a 20-40% increase in camera quality, but requires technical skills. For beginners, it is better to limit yourself to GCam or manual settings.

6. Hardware improvements: lenses, tripods, lighting

Even the most advanced software can't replace good optics and stabilization. Here are 3 hardware improvements that will immediately raise the level of your photos:

• 📷 External lenses: Moment or Xenvo nozzles (macro, wide-angle, telephoto lens) are attached to a magnetic ring or clip, especially useful for Redmi with the same type of optics.
• 📐 Stabilizer or Stabilizer: even budget DJI Osmo Mobile or Joby GorillaPod mini-station will eliminate blurring when shooting videos or long exposure.
• 💡 External flash/light: Ring lamp or softbox (e.g. Godox) LEDP120C) Solve the problem of noise in the dark without loss of quality from digital ISO.

For USB-C-enabled OTG models (like the Poco F5 Pro), you can connect an external microphone or even a full camera via an adapter, which is true for streamers or video bloggers.

Critical: On Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor (like the Redmi Note 12 5G), some external microphones may not work due to driver limitations.

7 Post-processing: from Snapseed to Lightroom

Even the perfect shot can be made better with editing.

• 📱 Snapseed (free) – for quick exposure and color correction.
• 🖥️ Lightroom Mobile – Advanced Processing with Support RAW.
• 🎨 Topaz Photo AI (PC) – to increase resolution and remove noise.

Basic steps of post-processing:

1. Cut the frame by the rule of thirds.
2. Increase Contrast by +10-15 and Clarity by +20-30.
3. Reduce Shadows and increase Light to work out the details.
4. Add Vignetting (+10) to the center.

For video, use CapCut or Adobe Premiere Rush for stabilization and color correction. On Xiaomi 13 Pro and later, you can shoot in a Log profile, which gives you more options for color gradation.

8. Hidden functions and engineering settings

Xiaomi hides a number of useful camera features in the engineering menu. To get there, type in the phone app:

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On the Camera menu you will find:

• 🔍 AF Calibration – calibration of autofocus (useful if the camera misses focus).
• 📏 Sensor Info – Sensor data (check to see if it matches the official specifications).
• ⚡ Power Key Camera – Launching the camera with a double press of the power button (accelerates shooting).

On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3) available setting Dual Camera Mode – simultaneous shooting with the main and telephoto camera for the best beech effect.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi camera improvements