How to improve the camera on Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S: from basic settings to hidden chips MIUI

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but its camera often raises questions among users. Even with a quadruple module (64 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP), photos can be dull, noisy or not detailed enough. The problem is not the hardware - it's about software optimization and the ability to properly configure the device.

In this article, we’ll discuss 7 practical ways to improve the camera on the Redmi Note 10S without rooting and buying additional hardware. From adjusting the parameters in the Camera app to using third-party firmware and hardware tricks, you’ll learn how to make the most of your smartphone. All methods are tested on MIUI 13/14 and are relevant for models with a Mediatek Helio G95 processor.

1. Optimization of the standard application "Camera"

The first thing you need to do is to set up the built-in app correctly, and many users don't even know that Redmi Note has a built-in app. 10S hidden functions that are disabled by default, such as mode HDR It doesn’t always work automatically, but the settings are AI-The scene can spoil the colors instead of improving them.

Open the Camera app and do the following:

• 📸 Turn it off. AI-Scenes: Go to Settings → AI-- The camera and deactivate the option. MIUI Often mistaken in the definition of the scene, which leads to unnatural colors.
• 🌓 Turn it on. HDR manually: activate in the same settings HDR → On. (not "Auto") This is especially important for shooting against the sun.
• 🔍 Increase the bitrate of the video: in Settings → Video resolution select FHD (1080p) 60 fps instead of the standard 30 fps.
• 🎯 Activate the composition grid: turn on Settings → Grid to comply with rule of thirds.

Also check if the mode is enabled: Traffic Saving in the MIUI settings – it can limit the camera performance when shooting on social networks.

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If the camera gets worse after the MIUI update, reset the settings: Settings → Restore default settings. This often solves focus and white balance issues.

2.Using GCam (Google Camera) for better processing

The standard Xiaomi app plays Google Camera (GCam) in HDR processing, night mode and detail. For the Redmi Note 10S, there are stable GCam ports that support:

• 🌃 Night Sight – Night mode with better shadow work;
• 📏 Improved. HDR+ — more natural;
• 🔄 Astrophotography – shooting the starry sky (if there is a tripod).

Download the proven version of GCam for Helio G95 (e.g. from BSG or Shamim developer) from the XDA Developers forum or the @gcammods telegram channel.

1. Open GCam and give all permissions.
2. In the settings (⚙️ → Advanced) Select a config for Redmi Note 10S (for example, BSG_MGC_8.1.101_A10_V15.xml).
3. Activate HDR+ Enhanced and disable Sabre (it can cause artifacts).

For night shooting, use Night Sight mode with a shutter speed of 3-5 seconds (set the phone on a stable surface), the result will be significantly better than in the standard application.

3. Manual control of shooting parameters (Pro Mode)

If you want full control of the camera, use Pro mode in the standard app or install Open Camera from Google Play.

• 📐 Excerpt (from) 1/1000 before 32 seconds);
• 🔘 ISO (100-6,400, but it is better not to exceed 1600);
• 🎯 Focus (manual focusing for macro);
• 🔄 White balance (from) 2500K before 10000K).

Examples of settings for different scenes:

For RAW (no compression) shooting in Open Camera, activate the Save RAW option in the settings. Files will weigh ~20 MB, but can be edited flexibly in Lightroom or Snapseed.

4. Cleaning the lens and hardware improvements

Often, poor photo quality is not related to the software, but to the physical condition of the camera. On the Redmi Note 10S, the lens of the main camera (64 MP) is protected by glass, which over time is covered with micro scratches and greasy prints, which leads to glare and reduced sharpness.

How to clean the lens correctly:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Use a microfibre wipe (as for glasses) and isopropyl alcohol 70% (not ethanol!).
3. Gently wipe the glass of the lens in circular movements from the center to the edges.
4. To remove dust from under the glass, use a can of compressed air (do not blow with your mouth!).

If the quality has not improved after cleaning, check:

• 🔦 Scratches on glass -- in bright light, they make a glare. Solution: glass replacement (costs) ~500–800 ₽).
• 📶 Shattered camera module - if a light press on the glass appears backlash, repair is required.
• 🔋 Overheating of the processor - at a temperature above 45°C camera starts to smother performance. Use a cooling case.

Turn off the phone.

Use only microfiber and isopropyl alcohol

Don't push the lens glass.

Check the leakproofness of the module after cleaning

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5. Firmware Update and Modified Firmware

MIUI firmware often limits the camera's capabilities for the sake of stability, such as the standard version disables 4K@60fps, although the hardware of the Helio G95 supports it.

Official updates:

• Check the relevance of the firmware: Settings → About the phone → Update MIUI.
• If you have MIUI 14 or later, upgrade. The new versions have improved HDR and Night Mode processing.

The sleeves (for advanced ones):

• 📱 Pixel Experience – ported firmware from Google Pixel with GCam by default.
• 🔧 LineageOS – pure Android without restrictions MIUI.
• 🚀 Xiaomi.EU – modified MIUI camera-free.

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader (fastboot oem unlock), which resets the phone to factory settings and may deprive you of warranty:

⚠️ Note: Create a backup of data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup: Unlocking the bootloader erases internal memory, including a photo in the folder DCIM.

If you don’t want to take risks, use modified ones. XML-Configs for GCam (see section 2) – they give 80% of the effect of custom firmware without losing warranty.

6 Post-processing: How to Save Bad Photos

Even with perfect camera settings, some photos need rework. - Redmi Note 10S fit:

Mobile applications:

• 📱 Snapseed (Google) – Free Editor with Support RAW and the Selective Adjustment tool.
• 🎨 Lightroom Mobile - professional color correction and presets.
• 🌟 VSCO — filters with natural color reproduction.

Recommended settings for Snapseed:

1. Open the photo and apply Toning with a temperature of +5-10 (for warm tones).
2. Use Details → Structure (+20–30) to work out textures.
3. In the curves slightly raise the shadows (so as not to lose details in the dark areas).

For video, use CapCut or KineMaster – they support stabilization and color correction for a 1080p60 render.

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Shoot in RAW+JPEG format (in GCam or Open Camera) to give thelater more editing capabilities. JPEG saves the preview and RAW saves all sensor data.

7 Additional accessories for improving shooting

If software methods do not give the desired result, consider inexpensive accessories that will physically improve the quality of the photo:

• 🔍 Nozzles on the lens (macro, wide angle, fish eye) - from 300 ₽ AliExpress for the Redmi Note 10S It's a magnetically attached set.
• 📸 Outer flare (LED-panel) - eliminates the yellow hue of the standard flash. Example: Neewer 10" Ring Light (~1500 ₽).
• 🎥 Mini-staff with flexible legs - a must for night shooting and timelapses".
• 🔋 Power Bank with PD — long-shot 4K Redmi Note video 10S discharge.

Use a light box to capture documents or small objects (you can make it yourself out of a cardboard box and white fabric) to eliminate the shadows and glare that characterize macro photography on a smartphone.

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If you’re shooting a video, turn on video stabilization in your camera settings and use Short Video mode in GCam – it automatically cuts the trembling edges of the frame.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note camera 10S