How to know exactly how many megapixels of a camera on a Xiaomi phone: from Redmi Note to POCO F

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face confusion in the characteristics of cameras: the megapixels claimed by the manufacturer do not always coincide with the real capabilities of the device. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ has a main module at 200 MP, but in standard shooting mode uses only 12.5 MP due to pixel binning technology. POCO F5 with an IMX890 sensor can give pictures in 64 MP, but saves them in 16 MP by default to save space.

This article will help you figure out how to test the real resolution of the camera on your Xiaomi, avoiding marketing tricks. EXIF-We will focus on models with multilayer matrixes (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), where effective megapixels depend on the shooting mode.

You will also learn why you sometimes see one value in your settings and another in your store specifications, and how this relates to Quad Bayer or Nonacell technologies. If you are planning a purchase or just want to check the honesty of the seller, bookmark this instruction.

1. Method: Check through Xiaomi camera settings

The fastest method is to look at the resolution directly in the Camera app. However, there is a caveat: Xiaomi often hides the maximum value, offering a choice of 2-3 pre-modes. For example, on the Xiaomi 12T Pro with a 200 MP sensor, only 12 MP and 50 MP options are available by default.

To see the full data:

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the gear badge (⚙️) Or swipe up to access the settings.
3. Find the Photo Resolution section (on some models – aspect ratio and resolution).
4. Scroll through the list of available values. The maximum number (e.g. 200M, 108M, 64M) will be the physical resolution of the main module.

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M4 Pro) the maximum value may not be available, meaning that the camera uses software-based resolution enhancement (interpolation) and has fewer megapixels physically.

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If the settings do not have the "Resolution" option, try switching to Pro mode (manual settings) - sometimes the real value is displayed there.

2. Method: Analysis of EXIF-data of finished photos

EXIF is the metadata that is stored in every image, and it contains information about the camera model, shutter speed, ISO and, of course, resolution, so you can read it.

1. Take a test shot at the maximum available resolution (for example, selecting 200M in the settings, if any).

2. Transmit the photo to your computer or use one of the EXIF viewing apps on your phone:

• 📱 Photo EXIF Editor (Android) - shows all the technical data.
• 🖥️ FastStone Image Viewer (Windows) is a free software with support EXIF.
• 🌐 Online services like exif.viewer – upload photos and explore the Image section.

Look for the lines:

• Resolution – for example, 5472×3648 (that’s 20 MP).
• Pixel X Dimension and Pixel Y Dimension – Multiply these numbers and divide by 1,000,000 to get megapixels.
• Model – Check if the camera model matches the stated one (sometimes manufacturers use sensors from other brands).

⚠️ Attention: If in EXIF permission 4032×3024 (12 MT), but the characteristics of the phone are 48 MP, this means that pixel binning is used 4-in-1 (Quad Bayer technology. Physically, the matrix has 48 MP, but combines pixels for better low light quality.

Method 3: Verification through Engineering Menu (CIT)

For advanced users, there is a method using a hidden engineering menu that works for all Xiaomi models, but requires caution – don’t change other settings!

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##4636## (test menu opens).
3. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. Scroll down to the Camera section, where all modules with their permissions will be listed.

Example of output for POCO X5 Pro:

Main Camera: 108.0 MP (Samsung HM2)




Ultrawide Camera: 8.0 MP




Macro Camera: 2.0 MP

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (especially global ones) may not have a Camera partition, in which case use the alternative code: ##6484## (camera testing menu).

Charge your phone at least 50%

Close all background applications

Do not press other buttons in the engineering menu

Photograph a screen with data to save information

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Method: Comparison with official specifications

If previous methods did not give a clear answer, check the official data on the Xiaomi website. Note that for different regions the characteristics may differ (for example, the Redmi Note 12 in China comes with a 48 MP camera, and in the global version – 50 MP).

How to find the exact specifications:

1. Go to mi.com.
2. In the search, type in the phone model (for example, Xiaomi 12 Lite).
3. Open the Specifications tab → Camera.
4. Pay attention to the Main camera line – it indicates the physical resolution of the sensor.

For convenience, we have collected data on popular models:

⚠️ Warning: The manufacturer may specify the effective resolution after the binning (for example, 12 MP for a 48 MP sensor), but physically the matrix has more pixels.

Viewing camera settings

Analysis of EXIF

Engineering Menu (CIT)

Comparison with official data

Another way.

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5. Method: Testing through third-party applications

If you want not only megapixels, but also real-world quality, use specialized tools that analyze resolution, noise, dynamic range and other parameters.

Top.-3 testing-in:

• 📸 Camera2 API Probe – shows supported permissions and formats (including: RAW). Download to Play Market.
• 🔍 DXOMARK Camera Test – compares your camera to reference models (registration required).
• 📊 Manual Camera: DSLR Controls – allows you to manually set the maximum resolution and save the picture in the RAW.

Example of the test in the Camera2 API Probe:

1. Install and open the application.
2. Select the main camera (Camera ID 0).
3. In the Supported Resolutions section, find the maximum value (e.g., 8192×6144 = 50 MP).
4. Check for RAW support – if there is, the sensor is physically up to the declared resolution.

⚠️ Note: On some phones (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) The application can show less resolution than the specification, and this is due to firmware limitations — the real matrix may be more powerful, but the software doesn't use it fully.

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If the application shows a resolution below the stated one (for example, 8 MP instead of 13 MP), this is a sign of a software restriction or outdated firmware.

Method 6: Visual Detail Test

Sometimes megapixels don't reflect real quality, like the Xiaomi 11T Pro with a 108MP sensor automatically takes 12MP images, but with IA algorithms, they look better than the 48MP photos on budget models, to evaluate the real detail:

1. Take a photo of text or a small pattern (for example, a barcode) from a distance of 30 cm.

2. Increase the picture on the computer to 300-400%.

3. Evaluate the clarity of the lines:

If you read the text, the permission corresponds to the stated.

If there is a strong pixelation, software magnification (interpolation) is used.

For objectivity, compare the picture with reference photos from sites like DXOMARK. For example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra should show details at the level 8K-permitting (7680×4320), even if it is preserved in 12 MPP.

Frequent Mistakes and Myths About Xiaomi Megapixels

Many users believe that the more megapixels, the better the camera, and this is not always the case — especially Xiaomi, which is heavily using pixel binning and computational photography technologies.

🔴 Myth 1: 200 MP is better than 12 MP".

✅ Reality: Xiaomi 13 Ultra (50 MP) in tests bypasses the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (200 MP, with a large pixel (1.6 μm vs. 0.56 μm) and Leica optics, and megapixels are important for printing or framing, but not for everyday shots.

🔴 Myth 2: “There is no 200 MP in the settings, so the camera is weaker".

✅ Reality: On Xiaomi 12T Pro 200 MP mode is hidden and only turned on when shooting in Pro Mode with disabled HDR. In normal mode, 12.5 MP with binning is used. 16-in-1 light-power.

🔴 Myth 3: "EXIF It shows 12 MP - I was tricked".

✅ Reality: This is normal for sensors with Quad Bayer (like Sony) IMX766 into POCO F4 GT). Physically, the matrix has 50 MP, but combines pixels into groups of 4 to improve quality in the dark.

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To enable full resolution on binning models (e.g., 200 MP on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+), go to Camera Settings → Additional → Resolution and select the maximum value. Note that these photos will weigh 30-50 MB!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions