How to find out how many megapixels the camera on the Xiaomi phone: all the ways

You have bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, But you're not sure what the actual resolution of his camera is, or you want to see if the manufacturer's megapixel count corresponds to the actual performance, and this is a problem that many users are familiar with, especially when it comes to budget models or devices in the used market. In this article, weโ€™ll break down all the possible ways to accurately determine the camera resolution on a Xiaomi phone, including hidden settings, third-party apps, and even analysis. EXIF-photo.

It's important to understand that megapixels aren't the only measure of quality, but they have a direct impact on the detail of the shots. For example, 48 MP allows you to print photos up to A2 without loss of quality, and 12 MP is enough for social networks, and we'll also tell you how to distinguish real megapixels from marketing tricks (for example, when the manufacturer specifies a resolution with interpolation).

1.Verification through Xiaomi camera settings

The quickest way is to see the resolution right in the Camera app, but not all Xiaomi models display this information explicitly.

  1. Open the standard Camera app.
  2. Switch to Photo mode (if another mode is used, such as Portrait or Night).
  3. Touch the badge. โš™๏ธ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
  4. Find the resolution or aspect ratio.

In some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14+), the resolution can be displayed directly on the screen as a small signature โ€” for example, 48M or 12M. If this is not the case, try taking a test shot and see its properties (more on this below).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) display maximum resolution in the camera settings, but a smaller one may be selected by default (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro, 12M instead 108M). Always check the current value!

If the settings do not explicitly specify megapixels, proceed to the next method.

2. Analysis. EXIF-photo

Every photo taken on a smartphone contains EXIF-Labels are hidden data about the parameters of the shooting, including the resolution of the camera:

  1. Take a test shot in standard Photo mode (without HDR, night mode and other processing).
  2. Transfer the photo to your computer or open it in the file manager on your phone.
  3. Use one of the apps to view. EXIF: ๐Ÿ“ฑ On the phone: EXIF Viewer (Android), Photo EXIF Editor. ๐Ÿ’ป On PC: IrfanView (Windows), Preview (macOS) + I).

In EXIF, look for fields:

  • Resolution โ€“ for example, 4000ร—3000 (thatโ€™s 12 MP).
  • Focal Length โ€“ focal length (helps to distinguish the main camera from auxiliary).
  • Model โ€“ model of the phone (to check compliance with specifications).

If the EXIF specifies a resolution of 8000ร—6000, it means 48 MP โ€” but only if the image is taken without digital zoom or interpolation. Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra) use pixel binning, where 4 pixels are combined into 1 to improve quality in low light, in which case the actual resolution may be lower than the stated.

๐Ÿ’ก

If EXIF shows a resolution of 4032ร—3024 (12 MP), but the phone is declared as 48 MP, try manually turning on the โ€œ48Mโ€ mode in the camera settings โ€“ perhaps the default binning is used.

Verification through model specifications

If the phone is new or you know its exact model, the easiest way to find official specs is to look for reliable sources.

  • ๐ŸŒ Xiaomi official website: Specifications for your model (e.g. Mi 11).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š GSMArena: Type the model into search and go to the Camera tab.
  • ๐Ÿ›’ Product page: if you bought in an official store (for example, Mi Store, AliExpress), check the description.

Please note the wording:

  • โœ… "Main camera: 48 MP, f/1.8" โ€” permit.
  • โŒ "Up to 108 MP with pixel binning" - maximum resolution when the binning is turned off.

Xiaomi modelMain camera (MP)Front camera (MP)Features
Xiaomi 13 Pro50.3 (Sony IMX989)321-inch sensor, Leica optics
Redmi Note 12 Pro+20016Samsung HPX, pixel-based 4-in-1 binning
POCO X5 Pro10816Samsung HM2, support 8K-video
Black Shark 5 Pro10816Optical stabilization for gamers

โš ๏ธ Note: There are fake Xiaomi logos on the market. If the specifications don't match the real specs, check the phone through the phone IMEI (below).

๐Ÿ“Š How you usually check the phoneโ€™s specifications?
Reading the official website
Use it. EXIF-data
I'm looking at the settings.
Trust the salesman.
Not checking.

4. Use of third-party applications

If previous methods didnโ€™t work, install specialized utilities that analyze hardware components and show the real-world characteristics of the camera:

  • ๐Ÿ” CPU-Z (Camera tab: displays the number of cameras, their resolution and supported modes.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Camera MX Open Camera: These apps often have detailed sensor information in their settings.
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ AIDA64 (section Devices โ†’ Cameras: Shows technical data, including Sensor Resolution.

Example of data from the CPU-Z for the Redmi Note 11 Pro+:

  • Camera 0: 200 MP (Samsung S5KHPX)
  • Camera 1: 8 MP (ultra-wide)
  • Camera 2: 2 MP (macro)

If the app shows Unknown or 0 MP, it could mean:

  • Software failure (reboot the phone).
  • Lack of drivers (relevant for custom firmware).
  • A fake camera (found in unofficial lines).

Install AIDA64 from Google Play|Open Devices โ†’ Cameras |Check Sensor Resolution |Compare with the official specifications |Of discrepancies, reset your camera settings-->

Verification through IMEI and serial number

If you suspect that the phone is unoriginal or its camera has been replaced, check the hardware data via IMEI:

  1. Dial on the phone keyboard *#06# and IMEI will appear.
  2. Go to IMEI.info and enter the code.
  3. In the results, find the Camera section - there should be a resolution of the main and front modules.

You can also use the Mi Verify service (for official Xiaomi devices):

  • Enter IMEI or S/N (serial number, under the battery or in About Phone settings).
  • The system will show the original model and its characteristics.

โš ๏ธ Attention: If IMEI It is a different model (for example, instead of Redmi Note 10 shows Samsung Galaxy). A52), This is 100% fake. Don't use this phone to make payments or log in to important services!

What to do if IMEI is not determined?
If you enter *#06#, an error or an empty window appears, this may mean: 1. software failure (try restarting your phone). 2. damage to the communication module (repair required). 3. fake firmware (relevant to gray devices). PC-Mi Flash Tool version or contact the service center.

6. Test shot and manual calculation of megapixels

If none of these things worked, you can manually calculate the resolution of the camera from the photo.

  1. Take a picture in maximum resolution (turn off HDR, night mode and other processing).
  2. Move the photo to your PC and open it to Paint (Windows) or Preview (macOS).
  3. See the file properties: In Paint: File โ†’ Properties โ†’ Detailed. In Preview: Tools โ†’ Show Inspector.

8192 ร— 6144

(8192 ร— 6144) / 1,000,000 = 50.3 MP

If the result is very different from the stated (for example, instead of 108 MP, 12 MP is obtained), this may mean:

  • Active pixel binning (4 pixels combined into 1).
  • Software restriction (e.g., in some regions, Xiaomi disables maximum resolution).
  • Camera malfunction (diagnosis required).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the manual calculation shows 12 MP on a phone with a declared 48 MP, try the camera settings to enable the option โ€œHigh resolutionโ€ or โ€œ48M Modeโ€.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When checking megapixels, users often encounter false data, and these are common errors and their solutions:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ "There is no โ€˜Resolveโ€™ option in the camera settings: Update your firmware to the latest version MIUI. Check if the item is hidden in additional settings (icon) โ‹ฎ).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ "EXIF Shows 12 MP, though 48MP phone": Enable manual mode 48M or 108M in the settings. AI-camera HDR โ€” They can automatically lower their resolution.
  • โš ๏ธ "Apps like this CPU-Z They show 0 MP: Restart the phone. Check if the permissions for the application are disabled. If the problem persists, the camera may be disabled at the firmware level (relevant for used devices).

If no method is conclusive, the last option is to disassemble the phone (for power users only!) on the motherboard, the camera is connected via an FFC connector, and its model is usually indicated on the sticker (for example, the S5KHM2 for 108 MP), but this method is risky and voids the warranty.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

๐Ÿ” Why my 48MP camera takes 12MP photos?
Most Xiaomi smartphones with sensors 48/64/108 MP by default use pixel binning - combining 4 pixel 1 To improve low-light quality, to take a full-resolution picture, set the camera settings to mode. 48M or 108M (Please note that these photos take up much more space (up to the model). 20โ€“30 MBT).
๐Ÿ“ฒ How to find megapixels of the front camera?
The methods are the same as for the main camera: Take a selfie and check EXIF-Data. Use applications like this. CPU-Z (The Camera tab will list all the modules. See the model specifications on the official website. Front cameras are usually lower resolution: 16-32 MP (with the exception of flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra with 32-MP selfie camera).
โšก Can I increase the megapixels of the camera software?
No, you can't change the physical resolution of the sensor, but there are ways to simulate the magnification: ๐Ÿ” Interpolation: Some applications (such as Adobe Lightroom) can increase the size of a photo by adding โ€œemptyโ€ pixels, but this will not improve the detailing of the image. ๐Ÿ“ธ Multi-sampling: Modes like Super Resolution in Google Camera take multiple shots and combine them, but thatโ€™s not the equivalent of real megapixels. The best way to get more detailed shots is to use a telephoto lens (if you have one in your model) or an external camera (like the Xiaomi Mi Lens).
๐Ÿ”ง What to do if the camera shows less megapixels than it should?
Possible causes and solutions: Pixel binning: turn on the camera settings to the maximum resolution mode (for example, 48M or 108M). Software limitation: update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI. Hardware malfunction: if after resetting the problem remains, contact the service center. Fake device: check IMEI on the IMEI.info website. If the model does not match, you have a fake.
๐Ÿ›’ How to check the camera before buying a used Xiaomi?
Buying a phone with hands is mandatory: ๐Ÿ“ธ Ask the seller to take test pictures in different modes (48M, Night, Portrait and check them out EXIF. ๐Ÿ” Install. CPU-Z Compare the camera data to the official specifications. ๐Ÿ”‹ Check it out. IMEI model-fit. ๐Ÿ’ก Pay attention to the physical condition of the module: scratches on the glass, lens backlash, spots on the pictures (may indicate moisture) If the seller refuses to provide access to settings or application installation - this is a reason to be wary.