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

Why it’s important to know the real resolution of Xiaomi’s camera

Have you bought a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, but aren’t sure if the camera’s resolution is consistent with the actual specs? Or do you want to compare the cameras of different models before you buy? In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to accurately determine the number of megapixels, from official specs to hidden technical data.

Manufacturers often list the resolution of the main camera in the model name (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 200MP), but that doesn't always reflect the actual quality of the shot. Megapixels are just one of the parameters. More important is the size of the matrix, the aperture, the software processing, and even the firmware version. However, resolution remains a key marketing metric and is worth checking.

This is especially true for budget and mid-budget smartphones, where manufacturers can use interpolation (programme resolution enhancement) or combine data from multiple modules. For example, in some Xiaomi models, the main camera is 48 MP, but by default shoots at 12 MP with binning pixels for better quality in low light.

Method 1: Checking the characteristics on the official Xiaomi website

The most reliable source is the official specifications on the manufacturer’s website, but there are nuances: sometimes the data on regional versions of the site (for example, for Russia and China) may differ, and after firmware updates, the camera’s characteristics may change due to software improvements.

To find the exact data:

  • 🌐 Go to the official Xiaomi website (select your region).
  • 🔍 Type the model name in the search box (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
  • 📄 Open the Specifications tab (Characteristics) → chamber.
  • 🔎 Look for lines like Main Camera: 50MP or Ultra-wide angle: 8MP.

If the model is old and has been removed from the site, try the archived versions through the Wayback Machine, for example, you can find data for Xiaomi Mi 9 or Redmi Note 7, which is no longer officially sold.

📊 Where you usually check the specifications of your smartphone before buying?
Official website
Reviews on the Market / Yandex.Market
YouTube reviews
Forums (4PDA, Xiaomi Community)
Other

Method 2: Analysis EXIF-photo-data

Every photo taken on a smartphone contains EXIF metadata, which spells out the actual resolution of the image, which is the most accurate way, because it shows the actual number of pixels, not the marketing numbers.

How to check:

  1. Take a test shot at maximum resolution (select High Quality or Professional Mode in the camera settings).
  2. Transfer the photo to your computer or open it in the smartphone gallery.
  3. Use one of the apps to view. EXIF: 📱 Android: EXIF Viewer, Photo EXIF Editor (available on Google Play). 💻 On PC: FastStone Image Viewer (Windows), Preview (macOS) + I).

Resolution

5184×3888

Megapixels

Example calculation: if the EXIF specifies a resolution of 8000×6000, then the megapixels are calculated as follows: (8000×6000)/1,000,000 = 48 MP. Note that some cameras (for example, in Xiaomi 12S Ultra) can save pictures in.dng (RAW) format, where the resolution is higher than in JPEG.

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If the EXIF specifies a resolution below the stated one (for example, 12 MP instead of 48 MP), this is normal - the smartphone uses binning pixels to improve the quality in automatic mode. To shoot in full resolution, switch to manual mode.

Method 3: Use of the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu where you can see detailed information about the camera, including the real resolution of the sensor, which is suitable for tech-savvy users, as it requires input of commands.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## Some models may require: ##36446337##
  2. In the menu, select Hardware Testing → Camera.
  3. Scroll down to the Sensor Info block, and there will be a Resolution string with exact data.

Critical information: Xiaomi smartphones with 48, 64 or 108 MP cameras have a binning mode activated by default, which means that the actual resolution of the shot in automatic mode will be 2-4 times lower than stated. To shoot in full resolution, you need to manually select 48M, 64M or 108M mode in the camera settings.

Also worth remembering is that the resolution of the front camera is often understated in the specs. For example, in the Xiaomi 12 Pro, the selfie camera has a resolution of 32 MP, but by default shoots at 8 MP for space saving and quality improvement.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Why does my 48MP camera take 12MP photos?
This is normal behavior for most Xiaomi smartphones. By default, activated binning mode pixels (for example, 4-in-1), when 4 physical pixels are combined into one large, this improves light transmission and reduces noise in dark scenes. To shoot in full resolution, switch to manual mode (Pro mode) or select the 48M option in the camera settings.
How to find out the camera resolution if the phone has not been purchased yet?
Use independent sources: Check the specifications on GSMArena or DxOMark. Find YouTube reviews with camera tests (e.g. TechDroider or XiaomiToday channels). Read feedback on forums (4PDA, Xiaomi Community) – users often share real-life examples of photos. Pay attention not only to megapixels, but also to the size of the matrix (e.g., 1/1.28" is better than 1/2.76") and support for technologies like OIS (optical stabilization).
Can I increase the number of megapixels programmatically?
No, the physical resolution of the sensor can't be changed. However, some applications (like Open Camera) allow higher resolution shooting by interpolation, but it doesn't add real detail. Moreover, these images will take up more space and the quality is often degraded by artifacts. If you need more detail, you'd better use: Pro mode mode with saving in RAW. Telephoto lens (if any) for approximation without loss of quality. Apps for gluing panoramas (like Google Camera with Super Res Zoom).
Why do different sources have different camera resolution?
This can happen for several reasons: 📄 Regional differences: Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) have different cameras for the Chinese and global markets. 🔄 Firmware updates: After major updates MIUI The processing algorithms may change (e.g., Xiaomi) 12T Pro after updating to MIUI 14 improved processing of 200-MP images). 📊 Errors in specifications: Some sites copy data from other sources without checking it.
How to check if my Xiaomi camera is fake?
Unfortunately, fake camera modules are found, especially in smartphones with AliExpress or unofficial sellers: 🔍 V EXIF The photo is given the resolution below the stated (for example, 8 MP instead of 48 MP). 📸 The quality of the images is much worse than in the reviews. 🛠️ The engineering menu displays inconsistencies (e.g., the sensor model doesn't match the official one). If you suspect a fake, contact Xiaomi's service center for diagnostics. You can also compare photos with other users of the same model on forums.

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The real resolution of Xiaomi camera can be checked through the EXIF-Megapixels claimed are often different from actual ones due to binning pixels or interpolation. Always check the data against multiple sources.