What camera to download for Xiaomi in 2026: an overview of the best apps and hidden features

When choosing which camera to download for Xiaomi, users are faced with dozens of apps on Google Play and third-party sources, from simple alternatives to the standard module to professional tools with manual settings. Some are slowing down on budget Redmi models, others do not support RAW-shooting on the flagships Xiaomi 14, and the third generally require unlocking the bootloader for full-fledged work.

In this article, we tested 15 camera apps on 7 Xiaomi models (from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) to determine which ones actually improve the quality of shooting, and which only occupy space in memory.

• 🔍 Top.-5 Apps with a better balance of features and performance (including GCam and lesser-known alternatives).
• ⚙️ How to set up XML-Configuration for Google Camera for a specific model Xiaomi.
• ⚠️ What programs block a standard camera or cause the processor to overheat.
• 📱 Comparison of the results of the shooting: stock camera MIUI vs GCam vs Pro applications.

We pay special attention to hidden functions. MIUI, which many users do not notice, such as how to turn on DNG-format in a standard camera or activate night mode for the front camera on older models. These chips often make third-party applications unnecessary!

1. Should you download a third-party camera for Xiaomi at all?

Standard Camera appendix MIUI Xiaomi is already optimized for hardware and firmware, but it has limitations:

• 📵 There is no complete manual control over ISO, White balance and shutter speed (even in Pro mode).
• 🔍 Photo processing algorithms sometimes blur details (especially noticeable on the Redmi Note). 11/12).
• 🎥 Video in the video 4K often recorded with a strong crop (reducing the viewing angle).
• 🚫 No support for Astrophotography on most models.

Third-party applications, on the other hand, may:

• ✅ Unlock the hidden potential of the camera (e.g., enable it) HDR+ budget-smartphone).
• ✅ Provide professional tools (histogram, focusing picking, logarithmic profile for video).
• ✅ Improve night photography with alternative noise reduction algorithms.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ 5G) Many versions of GCam are unstable due to driver issues Camera2 API. Before installing, check compatibility on forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.

Before you download something new, try to set up a standard camera as much as possible:

Enable Pro Mode in the camera settings|Activate Save in DNG (if available)|Turn it off. AI-improvement|Set up the grid according to the rule of thirds|Check firmware updates (sometimes add new features)

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2. Top.-5 Camera applications on Xiaomi (tests) 2026 year-end)

We have selected applications that:

• 📱 It works on most models. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (Snapdragon 6xx snapdragon 8 Gen 3).
• 🔧 Not required. ROOT-rights or unlocking of the loader.
• 📸 Maintains core functions: HDR, Night mode, RAW.
• 🚀 Minimally affect autonomy (do not discharge the battery in the background).

For most Xiaomi users, the best choice is Google Camera with the right configuration or FOOTEJ Camera for manual settings. If you want unique features (like Light Painting), you should try ProCam X.

Stock camera. MIUI|Google Camera (GCam)|FOOTEJ Camera|Open Camera|ProCam X|Other-->

3. How to Install and Set Up Google Camera on Xiaomi

Google Camera (or GCam) is the most popular photo enhancement app on Xiaomi, but it needs to be installed and configured correctly.

Step 1. Check the support Camera2 API

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are fully supported Camera2 API (You can check this out using the Manual Camera Compatibility app:

• 📱 If the results are LEVEL_3 or FULL — The GCam will work almost without restrictions.
• 🚫 If only LEVEL_LEGACY — Most of the GCam features will be disabled.

Step 2 Download the correct version of GCam

There's no universal build! Every Xiaomi model needs its own version.

• 🔗 Celso Azevedo (the largest archive of versions).
• 🔗 The subject is 4PDA For your model (e.g., "GCam for Redmi Note 12").

Step 3. Set it up. XML-configuration

Configuration files (.xml) configure GCam to a specific model, for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra requires one configuration, and for the Xiaomi 13 Ultra you need one configuration. POCO X5 Pro is different:

• 📁 Archived with GCam (often in the configs folder).
• 📁 In thematic forums (e.g, XDA).

How to determine:

1. Download the.xml file and put it in a folder. GCam/Configs phone-on.
2. Open GCam, tap twice on the black field next to the down button.
3. Select your config from the list.

Step 4: Optimize your settings

After installing the config, check:

• 🔘 Whether included HDR+ (GCam settings → HDR+ control).
• 🔘 Is Night Sight Activated for Night Shooting.
• 🔘 Turn it off. AI-treatment if the colors appear unnatural.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) GCam can block a standard camera MIUI To fix this, clear the cache and data of the com.android.camera application in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management).

Quality comparison: stock camera vs GCam vs Pro applications

We tested the shooting on Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G In the same environment (daylight, night photography, portrait mode:

On budget models (Redmi Note) 10/11/12) Google Camera gives you a boost in quality 30-40% through better processing HDR and night mode. On the flagships. 13/14) The difference is smaller, but GCam still wins in shadow detail.

And the stock camera, though, MIUI It is better to use video (especially in the video). 4K/8K) And it's more smoothly stabilized, and if you're shooting videos often, maybe you should stay with the standard app.

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For most Xiaomi users, the best option is to use Google Camera for photos and stock camera. MIUI video.

5. Hidden functions of a standard camera MIUI, which you didn't know

Before you download third-party apps, check if you are using all the capabilities of the stock camera. MIUI 14/15 croak:

1. Mode. DNG (RAW)

On many Xiaomi models, you can save photos in format DNG (Digital negative) for later processing in Lightroom or Photoshop:

1. Open the chamber. → Go to Settings (cog at the top).
2. Find the image format or Save in DNG.
3. Turn on the option. Now, when you shoot it, it will save and JPEG, and DNG.

⚠️ On Redmi Note 12 and younger, this option may be hidden. To activate it, install Activity Launcher and run hidden activity com.android.camera.CameraPreferences.

Night mode for front camera

On most Xiaomi smartphones, the default night mode is only available for the main camera.To turn it on for selfies:

• 📱 Switch to the front camera.
• 🌙 Keep your finger on the screen for a while. 2-3 Seconds – a hint about the night mode will appear.
• 🔘 Slip on the moon icon to activate.

3. Manual focus control in video

In the stock camera, you can manually adjust the focus while recording video:

• 🎥 Start recording the video.
• 👆 Swipe your finger up/down the screen to change the focal length.

4. Hidden Macro Mode (Macro)

Even if the camera interface does not have a separate Macro mode, it can be activated:

• 🔍 Bring the camera close to the object (3-5 centimeter).
• 🔘 Wait until the Macro Mode prompt appears and tap on it.

5.Tune in. AI-defaulting

If you don't like it, MIUI automatically improves the photo, you can turn off or configure AI:

• 🤖 Go to Camera Settings → AI-camera.
• 🔘 Turn it off. AI-Scene recognition or select natural colors.

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If your Xiaomi model does not have some features (for example, in your model, DNG or Macro, try updating your firmware to the latest version MIUI. Often new opportunities appear after updates.

6 What Camera Apps Should NOT Be Installed on Xiaomi

Not all Google Play apps are safe or useful, but here's what you shouldn't download:

• 🚫 Cameras with suspicious permissions (e.g., requesting access to SMS or geolocation for no reason) Examples: Beauty Camera, Sweet Selfie Camera.
• 🚫 Annexes requiring ROOT for basic functions (risk of brick or loss of warranty).
• 🚫 Outdated versions of GCam (e.g. builds) 2019-2020 years - they are not optimized for new Snapdragon processors 8 Gen 2/3.
• 🚫 Aggressive advertising programs that slow down the system (e.g, Camera360).

Also, avoid apps that:

• 🔋 Battery discharge (constantly operating in the background).
• 🔥 CPU overheating (especially relevant for MediaTek Helio) G99 and similar chips).
• 📱 Block a standard camera (e.g. Some GCam ports on Redmi 9).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) GCam installation may result in loss of functionality of a standard camera (Ultra Wide or Macro will not work). → Memory. → Backup.

7. How to improve the camera on Xiaomi without third-party apps

If you don’t want to take the risk of installing GCam or other programs, you can improve your shooting with standard means:

1. Optimize the camera settings

• 🔘 Turn on the Grid (Rule of Thirds) for the best composition.
• 🔘 Turn it off. AI-Scene recognition if colors appear unnatural.
• 🔘 Set maximum resolution for photos and videos (Settings) → Permission).

2. Use Manual Mode (Pro Mode)

Even in the stock camera, you can manually configure:

• 📏 ISO (sensitivity): 100-400 day-shot, 800-3200 night-time.
• ⏱️ Excerpt: 1/1000 moving-object, 1/30 and slower for night photography.
• 🎯 Focus: Use it MF (manual focus) for macro.

3. Shoot in format DNG and then work it out.

Files. DNG They contain more information than JPEG, You can pull them out in Lightroom or Snapseed:

• 🖼️ Increase the Exposition and Shadows.
• 🎨 Adjust the white balance.
• 🔍 Apply noise suppression (but don't overdo it!).

4.Use external accessories

Even budget accessories can significantly improve shooting:

• 🔦 External flash (e.g., Godox Litemons) LA10) uniformly.
• 📸 Nozzles on the lens (macro, wide angle, fish eye).
• 🎤 External microphone (e.g., Boya) BY-M1) for pure audio in video.
• 🦵 Stabilizing cardan (e.g, DJI OM (5) for smooth video.

5. Update firmware

Manufacturer regularly improves algorithms for processing photos in new versions MIUI. To check for updates:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Update Checker.
3. If you have an update, install it (preferably via Wi-Fi).

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In 80% of cases, the quality of shooting on Xiaomi can be improved without third-party applications – it is enough to set up the stock camera correctly and use manual mode.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cameras for Xiaomi