How to bring Xiaomi camera to the level of iPhone 11: the complete guide

Photos on the iPhone 11 have long been the benchmark for many users: natural color reproduction, great detail and stable work in different conditions. But what if you have a Xiaomi smartphone and want to bring the quality of pictures closer to the “Apple” level? Spoiler: it is possible without buying a new phone.

In this article, we’ll not just compare specifications, but we’ll break down the specific settings, hidden MIUI features, and shooting techniques that will help your Xiaomi compete with the iPhone 11 — even if it doesn’t have a flagship camera. From HDR processing to manual modes and post-processing: everything you need to know to make sure your photos stop giving out Android.

Importantly, we're not promising to make Redmi Note 10 a professional DSLR, but we're going to make sure that after reading this article, your shots are a head above the average smartphone selfie. Ready? Then we'll start to parse.

Technical comparison: Xiaomi vs iPhone 11

Let’s start with hardware. iPhone 11 is equipped with a dual main camera: wide-angle module 12 MP (f/1.8, 26 mm) and ultra-wide-angle 12 MP (f/2.4, 13 mm). processor Apple A13 Bionic is responsible for image processing, and proprietary algorithm Deep Fusion improves detail in medium light conditions.

Xiaomi has a wider range, from budget Redmis with 48-64 MP cameras to flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra with a 1-inch Sony IMX989 sensor. But even mid-budget models like the Poco X5 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ boast 200-MP sensors.

• 🔹 Optics: iPhone 11 has better lenses with less distortion around the edges of the frame.
• 🔹 Apple optimizes software for iron, while Xiaomi depends on Qualcomm or MediaTek.
• 🔹 Algorithm HDR: iPhone better retains dynamic range in complex scenes (e.g., against light).
• 🔹 Xiaomi often overstates saturation, while Apple strives for naturalness.

But don’t get upset! Many of Xiaomi’s shortcomings can be compensated for with settings and software. For example, in models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro), image processing algorithms are as good as the iPhone when calibrated correctly.

Xiaomi camera settings for Apple quality

The first thing you need to do is turn off the automatic processing, which often spoils your photos. Go to the camera settings → Additional → Color style and choose Natural over Bright or Contrast. This will immediately bring the colors closer to the iPhone.

Next, set up HDR:

• 📸 Turn on the car.-HDR (or HDR 10-bit, If there is one in your model).
• 📸 Turn it off. AI-scenes - they often get the white balance wrong.
• 📸 Activate Nighttime Improving (Even during the day, this can help with detailing).

For models with MIUI 14+, the Professional Color mode (Settings → Lab → Professional Color) is available. It simulates the processing of the iPhone, reducing noise and improving skin tones.

Include Natural Color Style |

Shut down. AI-scenery|

Activate Auto-HDR|

Enable Improvement of Night Photography (if any)|

Set an aspect ratio of 4:3 (like the iPhone)-->

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with budget sensors (e.g. Redmi) 9A) These settings may not have a noticeable effect, so you'd better focus on manual and post-processing.

Secret MIUI features to improve photos

Xiaomi hides a few useful tools that few people know about, such as the Document mode. → The document not only scans the paper, but also takes ultra-clear images with minimal distortion – ideal for architecture or subject photography.

Another feature is Supermoon (More) → Supermoon. Yes, it's designed for the moon, but it can be used for macro photography (like flowers or insects). The algorithm increases the detail of small objects, bringing the result closer to an iPhone in Macro mode.

For video, the Movie Camera mode (available on flagships like the Xiaomi 13 Pro) mimics Apple's Cinematic Mode by adding background blur and smooth focus.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Switch to Video.
3. Touch the movie camera icon (film icon).
4. Adjust the depth of blur manually.

Post-processing: how to make Xiaomi photos indistinguishable from the iPhone

Even with perfect settings, a raw shot from Xiaomi can play an iPhone in detail. Here comes the post-processing. Here are 3 proven ways:

1. Lightroom Mobile: 📱 Use the Apple Natural Preset (available in free collections). 📱 Reduce the contrast by 10–15% and add Shadows to +20. 📱 In the Color section, reduce the saturation of red and green on the 5–10.
2. Snapseed: 📱 Use the Selective Correction Tool to Lighten Faces. 📱 Use it «HDR Scape to improve dynamic range.

Google photos

• 📱 Turn on "Improving" (magic wand icon).
• 📱 Manually adjust the "Color" side to "Natural».

For maximum effect, combine these tools. For example, first process the image in Lightroom, and then refine the details in Snapseed.

💡

Save these settings as a preset in Lightroom to apply to a one-click series of photos. Call a preset, for example, "iPhone-like Xiaomi."

Shooting in manual mode: how to bypass the algorithms Xiaomi

Xiaomi's automatic mode often misplaces exposure and white balance. To get control at the iPhone level, use Pro Mode. Here are the key settings for different scenes:

• 🌞 Daylight: ISO: 100–200 Excerpt: 1/1000–1/2000 White balance: 5000–5500K
• 🌃 Night/twilight: ISO: 800–1600 (no higher, otherwise noise) Shutter speed: 1/10–1/30 (Use a tripod! - White balance: 3500–4000K
• 👤 Portrait: ISO: 100–400 Excerpt: 1/200–1/500 Focus: Hand-guided eye contact

Tip: In manual mode, Xiaomi allows you to save photos in RAW format (Settings → Save RAW). This gives you more options for post-processing, but files take up 3-5 times more space.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW Turn off all automatic improvements (HDR, AI, Otherwise, the camera saves two files: processed JPEG and» DNG, What's confusing about editing.

💡

Manual mode is the only way to get predictable results on Xiaomi, especially in difficult conditions (contrast light, movement, night shooting).

Photography Apps: Alternatives to a Standard Camera

Xiaomi's standard Camera app is limited in features. For advanced photography, install one of these apps:

1. Google Camera (GCam): Ported version of the Pixel camera with improved HDR It is suitable for most Xiaomi (see the version for your model on the forum). XDA Developers). 🔹 Pros: Best Night Sight, Natural Colors. 🔹 Cons: no support for ultra-wide module on some models.
2. ProCam X: Paid application with advanced manual control, support RAW video 4K 60 FPS. 🔹 Pros: histogram, focusing picking, timelapse. 🔹 Cons: the interface is overloaded for beginners.
3. Open Camera: Free open source software with support for scripts and manual settings. 🔹 Pros: no advertising, works on any Xiaomi. 🔹 Cons: A weak algorithm HDR.

To install GCam, follow the instructions:

1. Download. APK-file for your model (for example, GCam_7.3.018_Urnyx05-v2.6_Wichaya.apk for Snapdragon).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Applications).
3. Install APK and open the app.
4. In GCam settings, select a config for your smartphone (look for 4PDA or XDA).

Covers and accessories for improving shooting

Even with perfect settings, the physical limitations of Xiaomi’s camera remain, and thankfully, they can be compensated for with accessories:

• 📸 External lenses: Xenvo Pro Lens (macro) + wide-angle - improves detailing of small objects. 58mm — zoom quality is closer to the iPhone 11 Pro.
• 📸 Joby GorillaPod – flexible tripod for shooting with hands. DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – a stabilizer for smooth video.
• 📸 Flash: Lume Cube Panel Mini - Portable LED-Soft light panel. Godox. A1 — temperature-adjusted.

For models with low stabilization (for example, Redmi Note 11) we recommend using an improvised tripod: put your phone on a stack of books or use timer mode (3-10 seconds) to avoid shaking hands.

⚠️ Attention: Cheap lenses (for example, 300-500 rubles) often degrade quality due to chromatic aberrations. If the budget is limited, it is better to save on accessories and invest in good post-processing software.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi and iPhone 11 cameras

For quick results, download the preset “iPhone Natural Look” from the Lightroom community.