Lens on the phone Xiaomi: device, types and how to choose the best for a photo

When you buy a Xiaomi smartphone, one of the key criteria is the camera — or rather, its lens. But what is behind this term? Why do some models shoot better than others, even with the same number of megapixels? And why are the photos on the Redmi Note 12 Pro?+ Xiaomi 13 Ultra is so different, although both phones are flagships of the brand?

In this article, we will discuss what a lens in a phone is, how it works, what types are and how to choose the right Xiaomi smartphone with optical characteristics. X5 It can shoot better than some of the 2020 flagships if it has the right lens, and how to avoid disappointment when buying it, and how to check the quality of the lens yourself and improve shooting without buying a new phone.

What is a lens in a phone and how does it work?

A lens is an optical system that focuses light on the camera's matrix to form an image. Unlike SLR cameras, where the lenses are removable, they're built into the case and can't be replaced in smartphones, but that doesn't mean that all lenses are the same.

The main elements of the smartphone lens:

• 🔍 Lenses are glass or plastic elements that refract light. The more of them, the more complex the design and potentially better quality (but not always).
• 📏 Aperture: regulates the amount of light that hits the matrix. f/1.7, f/2.2 The smaller the number, the wider the aperture and better shooting in the dark.
• 🔄 Autofocus is a mechanism that adjusts sharpness. Xiaomi uses laser, phase or contrast autofocus.
• 🛡️ Coating – a protective layer (such as sapphire glass) that prevents scratches and glare.

In smartphones Xiaomi often found multi-layer lenses (5-7 lenses that correct distortion, chromatic aberration and sharpness at the edges of the frame. 13 Ultra uses Leica Summicron lens with aspherical lenses, and in budget models - simplified plastic lenses.

Types of lenses in Xiaomi phones: from wide-angle to periscope

Xiaomi smartphones today are equipped with multiple cameras with different lenses, each of which performs its own task:

It is important to understand that the number of megapixels ≠ For example, the Xiaomi 12 Lite has a 108 MP main camera, but due to the budget lens with plastic lenses, the real quality is inferior to the Xiaomi 13 with a 50-MP camera, but premium optics Leica.

⚠️ Note: In cheap models (e.g. Redmi) A2+) They often use fixed focus, because the lens can't adjust the sharpness, which means that anything closer than 30 cm will be blurry.

How to check the lens on your Xiaomi phone: 5 tests

If you've already bought a phone or are planning to buy a used one, it's important to make sure the lens isn't damaged. Here are some simple ways to check:

1. Scratching test. Lighting a flashlight on the lens at an angle -- if you see microcracks or scuffs, it makes the shooting less good. Especially for phones without sapphire glass (like Redmi). 9A).
2. Open the camera and point at the object at a distance of 10-15 cm If the image is long "breathing" or not focusing - a problem with the mechanism. In models with laser autofocus (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro), focusing should be instantaneous.
3. Take a glare test. Take a bright light source (lamp, sun) -- if you see purple or green spots in the photo, it's a chromatic aberration that's common in cheap lenses.
4. Wide-angle camera check. Compare the edges of the frame on the main camera and the ultra-wide-angle camera. If the angles are heavily distorted (barrel) - a low-quality lens.
5. Take a photo in a dark room, if the picture is too noisy or blurry, the aperture of the lens is too narrow (for example, for example, the image is too noisy or blurry, f/2.4 instead f/1.7).

Check the lenses for scratches with a flashlight|

Take test photos on all cameras|

Make sure that autofocus is working quickly |

See examples of night photos from the seller|

Compare the quality with a new phone in the store-->

If you find defects, don't be too upset. In some cases, you can solve the problem by software:

• 🔧 Update the camera firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Install alternative camera software, such as GCam (supports many Xiaomi models).
• 🧹 Clean the lens with a soft napkin - sometimes spots or dust spoil the quality.

Which lens is better: comparison of Xiaomi models 2023-2026

To choose a Xiaomi smartphone with the best lens, you need to compare not only the number of cameras, but also their optical characteristics. Below is a ranking of models by the quality of lenses (from best to worst):

Key findings:

• 🏆 Xiaomi 13 Ultra – the best lens on the market (2026) thanks to the collaboration with Leica and variable aperture.
• 💰 Redmi Note 12 Pro+ — Best choice for those who want a lot of megapixels (200 MP), but are willing to put up with mediocre optics.
• 📉 In budget models (up to) 15 000 ₽) lenses are usually plastic, with 3–5 lenses and narrow diaphragm (f/2.2–f/2.4).

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If you are interested in shooting in the dark, pay attention to the aperture: optimally f/1.7–f/1.9. On budget phones (f/2.2 And already) the night photos will be noisy.

Frequent problems with Xiaomi lenses and how to fix them

Even new Xiaomi phones can have problems with lenses, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

⚠️ Warning: If concentric circles or edge blur appear on the camera after the phone falls, this is a sign of lens displacement. You can not fix it yourself - you need to replace the camera module in the service center.

If your phone falls and the camera stops focusing, don’t try to disassemble it yourself – 90% of the time it causes damage to the plume or dust to the lens.

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To check if the lenses are misaligned, take a close-up photo of a white sheet of paper, and if you see dark spots or distortions, the lens is damaged.

How to improve the quality of photos Xiaomi without changing the phone

Even if your Xiaomi doesn’t have the most advanced lens, you can significantly improve your image quality with software and hardware tricks:

• 📸 Use GCam.Modified Google Camera app handles better HDR Xiaomi has special configurations (for example, for Redmi Note 11 Pro).+). Where to download GCam for Xiaomi? there are no official versions, but verified builds can be found on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers.It is important to choose a version that is compatible with your model and the Android version.
• 🎯 Set up manual mode. The standard Xiaomi camera app has a Pro mode where you can manually set it. ISO, So, for example, for night photography, set up shutter speed and white balance. ISO 800–1600 and endurance 1/10–1/4 seconds (use a tripod!).
• 🔍 Buy the nozzles for 500-1500. ₽ You can buy external lenses (macro, wide-angle or telephoto) that are attached to the lens with a magnet. For example, Xenvo Pro Lens nozzles are compatible with most Xiaomi models.
• 🖥️ So, take photos. Apps like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile can help you reduce noise, sharpness and color, especially for low-end models with weak lenses.

If you make videos often, look for stabilization. Xiaomi phones use:

• OIS (Optical stabilization – physical displacement of the lenses (there is in Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• EIS (electronic stabilization - software cropping of the frame (in all models).

For smooth video, it is better to choose models with OIS, Especially if you are shooting in motion.

The future of lenses in Xiaomi smartphones: what to expect in 2026-2026

In 2026, Xiaomi will continue to cooperate with Leica, and new flagships (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra) are expected to:

• 🔮 Variable aperture – automatic change of aperture depending on the conditions (already in Xiaomi 13 Ultra, but will be finalized).
• 🌌 Ultratelephoto lenses with optical zooming up to 10× (Now, at most 5.× Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
• 🤖 AI optics – lenses with built-in microchips for real-time correction of aberrations.
• 💎 Sapphire glass 2.0 - a stronger coating, resistant to scratches.

In the budget series (Redmi, Poco) are also expected to improve:

• 📈 Transition to glass lenses instead of plastic (already implemented in the Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🔄 Advanced phase autofocus for fast focusing.
• 🌃 Diaphragm f/1.8 In the main chamber (currently on budget) f/2.2).

Xiaomi could also introduce modular cameras, removable lenses that are magnetized (similar to the Moto Z), which will allow users of budget models to improve their shooting without buying a new phone.

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In 2026, the key trend will be the combination of optics and AI: for example, in Xiaomi 14, the function of automatic perspective correction in real time is expected.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi lenses