Peak On in Xiaomi Camera: Technology Explanation and Practical Applications

If you are the owner of a Xiaomi smartphone in recent years, you probably noticed in the camera settings mysterious mode Peak On. This feature appeared relatively recently, but has already caused a lot of questions: what does it give, how does it work and in what scenes is really useful? Unlike the usual HDR or Night Mode, Peak On has no obvious counterparts from competitors, which makes it even more intriguing.

In this article, we will examine in detail what lies behind the name Peak On, how the technology is integrated into firmware. MIUI, And why Xiaomi decided to implement it instead of traditional solutions, you'll learn which models support the function, how to activate it (including at a hidden level), and what unique artifacts can appear if you don't set the exposure correctly. HDR using real-world examples so you can make an informed decision about whether to use it.

What is Peak On: A Technical Explanation

Peak On is a proprietary image processing technology developed by Xiaomi to improve dynamic range and detail in high-contrast scenes. Unlike standard HDR, which typically takes multiple shots with different exposures and combines them, Peak On works differently:

• 📸 Single frame: Technology analyzes one shot rather than a series, which reduces processing time and reduces the risk of artifacts from movement.
• 🎯 Local optimization: The algorithm identifies the brightest and darkest areas of the frame and adjusts them independently, preserving natural transitions.
• 🔍 Adaptive noise maker: dark areas have more aggressive noise suppression than light ones, which is rare in classical noise HDR.
• ⚡ Low power consumption: thanks to processing of one frame (not 3-5, as in the case of the HDR) The mode less loads the processor and battery.

It’s important to understand that Peak On is not a replacement for HDR, but an addition to it. In some Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), both modes can work together, but more often Peak On is activated automatically in scenes where HDR would have shown worse results (for example, when shooting against the sun or in harsh contrast).

The technology is based on machine learning: Xiaomi algorithms analyze millions of photos to learn how to recognize which parts of the frame need correction and which are better left unchanged, avoiding the typical HDR “plasticity” of images, where shadows become too bright and light becomes dimmed.

Peak On differs from HDR and other camera modes

To understand when to turn on Peak On, you need to clearly understand its advantages and disadvantages compared to other modes.

The main difference is that Peak On doesn't try to pull all the shadows and lights to the average level, as HDR does. Instead, it retains natural contrast, but it adds detail where it's critical. For example, in a sunset photo, Peak On doesn't make the sky dim, but draws details in the silhouettes of trees that would normally merge into a black spot.

But there is a downside: in some scenes (such as in a room with artificial lighting), Peak On can create excessive contrast, making people’s faces look too “hard,” in which case it is better to prefer HDR or turn off both modes altogether.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi smartphones with Sony sensors IMX707 Or later (e.g. Xiaomi 14 Pro) Peak On is on in Photo mode by default and doesn't have a separate switch. To turn it off, you need to go to Camera Settings. → Additionally. → Image processing and deactivation of the Smart Exposure option.

What Xiaomi models support Peak On

Peak On technology debuted in 2022 with the flagship Xiaomi 12 series, but only received full support in firmware based on MIUI 14 and later. Below is a list of models where the feature is available out of the box or can be activated through hidden settings:

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 12/12 Pro/12S Ultra (requires an update to the MIUI 14.0.5+) Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra (full support) Xiaomi 14/14 Pro/14 Ultra (improved version with Leica-optimization) Mix Fold 2/3 (It only works on the main camera)
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12 Pro+/Note 13 Pro+ (Sony-sensored IMX766) POCO F5 Pro (manually enabled) Xiaomi 12T/12T Pro (partial support)
• 📱 The Redmi Note 12 Pro is a model 5G (simplified) POCO X5 Pro (only in Professional mode)

On older devices (such as the Xiaomi 11 or Redmi Note 10 Pro), the Peak On is not officially available, but it can be emulated through third-party apps like GCam with the appropriate configs.

To check if your Peak On smartphone supports, open the camera, go to Settings → Additional and look for options that mention Smart Exposure, Peak On or Advanced Dynamic Range. If there are no such items, then the function is either missing or hidden in the engineering menu.

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On smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), Peak On is faster thanks to hardware acceleration ISP (Image Signal Processor).

How to turn Peak On on or off

Depending on the Xiaomi model, the activation process for Peak On may differ.

Method 1: Through standard camera settings

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Touch the badge. ⚙️ (Settings) in upper right corner.
3. Go to the section Additional or Shooting Modes.
4. Find the option Peak On, Smart Exposure or Advanced HDR and activate it.

Method 2: Engineering menu (for hidden activation)

On some models (such as the POCO F5 Pro), the Peak On is disabled by default, but it can be enabled via the engineering menu:

#4636## → Select Equipment Testing → Camera → Activate "Peak On Mode"

⚠️ Warning: Not all options on the engineering menu are safe. Changing incomprehensible settings can cause camera crashes.

Method 3: Via GCam (for unsupported models)

If your smartphone is not on the official list, you can try a ported version of Google Camera with support for Peak On:

Download APK from a trusted source (e.g. Celso Azevedo)

Establish and grant permits

Select a config for your model (for example, Xiaomi_12T_Pro.xml)

In GCam settings, find Lib Patch and enable Peak On Emulation

Restart the application

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Important: Emulating Peak On via GCam will not give the same quality as a native implementation, but can improve dynamic range in some scenes.

When to use Peak On: practical recommendations

Peak On is not universal, it performs better in specific conditions, and here are scenarios where it should be included:

• 🌅 High contrast landscapes: Sunsets, mountains with bright sky and dark cliffs, urban views with sun in the frame. Peak On will keep details in the sky and in the shadows.
• 🏙️ Architecture and streets: Photographing buildings with bright facades and dark windows (for example, stained glass cathedrals or skyscrapers with reflections).
• 👗 Subject photography: Photos of clothing, shoes or accessories with glossy and matte surfaces (for example, leather bags or metal watches).
• 🎭 Theatre or concert scenes: Bright spotlights on a dark background are the perfect case for Peak On.

Here’s when it’s best to turn off the mode:

• 👶 Portraits of people: Excess contrast can make skin too “rubber” or accentuate wrinkles.
• 🌃 In the dark, Peak On often loses Night Mode because it can’t effectively suppress noise.
• 📄 Documents or Text: Artifacts may appear at the boundaries of letters or lines.
• 🎥 Video: Peak On works only for photos (except for Xiaomi 14 Ultra, where there is experimental support for the camera). 8K-mode).

Practical advice: If in doubt, take two shots - with and without Peak On, and then compare them in the gallery. On Xiaomi, this is conveniently done through the Double Press Volume button feature, which quickly opens the last photo.

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Peak On is most effective when shooting in RAW+JPEG format, as it allows you to adjust the exposure more accurately in Lightroom or Snapseed.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Despite its advantages, Peak On can create artifacts or work in an unstable way, and let's look at the typical problems and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) When you turn on Peak On and you shoot 48 MP, you can see green or purple spots in the corners of the frame, and that's because the debyerization algorithm is not working properly.

If the problems persist even after all the manipulations, you should contact the Xiaomi service center. In rare cases, Peak On malfunction can be associated with damage to the camera module or a software failure at the ISP (image processing processor) level.

Hidden chips and advanced settings

For enthusiasts who want to make the most of Peak On, Xiaomi has a few hidden features:

• 🔧 Manual intensity setting: On Xiaomi 13/14 You can adjust the strength of the Peak On effect through the engineering menu ##6484##, Choose the Camera → Peak on Strength and set the value from 1 (minimum effect before 5 (maximum).
• 📊 Processing Logs: In Professional mode, hold your finger on the screen for 3 seconds to see which areas of the frame were corrected by Peak On (they will be lit in red.
• 🔄 Camera cache reset: If Peak On started to perform worse after the update, clear the Camera app cache and data MIUI Camera Add-ons in the phone settings. It'll reset the learning algorithms to factory values.

For owners of Xiaomi 13 Ultra and 14 Ultra, Peak On + Leica Authentic is available. In this mode, Leica algorithms further optimize color reproduction and contrast, creating a more “film” view of the images.

1. Open the camera and go to modes.
2. Choose Leica Authentic.
3. In the additional settings, turn on Peak On Boost.

This mode is particularly good for DNG shooting, as it allows you to adjust the white balance and exposure in Lightroom flexibly without loss of quality.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions