Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: how many megapixels in the camera and how to improve the photo

The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, launched in early 2018, has long been a benchmark for the budget segment, offering users a full screen and decent performance. However, even years later, many owners continue to use this device, wondering about the real capabilities of its photo module. The question of “Shaomi Redmi 5 plus camera how many megapixels” remains relevant not only for those who plan to buy used devices, but also for current owners who want to squeeze the most out of the available iron.

The technical passport of the device stated specific numbers that on paper look quite competitive even by modern entry-level standards. The main camera received a resolution of 12 MP, and the front – 5 MP. However, dry megapixel numbers do not always reflect the real quality of images, which depends on many factors: the size of the matrix, lens aperture, software processing and noise reduction algorithms.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the characteristics of the Redmi 5 Plus photo system, compare them to real-world results, and tell you how to set up the camera app to get better photos, and learn why pixel count is not the main parameter, and what hidden features can improve your shots in low-light conditions.

Technical characteristics of the main chamber

The main camera module in Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is based on the Sony IMX362 sensor, which at one time was installed in the flagship models of other brands. It is the presence of this sensor that allowed Xiaomi to claim a qualitative leap in the photography of budget devices. The resolution of the matrix is 12 megapixels, which at a standard aspect ratio of 4:3 gives a final image of 4000×3000 pixels.

The important parameter is the size of the pixel, which in this case is 1.4 μm. This is a fairly large figure for the budget segment, allowing the sensor to capture more light. Combined with optical stabilization (although this model uses electronic stabilization and phase autofocus Dual Pixel), this gives a good result. the aperture of the lens is f/2.2, which is an average, but sufficient for daytime shooting.

⚠️ Note: Despite the presence of 12 MP, do not expect detailing the level of modern flagships with their 48 or 108 MP. the Physical size of the sensor limits the possibilities with a strong magnification or framing.

A key feature is the Dual Pixel technology, which provides fast and accurate focusing. Unlike contrast autofocus, which often prowls for sharpness, phase-based focusing works almost instantly, critically when shooting children, animals or any moving object.

Front camera and selfie capabilities

The Redmi 5 Plus front camera has a 5 megapixel resolution and is built on a Samsung S5K5E8 sensor. For its time, this was the standard for high-quality portraits for social networks. The viewing angle is 76 degrees, which is a classic indicator that does not look for facial proportions along the edges of the frame, but does not allow you to capture a large company in the frame.

MIUI software offers a wide range of features to enhance selfies, including built-in skin-smoothing algorithms, facial shape changes, and makeup in real time, but be careful: overuse of these filters can turn a photo into an unnatural image devoid of skin texture.

One useful feature is facial unlock, which works on front-facing camera data. While it's not the most secure biometric method, it's comfortable enough for everyday use in good light conditions. The camera also supports HDR mode, which helps align exposure when shooting against light.

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For better selfies in low light, turn on the screen flash at maximum brightness or use an external light source located in front of, rather than behind, the object.

Comparison with competitors and real quality

To understand how much the Redmi 5 Plus actually weighs, you need to compare it with competitors from the same period, such as the Honor 7X or Samsung Galaxy A6. In the daytime, Xiaomi’s images benefit from richer colors and better detail in the center of the frame.

Low light conditions are affected by the lack of optical stabilization and relatively narrow aperture. Noise reduction works aggressively, "eating" small details for the sake of clarity. However, the presence of HDR mode allows you to slightly compensate for the lack of light, taking several frames with different exposures and combining them into one.

Below is a table comparing the technical characteristics of the main camera Redmi 5 Plus with typical representatives of its class:

As you can see from the table, the presence of Sony sensor and phase autofocus gives the Redmi 5 Plus an advantage in speed and dynamic range, despite the lower declared number of megapixels compared to 16 MP from competitors.

Set up the camera for better results

The standard settings of the camera application in the MIUI shell are often focused on automatic shooting, but to get a professional result, it is recommended to manually change some settings. Go to the camera settings by clicking on three bars in the corner of the screen, and select Settings.

Pay attention to the resolution first. By default, it can be set to a lower value to save space. Make sure you choose the maximum available one - 12 MP (4000x3000). It is also recommended to include a grid frame that will help you to follow the rule of thirds when composing the frame.

For video, you should choose 1080p at 30 frames per second. 60 fps may be available, but the stabilization and sound quality of it often suffers. If you plan to shoot videos for later editing on your computer, you should use the minimum values of digital zoom.

⚠️ Note: Do not use digital zoom when shooting videos, as this leads to a sharp drop in quality and the appearance of compression artifacts.

Secrets of shooting on Redmi 5 Plus

Knowing the features of the Sony IMX362 sensor can significantly improve the results of shooting. First, try to keep the smartphone as still as possible when the shutter is lowered, especially in low light. The camera takes several frames with different exposures, and any movement will lead to lubrication.

Second, use Manual mode if the standard automatic mode can't correctly determine exposure. In manual mode, you can set your ISO and shutter speed. For nighttime shooting, try setting your ISO at 400-800 and shutter speeds at about 1/30 or longer, pointing your phone against a stationary object.

The third secret is proper framing. Since the Redmi 5 Plus doesn't have a telephoto lens, don't rely on digital zoom. Instead, shoot with a little space around the object, then frame the image in the editor. This will save more detail than the digital zoom in the camera app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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The Redmi 5 Plus camera with a 12MP sensor is still capable of taking great pictures with the right lighting and settings, ahead of many modern budget-savvy 48MP marketing.