Why the Redmi Note 9 Pro is so much of a question
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro has become one of the most popular mid-range devices due to its balance of performance, design and, of course, camera. However, many users still get confused about the characteristics of its photo module β especially when it comes to the resolution of the main camera and real shooting capabilities. On the Internet, you can find conflicting data: somewhere there is 48 MP, somewhere 64 MP, and in the settings of the smartphone generally displays 16 MP.
In this article, we will not only look at how many megapixels the Redmi Note 9 Pro actually has, but also explain why these numbers vary so much from one source to another. A51 Or the Realme 6 Pro, and practical tips on how to use the camera 100% from settings to post-processing, if you are planning to buy or already own this smartphone, this information will help you avoid disappointment and learn how to take quality pictures.
What Xiaomi says about the Redmi Note 9 Pro camera
According to the manufacturer, Redmi Note 9 Pro is equipped with four rear cameras, including:
- πΈ Main camera: 64 MP (Samsung sensor) GW1, diaphragm f/1.9)
- π Wide-angle camera: 8 MP (viewing angle) 119Β°, diaphragm f/2.2)
- π Macro camera: 5 MP (focal distance) 2 diaphragm f/2.4)
- π― Depth Sensor: 2 MP (for portrait mode)
Front camera has permission 16 MP (Sony sensor) IMX471, diaphragm f/2.5) and supports video shooting in resolution 1080p@30fps. On paper, these specs look impressive, but in practice, many users are faced with the fact that the camera settings display resolution. 16 CP instead of the stated 64 MP. What's the catch?
Why 16 MP is displayed in the settings instead of 64 MP: Pixel Binning technology
Here lies the key point that baffles many Redmi Note owners. 9 The problem is that the Samsung sensor GW1 It is actually a physical permit. 64 Megapixels, but by default, the smartphone uses Pixel Binning technology, which means that the four adjacent pixels of the sensor are combined into one "superpixel" the size of the sensor. 2Γ2, What gives the final resolution of the photo in 16 MPP.
Why is this necessary? This technology allows you to:
- β‘ Increase light absorption (large size of superpixel" = better work in low light).
- π Reduce the noise level in photos.
- π± Reduce the size of the final file (16 MPs take up 4 times less space than 64 MPs).
However, in manual mode (Pro Mode) or when selecting an option"64 The MP camera settings can turn off the Pixel Binning and shoot in full resolution, but here's the caveat: these images will take up much more space (until you can shoot them in full resolution). 20-30 MB per frame), and the quality does not always meet expectations due to the limitations of optics and processor.
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To enable shooting in 64 MP, go to Camera Settings β Permission β 64 MP But remember: this mode is off HDR and some processing algorithms!
Comparison with competitors: 64 MP vs 48 MP vs 108 MP
When the Redmi Note 9 Pro was released in 2020, the 64-megapixel camera was considered a flagship feature. But what does it look like against the background of alternatives?
| Model | Main camera. | Technology | Pixel size | Diaphragm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro | 64 MPs | Pixel Binning (4-in-1) | 0.8 ΞΌm (1.6 ΞΌm in 16 MP mode) | f/1.9 |
| Samsung Galaxy A51 | 48 MP | Pixel Binning (4-in-1) | 0.8 ΞΌm (1.6 ΞΌm in 12 MP mode) | f/2.0 |
| Realme 6 Pro | 64 MPs | Pixel Binning (4-in-1) | 0.8 ΞΌm (1.6 ΞΌm in 16 MP mode) | f/1.8 |
| Xiaomi Mi 10T Pro | 108 MP | Pixel Binning (9-in-1) | 0.7 ΞΌm (2.1 ΞΌm in 12 MP mode) | f/1.7 |
As you can see from the table, Redmi Note 9 Pro is not inferior to the Realme 6 Pro in βpaperβ characteristics, but loses to flagships like Mi. 10T Pro with more advanced sensors and optics, but in practice, the difference between 64 MP and 48 MP in everyday shooting is minimal, much more important than processing algorithms and the quality of optical stabilization.
π‘
64 MP is a marketing ploy. In practice, the difference between 48 MP and 64 MP in mid-range smartphones is almost invisible without magnifying. Much more important is the pixel size and the software processing.
Real tests: how to shoot the camera Redmi Note 9 Pro in different conditions
To get an objective view of the camera, we tested the Redmi Note 9 Pro in five key scenarios.
1. Daylight (HDR included)
In good lighting conditions, the camera is doing great things: high-detail, rich colors, not overexposed, but sometimes when you shoot against the sun, you get artifacts. HDR (e.g., blurred edges of objects).
2. Low light (night mode)
Here, the sensor's weaknesses are manifested: without night mode, the images are noisy, and with the algorithm turned on, they are excessively smoothed (small details are lost). 4a In the same year, he handled dark scenes much better.
3. Macrograph (5 MP)
A 5MP macro camera is more of a tick in specs. The quality is mediocre: low detail, noise even in good light. For serious macro photography, you'd better use a manual focus main camera.
4. Portrait mode (2 MP) + soft-soft)
Thanks to the additional depth sensor, the background blur is quite accurate, but sometimes the algorithm is mistaken with the boundaries of objects (for example, βeatsβ hair or small details).
5. Videotape (4K@30fps)
Video in the video 4K It's only taken with the main camera, without stabilization support, and the result is a jittery picture when you're moving. 1080p@60fps Electronic stabilization enabled, making the video smoother.
Details on video shooting
How to improve photos on Redmi Note 9 Pro: 7 practical tips
Even with hardware limitations, you can significantly improve your image quality if you know a few tricks.
- Turn off the watermark (Camera settings) β Watermark. It spoils the composition and shrinks the frame area.
- Use Pro Mode to Manually Set Up ISO, So, for example, when you're shooting a sunset, reduce the exposure and white balance. ISO before 100 And increase the shutter speed to 1/30s.
- Take it down. RAW (available in Pro Mode if you plan to post-process in Lightroom or Snapseed.
- Clean the lens before shooting - greasy spots and dust greatly impair clarity.
- Avoid digital zoom. There's no optical zoom, so any magnification over the top 1x leads to loss of quality.
- Set up Google Camera (GCam). Portable versions of this app (e.g. GCam 7.3 from BSG) Allows you to activate Night Sight and Astrophotography Mode, which are not in the stock camera.
- Update your firmware. Xiaomi regularly improves photo processing algorithms in new versions MIUI.
βοΈ Preparation for shooting in GCam
And the Google Camera is a program that uses more advanced algorithms. HDR and noise reduction than a stock app MIUI Camera. For example, in Night Sight, you get pictures in the dark. 30-40% More detailed and more detailed than in the home night mode.
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To install GCam on Redmi Note 9 Pro will fit the version from the developer BSG (archive MGC_7.3.018_BSG_Arnova-v3.apk). After installation, turn on Settings β Additionally. β Configuration for Xiaomi.
Frequent issues with the Redmi Note 9 Pro camera and how to fix them
Despite the decent specs, Redmi Note 9 Pro owners often face technical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
1.The camera does not focus or long "catch" sharpness
πΉ Cause: Lens contamination, software failure or mechanical damage to the module.
πΉ Decision:
- π§Ή Wash the lens with a soft cloth (without alcohol!).
- π Reboot your smartphone.
- π± Reset the camera settings: Settings β Annexes β Camera. β Warehouse β Clear the data.
- π οΈ If the problem persists, check the camera through the test menu (#4636##, section "Equipment Testing").
2. photos are obtained blurred or with noise
πΉ Reason: High sensitivity ISO Automatically or in low light conditions.
πΉ Decision:
- π Enable Night Mode or use a tripod.
- π In Pro Mode, manually install ISO on 100-400.
- π Check if digital zoom is on (it always degrades quality).
3. The camera gives an error "Can't connect to the camera"
πΉ Cause: Application conflict, system file corruption, or hardware malfunction.
πΉ Decision:
- π« Close all background apps that use the camera (like Instagram or Snapchat).
- π Reinstall Updates for the Camera app in Google Play.
- π± Perform reset to factory settings (pre-save data!).
If the error persists
4.The video is recorded in jerks or with artifacts
πΉ Reason: CPU overheating, lack of RAM or background recording enabled.
πΉ Decision:
- βοΈ Let your smartphone cool down (especially if itβs been in games for a long time).
- π₯ Remove the cover - it can block the heat sink.
- π΅ Turn off mobile internet and Wi-Fi during the shooting.
- π§ Reduce video resolution to 1080p@30fps.
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If the video is "slowing" when you're watching it, it could be a codec problem. VLC Media Player or HandBrake.
FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the Redmi Note camera 9 Pro
β Can I shoot in format? RAW Redmi Note 9 Pro?
β Why are 64 MP photos worse than 16MP?
β Does the Redmi Note support the 9 Pro videotaping 4K@60fps?
β What sensor is used in the front camera?
β Can I replace the camera with the Redmi Note 9 Pro on my own?
Next articleShould I Buy a Redmi Note 9 Pro for a Camera in 2026?
Four years after the Redmi Note 9 was released, the Pro is still the choice for those looking for a smartphone with a good camera for a reasonable price, but it is important to understand its strengths and weaknesses.
β The camera's upsides:
- πΈ Decent resolution (64 MP) for its class.
- π Good color reproduction in daytime scenes.
- π° The ability to improve quality through GCam.
- π₯ Stable video in 1080p (properly adjusted).
β Cons of the camera:
- π Weak work in the dark (even with night mode).
- π A Mediocre Macro Camera (5 MP).
- ποΈ Lack of optical stabilization for video.
- π Slow focus in dynamic scenes.
π‘ If you need a camera to shoot in good lighting conditions (travel, street photography, portraits), then the Redmi Note 9 Pro will cope with the βfourβ. But if youβre a frequent shooter in dark spaces, record a lot of video, or need professional detail, consider newer models (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro).+ with a 200 MP or Poco sensor X5 Pro OIS).
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In 2026, Redmi Note 9 Pro is suitable for beginners and those who are not ready to spend more than 20,000 rubles on a smartphone. 6a Xiaomi 13 Lite.