What Xiaomi phones are equipped with optical stabilization

In the world of mobile photography, the quality of images depends on the stability of the camera during exposure. Many users wonder which models of Xiaomi smartphones have optical stabilization (OIS), since this technology allows you to get clear images even when shooting with hands in low light conditions.

Optical stabilization is a physical mechanism built into the camera module that compensates for hand shaking by shifting the lenses or matrix to the opposite side of motion. Unlike digital stabilization, which just crops the frame and uses software algorithms, OIS works at the hardware level without degrading the detail around the edges of the image. Understanding the difference between these technologies will help you choose the right device.

In this article, we will take a closer look at which Xiaomi and Redmi series and models use this technology, and how it affects the final quality of video and photos. You will learn why having OIS is often a marker of a flagship or sub-flagship device in the manufacturer’s lineup.

The principle of optical stabilization in Xiaomi smartphones

Xiaomi's optical stabilization technology is implemented with miniature gyroscopes and electromagnetic actuators. When you hold your phone and take a picture, micro-vibrations of the hands inevitably lubricate the image, especially if the shutter speed is long. The OIS mechanism reads these movements and instantly shifts the optical element so that the light beam continues to fall on the same point in the matrix.

It is important to note that the system’s performance depends on the quality of the manufacturer’s implementation. Xiaomi engineers use various variations of this technology, including lens shift and sensor-shift. The second option is considered more advanced, since it allows you to stabilize the image on all axes with a higher amplitude, this is especially noticeable when shooting video in 4K or 8K resolution.

⚠️ Attention: Availability OIS It doesn't guarantee perfect shots when running or shaking hard, it has physical limitations on the amplitude of the displacement, so you'll still need an external stabilizer for extreme conditions).

Users often confuse optical stabilization with electronic (EIS). If EIS works by framing video streams and software compensation, then OIS does not “eat” the useful frame space. In Xiaomi smartphones, these technologies often work in tandem, ensuring the smoothest possible picture.

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When choosing a phone, pay attention not only to the presence of OIS, but also to the size of the aperture. The combination of optical stabilization and a fast lens f/1.8 or f/1.6 gives the best result in night shooting.

Xiaomi and Redmi flagship series: where to look for OIS

Traditionally, Xiaomi has provided optical stabilization to its top-end devices. In the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14 series, OIS is the standard for the core module and telephoto lens, allowing users to take multiple zoom shots without losing sharpness, which is critical for portrait and reportage shooting.

The Redmi Note series also got this feature, but only in models with the prefix Pro or Pro+. For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi Note 13 Pro+ are equipped with full-fledged OIS, making them leaders in their price segment. Conventional versions of “Note” are more often only electronic stabilization, which is worth considering when buying.

• 📸 Xiaomi 14 Ultra – four-chamber system with OIS module-wise.
• 📸 Redmi K60 Pro – the main sensor with optical stabilization and laser autofocus.
• 📸 Xiaomi 13T Pro – great video and photo stabilization thanks to collaboration with Leica.
• 📸 Black Shark – gaming smartphones also get OIS streaming.

In foldable smartphones like the Xiaomi Mix Fold 2 and Mix Fold 3, engineers have had to design custom compact OIS camera modules to fit them into a thin body. Despite thickness constraints, the quality of stabilization in these devices is as good as classic flagships.

Mid-range: Redmi and Poco models with OIS

Finding optical stabilization in the mid-range is often a compromise. However, there is a middle ground in the Poco and Redmi lines. Poco F series models like the Poco F5 Pro often inherit camera phones from the flagship Redmi K series, inheriting a quality module with OIS, making them a great choice for those who want to shoot quality, but are not willing to overpay for the brand.

In the Redmi Note series, the situation is this: OIS appears starting with models of the level 12 Pro and above. More budget options, such as the regular Redmi Note 12 or 13 (without the Pro console), usually lack this module. Instead, it uses the Super Night mode, which programmatically glues several frames together, but does not save moving objects from lubrication.

It’s worth mentioning the Xiaomi Civi series, which is focused on selfies and style. Some models of this line also feature OIS, which is rare for devices focused on the front camera, which allows you to take quality selfie videos for social networks without using a tripod.

The impact of OIS on nighttime and video quality

The main advantage of having optical stabilization is revealed in difficult lighting conditions: At night, the matrix takes longer to collect light (long exposure). Without OIS, any, even minimal hand movement will lead to a blurred frame. With OIS, the phone can hold a shutter speed of 1-2 seconds from the hands, making nightly pictures bright and detailed.

When shooting video, OIS does wonders. The smoothness of the image on the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+ allows you to shoot walking without the effect of “shaking the camera.” Digital stabilization (EIS) in such situations often leads to the effect of “jelly” when the background floats and objects twitch, while the optics remove high-frequency shaking, leaving the camera’s natural movement.

⚠️ Attention: When the mode is activated OIS In camera settings (if there is a switch), or when using a tripod in Night mode, artifacts may sometimes appear, OIS It can attempt to compensate for non-existent vibrations by creating micro-lubricants.

It’s also important to note the impact on zoom. When using a telephoto lens (optical zoom), the angle of view narrows, and any jitters become more noticeable. Xiaomi phones with periscopic modules, such as the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, use OIS precisely to keep the picture on 5-fold or 10-fold zoom sharp.

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For video bloggers, the presence of OIS in a Xiaomi smartphone is more important than the number of megapixels, and a stable picture is perceived by the viewer as more professional.

How to check for optical stabilization in settings

Often, people buy a phone and they don't know if it's OIS. The easiest way is to launch a Camera app and point the lens over text or a small detail. If you sway the phone lightly, you see the image floating or slightly lagging in response to movement, that's a sign of the stabilizer's working. Digital stabilization doesn't have that inert.

You can also use the specifications in the device menu. Go to Settings → About Phone → All settings and find the model. Then type the model into a search engine with the name "specs." In the specifications, look for the acronym OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) next to the description of the main camera.

There's a visual test, too: turn on 4K video recording and rotate your phone abruptly. If the stabilization is optical, the transition will be smoother, without the sharp jerks of the frame that characterize digital cropping. However, remember that modern Xiaomi with Snapdragon 7 and 8 series processors often uses a hybrid system.

• 🔍 Listen to the sound: when abrupt movement working module OIS It can make a quiet mechanical click or hum (this is normal).
• 🔍 Check the specifications on the official Mi.com website.
• 🔍 Use camera testing apps that show a list of supported sensor features.

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