Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite camera: a full guide to the features and settings

The Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones from the Chinese giant, and still relevant due to its balanced performance. But what really sets it apart from the competition is its camera. In an era where smartphone photography is replacing professional cameras, it’s important to understand what the Mi 8 Lite camera module is capable of and how to maximize its potential.

This article will not just list the specifications, but we will dive into the details, from sensor resolution to hidden MIUI features that will help improve the quality of shots, you will learn how the Mi 8 Lite copes with portraiture, night scenes and videos, and compare it with the flagships of the time. If you own this device or are just planning to buy, here you will find the answers to all the questions about the camera.

Technical characteristics of the camera Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite

At the heart of the Mi 8 Lite’s photographic capabilities is a dual main camera that combines two sensors with different tasks. The main module features a 12-megapixel Sony IMX363 sensor with a pixel size of 1.4 microns and an aperture of f/1.9. This is the same sensor used in Xiaomi’s 2018 flagships, which already speaks to its high potential. The second module is a 5-megapixel sensor for assessing the depth of scenes, which helps create a bokeh effect in portrait mode.

The front camera is not far behind: it has a 24-megapixel sensor Sony IMX576 with f/2.0 aperture and HDR support. This set allows you to take bright selfies even in low light conditions. It is important to note that the Mi 8 Lite supports phase autofocus (PDAF) and dual LED flash, which is rare for devices in this price range.

• 📸 Main camera: 12 MPP (IMX363) + 5 MP (depth), diaphragm f/1.9, PDAF
• 🤳 Front camera: 24 MPP (IMX576), diaphragm f/2.0, support HDR
• 🎥 Video: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, electronic stabilization
• 🔦 Flash: double LED, temperature 5500K
• 🛠️ Software chips: AI-scenes, portrait mode, night mode (through the MIUI)

One of the key features is the support of Dual Pixel technology on the main sensor, which improves focus in low light conditions. However, it is worth remembering that the real quality of the photo depends not only on hardware, but also on software optimization - and here MIUI 10 (on which the smartphone debuted) did not always cope perfectly.

Modes of shooting: from portrait to night scenes

Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite offers a standard set of shooting modes, but with a few interesting nuances. Portrait mode works on both the main and front camera, using data from an additional depth sensor. In MIUI 10, this mode supported 5 levels of background blur, and also allowed you to adjust the lighting of the face (the “studio light” effect).

For lovers of experiments available:

• 🌃 Night mode: although officially it appeared later in the MIUI 11, on the Mi 8 Lite it can be activated via Camera Settings → Additionally. → Night photography works by combining multiple shots, but requires a steady hand or a tripod.
• 🎨 AI-Scenes: Automatically recognizes 20+ It's a scene type (food, sunset, snow, etc.) and it adjusts white balance, contrast, and saturation, which is good for beginners, but professionals often turn it off.
• 📏 Manual mode (Pro): allows you to manually adjust shutter speed (up to 32 seconds), ISO (100-3200), focus and white balance, perfect for shooting the sky or lighting.
• 🤹 Panorama and Long Exposure: The first one creates wide shots up to 120°, The second is blurring movement (for example, water in the river).

The Mi 8 Lite supports 4K@30fps recording, but without stabilization — it’s better to limit it to 1080p@60fps with electronic stabilization. Interesting thing: you can set up stereo recording in the settings, which is rare for smartphones in 2018.

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To reduce noise in low-light photos, manually set the ISO to no higher than 800 and use shutter speeds of 1/10–1/4 of a second (hold your smartphone as still as possible).

Comparison with competitors: who is the best photographer?

In 2018, the Mi 8 Lite competed with models such as the Huawei P20 Lite, Samsung Galaxy A6 and Honor 10 Lite. Let's compare their cameras on key parameters:

The Mi 8 Lite is outperforming the competition in detail with its IMX363 sensor, which delivers cleaner images in good light. However, the Huawei P20 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A6 are better at color reproduction, with their photos being more saturated out of the box. In terms of portrait mode, the Honor 10 Lite leads by more accurate object segmentation, but loses in video.

⚠️ Note: When comparing cameras, look at the firmware version! MIUI 12 photo processing quality on Mi 8 Lite improved by 15-20% compared to MIUI 10 by optimizing algorithms HDR noise-cancellation.

Secrets of setting up the camera for the perfect photo

Even with good hardware, you can get mediocre images if you don't configure the software. Here are 5 key settings to change in the Mi 8 Lite camera settings:

Turn it off "AI-Scenes in settings (if you want natural colors)

Enable "Save Originals" in HDR mode

Set the 4:3 aspect ratio for maximum resolution

Activate Face Improvement on the front camera (but not more than 30%)

Enable the "Grid" for the correct composition (rule of thirds)

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For night photography, it is recommended:

1. Go to Manual Mode (Pro).
2. Set the ISO at 800-1600 (no higher, otherwise there will be noise).
3. Select shutter speed in the range of 1/4-1 sec (use a tripod!).
4. The focus is set manually to infinity (mountain icon).
5. Turn off the flash - it only spoils the night shots.

If you are shooting a video, be sure to activate:

• 🎬 Electronic stabilization (Settings) → Video → Stabilization).
• 🔊 Stereosound (available only in the 1080p).
• 📊 Histogram (shows the distribution of light in the frame).

Typical Camera Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite the advantages, the Mi 8 Lite has several common problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI the camera started to "lag" or give a green hue in the photo, try resetting its settings: → Annexes → Camera. → Warehouse → Clear the data. It will delete all user presets, but it will return factory settings!

Problem 1: Blurred photos in low light

The reason: Autofocus loses its target due to lack of light.

• Switch to Manual Mode and set the focus manually.
• Use an external light source (not a flash!).
• Reduce the resolution to 8 MP – this will increase the pixel size and improve the light flux.

Problem 2: Overlit areas in the photo (blowed lights)

The reason is that HDR is too aggressive.

• Turn off HDR or set it to Auto mode.
• In manual mode, reduce exposure by -0.7 EV.
• Shoot in RAW format (available in Pro mode) and then process in Lightroom.

Problem 3: Portrait mode "cuts" hair or small details

Reason: The segmentation algorithm is flawed.

• Move 1.5-2 meters away from the object.
• Use a monochromatic background (such as a wall).
• After shooting, edit the blur in apps like Snapseed or Focos.

Problem 4: Video twitches when moving

The reason: Electronic stabilization is not coping with sudden movements.

• Shoot at 1080p@30fps - stabilisation works better than 60fps.
• Use an external stabilizer (e.g. DJI Osmo Mobile).
• Turn on the "Video Pro" mode and reduce the field of view (zoom × 1.5).

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If the camera stopped starting after a fall or impact, the problem may be in the disconnected plume, which helps in 80% of cases reconnect the connector (requires disassembly of the device).

Best Apps to Improve Photos with Mi 8 Lite

Stock camera. MIUI Offers good functionality, but third-party apps can unlock Mi’s potential 8 Lite is even stronger.-5 surveyor:

• 📱 Google Camera (GCam): Ported version of the camera from Pixel adds Night Sight (best night mode), HDR+ It's a better color rendering, and the Mi 8 Lite is a better version. BSG or Urnyx05 (search the forum 4PDA).
• 🎨 Adobe Lightroom: Free Mobile Version Allows You to Process RAW-Files, curves, noise, Portra 400 and Kodachrome are great for photos with Mi 8 Lite.
• 👤 Focos: Retroactive background blur (bokeh effect) works better than standard portrait mode, especially on complex objects.
• 🌌 Star Tracker: For astrophotography enthusiasts, automatically folds several frames of the sky to compensate for the Earth's rotation.
• 📹 Filmic Pro: Professional video application with manual bitrate, focus and white balance settings. LOG-profile.

To install GCam on the Mi 8 Lite, follow the instructions:

1. Download. APK-a file from a verified source (e.g., Celso Azevedo website).
2. Install the file by allowing installation from unknown sources (Settings → Security → Unknown sources).
3. Launch the application and in the settings select config for Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite (usually this one) BSG_Mi8Lite_V2.xml).
4. Turn on HDR+ Enhanced and turn off Motion Photos for stable performance.

⚠️ Note: Some versions of the GCam can cause the Snapdragon 660 processor to overheat during long-term shooting in the camera. 4K. Monitor the temperature of the device!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the Mi 8 Lite camera