Xiaomi Mi 8: how many megapixels of the main and front camera – specifications and secrets of high-quality photos

The Xiaomi Mi 8 is still one of the most talked-about flagships of the brand, despite the release of newer models. The main question that worries users before buying or after – how many megapixels the camera of this smartphone and how it affects the quality of images. In the era of marketing races for numbers (200 MP, 108 MP), 12-megapixel modules Mi 8 may seem modest, but the reality is much more interesting.

In this article, we’ll not only look at the exact characteristics of the cameras (main and front), but also explain why megapixels are not the main indicator of quality. You’ll learn what sensors are used in the Mi 8, how the dual camera works, and what settings will help make photos better than many modern public sector, and also compare the Mi 8 camera with competitors in 2018 and newer Xiaomi models.

If you are planning to buy the Mi 8 in the secondary market or already own it, this information will help unlock the potential of the smartphone.Spoiler: with the right settings, its camera still can surprise!

Technical characteristics of the Xiaomi Mi 8 cameras: megapixels and not only

The main camera Xiaomi Mi 8 is equipped with a dual module with a resolution:

• 📷 Wide-angle lens: 12 Megapixels (Sony sensor) IMX363, pixel size 1.4 um, diaphragm f/1.8)
• 🔍 Telephoto-lens: 12 Megapixels (Samsung sensor) S5K3M3, diaphragm f/2.4, 2× zoom)

The front camera has a resolution of 20 megapixels (Sony IMX376, f/2.0 aperture). It is important to understand that megapixels are not the main criterion of quality. Much more important is the size of the sensor, the optical capabilities of the lens and image processing algorithms. For example, the same Sony IMX363 in the Mi 8 is used in more expensive flagships (for example, in the Google Pixel 3), where it shows excellent results.

Key features of the Mi 8 camera:

• 🎯 Double stabilization: optical (OIS) + electronic (EIS) video
• 🌃 Night mode: one of the first in the line of Xiaomi (although inferior to modern algorithms)
• 🔄 Portrait mode: with background blur (boke) thanks to telephoto module
• 📸 Support RAW: Capability of shooting in.dng format for professional processing

⚠️ Note: In some regions sold Xiaomi Mi 8 SE — It's another model with a 12MP camera. + 5 MP (no telephoto module) Don't confuse it with the classic Mi 8!

Why is the 12 megapixels in the Mi 8 better than the 48 or 108 MP in the public sector?

At first glance, it may seem that 12 MP is not much compared to modern smartphones, where there are cameras at 48, 64 or even 200 megapixels. However, here lies the marketing ploy: most budget smartphones use pixel binning technology to artificially increase the number in specs.

For example, the 48MP sensor in cheap phones actually delivers 12MP photos just by combining data from 4 pixels into one. As a result, the real quality is often inferior to the Mi 8, where each of the 12 megapixels is real, with a larger size (1.4 μm vs. 0.8 μm in public).

• 🌟 More light hits each pixel → Best Detail in the Dark
• 🎨 More natural color reproduction without overworking
• 🔍 Less digital noise at higher altitudes ISO

In addition, the Mi 8 uses a dual lens with an optical zoom, whereas many budget smartphones offer only a digital zoom (which simply cuts and zooms the picture, losing quality).Even today, the Mi 8 can compete with smartphone cameras costing up to 20-25 thousand rubles, when comparing real shots, rather than numbers in the specs.

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Megapixels are not important. More important than sensor size, optical capabilities and processing algorithms. 12 MP in Mi 8 with large pixels (1.4 microns) often outperform 48 MP in public-sector with 0.8 microns pixels.

Xiaomi Mi 8 camera comparison with 2018 competitors and new Xiaomi models

In 2018, the Mi 8 competed with flagships such as the Samsung Galaxy S9, Huawei P20 Pro and iPhone X. Let’s take a look at how its camera looked against their background:

As can be seen from the table, the Mi 8 was not inferior to competitors in basic parameters, and in some ways even surpassed them (for example, the front camera is 20 MP against 7-8 MP iPhone and Samsung). P20 The Pro featured a triple camera and a more advanced zoom.

What about the newer Xiaomi models? For example, the Mi 10 (2020) got a 108 MP camera, but that doesn’t mean it’s better than the Mi 8:

• ✅ Pros of Mi 10: more details in good lighting, better night mode
• ❌ Mi 10: huge files RAW (Up to 100 MB, more aggressive photo processing
• ⚖️ Mi 8 wins in: natural color reproduction, focus speed, compact files

How to make a photo on Xiaomi Mi 8 better: settings and secrets

Even with good hardware, the camera will only be able to perform in skilled hands, and here are some practical tips on how to improve the photos on the Mi 8:

1. Turn on HDR automatically: Go to Camera Settings → HDR and select Auto mode. This will help balance exposure in challenging conditions (for example, against light).
2. Use Portrait Mode wisely: The camera module gives a more natural background blur than the software one. Step away from the subject 1-1.5 meters for better effect.
3. Shoot in RAW for post-processing: Enable the RAW format in the settings (Section Additional).The files will be large (about 20 MB), but this will give you freedom to edit in Lightroom or Snapseed.
4. Set up manual mode for night shooting: In Professional mode, install: 📐 Excerpt: 1/4–1 sec (use a tripod!) 🌓 ISO: 800–1600 (No higher, or there will be noise) 🎯 White balance: 4000–5000K warm-light

Clear your fingerprints | Turn off digital zoom (use optical 2×)|Shoot in good light or turn on night mode |Check your focus before shooting (stick on the screen)|Experiment with manual settings-->

If your camera is beginning to “glut” (for example, focusing for a long time or giving blurry pictures), try:

1. Reset the camera settings: Settings → Apps → Camera → Storage → Clear the data.
2. Update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI (new versions fix bugs with autofocus).
3. Install alternative camera software, such as GCam (requires an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Note: When using GCam on Mi 8, artifacts are possible when shooting video in the video 4K. Test different versions of the modified application!

Frequent Xiaomi Mi 8 camera problems and how to fix them

Despite its reliability, the Mi 8 has some common problems, and here are some of the most common ways to fix them:

1.The camera is not focused or the focus is floating

Possible causes:

• 🧹 Lens contamination - wipe it with a microfiber.
• 🔧 Software Failure – Clear Camera Cache (Settings) → Annexes → Camera. → Kesh).
• 🛠️ Hardware malfunction – if the problem persists, the autofocus module may have been damaged (repair required).

2. Photos too dark or overlit

Decisions:

• 🌓 Turn off the car.-HDR and shoot in manual mode with fixed exposure.
• 📱 Check if there is an energy-saving firmware installed (for example, MIUI Lite – It limits the camera’s capabilities.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes exposure bugs disappear after a reboot.

3.The video twitches or goes jerky

This is a common problem when shooting in 4K.

• 📹 Switch to the switch. 1080p@60fps — Stabilization works better.
• 🔋 Close the background applications (video shooting requires a lot of resources).
• 🛠️ If the jerks remain, the battery may be worn out (at a discharge below 20%, the processor limits performance).

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If the Mi 8 camera is slowly opening, try turning off animation in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then Settings → Additional → For developers → Animation → set 0.5×).

Alternative firmware and modifications for the Mi 8 camera

If you don't like the standard MIUI camera, you can install alternative software.

1. Google Camera (GCam)

Pros:

• 🌃 Best Night Mode (Night Sight)
• 🎨 More natural color reproduction
• 🔍 Improved. HDR+

Cons:

• ⚠️ No support for telephoto module (zoom only works digitally)
• ⚠️ Possible artifacts when shooting video

How to determine:

1. Download the compatible version (for example, GCam_6.1.021 from BSG).
2. Install.apk as a regular app.
3. Configure the config (you can download the ready-made settings for Mi 8 on the 4PDA forum).

2. Custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience)

If you are ready for experiments, custom firmware can improve the camera by:

• 🆕 More recent versions Camera2 API (Full access to sensor capabilities).
• 🔧 Optimized processing algorithms.
• 📱 No restrictions MIUI (for example, shooting in 4K@60fps).

⚠️ Attention: Installing custom firmware requires unlocking the bootloader, which will reset all data and may deprive you of warranty (if it is still valid!

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