Xiaomi Redmi 4X: Everything you need to know about the 2017 budget hit camera

Xiaomi Redmi 4X

2017

all technical characteristics of the module

latent

Many people mistakenly believe that the Redmi camera is a camera. 4X But when used properly, it's showing good results in good lighting, and it's even going to do a night's shooting -- if you know a few tricks, we tested it in 2026, and we're willing to share some honest insights: Where the camera loses to modern smartphones, and where it may surprise.

If you are looking for a flagship quality, Redmi 4X But if you want a reliable workhorse with a suitable camera for social media, messengers, and other landscapes, this smartphone is still capable of surprising.

Technical characteristics of the Xiaomi Redmi camera 4X: hull

Redmi's core module 4X fitted 13-megapixel sensor with aperture f/2.0 and pixel size 1.12 This is a classic configuration for public sector employees of the time, but with a few important nuances:

First, it uses 5-cell optics (as opposed to 4- or 3-lens modules in cheap analogues), which has a positive effect on the clarity of the edges of the frame (PDAF), It's a focus that speeds up focus compared to contrast. LED-A flash that doesn’t work miracles, but helps in dark rooms.

Front camera is more modest β€” 5 MP with aperture f/2.2 It's good for a selfie in good light, but don't expect the detail of a modern smartphone. Importantly, there's no autofocus, which means that when you're shooting from close range. 30 (cm) the face may be blurred.

  • πŸ“Έ Main camera: 13 MPP, f/2.0, PDAF, 5-lens optics
  • πŸŒ™ Night mode: no (but there are workarounds)
  • πŸ”„ Stabilization: Programmatic only (EIS video)
  • πŸ“± Front camera: 5 MPP, f/2.2, fixed-focus
  • πŸŽ₯ Video: Full HD (1080p) at 30 fps, no. 4K

One of the key disadvantages is the lack of optical stabilization (OIS). This means that when you take pictures with your hand in motion or in low light, the photos can be blurred. MIUI 12+ This is partially compensated by noise reduction algorithms.

πŸ“Š How often do you use your camera on your smartphone?
Every day.
Several times a week
Only if necessary.
I'm practically not using it.

Comparison with competitors: like Redmi 4X It looks like other public sector workers

In 2017, Redmi 4X It competes with models like the Samsung Galaxy. J3 (2017), Huawei Y6 (2017 and Lenovo K6 Let's see what his camera looks like in comparison:

ModelMain camera.ApertureAutofocus.VideoNight mode.
Xiaomi Redmi 4X13 MPf/2.0PDAFFull HD 30 fps❌ No.
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017)13 MPf/1.9ContrastHD 30 fps❌ No.
Huawei Y6 (2017)13 MPf/2.2PDAFFull HD 30 fps❌ No.
Lenovo K6 Note16 MPsf/2.0PDAFFull HD 30 fps❌ No.

As you can see from the table, Redmi 4X It doesn't lose to competitors in basic terms, and in some aspects it even wins. f/2.0 wider than Huawei Y6, It's a little bit more efficient at dealing with the lack of light, and phase autofocus is faster than contrast (like the Galaxy). J3).

Lenovo, however, K6 The Note has a 16-megapixel sensor, which looks better on paper, but in practice, the detail difference is minimal, it's all about the quality of the software processing. Here Xiaomi has traditionally been stronger thanks to optimized algorithms in the software. MIUI Camera.

⚠️ Note: If you are comparing Redmi 4X with modern state employees (for example, Redmi) 12C or Samsung Galaxy A04), The gap will be huge. Modern smartphones, even for the same money, offer night modes, 50.+ MT sensors and 4K-But in the context of 2017-2020, Redmi 4X looks good.

Shooting Modes: What the Camera Can Do and How to Use It

Standard camera appendix in MIUI for Redmi 4X It offers a few basic modes. Let's go through them in detail:

  • πŸ“· Photo: Basic mode with automatic exposure settings, suitable for most scenes, but in difficult conditions (contrast light, movement) it is better to switch to Professional mode.
  • πŸŽ₯ Video: Recording in Full HD (1080p) At 30 fps. no stabilization, so for dynamic scenes use a tripod or hold your smartphone with both hands.
  • πŸŒƒ Even though there is no dedicated night mode, MIUI 12+ There's an option called "Improving Night Snapshots" in the settings, which increases exposure and reduces noise, but requires a still hand.
  • πŸ‘₯ Portrait: blurs the background (bokeh effect) due to software processing, works only on the main camera and requires good lighting, otherwise the edges of the object will be "teared".
  • πŸ” Macro: no dedicated macro mode, but you can focus on close objects (5-10 cm) manually.

The most useful mode is Professional (or Manual in older versions). MIUI). You can manually adjust here: ISO (Sensitivity, affects noise, exposure (from the 1/1000 before 8 Seconds), White balance (for color correction), Focus (manual focusing from the 0 before ∞).

For example, to photograph the starry sky, set: ISO 3200, Shutter speed 8 seconds, Focus on ∞, White balance "Incandescent lamp".

The result will be much better than in automatic mode!

Install ISO 1600-3200|

Increase shutter speed to 2-4 seconds|

Put the focus on infinity (∞)|

Use a tripod or support |

Turn off the flash.-->

How to improve the quality of your photo on Redmi 4X: practical advice

Even with limited technical capabilities, you can achieve good results if you follow several rules:

1. Lighting is a key factor.

Budget sensors do not cope well with the lack of light, so:

Shoot indoors near the window or turn on additional light sources.

- Avoid contrasting scenes (such as a person in front of a bright sky) – use mode HDR (Settings β†’ HDR).

When shooting at night, don't rely on a flash, it creates hard shadows, and you'd better increase the exposure manually.

2. Focus.

Autofocus. PDAF It works fast, but not perfectly:

For macro photography, tap the screen at the point where you need to focus.

If the camera does not catch the focus, switch to Professional Mode and set it manually.

When shooting moving objects (children, animals) use serial shooting (hold the down button).

3. Post-work.

Raw shots from Redmi 4X They often need to be reworked:

Snapseed (free) - for exposure and color correction.

Lightroom Mobile – for fine tuning contrast and sharpness.

Google Photos – for automatic improvement (the β€œImproving” option).

⚠️ Note: Do not use maximum magnification ISO (6400) - this will lead to a lot of noise: ISO 400-1600 for daytime photographs and ISO 800–3200 for nighttime.

4. Alternative cameras.

Standard annex MIUI Camera's not always optimal:

- Open Camera (Free, Google Play) – More manual settings, including support RAW (if the firmware allows).

- GCam (port for Redmi) 4X forums 4PDA) β€” improves HDR and detail, but it can slow down.

πŸ’‘

Before installing GCam, check compatibility with your version. MIUI. Some ports only work on custom firmware such as LineageOS.

Video Shooting: Opportunities and Limitations

Redmi 4X record video in Full HD (1920Γ—1080) upon 30 We're not backed up. 4K, slow-motion or flagship-level stabilization, but it's acceptable for a public sector worker:

- Absence OIS β†’ shaking.

- Weak microphone system β†’ The sound is often muffled, especially on the street.

- Overheating β†’ For long recording (more than 10-15 minutes), the camera can be turned off.

How to improve the video:

1. Use a tripod or improvised support (for example, a stacked book).

2. Energize the mode HDR for better working out of shadows and lights.

3. Record the sound separately (for example, with a voice recorder) and superimpose in the editor.

4. Avoid zoom - digital zoom severely spoils quality.

For installation, you can:

CapCut (free, simple interface)

KineMaster (more features, but watermarked in the free version)

Quik (from GoPro, automatically selects music and transitions)

How to Enable 60 FPS Recording on Redmi 4X?
Unfortunately, hardware limitations do not allow recording video in 60 fps on this model β€” 30 fps Full in full HD. However, some custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) can unlock the entry in the 720p@60fps, But the quality will be worse due to the strong compression.

Frequent camera problems and their solutions

Redmi users 4X They often have typical problems, and these are the most common ones and the ways to fix them:

  • πŸ”΄ Camera not focusing: - Wipe the lens with soft cloth (fat spots interfere with autofocus). - Reboot the smartphone - sometimes resetting the camera drivers helps. - C Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Camera. β†’ Memory press "Clear cache".
  • πŸ“Έ Photos are blurred: - Make sure your hands don't shake (use a timer or Bluetooth remote). - Manual mode reduce ISO 400-800. - Check if the lens covers the lens.
  • πŸŽ₯ Video slows or interrupts: - Close background apps (especially instant messengers and games). HDR β€” If the problem repeats, reset the camera settings to the factory.
  • πŸ”‹ The camera overheats: - Do not shoot video for more than 10 minutes in a row. - Remove the case - it can block the heat sink. - Reduce the video resolution to HD (720p).

If the camera stops working (black screen, β€œCan’t connect to the camera”), try:

1. Clear the Camera application data in the settings.

2. Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI.

3. Reset the smartphone to factory settings (pre-make a backup!).

4. If nothing helps, there may be a hardware malfunction (camera plume disconnected).

⚠️ Note: Do not install modified versions MIUI Or patches for the camera from questionable sources, which could result in loss of warranty or permanent damage to the module.

Accessories to improve shooting: what really helps

Even a budget camera can be "pumped" with inexpensive accessories. 4X:

  • πŸ“Έ External lenses: Macro-lens (magnification) 10x–15x) β€” for shooting small objects (insects, flowers). - Wide-angle lens - expands the viewing angle (useful for landscapes). - Example: Xenvo Pro Lens set (~1500–2,000 rubles.).
  • πŸ’‘ Outer flare: - LED-panel with brightness adjustment (for example, Neewer 10" Ring Light). - Fastening to the smartphone through the clip, powered by powerbank.
  • 🎀 Outside microphone: - Boya BY-M1 (lavalier microphone, ~1000 rubles.) - will improve sound when shooting video. - Connects through 3.5 mm connector (in Redmi). 4X he is!).
  • πŸ“± Triple: - Mini-Statution Joby GorillaPod - flexible legs allow you to fasten your smartphone anywhere. - Alternative: UBeesize 50" with Bluetooth remote (~800 rubles.).

Important: Check the compatibility of accessories with your model before buying. For example, some clips for lenses do not fit the dimensions of Redmi 4X (shell thickness 8.7 mm).

If you have a budget, start with a tripod and an external microphone, which will give you the greatest increase in video quality. Lenses and flashes only make sense if you shoot in specific conditions often (macro, portraits in the studio).

πŸ’‘

The most effective accessory for improving video on Redmi 4X β€” The sound affects the perception of content as much as the picture, and the built-in microphone of the smartphone often records noise and echoes.

Can I install GCam on Redmi? 4X And whether to do it?
Yes, for Redmi. 4X Google Camera (GCam) ports are available, but with the following caveats: MIUI (best MIUI 10-12. – Some features (e.g. Night Sight) may slow down or not start. HDR It will improve, but the video will remain at the stock camera level. 4PDA (Xiaomi Redmi 4X). - Risks: possible artifacts during shooting, overheating, fast battery discharge.
Why are photos made with green or purple?
This is a typical problem of budget smartphones, associated with an incorrect white balance "WB"). - Use apps like Open Camera, where white balance settings are more flexible. – If the problem only manifests itself in artificial lighting (for example, under fluorescent lamps), try shooting in the format RAW And fix the colors in Lightroom.
How to make a selfie better on the front camera 5 MP?
Redmi's front camera 4X - Shooting in natural light (window in front of the face, but not against the light). - Use the mode "Beauty", but do not get carried away - strong blur spoils the details. For group selfies, keep your smartphone at a distance of 50–70 cm (closer – it will be blurred, then – fine). – After shooting, process the photo in Snapseed: increase the sharpness (+15-20) and contrast (+10).
Can I take a picture in RAW on the Redmi 4X?
Technically yes, but with limitations: - In the stock app MIUI Camera save options in RAW Install Open Camera or Manual Camera from Google Play – there is support RAW (dng format). - Cons RAW On this smartphone: - Files are occupied ~20 MB (versus 3-5 MB in) JPG). - Processing requires skills (manually adjust exposure, color profile). - There is no noticeable increase in detail compared to the JPG owing to a weak sensor.
Which firmware is better for the camera: MIUI, LineageOS or other?
The choice of firmware affects the camera as follows: - Stock MIUI: + Maximum stability, all camera functions work. + Optimized photo processing (good colors in automatic mode). – Closed source β†’ There is no flexibility in settings. - LineageOS / AOSP: + Support RAW, more manual settings. + You can install the latest version of GCam. – Possible bugs (for example, does not work) HDR - No proprietary algorithms Xiaomi β†’ Color can be paler. - Castom builds (e.g. Pixel Experience): + Camera Interface Like Google Pixel. + Best GCam Optimization – Risk of unstable performance (accidental reboots, overheating). Recommendation: If the camera is critical to you, stay on top of it. MIUI. If you want to experiment, try LineageOS, but be prepared for bugs.