Why Xiaomi 8T has four cameras: technical advantages and practical scenarios

Modern smartphones are no longer just means of communication, they have become full-fledged photo labs in your pocket. Xiaomi 8T, released in 2018, was one of the first devices of the brand with four rear cameras, which caused a heated discussion: why so many modules, when you used to have one or two? Today we will understand how each of the four cameras affects the quality of images, in what situations they are indispensable, and whether to overpay for such a decision.

Many users mistakenly believe that the number of cameras is directly proportional to the quality of the photos, but in fact it is more complicated: each module performs its unique function – from shooting in low light conditions to creating portrait shots with a blurred background. In this article, we will not only list the technical characteristics of the Xiaomi 8T cameras, but also show how to combine them for professional results without expensive equipment.

We’ll focus on Xiaomi’s image processing algorithms, which are often left behind, but they convert raw data from the matrices into vivid and detailed photos. If you’re still shooting only with the main camera, you’ll discover new features of your smartphone after reading this article.

Technical characteristics of the Xiaomi 8T cameras: what is hidden behind the numbers

To start with the dry data, the Xiaomi 8T has four rear cameras that are vertically in the center of the body, and they're configured as follows:

• 📸 Core module: 12 MP (Sony) IMX363), diaphragm f/1.8, pixel size 1.4 μm, optical stabilization (OIS). Responsible for most of the images in automatic mode.
• 🌄 Wide-angle module: 12 MP (Sony) IMX350), diaphragm f/2.4, angle 117°, It's perfect for landscapes and architecture.
• 🔍 Telephoto-module: 12 MP (Samsung) S5K3M3), diaphragm f/2.4, 2× It allows you to zoom in without losing quality.
• 👤 Depth sensor: 2 MP, diaphragm f/2.4. Used to create a bokeh effect (blurring the background) in portrait mode.

At first glance, the difference between the modules seems small — they all have a resolution of 12 MP (except for the depth sensor). However, the key difference lies in the optics and purpose. For example, the main module with large pixels is better at shooting at dusk, and the wide-angle allows you to capture 2-3 times more space in the frame than a standard lens.

It's important to understand that the Xiaomi 8T doesn't just sum up the capabilities of the four cameras, it intelligently switches between them depending on the scenario. For example, when you take a portrait, the smartphone automatically uses a depth sensor to blur the background, and when you shoot a remote object, a telephoto module for optimal framing.

Home Camera: Why It’s Not Always the Best Choice

Most Xiaomi 8T users default to the main module, and that's logical: it's equipped with the largest matrix, optical stabilization and fast autofocus. However, even here there are nuances. For example, in bright sunlight, the main camera can redefine details, while the wide-angle module due to the lower aperture (f/2.4 vs. f/1.8) will do better.

Another thing is the edge distortion. The core module has a viewing angle of about 80.°, It's close to human vision, but when you're shooting architecture or interiors, straight lines can fall down. MIUI.

💡 Practical advice: If you are shooting a video, the main camera with the camera is OIS It's going to provide the least amount of shaking, but for stable panoramic videos, it's better to use a wide-angle module, and the larger angle of view will make up for the small hand movements.

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In the camera settings (Settings → Additional → Video Stabilization), enable the option “Ultra High Stabilization” – this activates IA algorithms that analyze movements in real time.

Wide-angle camera: when it saves the frame

The wide-angle module in Xiaomi 8T is often underestimated, considering it a “toy” for selfies in the background of landscapes.

• 🏙️ Architectural photography: capture the facades of buildings without the need to move 10 meters back.
• 🌅 Landscape: Photographing mountains, seas or urban views with maximum coverage.
• 🎉 Group photos: placement in frame 10+ crowd-placed.
• 🚗 Dynamic scenes: for example, shooting the movement of the car from close range (the effect of "enhanced perspective»).

The main drawback of the wide-angle camera is the edge distortion (the so-called “fish eye effect”). 8T It's software-minimized, but when you're shooting straight lines (like the horizon), it can show up. To avoid that, hold your smartphone strictly horizontally and don't tilt it at an angle of more than 10.°.

📌 Secret mode: In the firmware MIUI The Panorama regime is hidden 3×3», sticker 9 frames from a wide-angle camera in one ultra-wide image (up to the 180°). It is activated by a long press on the button of the “Panorama” mode in the camera application.

Telephoto module: optical zoom vs digital

One of the key arguments in favor of the four cameras in the Xiaomi 8T was the 2× optical zoom. Unlike the digital zoom, which simply stretches the pixels (which leads to loss of quality), the optical zoom uses a separate lens to physically approach the object, the difference is noticeable to the naked eye:

• 🔎 Digital zoom: at 2× As the details become blurred, artifacts appear (for example, the “pixelation” of leaves on trees).
• 🎯 Optical zoom: Keeps lines and textures clear, even when shooting small objects (such as signs).

However, the telephoto module has limitations:

⚠️ Attention: Telephoto module in Xiaomi 8T Does not support autofocus at a distance of closer than 50 cm If you try to photograph an object at point-blank range (for example, a flower), the camera will automatically switch to the main module with digital zoom, which will reduce the quality of the camera.

For maximum effect, use the telephoto module in the following scenarios:

• 📜 Documents: shooting text from a board or presentations from the back rows.
• 🐦 Wildlife: Photographing birds or animals from 3–10 meters away.
• 🏟️ Sporting events: Capturing a player on the field without having to run after him.

Make sure the object is more than 50 cm | Turn off digital zoom in settings (Settings → Zoom → Optical only) | Use a tripod or stop for stabilization | Shoot in RAW format for post-processing-->

Depth Sensor: The Secret of Portrait Photography

The 2-megapixel depth sensor may seem useless against the background of the 12-megapixel giants, but its role is hard to overstate.

• 👗 Exact separation of the object from the background in portrait mode (for example, a person’s hair does not “merge” with the sky).
• 🎨 Disturbance level adjustment: in MIUI You can adjust the intensity of the bokeh effect after shooting.
• 🛍️ Photography of objects: for example, for photos of shoes or accessories for sale (the background blurs, and the object remains clear).

Important: the depth sensor only works in Portrait mode (Side in the camera app). If you shoot automatically, the background blur will be simulated software - and often with errors (for example, the edges of the ears or fingers are blurred).

🔧 How to Improve Portrait Photography:

1. Place the object at a distance of 1-2 meters from the background.
2. Use natural light (avoid contrasting shadows on your face).
3. After shooting, edit the blur level in the MIUI Gallery (Edit → Bock).

⚠️ Attention: The depth sensor doesn't work well in the dark. If you're taking a portrait at night, turn on Night Shooting mode (Settings) → Night mode) and use an external light source (e.g. another smartphone flashlight).

Software processing: how Xiaomi “deceives” physics

The hardware is only half the success. Xiaomi 8T is actively using artificial intelligence algorithms to improve images.

• 🤖 AI Scene Detection: automatically recognizes 25+ scenes (sky, grass, food, pets) and adjusts white balance, contrast and saturation.
• 🌙 Night mode: glues together multiple frames with different exposures to reduce noise in the dark.
• 🎨 HDR+: Expands dynamic range by keeping details in lights and shadows.
• 🔄 Super Resolution: Increases the resolution of images to 48 MP due to interpolation (useful for printing).

But there's a downside to software processing, like the Scene Detection AI sometimes misdefining the scene, which can make the colors look unnatural (the classic example is overly green grass or too red lips in portraits), and in such cases, it's best to turn off the automatic mode:

Camera settings → AI → Turn off scene recognition

📊 Comparison of images with AI without:

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For professional photography (for example, for printing or commercial projects), it is recommended to turn off the camera. AI-processing and filming RAW. This will give you more control over post-processing.

How to Use All 4 Cameras Effectively

Now that you know the capabilities of each camera, let’s look at the specific scenarios in which the combination of the two produces the best results.

Scenario 1: Journey

• 🏞️ Landscapes: wide-angle camera + HDR Capturing the sky and the earth with a balance of exposure.
• 🏛️ Architecture: Main camera with disabling distortion correction to save straight lines.
• 🍽️ Food: Macro photography on the main camera with manual focus (Settings) → Focus → Hand-held).

Scenario 2: Party or event

• 👥 Group photos: wide-angle camera + "Night shooting" mode in low light.
• 🎂 Details of the decor: telephoto-module for shooting small elements (for example, inscriptions on the cake).
• 💃 Dynamic scenes: main camera with video stabilization enabled (Settings) → Stabilization → Ultra-high).

Scenario 3: Shooting for social networks

• 📸 Story: Portrait mode with depth sensor + Studio filter in the gallery MIUI.
• 🎥 Reels/TikTok: wide-angle camera for dynamic transitions + acceleration 2×.
• 🛒 Goods for sale: telephoto module for parts + main-camera.

💡 Bonus life hack: In Xiaomi 8T There is a hidden function called “Double Exposure” that allows you to superimpose two frames on top of each other (for example, a portrait). + To activate it, go to the camera settings. → Additionally. → Double overlay.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about the Xiaomi 8T cameras