What is it? 4x MSAA Xiaomi and how to turn it on: a complete guide to improving graphics

Introduction: Why you need to set up 4x MSAA on Xiaomi smartphones

If you have ever encountered the term 4x MSAA In the settings of your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, But they didn't understand what it meant -- this article is for you -- and it's hidden in the developer menu, and it has a direct impact on the quality of the graphics in games and apps. But before you activate it, it is worthwhile to understand how it works and what consequences can lead to the performance of the device.

Technology MSAA (Multisample Anti-Aliasing is a smoothing method that eliminates the โ€œstepsโ€ at the edges of objects in the 2D and 3D-The coefficient 4x This means that for each pixel on the screen, 4 subpixels are analyzed, which significantly improves visual perception, but requires additional CPU resources. On Xiaomi smartphones, this feature is disabled by default, as it can reduce the visual perception. FPS In games and increase the load on the battery.

In this article, we will discuss in detail:

  • ๐Ÿ” What is it? 4x MSAA How it works at the iron level
  • โšก Impact on the performance and autonomy of the smartphone
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Step-by-step instructions for inclusion on different Xiaomi models
  • โš ๏ธ Possible problems and how to avoid them

What is it? 4x MSAA: technical explanation

abbreviation MSAA It stands for Multisample Anti-Aliasing, which is a technology that's used to soften the toothed edges of computer graphics, as opposed to the simpler one. FXAA (fast approximate anti-aliasing, which applies blur to the entire image, MSAA It works point by analyzing only the boundaries of objects.

Coefficient 4x It means that the four subpixels are used to render one pixel on the screen:

  • ๐ŸŽฏ More precisely define the boundaries of objects
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Reduce the โ€œladderโ€ on diagonal lines
  • ๐Ÿ‘๏ธ Make the image more realistic

But there's a downside to this, because the GPU is a little bit more than a graphics processor (GPU) You have to process 4 times more data, which leads to:

  • โšก Increased CPU load (especially on Redmi budget models)
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Faster battery discharge
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Possible fall FPS play
๐Ÿ“Š You have noticed the steps on the screen in games?
Yeah, that's pretty obvious.
Sometimes, in some games.
No, I'm fine.
I don't know what that is.

Impact 4x MSAA on Xiaomi's productivity

Before you turn on 4x MSAA, It is important to assess how this will affect the performance of your smartphone. Tests show that on flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Black Shark 5 Pro), the performance drop is minimal โ€“ within 5-10%. 10A or POCO M4 Pro) the difference may be critical.

Below is a comparative table of influence 4x MSAA different Xiaomi models (tests were conducted in the game Genshin Impact at resolution) 1080p):

Smartphone modelFPS without MSAAFPS s 4x MSAAFall FPS, %Battery discharge in 1 hour, %
Xiaomi 13 Pro (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2)58546.9%12%
POCO F5 (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2)453815.5%15%
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (Mediatek Dimensity 1080)423419%18%
Redmi 10C (Snapdragon 680)302226.6%22%

As you can see from the table, on weak chipsets drop FPS It can be as high as 25 to 30 percent, making games almost non-playable, and it also drains 30 to 50 percent faster because of the increased load on the battery. GPU.

โš ๏ธ Note: On devices with Snapdragon processors 4xx or Helio Gxx inclusion 4x MSAA It can lead to overheating and forced performance decline (thermal throttling).

How to turn it on 4x MSAA Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Function 4x MSAA It's hidden in the developer menu, so you need to activate it first. The instructions are universal for all Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO base MIUI (including MIUI 12/13/14 hyperos).

Charge your phone at least 50 times%|Close all background applications|Connect to charging (recommended)|Make a backup copy of settings-->

Step 1: Activate the Developer Menu

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone.
  2. Find the MIUI version and tap it 7 times in a row.
  3. You will be notified: You have become a developer.

Step 2. Inclusion 4x MSAA

  1. Return to the main Settings menu and open the section Additional โ†’ Developer (in some versions of the Settings) โ†’ System system โ†’ Advanced settings โ†’ For developers).
  2. Scroll down to the Hardware Rendering Acceleration block.
  3. Find the option to use 4x MSAA (force 4x MSAA) and activate the switch.
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

Step 3: Reboot the device

Once activated, be sure to restart your smartphone so that the changes take effect.In some cases, you may need to re-enable the option after you reboot.

๐Ÿ’ก

After inclusion 4x MSAA So the games are starting to slow down, and try to lower the resolution in the graphics settings of the game, and that's going to help balance the load.

Xiaomi models, on which 4x MSAA works best

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally good at handling 4x MSAA. Flagship models with top-end chipsets (Snapdragon) 8 Gen 2/3, Dimensity 9000/9200) There is little to no loss in performance, whereas budget devices can become virtually unsuitable for gaming:

โœ… Optimal for 4x MSAA (fall FPS < 10%):

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 13T Pro (Dimensity 9200+)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Black Shark 6 Pro (Snapdragon 888+)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ POCO F6 Pro (Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi K60 Ultra (Dimensity 9200+)

โš ๏ธ Conditionally fit (fall) FPS 10โ€“20%):

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi 12T (Dimensity 8100-Ultra)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ POCO F5 (Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (Dimensity 1080)

โŒ Not recommended (falling) FPS > 20%):

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Redmi 12C (Helio G85)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ POCO M5 (Helio G99)
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Xiaomi Redmi A2 (Helio G36)
Why some Xiaomis donโ€™t have an option 4x MSAA?
On some budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31) The manufacturer can block this feature at the firmware level, since their GPUs (Adreno 505, Mali-G52) physically supportive 4x MSAA No critical performance drop, and the option may not be available in custom firmware (e.g. LineageOS or Pixel Experience).

Possible problems and how to solve them

Inclusion 4x MSAA It doesn't always go smoothly. Here are the most common problems and the ways to fix them:

1.The games start to slow down or relegate

If, after activation, 4x MSAA The games are not playable, try them:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Reduce the graphics settings in the game itself (resolution, shadows, effects).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Shut down. 4x MSAA and use alternative methods of smoothing (for example, FXAA game-setting).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Update the drivers GPU through settings โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system.

2.The device is overheating

Increased load on GPU It can cause overheating, so you can avoid it:

  • โ„๏ธ Play in a ventilated room or use a cooling stand.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Remove the cover during intense loads.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Limit the maximum CPU frequency through the developer menu (Limit background processes).

3. Fast battery discharge

If the battery goes down too fast, check:

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Is energy saving included in the settings โ†’ Battery.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Turn it off. 4x MSAA after the end of the game.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Replace the battery if its capacity has dropped below 80% (checked at #4636##).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) enable 4x MSAA It can lead to artifacts of graphics in the system menu, in which case only resetting the settings to the factory will help.

Alternatives 4x MSAA: Other Ways to Improve Graphics

If 4x MSAA Not suitable for your device, there are alternative methods to improve image quality:

1. Built-in game settings

Many modern games, for example, PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty: Mobile have their own anti-aliasing options:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ FXAA โ€” fast-paceding with minimal load.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ TAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing โ€“ Temporal Anti-Aliasing, better suited for dynamic scenes.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ DLSS/FSR (on supported devices) โ€“ image zooming with improved quality.

2. Settings MIUI graphical

V MIUI There are hidden options for optimizing the display:

  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Enable Hardware Acceleration in Settings โ†’ Screen. โ†’ Advanced settings.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Activate High Color Rendering Mode (available on the AMOLED-screen).
  • ๐Ÿ” Use Reading Mode to Reduce Eye Stress.

3. Third-party utilities

Apps like Game Turbo (built-in) MIUI) or GFX Tool allows you to fine-tune the graphics:

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Change the rendering permission.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Optimize use CPU/GPU.
  • โšก Include performance modes.

๐Ÿ’ก

If your Xiaomi smartphone is not pulling 4x MSAA, The best alternative is a combination. FXAA play + drop-down 720p. That would add to the FPS without much loss of quality.

FAQ: Frequent questions about 4x MSAA Xiaomi

โ“ Should I include? 4x MSAA on the flagship models of Xiaomi?
On top-end devices (such as Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Black Shark 6 Pro) performance drop is minimal, so 4x MSAA You can activate it to improve graphics, but if you play competitive shooters (like Free Fire or Valorant Mobile), where high-quality shooters are important. FPS, It is better to leave the option off.
โ“ Why not after the switch on 4x MSAA play-play?
This is normal on medium-budget and weak smartphones. 4x MSAA load up GPU, And if the processor doesn't work, FPS Solution: Reduce the graphics settings in the game or turn off the graphics settings. 4x MSAA.
โ“ Is it harmful to keep on constantly? 4x MSAA?
Continuous use 4x MSAA Increases battery wear and can cause overheating, and it is recommended to turn on the option only during games, and after the session is over, turn it off.
โ“ Does it work? 4x MSAA conventionally?
Technically yes, but the effect will be unnoticed. 4x MSAA primarily affect 3D-graphics (games, benchmarks), whereas in ordinary applications (messengers, browsers), smoothing is processed at the level of UI and does not require such resources.
โ“ Can I include? 4x MSAA Xiaomi without a developer menu?
No, this option is only available through the developer menu. ADB) Require root rights and are not recommended due to the risk of damage to the system.