Xiaomi with a camera like the iPhone X: is it possible to find and how to choose?

In pursuit of the perfect shot, many users compare smartphone cameras to the benchmark iPhone X, a model that set new standards for mobile photography in 2017: a dual main camera with optical zoom, a bokeh portrait mode and advanced image processing made it legendary. But can you find Xiaomi with an iPhone X-level camera — and if so, what models are worth considering?

Let’s get straight to expectations: no Android smartphone replicates Apple’s one-to-one processing algorithms, but some flagships and even mid-budget Xiaomi models are capable of delivering comparable quality — especially in good lighting conditions. In this article, we’ll analyze 5 Xiaomi models that are as close to the iPhone X in terms of photographic capabilities, compare their specifications, show sample images, and give recommendations for setting up the camera for better results.

Why iPhone X has become a benchmark – and what can Xiaomi offer?

The iPhone X is not so much a megapixel camera (only 12 MP per core module) as a software processing: white balance, detail in the shadows and natural color reproduction. Xiaomi went the other way - increased the number of megapixels (up to 108-200 MP in flagships), added large sensors and collaborated with Leica for color profiles. But can you call it "like an iPhone"?

The main differences in approaches:

• 📱 Apple: Less resolution, but better optimization out of the box (no need for manual settings).
• 🤖 Xiaomi: more megapixels and flexibility (you can shoot in the video) RAW, use Leica profiles, but post-processing is sometimes required.
• 💡 Common: Both brands use computational photography (HDR, night mode, portrait shooting).

It’s important to understand that the iPhone X delivers a more predictable result in automatic mode, whereas Xiaomi often needs to manually adjust exposure or profile selection (for example, Leica Authentic for natural colors).

Top.-5 Xiaomi with a camera close to the iPhone X: a comparison table

We have selected models that, according to the set of characteristics (sensor size, aperture, software processing) are able to compete with the iPhone X. In the table, the key parameters affecting the quality of the photo are:

Note that even the budget Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with a 200-megapixel camera is theoretically superior to the iPhone X in detail, but in practice loses in color processing and dynamic range. Flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra) not only do not concede, but also surpass the iPhone in some scenarios — for example, when shooting in RAW or using a telephoto lens.

⚠️ Note: If you are interested in portraiture, look for models with Leica profiles (Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Leica profiles). 12S They are better at separating the object from the background thanks to a more accurate segmentation algorithm than the standard "Boque" mode in the iPhone X.

Comparison photo: Xiaomi vs iPhone X in real conditions

To make an objective assessment of the difference, we tested the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and iPhone X in three typical scenarios: daylight, twilight and bokeh portrait. Results (clickable examples of images can be found in the gallery below):

• 🌞 Daylight: Both smartphones do great, but Xiaomi gives more detail in the shadows (thanks to the larger sensor) and the iPhone more natural skin colors.
• 🌃 Twilight: Xiaomi 13 Ultra wins at the expense of night mode with AI, but sometimes overdoses with noise cancellation. iPhone X retains more natural tones.
• 👤 Portrait: iPhone X better handles the edges of hair, but Xiaomi allows you to adjust the level of blur after shooting (in the gallery).

The main conclusion: in automatic mode, the iPhone X often looks “nicer”, but Xiaomi gives more tools for creativity. For example, in Xiaomi 13 Ultra you can choose the Leica Vivid profile for juicy flowers or Leica Authentic for natural shades, while the iPhone offers only one style of processing.

How to set up a Xiaomi camera so that the photo was “like an iPhone”?

If you are not satisfied with the standard processing of Xiaomi, you can approximate the result to the iPhone X using several settings:

1. Turn it off. AI-Improvements: Go to Camera Settings → AI-You can deactivate the option, and that will reduce the artificial saturation overstatement, like in an iPhone.
2. Use the Leica Authentic profile: In Leica-enabled models, this profile gives the most natural color reproduction close to Apple.
3. Shoot in RAW: Enable Settings → Format → RAW (available in flagships) This will allow you to process the photo in Lightroom in the style of the iPhone.
4. Customize white balance manually: In professional mode (Pro), set a temperature of around 5000K for daylight - this will bring the colors closer to the iPhone.

For the most similarity, we recommend you also install the Google Camera (GCam) app with a config for your Xiaomi model. GCam often gives a more balanced handling close to the iPhone, especially in HDR+ mode.

⚠️ Attention: When shooting in RAW Files take up to 50-80 MB each. Make sure your phone has enough memory, or use a microSD card (in models with support for extensions).

The price of the question: how much does Xiaomi with an iPhone camera?

If we compare with the current prices for the iPhone X (about 25-35,000 rubles in the secondary market), then the alternatives from Xiaomi look like this:

• 💰 Xiaomi 13 Ultra: ~90,000 rubles (new) Best choice for professionals, but more expensive than an iPhone.
• 💰 Xiaomi 12S Ultra: ~60-70 thousand rubles (b/y) Optimal balance price/quality.
• 💰 Redmi Note 12 Pro+: ~30 thousand rubles (new) Budget option with a good camera, but without optical zoom.
• 💰 POCO F5 Pro: ~35,000 rubles (new) good for video, but loses in photo.

Should you overpay? If you want optical zoom or RAW, yes. If you need a basic photo, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ for a third of the price of the iPhone X will give comparable quality in most scenarios.

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Xiaomi’s flagships (12S Ultra, 13 Ultra) outperform the iPhone X in detail and flexibility of settings, but lose in “universality” – manual adjustments are often needed for the perfect result.

What is Xiaomi missing for the full resemblance to the iPhone X?

Despite its technical edge in some aspects, Xiaomi still lags behind Apple in three key ways:

1. Video stability: The iPhone X is still considered one of the best for video shooting due to its smooth stabilization and natural color reproduction. Xiaomi (especially budget models) sometimes suffers from the "jelly" effect when panning.
2. Portrait Skin Processing: Apple's algorithms are better at smoothing out skin texture without losing naturalness. Xiaomi sometimes has to manually reduce blur in portrait mode settings.
3. Integration with the ecosystem: Photos from the iPhone instantly sync with iCloud and other Apple devices. Xiaomi needs to configure Mi Cloud or third-party services for this.

However, these shortcomings can be leveled: for example, for videos, use the Filmic Pro app, and for portraits, edit pictures in Snapseed or Lightroom.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi and iPhone X cameras

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Before buying a used Xiaomi, ask the seller to take test shots in the modes: night mode, portrait, macro and telephoto lens (if any) This will help identify problems with the camera.