Ever wondered why your Xiaomi is so good at suppressing noise on calls, or why voice commands are recognized even in noisy environments? It's all about the number and location of microphones — small but critical components that affect sound quality, video recording and voice assistants. In this article, we'll not just list how many microphones Xiaomi phones have, but also explain why there are so many, how they are located and how to check their performance.
Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark sub-brands) have different numbers of microphones depending on price segment and year of release. Budget models often cost 2-3 microphones, while flagships can have up to 5-6 for advanced features like noise reduction, stereo recording or ultrasonic proximity sensor. But how do you know how many of them are in your model? And why some phones “hide” microphones under decorative grills, while others put them on the ends?
We have analyzed technical specifications, disassembly schemes and service center reports for 40+ Xiaomi models in recent years to get the most complete picture, and also prepared instructions on how to check the microphones yourself without visiting the workshop, which can be useful if you can’t hear the calls or video is recorded with interference.
Why the number of microphones is important: 5 key features
Smartphones are not just voice-transmitting devices, they're responsible for a whole range of tasks, from basic communication to advanced multimedia capabilities, and this is what changes with the number of them.
- 🎤 Voice Call Quality: 1–2 microphones provide minimal audibility, and 3+ Allows you to use active noise cancellation (for example, in Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro).+).
- 🎥 Video stereo recording: Spatial sound requires at least 2 microphones (in the video) POCO F5 Pro 3 of them - one in front, two in the back).
- 🔊 Voice recognition: Voice assistants (Google Assistant, XiaoAI) work more accurately with multiple microphones that pick up sound from different angles.
- 📱 In some models (for example, Black Shark 5 Pro) one of the microphones is used for ultrasound determination of the distance to the ear.
- 🛠️ Diagnosis of malfunctions: If the phone has 4 microphones, but only 1, it is easier to localize the problem (pollution, damage to the plume, etc.).
Interesting fact: Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra had 5 microphones — two at the bottom, two at the top and one extra for noise cancellation. But already Xiaomi 14 reduced their number to 4, optimizing the location. ≠ Quality – more important than proper calibration and programmatic signal processing.
How many microphones are in popular Xiaomi models (table 2020-2026)
We have collected data on the most popular smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark over the past 4 years. Note: the table shows the total number of microphones, including those used for noise reduction or sensors.
| Model | Year of release | Number of microphones | Location. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 14 Pro | 2023 | 4 | 2 below, 1 above, 1 under camera | Noise reduction with AI, support for Dolby Atmos |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G | 2023 | 3 | 2 down, 1 up. | Stereo recording of video, but without advanced noise reduction |
| POCO F5 Pro | 2023 | 3 | 1 at the bottom, 2 at the top (one at the front, one at the back) | Optimized for streaming (keyboard suppression) |
| Black Shark 5 Pro | 2022 | 4 | 2 at the bottom, 1 at the top, 1 for the ultrasonic sensor | Microphones are protected from moisture (IP53) |
| Xiaomi 11T Pro | 2021 | 4 | 2 below, 1 above, 1 for noise reduction | Support for 8K video recording with spatial sound |
Important: Budget models (e.g. Redmi 10A or POCO M5) often use 2 microphones, but one of them can be “dummy” – that is, physically present but not connected to the motherboard for savings.
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To find out the exact number of microphones in your model, check the technical documentation on the official Xiaomi website (section "Specifications" → "Audio"). If it says "Dual mic" or "Triple mic", it means 2 or 3 microphones respectively.
Where are the microphones in Xiaomi phones: diagrams and photos
The location of the microphones depends on the design of the case and engineering solutions, and most Xiaomi models have the following rules:
- 📍 Lower microphone: always close to the connector USB-C 3.5 mm (if any) responsible for the main sound in calls and recordings.
- 📍 Top microphone: located next to the speaker or front camera, used for noise reduction or stereo recording.
- 📍 Rear microphone: Found in flagships (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) for improved video recording.
- 📍 Hidden microphones: can be hidden under decorative grilles (e.g. in Redmi) K60 Pro one microphone is located under the upper grille next to the IR port).
Examples of location:
- Xiaomi 12S Ultra: 2 microphones at the bottom (left and right of USB-C), 1 at the top next to the speaker, 1 at the back under the camera module.
- Redmi Note 11 Pro: 2 microphones at the bottom (one left, one right), 1 at the top under the grille.
- POCO X5 Pro: 1 microphone at the bottom, 2 at the top (one for noise cancellation, one for voice commands).
⚠️ Note: If you notice that your phone has an asymmetrical microphone (for example, only one side of the bottom panel), it is not a defect.
What do the microphones look like inside?
How to check how many microphones your Xiaomi has
If you suspect that one or more microphones are faulty, you can test them without any special equipment.
- Visual inspection: Light a flashlight into the microphone holes (usually marked with small dots or bars) if dust or contamination is visible, gently brush with a soft brush.
- Call test: Call another phone and check how you can be heard. Ask the person to rate the sound quality at different positions on the phone (for example, when you speak to the bottom or top microphone).
- Voice recording: Use the standard voice recorder or voice notes app. Write down a phrase, then listen to it -- if the sound is muted or jammed, the problem is in the main microphone.
- Install the Microphone Test (available on Google Play) to show which microphones are determined by the system and their signal level.
Check the external condition of the microphone holes | Test the call in a quiet and noisy room | Record the voice from different distances (5 cm, 30 cm, 1 m) | Install the application for testing microphones | Compare the recording with another device (for example, headphones)
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⚠️ Note: If the testing app displays fewer microphones than it should be on the specification, this could mean:
- 🔧 Software failure (will help reset settings or flashing the firmware).
- 🔌 Damage to the plume (often after falling or getting moisture).
- 🛠️ Factory marriage (if the phone is new, contact the service under warranty).
Frequent Mikphone Problems in Xiaomi and How to Fix Them
Xiaomi users often experience typical microphone malfunctions, and here are the most common cases and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The interviewee doesn't hear you well. | Contamination of the main microphone | Clean the hole with a soft brush or compressed air |
| Noise or crackle in the recording | Damage to plume or contacts | Disassemble the phone and check the connection (or take to the service) |
| The microphone does not work in a specific application. | Lack of permissions or conflicts with other programs | Check the permission settings in Settings → Apps |
| Echo or repetition | Incorrect noise reduction setting | Turn off the "Voice Improvement" option in call settings |
If none of these methods worked, you may need to replace the microphone. In Xiaomi service centers, this service costs from 800 to 2,500 rubles depending on the model.
- 🔧 Setting screwdrivers (T3, T5).
- 🔥 Hair dryer for softening glue (if the body is glued together).
- 🛒 New microphone (you can order on AliExpress by part number).
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In 90% of cases, microphone problems at Xiaomi are not due to hardware breakdown, but to contamination or software settings. Start by cleaning and resetting the settings before carrying the phone for repair.
Xiaomi Microphones vs Other Brands: Who’s Better?
For objectivity, compare how many microphones Xiaomi competitors use in similar price segments:
- Samsung: In flagships (Galaxy S23 Ultra) - 4 microphones, in budget (Galaxy A14) - 2. They are distinguished by the best noise processing thanks to proprietary chips.
- Apple: iPhone 15 Pro has 4 microphones, but due to optimization of iOS, they work more efficiently than most Android smartphones.
- Realme/Oppo: The Realme GT Neo 5 has 3 microphones, but often saves on membranes (quickly contaminated).
- Google Pixel: Pixel 7 Pro is equipped with 3 microphones, but due to AI processing provides better noise reduction than Xiaomi with 4 microphones.
Xiaomi has the advantage of having a price-to-number ratio of microphones. For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ offers 3 microphones with stereo recording support for 3 rubles, while the Samsung Galaxy A54 costs two in the same price category. However, in terms of sound processing quality, Xiaomi often loses to Apple and Google due to less advanced algorithms.
An interesting test: if you record the same video on the Xiaomi 13 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro in a noisy place (for example, on the street), the difference in the purity of the sound will be noticeable to the naked ear. Apple is better at suppressing low-frequency noises (wind, transport), and Xiaomi is better at suppressing high-frequency noises (people’s voices).
The future of Xiaomi smartphones: what to expect?
According to patents and leaks, in the next generations of Xiaomi smartphones, you can expect the following innovations:
- 🤖 AI noise cancellation in real time: Xiaomi 15 may have a neural network that will analyze and clean sound right during a conversation (like in Google Pixel).
- 🎤 Ultrasonic microphones: For improved gesture recognition and distance detection (already tested in Mix Fold 4 prototypes).
- 🔇 Active soundproofing: Microphones will be used to create a "bubble of silence" around the user (similar to headphones with a headphone). ANC).
- 📡 Beamforming: Sound focusing technology where microphones are got stuck at a voice source (as in conference systems).
Xiaomi is also expected to increase its use of microphones for health and safety features, including:
- 🩺 Monitoring of breathing in a dream (by analysis of sound vibrations).
- 🚨 Detecting falls or cries for help (for older users).
- 🔑 Voice authentication (instead of fingerprint).
⚠️ Warning: New features will require more microphones, but this could affect autonomy.According to preliminary data, additional microphones in Xiaomi 15 will consume 5-7% more power in standby mode.